Women business owners are a powerful force in our country—they own over 13 million businesses—but they still face many unique challenges. To help women entrepreneurs who are starting new businesses, we asked female entrepreneurs and founders to share advice that helped them—or that they wish they’d known—when they started their own entrepreneurial journey.
Best tips for women entrepreneurs
1. Cultivate powerful storytelling
“As women, we often have the gift of gab. Our ability to communicate and share our own stories or the stories of those we support is crucial. Translating our feminine gifts of connection and communication into our business can serve us, including crafting your story and sharing it interestingly.
“The ability to share your story can literally shape the truth as people perceive it. When shared correctly, storytelling can lead to funding opportunities, community collaborations, and organic growth. Be sure to leverage social media to amplify your message and include data that supports your business case, as this can be compelling and convincing.”
—Tyler Butler, 11Eleven Consulting
2. Bring a new perspective
“There are still so many industries that were built solely by men—and some of them require a fresh perspective to rev up again and reach new heights. Ten years ago, we created a staffing agency that took an old model and modernized and streamlined it. We also took the matchmaking part of the job far more seriously.
“In the past, staffing agencies would basically match assistants with clients randomly. We made sure never to do that and our clients have loved us for taking those extra steps. Today, we are the go-to agency for support-level roles. That’s because of the new perspective we brought with us when we launched our company.”
—Brittany Dolin, Pocketbook Agency
3. Find a purpose
“I started my company out of a personal need. Doctors diagnosed me with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) after years of dealing with health issues that they couldn’t explain or treat. I dug in and did as much research as I could.
“When I started, I felt alone. The more I researched, the more I realized that there are millions of women who have dealt with the same condition. They, too, were dealing with feelings of loneliness, fear, and frustration. We had a common experience. I knew I needed to do something.
“And it was through that determination that I built my company, which provides comprehensive and expert care for women struggling with PCOS. There was not only passion behind my company, but a sense of purpose. Those are the brands that succeed.”
—Rachel Blank, Allara
4. Know that you are in control
“One thing any woman who is starting a business should know is to not get in her own way! Taking risks can be scary, but it’s important to be decisive and in charge in order to see the growth and vision you want. Remember that you are in control and make your business the way you want it.”
—Diane Howard, Esthetic Finesse
5. Stop discriminating against yourself
“As a successful entrepreneur and the founder of a successful health and wellness center, this is one lesson I share with almost everyone I meet. Most of those doubts and worries that seem to consume you and even keep you from moving forward may seem to be external, but always remember that the strength to overcome them will only come from within.
“So, my most important advice for female entrepreneurs is to stop discriminating against yourself. You must never doubt your capabilities, never give in to your fears, and never relegate yourself to a personal and professional life filled with compromises. Only when you raise yourself up, will you be able to project your ambitions in an aura filled with confidence and purpose.”
—Azmaira Maker, Ph.D., Aspiring Families
6. Hire employees who share your passion and vision
“Avoid bringing people onto your staff who don’t share your excitement about your company’s vision. Since starting your own business requires many hours of work, you don’t want to spend that time with people who sap your energy or are negative about the work. In the long run, the success of your business depends on the power of your team! Find your people!”
—Liza Kirsh, DYMAPAK
7. Get out of the hourly rate mentality
“When I first started my writing business, I charged my clients based on how much I wanted to average per hour, week, month, or year. On the positive side, I had plenty of work! But that was because my rates were low and the quality was high, which eventually led to more work than I could handle. However, I failed to account for what my services were worth to my clients. Instead, I ended up shorting myself by thousands of dollars per year. The lesson: don’t just rely on your own perspective about money when setting your rates.
“Think about what your services are actually worth to the end user. Are you saving them time and money? Are you bringing them lots of new business? Get out of the hourly rate mentality and think about the real value you provide. This will help to close any gender pay gaps and ensure you’re paying yourself fairly.”
—Alli Hill, Fleurish Freelance
8. Surround yourself with supportive people
“There will be people close to you whom you thought would support your entrepreneurial journey, but they won’t. They are going to resent your ambition. You are doing something they would never have the guts to do.
“It is critical, especially when just starting out and feeling so vulnerable, to surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. A year from now, your inner circle will probably look a lot different, and that is okay. You don’t need anyone holding you back.”
—Natasha Ozybko, MOXY: The Voice of Women in Infrastructure
9. Maintain authenticity
“Starting an entrepreneurial journey can be exciting and scary. There’s both the thrill of possibility and the inevitable fear of failure. As we work to thwart failure, we’re constantly looking for the recipe for success. However, it’s all too easy to conform to what we believe success looks like in the eyes of others. When we do this, we lose our authentic selves as we morph to fit the perceived impersonation of success.
