Become an Entrepreneur; Become a Role Model
Posted on Mon, Jan 09, 2012 @ 10:00 AM
A recent study for the Journal of economic Psychology finds that a lower preference for becoming self-employed can partly explain why less women are opening their own businesses.
Is it just that women are under-motivated, or is there a lack of role models leading the way for young female entrepreneurs? Women make up only 3% of CEOS on the Forbes list of 500 biggest companies. As a female entrepreneur you are in a unique position to become a role model for the generation of women in business.
What can you do as an entrepreneur to inspire the next generation?
Share your story: I remember in the Girls Scouts being visited one day by a sales manager, architect, and local politician. Seeing women in a wider range of career than usually depicted on TV really broaden my ideas on who I could be when I grow up. You can share your story as well. Blogging is a great way to do this, as well as visiting a local girls scout group or getting involved in a women's philanthropic club like Zonta.
Emphasize new models of leadership: In the current climate of economic uncertainty, unemployment and dissatisfaction in the workforce, many are calling for a new type of leadership. In a study by Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute they found that women owners and managers tend to be more receptive to input and guidance from internal and external advisors, proactively customer-focused, and More committed to creating opportunities for others. Rather than changing your leadership style to fit a masculine world emphasize how a more cooperative management style can be a positive change.
Give Practical Help: Have you ever asked for advice and instead received platitudes? Don't just tell other women to reach for the stars, tell them how you made it. Take the time to grab lunch with a young entrepreneur or attend networking events with the goal of finding another woman to reach out to. You can go the extra mile by becoming an angel investor, but just solid practical advice from the field can be a huge asset.
Be confident: Remind other women that it's not about acting like a man, but rather demanding that others not treat you worse because you are female. Demand respect for yourself as a business owner and it will encourage other women to do the same.
What inspired you to start your own business? Who were your role models?
Bio: Becky Canary-King is an Account Manager and Press Contact at Direct Incorporation, a company focused on providing a more economical and efficient alternative to using a law firm for common legal/entrepreneurial issues. She is passionate about women's empowerment and blogs for personally for Happy Bodies, and professionally for Direct Incorporation's Blog,
offering tips for the first 6 months of your small business.