What's something you wish you knew about starting a woman-owned business?
What were your biggest challenges? What advice would you give to other women? What's the most important thing you wish someone had told you?
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What were your biggest challenges? What advice would you give to other women? What's the most important thing you wish someone had told you?
Answers (1-10)
I work in an industry that has a lot of women. My biggest challenge was just starting the business and get it going. I was and have fortunate to have wonderful women in my life to walk with me when I needed help. I love helping other women who struggle and see how I can get them where they need to go or even be just a listening board when they are having challenges themselves.
My biggest challenge currently is juggling a full time job and getting my business off the ground. I'd encourage any woman who is looking to start and or grow her business to reach out to the Women's Business Development Center. They have been a huge resource for me with help on every piece of starting and building my business!
It’s not a gender thing for me. In my situation I wish I had known about my business opportunity a lot sooner then when I was introduced to it. The younger you are at this moment in history the greater the chances of achieving millionaire status within a few years. I’m in internet sales. I carry no inventory, I have zero overhead, I pay no employees, my business is open 24/7 with online shopping growing faster and faster. And I do this part time. I am trying to find that entrepreneurial spirit to partner with me and I find people are still hesitant. That is my challenge. I wish I had the knowledge then of what I know today. You have to reinvent yourself or else you’ll be left behind. Think “Sears” “Toys R Us”. Who remembers when “they would not be undersold”? I’m here to show people a better way. Thank you for reading.
I’m lucky to work in an industry dominated by women and belong to a team that collaborates. Our leadership shares their knowledge with the rest of the team. It’s been such a blessing to belong to this group of humanitarian entrepreneurs who cheer you on and want you to succeed. I would say that it’s critical to research what’s the environment like in that particular industry and interview other female business owners when considering starting a venture. If you’re the first, you’re a pioneer!
My biggest challenges was consistently being visible in social media and planning events.
My advice is to know your deep rooted "why you're pursuing your business." If that isn't strong enough you will not be able to make it through the challenges and there will be many. Do not doubt your ability and believe in your business. Surround yourself with those whose values are in alignment with yours and have set a successful course from which you can learn. BE PATIENT, building a successful and sustainable business takes time and investment in yourself for preparation for what is ahead.
Be patient, be positive and have a strong work ethic. When self doubt comes over you, know the tactics that will help bring you back on track. One of the things I do is read a particular business book, You are a badass by Jen Sincero. Find your one thing that will bring you back because those negative feelings and thoughts will come. Push through.
There's no question I've faced sexism my entire life, let alone my 31 year career in public health and fitness. My own father routinely mocks and dismisses women who start consulting businesses. Even as I recognized that hegemonic sexism, my greatest challenges of being self-employed is needing to learn sales and marketing in addition to leading in my field. Self employment is not for the thin skinned.
It took me a bit to be comfortable networking myself. I wish I had taken the time to network outside my 9-5 job I had, building confidence in myself and the field I love to work in. I have always had a passion for fashion and helping others look and feel their best, I did volunteer work, I guess my wish would be that I understood the importance of connecting the dots, realizing what a great opportunity I had to share with others.
I have no issues now that I own my own business. When I first started in the Business/loan world I was the first female at this company which I do not need to name the company because they are no longer opened and are being sued right now. When I first started working there it was horrible. I was the first female employee and the top sales person there. They would pick one me and I was sexually harassed. I never said a word or complained because I was told to not make noise because they did not like drama up in New York City. Now with my own company there is no female or male. We treat each other equally and I also pay equally unlike where I learned the business where they were paying the men more on the commission. It was an experience I needed to go through in order to run a successful business now.
Managing Cash Flow.