Canadian Small Business Women

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Women On Top

 

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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about life as an entrepreneur versus life in the corporate world and how it has affected me as a woman. I am thinking in particular about my ceiling in both worlds.  How much success can women achieve in both worlds?  How far out of reach is the ceiling and have us as women found the magic formula to breaking that glass ceiling?

Let’s start with the corporate world.  In my case our corporate structure is that of the “good old boys club”.  Senior executives are the picture of corporate with not a woman in sight.  Middle management is made up of about 10 percent women.  On the bottom of the totem pole, the structure is as expected – a male dominated production group and a female dominated office group.  To excel in an environment as this takes a lot of game play and sometimes ruthlessness.  You cannot be too tough or else you are labeled as “bitchy” or “moody” and you cannot be overly nice or you can be deemed to office “harlot.”  You not only have to play the game, but you also have to continuously prove your knowledge and capabilities to the powers that be.  This part has me baffled.  Why?  I’m sure those powers would not have made you a part of the organization if you were not remotely qualified to do the job or if they didn’t feel you were well suited for the position and the company.  How far up the corporate ladder can women get in an environment such as this?  It’s a far climb for us and especially rough when obstacles are placed in our way.  My feeling is that we are fighting continuously for what we deserve – even when it is earned.  Not many of us know how to demand what we have earned.  In my case, I have set my goals to what my definition of success would be in the corporate world.  Do I want to be President of the company? NO!! What I want is what I have earned – nothing more and definitely nothing less!!

As an entrepreneur I have the opportunity to be the President, Owner, Assistant, Director, coffee runner, pencil sharpener…you name it, I am in charge of it.  More women are going down the entrepreneurial path without really understanding how much more work it takes to be successful. As a female entrepreneur, when I attend networking events that are male dominated I get a lot of pats on the back and “good for you”, “you’re a smart girl”, “you did this all on your own” from the male networkers.  It is as if I am not perceived of being capable of achieving all that I have or that I have or that it is a surprise that a woman can really be successful in their world.  There are also always a few men who are there to be the “saviours” or “messiah.”  I remember being told by one man in particular who came to a female dominated networking event that he was there to help the women.  Take note, he said HELP not SUPPORT. Now, I will be the first to agree that we all need to support each other, but what I do not like is the notion that women cannot find ways to help each other succeed.  We are a resourceful group and we find ways to dig our way out of a hole.  There is still that mental and societal influence that makes us feel like being solopreneurs is the pinnacle of success.  Why not strive to grow your business into a multinational corporation? Sky is the limit-not the glass ceiling.  It truly depends on what your personal goal is.

For me, I enjoy the challenges of both the corporate world and the entrepreneurial world.  Women will always have to work extra hard to break that glass ceiling.  For most of us, the ceiling is not made by others, but by our personal limiting beliefs.  Identifying what is causing these beliefs is the first step towards breaking the ceiling and allowing ourselves to strive for the highest of highs.  I know one thing – this woman plans to be on the top when it comes to the entrepreneurial game. I will not stop until my business is where I want it to be – Canada-wide.  I will not let being woman be a hindrance.  It is not a crutch.

 

Dwania is the Founder and Executive Director of Canadian Small Business Women Contact Canadian Small Business Women:

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5 reasons you should join a mastermind group

sandra

When I first heard the term mastermind, I was intrigued.  I like the idea of a group of people working together to support one another with their respective goals.  I have participated in masterminds as a facilitator and as a participant.  I have seen and experienced the benefits from both perspectives and I strongly recommend finding one that suits your needs.  Here are 5 reasons why I believe every entrepreneur should be a part of a mastermind group.

  1. We can’t do it alone

    When we try to do it all on our own, we inevitably make painful and often very costly mistakes. Being a part of a mastermind allows us to learn from the mistakes and successes of others.  It also offers us the opportunity to realize that we are not alone in our struggles and challenges.  It’s nice to know that there is life after failure.  It’s even better when you know that you have a group of people that are committed to helping you achieve your goals as you are to them in the pursuit of theirs.

  1. Different minds, different perspectives

    Ideally, you want to be a part of a mastermind group that has varied skill sets, experiences and ways of processing information. You need you left and right brain thinkers at the table.  We can benefit from the creative viewpoint as much as we can the analytical.  Having these different thinkers in the group gives you access to a variety of viewpoints that you may never have considered.  I love the saying that we don’t know what we don’t know because it’s true.  Being part of a mastermind gives you access to the wealth of knowledge held by each participant.

