Many women who are in the Baby Boomer age bracket decide to start their own business. Something they have wanted to do for many years, they now believe it is the right time. I am often asked what special issues women face when they commence their own business.
My response is always the same: women face the same challenges as any other business owner. All business managers have to be focused, ensure they have brilliant time management, plan and know that what they’re doing will bring them the results they want and constantly reflect to ensure they are on-track.
From my experience women can be their own worst enemy when they’re in business because they doubt themselves and spend a lot of time worrying about things rather than getting into action. They also believe the rhetoric that is constantly put in the media about very few women being in powerful positions and believe that they are less than their male counterparts.
I’ve worked with many women in business (at all levels) and I teach them to fake it until they make it: that means don’t tell people you don’t feel confident, act successful, be positive, don’t tell them how bad things are (if they are), just continue to work towards your goals, tick off each success as it occurs, have tough, firm personal boundaries and make sure you’re doing what you need to do to have a successful, thriving business.
In business there are so many conflicting priorities that it is very easy for women to get lost in detail, to do far too much, not to delegate and not to have a break. This only leads to burnout and not to what they wanted in the first place. It also does little for the rest of the life – e.g. family, friends, social interaction.
I’d encourage every single woman in business to get themselves a business coach who is well qualified and well experienced (not one who has just done a mini course). This process is generally tax deductible but the benefits are enormous. The business owner will have the support, guidance, encouragement and long term experience from someone else who has been there and done it and it will save them years of frustration and headaches.
Merydith Willoughby is an international award winning Organization Development Consultant. She delivers services to Australia and USA. Her second book Sex in the Boardroom has just been released. Go to www.sexintheboardroom.com or email her on info@sexintheboardroom.com for more information