What's Happening With Women-Owned Businesses?

Women are increasingly harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit and it is critical to encourage and support this behavior, eliminate obstacles, and facilitate growth of their businesses. Unlocking the potential of women-owned businesses represents a powerful opportunity for economic growth.  These are words to describe the state of women-owned businesses from American Express, Ventureneer and CoreWoman.

The 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses report, commissioned and provided by American Express, examines the periods 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2018, looking at trends in the number of firms, employment, and revenue by various groupings.

This report focuses on women-owned businesses, which are defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more females. Over the past 46 years, women of all ages have become business owners in droves - from baby boomers and Gen Xers to millennials and younger generations.

Explore the report's findings.  See how you fit in on the grand scheme of things. Oh, and important detail:  the report was prepared for American Express by Ventureneer with the support of CoreWoman.

30-Seconds of Calm for Women Entrepreneurs Brought to You By Laurel J. Delaney

While I was out walking today, I captured this 'bird' moment. You, too, can create your own moment of calm -- every day.  Just remember what Albert Einstein said, "The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind."

Women Entrepreneurs Make Room to Read

Hello ladies and so happy you continue to read our posts here at the Escape From Corporate America blog.  For those who just joined us, last week we shared 5 fantastic podcasts to listen to in your spare time and this week we share 5 great books to read that offer wisdom, motivation and life-changing experience.

Have a happy Saturday and be back with you in a week! Meanwhile, get listening and reading :-)!  That's the only way to stretch yourself and grow your business.

Pressed For Time to Expand Your Learning? Try These 5 Podcasts

Our friend, colleague and queen of small business, Melinda Emerson, shares a great list of 5 podcasts you should listen to if you only have 30-45 minutes.

1. Marketing School
2. Real Money Talks
3. The $100 MBA Show
4. Eventual Millionaire (little longer – 45 minutes)
5. Online Marketing Made Easy (slightly longer – 30-45 minutes)

Melinda's complete article can be found here.

The Fearless Fund for Black Women Entrepreneurs

A $5 million venture capital fund to support startups created by women of color has been launched by Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam.  She has teamed with entrepreneur Arian Simone to make this happen.

“The Fearless fund is designed to change the narrative as it relates to funding allocated to women of color,” says Simone.

Read more about the venture capital fund for black women entrepreneurs.

Stuck in a 9-5 Job?

Kathryn Roberts is here to help if you’re feeling stuck in your 9-5 job and dreaming about living life on your own terms.

As the founder of Quest for $47, Roberts teaches women how to generate passive income to establish financial freedom and live abundantly without relying on a 9-5 job that may only cover your bare minimum income needs.

Sound too good to be true?  It isn't.  Read more about how to live a life filled with passion and abundance.

Books to Inspire Women Entrepreneurs

If you’re experiencing some kind of entrepreneurial struggle, odds are high that you aren’t alone.  These books below offer plenty of hard-won entrepreneurial advice or simply provide inspiration if you need to take action.

The Best Books for Women Entrepreneurs

Oh, and if you are growing leaps and bounds locally but want to expand globally, check out this book, it's mine :-).  

What's the Best Advice Given to You as a Female Entrepreneur?

Whether you give good advice or receive it, it's really the spirit of helping one another that matters.  In the article below, South African women entrepreneurs answer two key questions:

1. What was the best advice given to you as a woman entrepreneur and how did you action it?
2. What would you advise women entrepreneurs starting their journey now and in light of the current business climate?

Find out what they said here.

When You Win, You Must Express It Big Because You Earned It

Watch this amazing moment when entrepreneur Monique Ntumngia found out she won $100,000 for her work helping rural African communities.  Monique is a winner of Visa's Global Competition for Women Entrepreneurs.  

When you win, express it big because you earned it.  Let it all out -- that joy and happiness!

Have Big Dreams (Video)

Comfortable is Sexy

Two former Anthropologie buyers have created a lingerie store that celebrates all women.  The name of their company is Hidden Intimates and it operates under the mantra that "comfortable is sexy."  Agree?  I sure do.  You have to be who you are – and always, always be comfortable.

With a mission that focuses on telling stories instead of presenting a manufactured idea of beauty, Hidden Intimates channels the current thinking around undergarment fashion.

Read how two friends turned a dream into a reality but meanwhile, check this out:

But things are going well. Since launching three months ago, Hidden Intimates has sold about 50 pieces to people from all over North America, they said. One person ordered from Texas, and another from Canada. On trend, the most popular item is the “everyday lace bralette,” which has no wires and sells for $18. Each one gets shipped by hand from [Flo] Mcilwaine [co-founder's] house in Atlanta, where she still works a day job as a buyer for Home Depot.

Join Laurel Delaney in New York 7/18 to Learn How to Export Successfully in the Digital Age

The first in New York-based NEXCO's 2019 seminar series on what you need to know to sell your products in markets worldwide, this is where to start building your export sales strategy.

