Top 3 Myths About Women Entrepreneurs Debunked
Stefanie Daneau
VP of Strategic Partnerships and Advertising & Co-Founder | Digital Marketing Consultant | Avid Hiker
by Stefanie Daneau
If you’ve ever let fear of the unknown hold you back from your dreams of starting your own business, listen up: being an entrepreneur is full of rewards that greatly outweigh the risks. And many of the things you may have unwittingly come to believe about being a woman and a business owner are myths, anyway. So throw off the tow lines and set out on the adventurous life entrepreneurship has waiting for you!
Here are some common myths about women entrepreneurs and why you don’t need to take heed.
1. You have to spend all of your hard earned cash to start-up
Although its true that many entrepreneurs invest their own money into a start-up, it doesn’t always need to be a lot. Many businesses only take a small investment of money and time to get kicked off. For example, if your business is service related, it may only take you a few hundred to a few thousand to get the supplies you need to begin. If your business is selling a product, you could start off by manufacturing a small amount,and then sell that, using that profit to invest further.
To get started, create a list of the items that are critical to your business operations. You may be pleasantly surprised at how little you need to invest to get started.
Depending on the type of business you’re starting, many entrepreneurs use their invested money in things like advertising. There are other alternative options when it comes to advertising, such as social media, word of mouth and guerilla marketing tactics. There may even be other women entrepreneurs who are willing to trade services. Think outside the box and utilize resources when you can. There are tons of other women entrepreneurs that are in the same boat as you are who would love to help.
2. Not enough time for family/children
It’s true, starting a business on your own will take many long hours. It’s a full-time commitment and as a woman entrepreneur you have other commitments in your life: family, children, etc. But your upfront investment of your time, although difficult, will be rewarded in the future.
The balance of many long hours comes with the flexibility of having your own business. Make the hours work to your schedule–take the kids to school and their extracurricular activities, and head back to the office in between. As a women entrepreneur myself, I too find it hard to make time for everything, but I truly enjoy the flexibility that comes with it. Make the best of it. The first couple years may be tough, but it all ends up paying off in the long run.
3. You can’t win in a man’s world.
Not true. There are many women entrepreneurs in all fields that are raving about success. The problem is–and we hate to admit it–many women are held back by fear. They’re afraid of hearing “I told you so” and proving the doubters right.
Listen: the day I quit my steady job, following a successful and growing career, I was terrified. I wasn’t sure if I was going to have to run back and beg for my job in a few weeks. But one thing that is different about me is, I’m not afraid to take the risks. I had some amazing support; I was surrounded by friends who just happen to be successful women entrepreneurs. They gave me guidance, support and most of all, inspiration. No matter what field you are in, male dominated or not, you too can be successful. And if I have one piece of advice this would be it; don’t be afraid to take risks, find support in other women entrepreneurs or network groups. If you don’t try, you’ll never win!
Great resources for women entrepreneurs:
SBA – Office of Women’s Business Ownership: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2895
flickr: smannion
In Good Company – http://ingoodcompany.com/
Project Eve – http://www.projecteve.com/
Forbes Woman – http://www.forbes.com/forbeswoman/
85 Broads – http://www.85broads.com/
Chic CEO – http://www.chic-ceo.com/
Emily Bennington – http://emilybennington.com/
Ladies who Launch – http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/