Secrets from a Successful Businesswoman

Here are a few secrets from a successful businesswoman. We all know that business growth plays a critical role in a community’s economic growth. And although the number of women starting their own businesses has grown considerably over the last two years, our ability to improve economic conditions remains limited. Unfortunately, most women-owned businesses are sole proprietorships. Often, we don’t have the resources to hire employees. Many women entrepreneurs struggle and don’t leverage their networks or explore available mentorship prospects needed to expand opportunities.

As a Black female entrepreneur, I too have struggled. My 30-plus-year journey – freelancing, working for others, establishing my own business, failing, and volunteering taught me many important lessons.

In order to remain a successful businesswoman, you must:

stay committed
push boundaries
thrive beyond limits
encourage other women in business to do the same

As former Secretary of State, the late Madeleine Albright famously said, “There is a place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” Four secrets to success have guided me over the years, and I would like to share them with you.

Secret #1: Be Fearless

Whether you’re a designer, writer, marketer, or finance professional, never focus on the naysayers. Keep the critiques or the possibility of your work being rejected in check. Be fearless and own your work. Own your talents. Own your skills. Also, as you allow criticism to inform your decisions, do not allow it to discredit either your abilities or your vision. Remember to never diminish yourself. Instead, look for ways to infuse your business with new ideas.

Secret #2: Support Women-Owned Businesses

Support women in business. You can do this in a couple of ways:

1) Buy our products and services. We need revenue and support from customers and clients like you. Don’t ask us to discount our prices. Seek out women-owned businesses. Make a special effort to patronize us. Send referrals, and follow and comment on our social media platforms. Engaging with women-owned businesses can go a long way in helping entrepreneurs gain new customers and clients.

2) Be a resource. Female entrepreneurs need mentorship, funding, branding, marketing, and operations support too. If you have talent in any of these areas or know where a business owner can access such expertise and information, share the roadmap. If you can offer your talents and services, you can benefit someone who may have been reluctant to ask for help or support.

Secret #3: Ensure Women Occupy Leadership Roles

Successful businesswomen ascend to leadership positions. Additionally, mentorship and sponsorship are essential in helping women understand an organization’s culture. They are necessary for strong leadership. Whether it’s serving as CEO, taking on a senior management position, or holding a seat on the board, successful businesswomen need guidance. It is important that those who are familiar with the policies, structure, and climate of an organization guide women. Remember, whether the female is new or learning in her position, help her so she can have the best opportunity to gain and succeed. Oftentimes, we don’t fail in a position because we weren’t qualified, we fail because we didn’t understand the rules of engagement. Good mentors and sponsors can help us navigate those challenges.

Secret #4: Commit to Continuous Learning

Engage in continuous learning across the board – business development, team building, financial acumen, etc. Learn how to understand people. Teach yourself ways to discern the environments in which you and the people you work with exist. Having a continuous learning mindset and turning every opportunity into a learning experience will help you remain a successful businesswoman. Additionally, you must remain tenacious. My team and I don’t give up! There have been a lot of ups and downs, transitions, and losses, but my commitment to operating with honesty and integrity has kept this company evolving for more than 30 years. Third, and most importantly, you must care. A lot of my success results from the passion I have for my family, my community, my church, and all the people I touch.