The landscape for women entrepreneurs is changing. More and more women are joining the entrepreneurial ranks, growing businesses, and having massive success. In fact, women entrepreneurs have increased by more than 30 percent since 2012. This puts them at 40 percent of all business owners.
“Entrepreneurs start companies when they see a need in the marketplace that they can fill, whether it is creating a new product or service or targeting an underserved segment of the market,” Geri Stengel explained in a Forbes article. “Women entrepreneurs are more adept than their male counterparts at seeing gaps in the market and seizing the opportunity.”
But it certainly is not easy for women chasing their entrepreneurial dreams. There are plenty of obstacles ahead, especially for women entrepreneurs in a male dominated space. But growth and success is not impossible by any means. It just takes a bit more grit, determination, and above all, knowledge.
The following knowledge covers a few empowering tips for women entrepreneurial success. Let’s dive in!
1. Get the tools you need for success
We live in the most innovative, technologically driven time ever. This is important to remember, since that tech innovation can make an entrepreneur’s job much easier. Platforms like Asana for project management, or IP Geeks for tech and website support are at your fingertips.
Find the tech solutions that will better your business, making workflow and management efficient and highly productive. This helps free up your time as a woman entrepreneur to focus on growing your business and taking it to the next profitable level.
2. Failure is always an option, and that’s OK
Failure means something a lot different to entrepreneurs. In many ways, failure is a driving force behind the most successful and it is the catalyst that allows entrepreneurs to take calculated risks based on past experiences.
“We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success,” Arianna Huffington said.
So remember, failure is most certainly an option, but it is a skillful path to things that are greater. If you’re afraid to fail, you may not be putting all your cards on the table to grow your business the way you envision.
3. Cultivate expertise in everything you pursue
Women entrepreneurs are pretty good at becoming experts in their craft. They know just how much time and effort needs to go into a business endeavor, and they put the work in no matter what. This is an important entrepreneurial tip for success. Use the podcasts, articles, YouTube videos, books, studies, and whatever else you can find to learn more and more. Then apply it to cultivate success.
4. If you need something, just ask for it
You are not alone in this journey. There have been a long line of women entrepreneurs before you, and they know how hard it is, so they are all available to help. If you need something, whether it’s funding or advice, reach out and ask for it. The most successful women entrepreneurs leaned on support to grow their businesses, and so should you. Ask and you will get what you need.
5. Create a powerful network that will empower you to reach success
To ask for what you need, you will have to build a network of support. These can be mentors in your industry, well-known women entrepreneurs, or simply a friend you trust and can confide in. How do you create this powerful network? Start with who you already know and build your network outward.
Next, use LinkedIn to connect to other businesswomen and those in your industry. You can also attend events and network strategically. Any way you do it, know you need to do it. Networking is absolutely important for entrepreneurial success.
6. Be a confident woman entrepreneur and the rest will fall into place
There are some pretty distinctive characteristics that separate successful women entrepreneurs from the rest of the pack. What is one of the most important? Confidence! Being confident can help you succeed despite adversity, overcome obstacles, and get what you need when you need it.
And you don’t need to be born with confidence either. Confidence can be learned. Even if you are an introvert, don’t be discouraged. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs are in fact introverts. They simply know when to turn on the confidence and get work done when it counts.
Wrapping up . . .
The above six empowering tips for women entrepreneurial success are not the only tips to implement. There are certainly a whole lot more. These are, however, among the most important to focus on right now. Be fierce, confident, and get what you need in order to build a successful business. It is challenging, but the rewards are worth it. What is your top tip for women entrepreneurs just getting started?
