Why female entrepreneurs rock!

I love what I do! and you should too!

Interacting with women this year who have a passion for personal growth and success have really inspired me.

Women are an economic force to be reckon with in 2017. Just look at us here in Trinidad! Genevieve Jodhan was named CEO of Angostura in February 2017 after several years in various positions in the company. Angostura is perhaps one of the best known organisational brands to come out of Trinidad and the wider Caribbean, with our very own Angostura bitters being featured on the international Food Network Channel. With such a branding giant to navigate I am sure Genevieve's rise to the position of CEO was no easy feat.

Another prominent female in leadership is Ms. Anya M. Schnoor. Ms. Schnoor, has been the Managing Director of Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited since November 2012 and serves as its Senior Vice President.

Now those two ladies are in great leadership positions in the corporate world. However, deciding to take the risk in your own business can sometimes be a daunting task. Internationally, I admire the tenacity are sheer grit of the life and business stories of Oprah Winfrey, J.K . Rowling and Cher Wang. Their wealth and sphere of influence is far reaching because they have built their individual empires on AUTHENTICITY.

I consider myself new to the entrepreneurial game...but an individual open to learning and making my business better. Over the last few years I have learnt alot from women entrepreneurs...some of which I would like to share, especially if you are thinking about taking that leap.

There isn't anyone who owns a company right now who knows all the answers or has all the skills necessary to run that business effectively. Yes I know their are lots of online businesses that have been built out of the homes of some solopreneurs but even the best of these individuals still need guidance from time to time. The best advice I could ever give anyone is to never be afraid to ask other people for their help or advice. In fact, I think the minute you open your business up to the right people you will see it immediately start to flourish.

Another piece of advice is to establish genuine relationships with like minded persons. I will even go a step further and say seek out people who are more knowledgeable about business than you are.

My dad has been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember and so much of his business is referral-based. I find this to be especially true for me now. So reach out to people no matter how difficult it may be, be truly interested in them and their business and try to cast a wide net.

 I recently conducted a workshop with a female entrepreneur with one of the most innovative ideas I have heard in a long time. I told her it was great and that she should start it right away. Sometimes the more research you chose to do upfront, and you over think to how much work is involved and how much you need to learn before you launch your product or service could easily put you off. I had no idea when I first started what I was doing but as time goes by some activities get put on autopilot and you begin to understand what works in your business and what doesn't.

As female entrepreneurs we also need to understand what we stand for; what our business represents and who are the clients we serve. Some of us have a problem saying NO and we undersell ourselves, our products and our expertise.You simply cannot be all things to all people. Learn to say NO, because you can end up stretching yourself thin, or providing mediocre service simply because you want to pay the rent. I know this is hard for many of us but defining our business very early on and defining our specific target market as well, will also be beneficial in the long term.

So l think you already know that launching your own business takes time, commitment and tons of hard work. But if you’re sitting at your desk, daydreaming how you should start your business feel free to call or what's app me at 495-3552 for a FREE #ALIGNYOURBUSINESS Session.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie-Ann Jollie is a marketing communications executive with more than 10 years experience creating marketing strategies and promotional campaigns for a diverse array of corporate clients and first time entrepreneurs.