Women have made significant progress since the days of suffrage. Today, women not only have the right to vote, but also play a vital role in the economy. In addition to holding high-power positions, females have taken the entrepreneurial world by storm. In fact, an average of 1200 businesses are started by women entrepreneurs each day, an increase of 740 more per day than last year. (Click to Tweet) And, this trend shows no signs of slowing down! The growth pace of women-owned businesses exceeds the national average.

What sets women entrepreneurs apart from their male counterparts? Simply put, a desire for better work/family balance. As the price of living has increased over the years, so has the need for women to work outside of the home. It’s nearly impossible for families to thrive financially on one income these days. That presents a huge problem for many women who are born nurturers.

For this reason, more women than ever are creating their own enterprises and seeking ways to either work from home or be in charge of their own schedules so that they can still devote 100 percent of themselves to their families.

If you’re in business for yourself, check out these five tips for succeeding as an entrepreneur:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Dream BIG – If you have a dream, don’t limit yourself. With more than 9.1 million U.S. firms owned by women and $1.4 trillion in sales from these firms, nothing is impossible. If other women are doing it, so can you. The first step toward success is to open your mind to the possibilities. Don’t limit your dream.
2. Never Stop Believing in Yourself – This is a big one. Going into business for yourself is not easy; no one’s saying it is. In fact, the opposite is true. But a common phrase comes to mind when thinking about women entrepreneurs: Anything worth having is worth working for. You have what it takes to achieve your dream. Tell yourself this every day.
3. Seek Trusted Support – With the number of women entrepreneurs increasing daily, there’s no shortage of support. Some of these very entrepreneurs, like the founders of In Good Company and Passion Planner, have even built their businesses with the goal of helping others. It’s crucial to your success that you seek guidance from trusted advisors who can help manage and achieve your goals.
4. Get Educated on Entrepreneurship – Although you’ve managed a team in “another life,” entrepreneurship is different. Being an owner of a business is a different ball game, which requires a unique market outlook. Read educational materials, talk to other successful women entrepreneurs, and seek answers to any specific questions.
5. Don’t Give Up on Your Dream – Failure is a natural part of life, and entrepreneurship is no exception. It’s challenging – but not impossible – to manage business and family. That’s what makes success even sweeter. Women in business often need to be tougher than men, but they combine that toughness with a sense of femininity and respect. Just keep on keeping on.

No matter your goals, remember – lots of women are making their dreams a reality. There’s no reason for you not to join the ranks of the successful woman entrepreneur.

Did you know that March is National Women’s History Month? (I must live under a rock, as I hadn’t seen it publicized.) Although I personally believe that every month should be National Women’s History Month, alas, we’ll celebrate when we can! 

This year’s theme, “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives,” reminded me of the women whose stories are woven into the fabric of my life and, subsequently, into my business.
 
My Grandmother – known in the community as “Ma” – taught me about overcoming overwhelm; something every small business entrepreneur benefits from knowing.
 
My mom, rest her soul, left an indelible influence on how to treat others respectfully through common sense and practical advice like “wear clean underwear”.
 
My Jewish great-grandmother, disowned by her family when she married a Lutheran, taught me courage of conviction in the face of controversy. She imparted lion-heatedness and tender-heartedness when, as a young woman in the early 1900’s, she immigrated to the Unites States from what was Prussia, purchased land, and donated it to the church.
 
My aunt, who never had children of her own yet nurtured her nephews and nieces, taught the significance of attention to detail through weekly cleaning of window frames and baseboards – which is why you’ll never find a round corner in my house.
 
Another aunt who imparted the value of enjoyment, laughter, and happiness when she taught “dirty” phrases in Russian when my parent’s back was turned. She may have been my very first “coach.”
 
Why It Matters
 
Although their courage, common sense, humor, and influence will likely not be published in a history book, like those of Susan B. Anthony or Rosa Parks, their influence is indelibly published in my history book.
 
The National Women’s History Project says it best:
 

“By walking history’s pathways, we learn to step forward with confidence. The legacy of how others shaped society sparks our own longings to contribute. Everyone needs role models — footsteps enough like our own to inspire us. 

History must tell the whole story. For girls, knowing women’s achievements expands their sense of what is possible. For all of us, knowledge of women’s strengths and contributions builds respect and nourishes self esteem — crucial to all children and adults now, and in the years to come.”

 
What women influence your small business achievements?