Woman and Business

Woman and Business: Search of Internal Balance

We are lucky to live in wonderful times. Times of great changes and open possibilities. We are almost not limited in self-expression and professional determination, we can do what we really want, not only sit at home and do housework.  

It is hard to understand, but in the twentieth century women did not have a right to vote, were constrained in a choice of education, and were not perceived seriously as real professionals. It was simply impossible to imagine a woman-entrepreneur in those times. 

Modern girls search for opportunities of self-realization and quite often start their own business. According to the researches, such managers are often more stress-resistant, hard-working, and patient in achieving of the set goals than the representatives of the “stronger sex”. 

Business women [contrary to all myths and prejudices] tend to act rationally, possess brilliant systematization skills and can work “in the long run”.

But there is another side: accumulating stress, pathological workaholism, inability to separate work and personal time, desperate attempts to cope with everything at a time: family, business, self-care… All this can critically affect the nervous system, physical condition and motivation.

Its's better to find the very “golden mean”. The question is where it lies: in your own business development, hired labor or classic “patriarchy”?

Pros and Cons of Feminine Entrepreneurship

Unfortunately, business has its pros and cons. 

Let’s talk about 4 main advantages of having your own business comparing to "hired labor": 

1. Possibility to form your schedule on your own, not adjusting to the standard working hours;
2. You are totally responsible for the success and the level of your company’s income, no one limits “the top bar” of your development, financial well-being;
3. Possibility to delegate tasks which are the most difficult for you / cause internal rejection;
4. Distribution of workload and responsibilities among the staff: you are to decide what to do, and what – not.

But there is also a negative side. In the society a stereotype that woman and business are incompatible continues to exist. People are used to think that iron grip, nerves of steel and conflicts solution are male qualities. That is why besides dealing with daily tasks every entrepreneur women quite often have to defend her authority among employees, contractors, partners. 

In questions of communication a woman cannot allow herself such level of “relaxation” – it is a constant stress, struggle against prejudices and necessity to hold a leadership position. And having come home you have to immediately switch to the role of a caring mother and a homemaker, leaving problems outside the house door. Does it turn out that there is no chance to combine career and family?

Yes, there is. But you should start from your own ambitions, character and possibilities. Not all girls desire “world domination”, someone is happy with a “piece of Poland” :). 

This is why you should firstly think about what you really want. Choose a way focusing not on the opinion of your parents, friends, husband, but on your own dream. 

So, some microbusiness in which you could take on all main functions may become a good start. When you understand how to build all busines-processes in the best way and try them on yourself, you will be able to hire the staff and delegate responsibilities.

Which Business to Choose for a Start

Thanks to the technologies development and availability of Internet it has become much easier to study, work and learn new skills. It makes your opportunities almost limitless, and may result in getting all necessary knowledge for the start of your business “packing” and developing. 

For a start you only need an idea, patience and trust in yourself. You should remember that if you have precise goals you will find the ways to their achievement.

There are many variants for conducting a small business at home. Even during your maternity leave and without a start-up capital you can begin from scratch and have good results.

Small business at home can be different: shop (and any other “buy-sell” format), services upon your main profile, hobby monetization (e.g., ceramics selling), informational and consultative services, mediation. You should choose a niche based on your own interests and preferences: if you don’t want to sell wheel bearings you hardly will be able to do it heartily, for a long time and effectively.

How to Decide to Make a Step Towards the Goal?

Remember one simple fact: a human can do everything if it's really desirable. You are limited only by a fear of failure, of other people’s disapproval, and other “preventers” created by our surrounding and by ourselves. 

Just think, are you ready to live all your life the same way as you are living now? Will you not regret about missed opportunities? What is worse: to make several attempts till you achieve success, or not even to try? 

If you start without serious investments, credits and other risks, you lose NOTHING. But you can gain your dream.

Basic  Actions Algorithm

Determine what product you offer. What are its strong sides? Which requirements it fulfills? How unique is your proposal  [and what can do it better than your competitors’ one]? 

Yes, when there is a surplus of goods and services on the market it is hard to surprise a buyer. But if to do your job bona fide and create a quality product, it will not go unnoticed. 

Find support. The more friends and acquaintances who treat you good you have, the more chances that they will get interested in your activity there are. This means not financial help – reposts, positive feedbacks and recommendations also work very well (they can bring you the first customers!).

Maybe, such word of a mouth will help to find a more experienced partner or professional who will give you some good advice on your small business development.

Create your personal brand. Look at yourself from the client’s side. Try to figure out how you and your business-pages look to others, how understandable the information there is, how comfortable it is to interact with, and so on. 

Be inspired with other people’s successes, develop pages in the social media, study competitors.

Learn, improve your qualifications. There is no limit to the perfection. If you want to achieve success, you should make much effort. Business has its own laws. Be competent in your field, judge of character able to negotiate and analyze a situation.

Trust in yourself. 

Let’s say you want to take it to the next level, but still not sure that women and business are compatible. 

Here is a couple of motivating reminders:

1. Women have better perception. They feel and understand an interlocutor better ;
2. Women are attentive to the details;
3. They orientate quickly and are able to adapt fast to any situation;
4. They create atmosphere and set the tone for conversation;
5. Women are brilliant in management and communication, they subtly feel the mood in the team and in the negotiation process.

Good luck in developing your own business!