The difference between a nuts and bolt business and one that inspires and attracts is imagination. Visionary companies and people have a story to tell that keeps the ‘audience’ hanging out for more. But while the corporate vision is essential, this article is about a more immediate goal: getting the customer story right.
According to the 2013 Women-Owned Business Report, published by small business payment card issuer American Express OPEN, more than 8.6 million U.S. businesses are owned by women. This is the good news.
Women-owned businesses, on average, employ just one additional employee besides the owner. Also, women businesses generally max out at salaries of $155,000, well under the $400,000 for typical private businesses. And this is the not so good news.
9. Drop your gender baggage.
“My best advice for women business owners is to always remember that the most important factor in determining success isn’t gender, it’s you. Know who you are, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and fearlessly go after what you want. Don’t spend your time worrying about gender
When you pick up a magazine, read an online article or meet a woman who’s achieved great success in her business, do you sometimes wonder, “How did she do that?” I know I used to ask myself this question in the early days when my business was in start-up mode. When I think about my own entrepreneurial journey and the women mentors who walked this path before me, I visualize five phases in the evolution of a woman entrepreneur.
4. Find what you truly love.
“Find something that you really love. Focus on finding and building relationships with a community of people who love it too. Don’t be afraid to follow the path not yet taken. Pick yourself up when you fall. Pick yourself up when you fall again and again and again …”
6. Avoid People Problems By Hiring Right And Setting Expectations
Ramsden said one roadblock of entrepreneurship which consistently rears it’s ugly head is “managing people.” But you and I both grasp the importance of taming this monster. Build the right team with the right people, you set the foundation for success. But the wrong team with the wrong people equals disaster.
