We’re celebrating National Women in Small Business Month! It’s a great time to be a woman of commerce and here are five reasons why they rock, why they’re great for business, and what’s next.
HIGHER LIFE & WORK SATISFACTION
According to Inc. “Women entrepreneurs in the United States rank their happiness at nearly three times that of women who are not entrepreneurs or established business owners.” Just look to our first two examples from our #NWSBM posts highlighting some of our amazing women in business – Doris Jones and Dr. Jill Manning – they both have kicked butt at balancing work, family, passion and leadership. Think of the women entrepreneurs in your life and you might just think of women who are fulfilled, happy and empowered.
BETTER FOR BUSINESS
Women owned companies return a 35% higher return on investment. Zoe Barry writes “Companies founded by women also represented a record 13 percent of venture capital deals through the first half of 2013, up from only 4 percent in 2004. In other words, investors are starting to notice that it pays to have a woman in charge.”
DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP STYLE
“While communication is seen as the most important attribute of good leaders by both sexes, women are more likely to perceive this skill in terms of listening and engaging in two-way dialogue, while men are more likely to focus on broadcasting messages.” Does this mean women are better leaders? Not necessarily, but it does mean that different styles need to be represented in the workforce and when they are they create discussion and communication within a team.
RICHEST WOMEN IN THE COUNTRY ARE FOUNDERS OF THEIR OWN COMPANIES
88% of the female entrepreneurs who topped Forbes America’s 50 Richest Self Made Women list created and founded their own companies. What does that mean? Self made women are creating their own wealth! Oprah anyone?
THE KEY TO OUR ECONOMY
The only thing harder than being an entrepreneur is being a female entrepreneur. Despite all the blood, sweat and tears that founders pour into their start-ups, statistics indicate that female entrepreneurs still start their companies with 50% less capital than their male counterparts. It’s time to change that! How can we all make a difference? Continue to fight for more funding for female entrepreneurs and for god’s sake let’s close that pesky wage gap. Encourage your female peers to discuss pay with co-workers, fight for additional wage equality legislation, and continue to celebrate the professional growth and risk taking in business for all ladies! #girlpower
