Do you think women business owners have a harder time getting ahead with their small business as compared to their male counterparts? Do you think they get taken seriously by the people around them who can help or hinder their business? Or do they get special advantages because of women-owned business programs and if so, is that enough, too much or just right?
Thoughts of the Day: Any business owner faces numerous challenges as well as opportunities—including women business owners. There are programs designed to assist minorities and women, but it’s up to the individual owner to figure out if and how to use those programs to her company’s advantage. All business owners run into biases. It’s what they do about the obstacles they run into that matters.
Regardless of their demographics, business owners should take note that three out of four businesses fail in every 10-year cycle.
Every business owner faces long odds when it comes to succeeding as a business owner. Three out of four businesses fail in every 10-year cycle. That’s a statistic that hasn’t changed much over the years. Business owners should pause and think about how successful they have been up to now and what to do next.
Some economic cycles are more favorable and the success rate rises up for a few years. At the same time, some economic cycles can be brutal and the failure rates go back to the norm. Prepare for your lucky break that carries the business over a rough patch. Build-in business consistencies to do more things right than wrong, time after time. What’s the difference?
The owner’s attitude about learning new things and drive to succeed is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the pack.
When it comes to long-term success, it’s more about the owner’s attitude regarding learning new things. Building teams of people with ever-increasing skills, and working with plans will help clarify where the business is going and identify what to do when things get off track.
Successful women business owners don’t get stuck on the injustices they may face because of gender inequalities.
When encountering what seems to be biased, owners make all kinds of decisions that can make a real difference in the businesses’ outcomes. Some get stuck focusing on the injustice of the real or perceived bias. That usually doesn’t get them anywhere. When it comes to succeeding as women business owners, keep this mantra at the forefront: “What are you going to do about it?”
Some women-owned businesses seek qualification as a special class such as minority-owned and woman-owned. This qualifies them for assistance from government agencies and the ability to compete for government set-aside work. But most women-owned businesses don’t go through the laborious process to get qualified. Either they don’t see how it will make a difference in the success of their businesses or because the process seems to require too much effort.
Knowing when to ask for help, and carefully selecting advisors can set business owners on the path to success.
Carefully selecting advisors, interviewing many candidates, and picking those who are knowledgeable and can educate will set business owners apart. Advisors should be willing to challenge business owners to strive for more. Align with advisors who can see the business for what it is as well as what it can be. Make sure advisors respect the motivations that drive each individual business owner. And they absolutely require advisers and vendors to give them a fair opportunity at every turn.
Women business owners need to use their instincts and advocate for themselves.
Smart owners look for the right clients for their business. They want clients who respect what their business does, who rely on the business to be there, and who know that a fairly balanced transaction is usually the best for both buyer and seller.
Women often have is good instincts. If you think you’re not getting what you need from your advisors, vendors, and customers, it may be time for a change. Don’t wait to explore the possibilities of what else might be out there.
Looking for a good book?
Try “The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started.” by Linda Rawson.
