By Evan Vitale
More women continue to leave the corporate world and start their own business.
Sometimes, it’s because they want to be able to start or raise a family and have more flexible time to spend with their children without having to sacrifice their careers. In other cases, women want to break free and escape the glass ceiling of the corporate world or, as some as found, re-entering the job market is tough for everyone, so a good alternative is being your own boss.
Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of opportunities for women to start, own and be successful at running their own business.
Women are equal to men with similar positives and negatives when it comes to business startup and ownership. However, some feel there is a much harder hill to climb for female business owners in what is traditionally a male-dominated sector.
Unfortunately, some women business owners aren’t taken as serious as their male counterparts. So, be strong ladies!
Here are some tips on getting started:
- Be active in local networking groups. Connect with other business owners. Network!
- Join and participate in a women-based networking group. If one doesn’t exist, consider starting one!
- Be community minded.
- Improve and polish your communication skills.
- Don’t be intimidated by male business owners.
- Never use “working-at-home” as an excuse or a liability. If the topic comes up, let your prospective customer or client know you work from home to save on overhead costs and to keep your fees affordable for new clients.
- For moms and dads with an at-home business, explain your business to your children and that even though you’re not “at the office,” that you’re home is your office.
For any business startup, remember to choose and form a great team of consultants, who will work for you and help you. They include your banker; your accountant and your attorney.