How Women In Business Can Guarantee Success
In a recent study it was stated that, "almost 3,000 women across Britain launched a new business venture since January 2016, with the help of the Start Up Loans Company." What's more, many more businesses launched with the help of other investment, and some with none at all.
However, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show that nationally only 24% of businesses launched this year are female-led, which shows the huge gap between men and women in business. Yet, as explained on Synnovatia.com, it's been found that women entrepreneurs create more jobs and are cash savvy, "On an average, women use 40% less capital for venture-backed start-ups than men."
Women are also more successful than men, "Despite less capital, women-owned businesses are more likely to survive the transition from start-up to that of an established company." This highlights just how important it is to support, encourage and nurture those women who want to succeed in business.
So, how can women already in business and those who're interested in starting a business guarantee success?
Allow your passion to shine through
Let your passion and vision for your business shine through, as it will be this that prospects and customers will buy into. If you're not invested in the products and services you provide, other's will struggle to see the value in it too.
Be confident in everything you do
Many women struggle with their confidence, yet it is confidence in yourself that vital to your success. A study from Stanford GSB suggests that, "...for women to be successful they must simultaneously present themselves as self-confident and dominant while tempering these qualities with displays of communal characteristics."
It's important to be seen as strong, assertive, and confident, but also to have the ability to mould the way you behave, speak and come across to your audience.
Position yourself as an industry leader
Express your views on the industry you're in. Your prospects, customers and competitors will value you much more for having something to say rather than you having nothing to say at all. There are numerous avenues to help position yourself as an industry leader:
• Guest speak at events
• Become a regular contributor to an industry blog
• Write your own blog
• Publish content on LinkedIn
• Be active on social media
The spoken and written word is as powerful now as it has ever been. As author of Content Rules and Chief Content Officer of MarketingProfs, Ann Handley explained on Forbes.com, "Those who can write well successfully get their ideas across in a clear, accessible manner... without wasting everyone's time."
Continuously up skill
Business owners often begin to struggle when they don't have the information or resources to take their companies to a higher level. Be sure to soak up every piece of information, advice and help you can get and invest time into the following:
• Read relevant industry articles
• Attend business workshops
• Watch webinars
• Download and read e-books.
Remember, the Internet is your friend, it's full of great resources, so be sure to set aside at least half a day a month to learn something new and to focus on improving your business.
Join networking groups
These are a great place to gain knowledge and contacts that can help drive your business forward. Go to regular events where you're able to build up your reputation. If you're able to, volunteer your time, ask to guest speak, contribute to discussions and always have something newsworthy to announce. This will help you gain authority and respect, along with trust within these groups in order to get the most out of them.
Support likeminded women
Don't compete with other women, even if they're in the same industry. Instead, support them, provide advice and learn from their experiences. There's room for everyone, and as a woman in business it's best to learn from other rather than appearing hostile. Patricia Foster, Director of Bentley University's Center for Women and Business, told Mashable, "Women should make an active decision not to engage in that competition and support one another."
And finally...
Ask questions and be persistent
Don't be scared to ask questions. It's the only way you'll be able to learn from those around you. It's also the only way you'll be able to qualify leads, convert them, ensure they pay on time and grow your business. What's more, if you're struggling in any way, ask for help.
Be relentless without being willing to fail and continually get back up again, only then will you be able to achieve the goals you set out.
Anna Morrish is an experienced writer, marketer and founder of Quibble Content Ltd.
However, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show that nationally only 24% of businesses launched this year are female-led, which shows the huge gap between men and women in business. Yet, as explained on Synnovatia.com, it's been found that women entrepreneurs create more jobs and are cash savvy, "On an average, women use 40% less capital for venture-backed start-ups than men."
Women are also more successful than men, "Despite less capital, women-owned businesses are more likely to survive the transition from start-up to that of an established company." This highlights just how important it is to support, encourage and nurture those women who want to succeed in business.
So, how can women already in business and those who're interested in starting a business guarantee success?
Allow your passion to shine through
Let your passion and vision for your business shine through, as it will be this that prospects and customers will buy into. If you're not invested in the products and services you provide, other's will struggle to see the value in it too.
Be confident in everything you do
Many women struggle with their confidence, yet it is confidence in yourself that vital to your success. A study from Stanford GSB suggests that, "...for women to be successful they must simultaneously present themselves as self-confident and dominant while tempering these qualities with displays of communal characteristics."
It's important to be seen as strong, assertive, and confident, but also to have the ability to mould the way you behave, speak and come across to your audience.
Position yourself as an industry leader
Express your views on the industry you're in. Your prospects, customers and competitors will value you much more for having something to say rather than you having nothing to say at all. There are numerous avenues to help position yourself as an industry leader:
• Guest speak at events
• Become a regular contributor to an industry blog
• Write your own blog
• Publish content on LinkedIn
• Be active on social media
The spoken and written word is as powerful now as it has ever been. As author of Content Rules and Chief Content Officer of MarketingProfs, Ann Handley explained on Forbes.com, "Those who can write well successfully get their ideas across in a clear, accessible manner... without wasting everyone's time."
Continuously up skill
Business owners often begin to struggle when they don't have the information or resources to take their companies to a higher level. Be sure to soak up every piece of information, advice and help you can get and invest time into the following:
• Read relevant industry articles
• Attend business workshops
• Watch webinars
• Download and read e-books.
Remember, the Internet is your friend, it's full of great resources, so be sure to set aside at least half a day a month to learn something new and to focus on improving your business.
Join networking groups
These are a great place to gain knowledge and contacts that can help drive your business forward. Go to regular events where you're able to build up your reputation. If you're able to, volunteer your time, ask to guest speak, contribute to discussions and always have something newsworthy to announce. This will help you gain authority and respect, along with trust within these groups in order to get the most out of them.
Support likeminded women
Don't compete with other women, even if they're in the same industry. Instead, support them, provide advice and learn from their experiences. There's room for everyone, and as a woman in business it's best to learn from other rather than appearing hostile. Patricia Foster, Director of Bentley University's Center for Women and Business, told Mashable, "Women should make an active decision not to engage in that competition and support one another."
And finally...
Ask questions and be persistent
Don't be scared to ask questions. It's the only way you'll be able to learn from those around you. It's also the only way you'll be able to qualify leads, convert them, ensure they pay on time and grow your business. What's more, if you're struggling in any way, ask for help.
Be relentless without being willing to fail and continually get back up again, only then will you be able to achieve the goals you set out.
Anna Morrish is an experienced writer, marketer and founder of Quibble Content Ltd.