Watch and Learn: Why Women Are Thriving
For generations, women were often overlooked in the business world, pigeonholed into roles such as secretaries and nurses. Even the brightest ideas were met with skepticism from the male-dominated entrepreneurs who established the norms.
Fortunately, times have changed. Women are now starting their own businesses and gaining influence as they tackle challenges that require a softer approach, as well as those traditionally reserved for men.
The rise of female entrepreneurs is not a coincidence. Women often possess greater intuition and emotional intelligence than men, which contributes to their success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to empower women in the workplace, here are some strategies for becoming more inclusive—and ultimately more successful.
Insight and Intuition
A critical factor in business success is the ability to recognize a need and identify a gap in the market. Female entrepreneurs excel at leveraging their intuition to achieve success. They empathize with the market and transform shared problems into viable products and solutions.
A notable example is the growth of the mom-and-baby market. Many accessories and products designed for mothers are created by women who draw from their personal experiences.
This kind of insight combines intuition with understanding. Unlike men, who may rely solely on data or instinct, women blend their feelings with business instincts to uncover potential opportunities. This dual approach gives women a distinct advantage.
Thought-starter: If you have a business idea, share it with a group of friends for honest feedback on its viability. Their insights can help you identify opportunities.
Drive Diversity
Businesses that are dominated by one gender often suffer from limited perspectives on problem-solving.
As a business owner, it’s essential to foster diverse discussions and hire individuals with varied backgrounds and opinions. The key is to ensure respect and give everyone a voice. You may be surprised by the depth and quality of the solutions your team generates.
Hiring a diverse team is crucial not just for business success but also for compliance with government regulations, which are designed to encourage entrepreneurship and avoid penalties.
Thought-starter: Always adhere to government guidelines when building your team. The established ratios and requirements aim to enhance your business while supporting broader economic growth.
Rise of the Role Model
As more female entrepreneurs achieve success, they inspire a new generation of girls aspiring to meet their business goals.
The courageous women who took the leap to start their companies are now passing on the tools, lessons, and wisdom necessary for preparing future business leaders.
At Merchant Capital, we believe that mentorship is invaluable. Seek out a role model, invest time in learning from them, attend their talks, read their books, and reach out for advice.
Build your business acumen based on the lessons learned from leaders who have come before you; this will give you a head start on your journey.
Thought-starter: Look for opportunities to connect with successful businesswomen, whether through interviews or internships. Spending time with someone who can inspire and guide you is vital for your success.
We can all learn from the outstanding female entrepreneurs who are making their mark in today’s market. Take the time to celebrate their achievements, but also ensure that you internalize their lessons. Remember, once you commit to your success, nothing can stand in your way.