Lead presenter, Chicagoan Laurel Delaney, will discuss how to use the digital tools that level the field for small and mid-size businesses, launch and scale-up export sales, and avoid the 6 mistakes new exporters most often make.

Plan on joining in on the after-seminar reception for wine-tasting and networking with the NY metro exporting community.

To learn more and to register, visit here.

Happy 15-Year Anniversary to the Escape From Corporate America Blog!

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

For all of you who have been following our Escape From Corporate America (EFCA) adventures, you know it's been quite some time since we have been blogging -- some 15 years!  For the newcomers, can you believe it?  We can't because time flies when you are having fun, living your dream, and helping others live their dream too with starting a business.

We launched Escape From Corporate America officially on July 2, 2004 and since then, we have had more than 806,000 readers (not quite a million but we'll get there thanks to you).  We average about 10,000-15,000 readers a month now!  Take a look at our second post in 2004 talking about why EFCA was established.  It reads as follows:

This blog has been set up for businesswomen to voice their experiences working in Corporate America. Many women have expressed concern that Corporate America is actively pushing out its most talented women. Have you encountered something similar? What have you done about it?

Has the glass ceiling issue been a major reason for leaving your position? Are you thinking of striking out on your own to start your own business -- as a result of job dissatisfaction?

These are some of the kinds of issues that need to be openly discussed. If we do not challenge the system, no improvements will ever be made. Feel free to weigh-in with your comments. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

So grab your tall glass filled with your favorite beverage and toast to the Escape From Corporate America blog:  "To many more blog posts about helping female entrepreneurs go from corporate America to starting their own business!"  And to you dear reader, I thank you for your readership and for starting a business.  Read on!

Podcasts for Female Entrepreneurs

Happy Sunday everyone!  As you kick back, soak in the sun or drive to your best secluded getaway, give these podcasts a listen.  ForbesWomen contributor Bianca Barratt says:

Podcasts, in my [Bianca Barratt's] opinion, remain one of the greatest resources for entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, guidance and expertise from successful businesswomen for free.

Learn more about some really good podcasts for female entrepreneurs.

Photo by Juja Han on Unsplash.

Follow Your Heart on Innovation

Here's an article I wrote for Thrive Global, "Creating a Culture of Innovation:  Learning From the Best."  It's about following your heart and intuition on matters of innovation.  When you run a business, you must think about innovation!

In the article I focus on three people:  Walt Disney, Samuel Palmisano and Steve Jobs.  A snippet from Walt Disney:

Lesson: To create a culture of innovation, be straightforward. Listen. Simplify. Do things. Build things. Get something going.

Sound familiar?  Read the article here.

Photo by Taylor Rogers on Unsplash.

Grit is a Mindset for Women Entrepreneurs

Natalie James is a wife, mom of three, entrepreneur, owner and CEO of Toronto’s exclusive blow dry bar — Vent Blow Dry Bar. She believes grit – courage and resolve; strength of character – is a learned behavior.

“To develop grit, look to others who have demonstrated their ability to persevere through hardship and learn from them”

She goes on to say, "Ask them how to stay positive when faced with hardship or how to maintain focus when faced with distractions?"

Life is all about learning and growing.  Find out for yourself what else Natalie has to say. 

Photo by Sammie Vasquez on Unsplash.

Women Entrepreneurs Shape Our Economy Yet Face Challenges As they Persist

Traditionally entrepreneurs have been viewed as innovators who come up with new ideas for the markets, products and various techniques. They have the capability to shape the economy by creating new wealth and jobs and inventing new products and services.

In the case of women entrepreneurs, they are no longer viewed as traditional resources confined to the household, however, despite being educated, knowledgeable and capable of contributing towards transforming economies, women face fundamental challenges trying to enter the entrepreneurial sector.  This is particularly true in India.

Read more about the fundamental challenges women entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them.

Photo courtesy CoWomen on Unsplash

Women Entrepreneurs Whose Smarts Are Rattling Industries Worldwide

The Female Founders 100 are the entrepreneurs Inc. has been most intrigued by in the past year, whose smarts are rattling industries far and wide.  They are scientists, creatives, MBAs, data-nerds, and visionaries. For some, it's the first time they've ever started a company. Others have been at this for decades.

Explore when time permits.  How about now?

Have a Meaningful Memorial Day

Pay Yourself What You are Worth

As more and more women take the leap from Corporate America to starting their own businesses, one of the key factors to ensure the leap goes well is to focus on having confidence.  Many women doubt themselves and their abilities.  Sometimes it just takes a couple of good pals around you to say "you can do it!" The next thing you know, you you can!

Another challenge for women who start businesses is determining what you should be paid.  Don't skimp.  If the money is there, take it, do good work, and be proud.  Here's what a SCORE volunteer mentor says:  

Simply put, women need to be paid what they are worth. A lot of times women feel like that they can’t charge enough. However, in order to be successful in business and remain profitable, a shift in thinking — and a boost in confidence — is necessary.

Read more about what is available to women-owned businesses and what is necessary to succeed in business ownership.

Photo courtesy:  Hust Wilson on Unsplash