  2. Accountability

    Meetings give each participant a change to update the group on who their week or month has been, depending on the frequency of the meetings. This is where each member celebrates their successes, talks about what’s working and what isn’t and what they commit to accomplishing for the next meeting.  Sharing your commitments holds you accountable to the rest of the group and allows the group the opportunity to offer any help they can in the achievement of your goal.  The magic happens because all of this help and support I s never one-sided.  Reciprocity is the magic ingredient that makes masterminds thrive.

  3. Expand your network in a meaningful way

    Sure Linkedin will show you how wide your network is because of your connections, but what does that really mean? When you’re a part of a mastermind group, you hear A LOT of “I know someone who can help you out with that!”  I don’t know about you, but those words are music to my ears, especially when that connection can help me with something I’ve been wrestling with for a while!  The more time you spend with your group, the better they understand your business and what you need.  Whether it’s someone to help you coordinate your next event or a client referral, your group members are there to support you, just as you are there for them.  Social media is great, but there’s still something to be said for that personal, intimate connection that can only be developed with time.

  4. Awesome camaraderie, support and encouragement

Here’s the thing –when you join a mastermind group, whether it’s a six-month or year-long commitment, you can’t help but develop a strong bond with the other members.  You’re baring your soul, sharing your struggles and celebrating your accomplishments with these people on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.  When you are committed to the group, the process and each other’s success, the magic really starts to happen.  There are groups that have been going for years, if not decades because they know firsthand that masterminds really do work!

Napoleon Hill, in his book Think and Grow Rich, describes a mastermind group as “a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with plan and purpose.”  He dedicates an entire chapter to the concept in the book for a reason.  Being part of an effective mastermind group can be just what you need to help you take your business exactly where you want it to be, or even further than you ever imagined!

If you’re considering joining a mastermind, then you should definitely think about becoming a Canadian Small Business Women member! I’m pleased to be partnering with CSBW and offering preferred rates on participating in my 6-month mastermind program. For more information on the different membership options, visit the following link. I look forward to achieving massive success with you!

Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.She has completed her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!

Connect:

www.embraceyourdestiny.ca

www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny

www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestinythebook

www.twitter.com/sandradawes

Your business is not a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ project; you need all the help you can get!

Uchechi

Lately, it’s become evident to me how critical support communities are needed in order to grow, develop and achieve your goals. This is relevant both in your life and business.

I saw just how important this was when I was fortunate enough to enroll in Marie Forleo’s B-School program in Spring 2013 (if you haven’t heard of Marie, google her, you won’t be disappointed!). One of the strongest benefits of this program is having a network of 12,000+ amazing, supporting and loving entrepreneurs. These are business owners who get what you go through on a daily basis. As different as we all are, there is always a level of love and support within the group. It’s fantastic because you can post a business or tech related question, to questions regarding support launching a new business and program, or even support of a personal nature where all you’re looking for is a virtual hug and reassurance that all is well. And you get an influx of support no matter what you’re looking for. It can be quite empowering.

We all know that business ownership can feel lonely at times, and when you’re a female business owner with family responsibilities and obligations, the feeling of overwhelm can add up. This is why it is so critical to have a network of people you can call upon to help you navigate through the ups and downs.

This support network should consist of those who understand what you’re going through and are able to inspire and motivate you to keep going. Your network should also be able to hold you accountable to your business goals, in addition to supporting and sharing resources with you to help achieve your goals. Forming or joining a mastermind group is an amazing way to get this support and bring like-minded people together, along with various social media groups that you can join.

Another benefit to having this kind of support is that a funny thing tends to happen as you start to grow and evolve in your business. Sometimes, those closest to you become distant and may not support your growth and aspirations. They no longer become aligned to your goals and needs as a business owner. This can be difficult and lonely because it’s hard for these people to understand the risks that you take, and the committed needed to achieve the success you crave. They may resist the change in you as you start being the person needed to reach your goals. Consequently, you no longer become comfortable in the crowd you’re currently in.

Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So I ask you, look to those that you spend most of your time with. Are they ones that inspire you? Do they support your growth? Do they encourage you? Or do they sabotage your desire for growth and success? Be honest and strong enough to walk away or distant yourself from those that do not support you, and look for those that do.

Remember, you may be self-employed, however you need the help of others to achieve your business goals.

 

Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse is a Business & Lifestyle Strategist, Speaker and Writer, but most importantly, a proud Mother and Wife. Uchechi is Founder of My Empowered Living (http://www.myempoweredliving.com) a website aimed at helping women shift their mindset and live their passion! Whether it’s starting and building their dream business, or helping them create a lifestyle they crave, Uchechi is the modern woman’s secret to success! Visit Uchechi at www.myempoweredliving.com to get her FREE online video training series The 4 Keys to your Business Success! This free 4-day business training reveals her 4 key strategies needed to build a profitable and successful business, and how to put them to work in your business!

