Women Make Great Entrepreneurs

According to the National Foundation of Women Business Owners, women-owned businesses have grown significantly over the past 7 years. As of 1999, it's estimated that one-third of all US small businesses are owned by women. Now, more than ever women have access to the tools and support to be a success in today's "Corporate America". Why not you?

There are 10 traits of a successful entrepreneur...those are:

1. Desire to achieve and succeed.

2. Perseverance and persistence.

3. Self-Confidence.

4. Creative problem-solving skills.

5. Self-motivation.

6. Goal setting and self-discipline.

7. Respect for money.

8. Persuasiveness.

9. Knowledge of your market.

10. Customer service oriented.

Women are great entrepreneurs. Why is this? Women tend to focus on the business relationship and in return that leads to customer loyalty and recurring sales. So why do you want to own your own business?

Here are five questions I want you to ask yourself:

1. What interests, talents or skills can I bring to my new business?

2. Am I a self-starter?

3. Do I enjoy challenges?

4. Am I a creative problem solver?

5. What are my strengths and weakness's?

Approximately 60% of all business owners do not make it. Most people understand that running a business take some know-how. Most successful business owners posses additional skills and interests. The passion drives them to move ahead. Before starting a business think about what is driving you to this decision. What is the reason behind starting your own business? Maybe you want more $$, the flexibility to be with your family or you want to be boss lady. Whatever your reasons are, making a change in your life can be exciting or it can be exhausting. This is supposed to be a exciting experience a new journey in your life. Eliminate the guess work.

It does not have to be exhausting....try this technique: make a list of all the reactive reasons (push you away) and the active reasons. Reactive (pull you in) reasons are the negative and that are objectionable about working for others. Active reasons are the positive about having your own business. It is the "Push and Pull" response. Ask yourself these questions....what drives you?....what are you passionate about?....what other options are there?

There are so many reasons to start and grow your very own business. The most that I have heard over the years of coaching are:

* The pure reason of feeling free

* Helping others

* Leaving a legacy

* The feeling of being wanted and needed

* Contributing to your family income

* Personal financial gain

* Fame and recognition

* Chance of ownership

I am sure if you sat down with a pen and a notebook and over the next few days write a little and think a little. You will find LOADS of reasons. There are many reasons and they are quite powerful reasons. Starting a new company is a great challenge. To those with entrepreneurial instincts, it is very appealing.

Nine Lives: Stories of Women Business Owners Landing on Their Feet.

Article by: Dawn Hogan