7 Essential Lessons Every Woman Business Owner Should Know to Succeed
Let's get real for a moment. Being a woman in business isn't all power suits and corner offices (though, let's be honest, a good blazer never hurt anyone).
When I started my first business, I had no idea what I was doing (I still don't half the time!)., and because of that, I learned a lot of hard lessons and did things wrong in various ways.
Business ownership is a journey—a rollercoaster filled with highs that make you feel invincible and lows that have you questioning your life choices over a pint of ice cream at 3 AM. But fear not—every twist and turn on this wild ride comes with a lesson or two, and I'm here to spill the tea. Buckle up, boss babes; this one's for you.
If You Don't Respect Yourself, No One Else Will
Listen, you're a queen, and it's high time you start acting like it. In the world of business, self-respect is your crown, and it's non-negotiable.
If you're not setting boundaries, advocating for yourself, or charging what you're worth, you're practically inviting others to walk all over you. Think of self-respect as your personal brand; it's how you teach others to treat you. When you respect yourself, you set the standard for how you'll be treated—like the boss you are. So, the next time you feel like settling for less, remember: queens don't bargain; they command.
Your Growth Path Shouldn't Look Like Anyone Else's
Comparison is the thief of joy and, in this case, the thief of your unique magic. In a world where everyone's success is plastered on social media, it's easy to feel like you're falling behind. But here's the truth: your journey is yours alone, and it's not supposed to look like anyone else's. Some people are straight-line shooters, hitting every goal without a hitch. Others, like us mere mortals, take the scenic route, complete with detours, pit stops, and the occasional U-turn. Embrace your path, no matter how winding it may be. The view from the top is much sweeter when you've taken the time to enjoy the ride.
Your Success Comes Down to Your Perspective
Success is 90% perspective and 10% what actually happens. Okay, I might have just made up that statistic, but you get the point. How you perceive your journey has a massive impact on how you feel about it. When things get tough (and they will), it's easy to spiral into a pit of despair. But instead of focusing on what's going wrong, shift your mindset to what's going right—or at least what's not on fire. It's all about playing the long game, seeing setbacks as setups for your next big move. A positive perspective isn't about ignoring challenges; it's about recognizing that every challenge is a stepping stone to where you're meant to be.
Surround Yourself with Good People for Your Mental and Emotional Well-Being
No woman is an island, and frankly, who would want to be? The people you surround yourself with can either lift you higher or drag you down faster than you can say "toxic." In business and in life, your tribe matters. Find those who support your dreams, challenge your ideas, and bring you coffee when you've been up all night meeting a deadline. These are your people—your support system, your sounding board, and sometimes, your sanity check. Keep them close and cherish them. And if someone's energy doesn't align with where you're going, it's okay to wish them well and move on. Your mental and emotional well-being is too valuable to compromise.
If You Can Dream It, You Can Manifest It
Call it what you want—manifestation, visualization, plain old wishful thinking—but there's power in your dreams. The first step to making your vision a reality is believing that it's possible. That doesn't mean just sitting back and waiting for the universe to deliver your dreams wrapped in a bow (though wouldn't that be nice?). It means putting in the work, staying focused, and aligning your actions with your intentions. Manifestation is about more than just dreaming; it's about doing. Dream big, take bold steps, and watch as the world conspires to meet you halfway.
Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone, Not a Setback
Let's face it: failure is part of the game. But here's the kicker—it's not the end of the world and certainly doesn't define you. Every successful woman business owner has faced failure at some point. The trick is to view it as a learning opportunity rather than a roadblock. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and move forward with more wisdom under your belt. Remember, diamonds are made under pressure, and so are you. Failure is just one step on the path to success, and it's a step worth taking.
Trust Your Gut: Intuition is a Superpower
You know that little voice inside your head, the one that tells you when something's off or when you're onto something big? That's your intuition, and it's a superpower. In business, trusting your gut can be the difference between making a smart move and missing out on an opportunity. Your intuition is the sum of your experiences, knowledge, and instincts, all rolled into one. Don't ignore it. Whether you're making a tough decision, hiring a new team member, or considering a partnership, listen to what your gut is telling you. It's often wiser than you think.
Being a woman in business is no small feat, but you've got this. Respect yourself, stay in your lane, keep your perspective in check, build a tribe of champions, embrace failure, trust your intuition, and dream like your success depends on it—because it does. Now go out there and slay. The world is yours for the taking.
Tell me how you have learned and grown as a woman business owner. Let’s connect!