Act like a Lady think like a Boss : Five tips for Female Entrepreneurs

Praveeni Perera

Since the height of the recession in 2008 entrepreneurship has been on the rise, as many professionals have decided to venture out on their own. Everyone has a business idea or passion they would like to pursue but not everyone has the confidence, gall, or financial security to do so. For the longest time the corporate world, especially when it came to business was a male dominated realm. However, all that has changed now as female entrepreneurs are on the rise. This is a global phenomenon in which Canada proudly partakes. In fact statistics show that 4 out of 5 businesses are started by women. Female entrepreneurs are a growing and significant component of Canada’s economic landscape.  Female entrepreneurs have made significant progress and paved the way for future women in business.  It’s important to keep up the momentum started by our predecessors.

Here are a few tips for current and aspiring female entrepreneurs:

1. Be objective
Unfortunately women have fallen under the stereotype of being overly emotional or taking things too personally. However this isn’t necessarily true. In fact women just have a higher sense of emotional intelligence and feel empathy more freely than men . Being objective is important because you will have deals that go sour, clients who are upset, or people who say no to you; it’s inevitable. It’s important not to take the negatives to heart and use them as learning experiences instead of an excuse to throw in the towel. Being objective also means being vigilant. Don’t compromise your business strategy or lower prices simply to get clients.  Sometimes you need to take your emotions out of the equation and focus on your bottom line. Being empathetic doesn’t mean running at a loss. You cannot feel sorry for others thinking they can’t afford your product etc., focus on yourself and your business first!

2. Look the part
Being a woman in business does not mean you have to act or look like a man. Femininity is an added advantage to looking the part of   a business woman, and that’s exactly what female entrepreneurs are striving to be, a business woman not a business man. Pant suits are great but remember to maintain your femininity and be true to yourself as a female. As a woman it’s important to present a polished and professional image; taking time to do your hair and make up is all part of presenting such an image.  As women we do have a large array of attire options, so choose wisely. Don’t choose dresses or outfits simply to look extra feminine, girly, or sexy. Make choices that suit your personality but keep it professional. Don’t get lost in your clothes, you want people to see you as the whole package and clothing is just one component of it. As Coco Chanel said “Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.”

3. Trust your instincts 
In the business world many people will try to advise you and attempt to sway your opinion in a myriad of different directions. You may have clients, potential clients, mentors, or even business partners who try to advise you.  As an entrepreneur you need to stand your ground and go with your gut. If you feel a business deal isn’t a good fit, or that something just isn’t right, chances are they probably aren’t. Don’t let others influence your decisions in business. It’s great to have mentors and advisors but the ultimate decisions should be made by you alone. Having the confidence to make your own decisions and stand by them is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the rest. 

4. Support your competitors 
Running a business is not a solo sport. Every business belongs to a specific industry. Ultimately the strength and appeal of your industry determines your bottom line.  Helping out someone in the same game may seem a little crazy, but supporting competitors helps build up your industry. Avoid badmouthing competitors and mudslinging. Although the business world is cut throat, being the bigger person and sharing industry specific insight will not only help you but help your industry on the whole.  If you are fortunate enough to have an overload of clients you can refer some to your competitors. They will remember the good deed later on. Helping your competitors also gives you leverage within your industry, if you ever do need a favor you certainly have something to back up your ask.   Forming an industry specific forum or support group is a great way to get your competitors involved and share ideas and insight. Remember to look at your business as just one piece of the puzzle within your industry. Sharing opinions and perspectives never hurt anyone. You don’t need to share your trade secrets but sharing your knowledge and insight can be beneficial. 

5. Don’t be the smartest person in the room 
As a business woman you need to be open minded. Being knowledgeable about your chosen field is always a good thing but don’t assume you know everything. Be inquisitive at networking events or lunches, ask questions about others and the work they do. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and from whom you can learn.  You can even learn from your competitors. Experience within a certain field is a great asset but being an entrepreneur is a continuous learning experience. There’s always something new to learn or new ideas to hear about.  Avoid dominating conversations and trying to get your opinion across. True intelligence comes from knowing when to speak up and when to be silent and simply listen. Listening more than you talk is key to making connections and gaining insight.  

 

Praveeni Perera is the CEO and co-founder of Professional Edge Consulting a corporate training company based in Ottawa offering training and coaching services to clients around the world.  She can be reached via Website, Twitter, Facebook or her Blog.

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