Being a (Woman) Entrepreneur
Hello Darlings,Most of the conversations on the topic of being a woman entrepreneur or a successful businesswoman tackle the issue of how to overcome the challenges. In my opinion that is a very short sighted view! Being an entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges that are unique to every individual; stating that because you're a woman there are more challenges is simply unfair. In the years that I have graduated from university and set out to receive my first government grant to pursue a crazy dream, I have learned that being a woman in business has absolutely nothing to do with fairness. Yes, it is a fact that our natural tendency as a female is wanting to be liked and accepted by our peers, a quality that has potential to cripples one's advancement in a business world. Therefore, being a woman is not the challenge or disadvantage, it is our very own nature that often stands in the way of our success.
As women we are typically not as aggressive or confident as men are in business, therefore we do not push ourselves to pursue as many opportunities as our male counterparts. So enough of focusing on the "challenges" and instead focus on the strengths that our nature grants us. Let's take attention to detail as one of those qualities. In the world of business and especially in entrepreneurial world, it is that very attention to detail that gives us a competitive edge. We will be obsessed with making sure that every detail of our work is excellent. Since we are also more emotional and nurturing, we care about our entrepreneurial ventures as if they were our first born! We nurture, we spend sleepless nights, and ensure that everything is handled and cared for. That very dedication and care are the essential qualities in succeeding and again a competitive edge that is unique to our gender.As Sheryl Sandberg wisely said, “Being confident and believing in your own self-worth is necessary to achieving your potential.” So quit trying to become more like a businessMAN and focus on being the best businessWOMAN that you have the potential to become!
As an entrepreneur my lifestyle is anything but normal. My life is my work and by now I'm proud to admit it. I can also say that my work defines my life as well. Both statements are expreme but it is an absolute truth. Being an entrepreneur means that your passion has become your work and nothing comes in comparison to how important it is. Everything comes after your work, often times that means family and friends. You sacrifice more of yourself in one year than some people do in their entire career and you do it all in the name of that one dream that you know for a fact will become reality. The reason you know, is because failure simply not an option. So the next time you read about challenge of being a female entrepreneur in a magazine that slowly turns into a pity party, turn the page and remember that your likelihood of success is equal to that of a man. Nor gender, nor age, nor race, nor anything can stand in the way of success when you want it and want it bad.
I hope that every woman sees an opportunity for what it is and never be discouraged because she feels disadvantaged by her gender. It is only my hope that all ladies can fearlessly pursue their dreams without the fear of failing. At times when things do not work out as you expected and that will happen often, learn from it. The biggest failure an entrepreneur can make is not learn from their mistakes, it is an opportunity that you simply cannot afford to miss.
With Love...
Marta