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Developing the Experience Required to Run a Successful Woman-Owned Business
Does this mean that, if you don't see yourself as a "go getter"
that you can't run a successful business? Absolutely not! If you
are clear about your goals and what you want to accomplish, it's
then a matter of learning a few things. And there's no one
better to learn from than successful entrepreneurs!
Why "Real World" Experience Can Help
Before you head out to open your business, consider working a
job in a similar (or the same) industry in a position that will
allow you to experience the inner workings of the business. For
example, if you are interested in developing a business that
will offer some type of product, learning the entire process of
product development can be extremely useful. From the inside,
you can see how a company develops, markets, and sells a
product, as well as how it works with contractors (if
applicable) and the financial workings of the company.
This type of experience is invaluable. Not only do you learn the
business from the inside out, you can also witness what works
and what does not, and make plans for your own business
accordingly. The basic fact is that it's simply easier to open a
business if you have some experience in the industry, or a
similar business. It's not impossible to run a successful
business without this, but it's extremely helpful.
Another bonus of working in the industry prior to branching out
on your own is that you make connections! As a woman in
business, you know the importance of networking and making the
essential connections with others in the business world. Having
a network of people to call upon as you start out is
irreplaceable in value, and it's much easier to develop from the
inside rather than trying to break in from the outside.
Find a Mentor
When you're actively involved in the business world, it's much
easier to find a mentor to work with you who can share her
experiences and knowledge with you. In a positive mentor
relationship, you can learn an enormous amount of information in
a much shorter amount of time. Your mentor can be someone within
the company or someone who has also branched out on her own.
How do you find a mentor? Maintain open communication in the
workplace and develop positive working relationships with your
seniors (a good idea regardless of whether or not you're
actively seeking a mentor). As you feel comfortable, simply ask.
Inform her that you are thinking of starting your own business
and that you're impressed with her success. While it can feel
intimidating to seek a mentor, she'll likely feel honored by
your request.
Seek out organizations that serve businesswomen as well. Many
professional organizations have mentoring and other similar
programs in place to help members help each other. If you're not
a member of an organization that is either geared toward women
in business and/or that is directly related to your business,
join now! You will likely be pleasantly surprised at the giving
nature of the other members. Gone are the "cutthroat" days of
years gone by. Business people, and particularly businesswomen,
understand the benefits of supporting others in business--even
if it's the same business!
Know Your Business and Find Your Niche
Some of the old standbys still apply. If you know your business
well, you're much more likely to be successful. Your knowledge
will help you with basic business functions and will help you
earn trust with your customers. After all, everyone is more
comfortable shopping with someone who knows their stuff, whether
it is a product or service.
Real world experience offers you a chance to learn all aspects
of a business, and as an added bonus, you'll be paid in the
process! This can also help you understand what you can do that
is even better. Determining and developing your specialty is
more complicated than offering a better product or service, but
that's the basic starting point.
The bottom line is that real world experience is not a
requirement for running a successful woman-owned business, but
there are a number of benefits. You don't need to put your
dreams on hold, but you can use your job as a great starting
point to creating the best business that you can.
For more ideas and information go to WomenCorp.
You can also get great ideas and inspiration from the free
newsletter. To begin receiving it, sign up here.
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CONTACT INFORMATION: Brian Kirk (205) 835-8167
http://www.WomenCorp.org
About the author:
Roxanne Batson is Managing Partner of WomenCorp.