“Before we know it, we’ve gone away from our true north and we’re feeling lost. My advice to female entrepreneurs is to never forget what made them successful. It’s likely grit, tenacity, self-confidence, intellect, willingness to take risks, dedication, belief, and a tribe of supporters that got you here. These attributes are what success looks like, so wear them proudly, girl! People are drawn to authenticity but back away from impersonation. Always remain authentic to who you are; remember, it’s what got you here, and it’s what will get you there.”
—Kate DeGon, ChangeSync
10. Develop a support network
“It is very easy to fall into rabbit holes when you’re on your own. Find specific people you can connect with on the myriad of questions that pop up as a solopreneur. They may be personal or professional connections, or they may be people with expertise on your subject matter that you find online.
“Once you have this support network, you’ll feel reassured that you can find answers when you have questions. Second, ensure you have general support. Friends can provide substantial support by providing a listening ear. For example, I take regular walks with a close friend during which we exchange our concerns and generate solutions together in our mutual areas of work.”
—Laura Barker, Laura Barker Coaching
11. Ensure you have work-life balance
“I think one of the most challenging aspects of being a female entrepreneur is focusing on your business while not neglecting your personal care needs or your friends and family.
“The best tip I can give to maintain balance is to create a calendar with a schedule and make sure all your top priorities are penciled in first—these are things that matter to you personally (self-care, family functions, outings with friends, etc.). After this list the top two to three things that only you can do to grow your business. The rest of your list then can be automated or outsourced. This will help you ‘get it all done’ while still being happy, healthy, and sane!”
—Jaime Ellithorpe, 540 Strategies
12. Overcome imposter syndrome
“I’ve been a leader in my field for nearly 10 years, and sometimes I still doubt myself. My success should speak for itself, but often I’m treated like I don’t have a clue what I’m doing. Earlier this year, I realized I had internalized some of those beliefs. I was paying a lot of money to ‘specialists’ and ‘consultants’ who were messing up my work. I assumed they knew more than I did just because they said so. Most truly talented people wrestle with imposter syndrome. Learn to spot it, learn to fight it, and you’ll be so much better off.”
—Nicole Thelin, Low Income Relief
13. Don’t underestimate the power of community
“Never underestimate the power of community! There are lots of groups and communities —both formal and informal (and organized versus less organized)—including groups on social media channels, Slack channels, and meet-up communities (local, national, and international). I’ve found such substantial support from fellow women and marginalized people in fantastic communities. We bounce ideas off one another, refer each other for work, and even can be a shoulder to cry on.”
—Natalie Arney, NCA Digital
14. Seek female-friendly investors
“While the gap between the number of male- and female-owned businesses is narrowing, the funding gap isn’t. Male founders continue to raise billions more in VC funding than their female counterparts.
“So, you’ll want to do your research now to scout out female-friendly investors. Know which VC firms and private investors walk the talk of diversity and inclusion. Networking with other female founders through online or in-person communities can also help with your research. Plus, knowing you’re not alone in your struggles will help boost your morale. An impressive network can have your back and cheer you on when you win some battles, too.”
—Michelle Maiellaro, Jeeves
15. Stay true to your values
“There’s no need to change who you are authentically as a business owner to ‘fit in’ or a need to ‘do it all.’ Remember that your perspective is unique to you—no one else in the world can access it, and you are going to bring something of value to life differently than literally anybody else will.
“Always be on the lookout for ‘win-wins’ and how to add value to others—and the majority will reciprocate. There will be twists and turns, but keep moving forward, stay aligned with your personal values, and enjoy the ride!”
—Lacey Hunter, TechAid
16. Build a strong support system
“Starting and running a business can be a challenging and stressful experience, and it can be especially difficult for women who may face additional barriers and biases. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with a network of people who can offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability. This may include mentors, business coaches, colleagues, or friends and family members who can provide emotional and practical support as you navigate the trials of entrepreneurship.
“Building a strong support system will not only help you stay motivated and focused, but it will also give you the resources and confidence you need to succeed in your business endeavors.”
—Stephanie Jenkins, Stephanie Jenkins Photo
17. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
“When you’re first starting out in business, you want everything to be perfect. We are the most prominent critics of our work, especially if the business is our baby. Like when a baby is born, our maternal instincts take over. We want to protect, nurture, and spend every minute with the new baby.
“However, in business, things will go wrong. Everything is on us initially and we will feel it’s our fault. Self-doubt rears its ugly head, and our confidence gets hammered. However, this is progress. We must fail forward, learn from our mistakes, and grow.
“So, enjoy learning, and be kind to yourself. Don’t get me wrong —feel the anger, anxiety, or fear, but be sure to brush that off quickly. Even get it out of your system by exercising, enjoying a glass of wine, reading, and meditating. Importantly, reflect on the mistake and refine your approach. You will find more clarity and simultaneously build your resilience muscle.”
—Alice Cheng, Alice Cheng Coaching
18. Grow a strong local network
“Something I wish I had known earlier on in my career was the importance of networking and building relationships. Having a strong network of contacts and collaborators can provide you with valuable resources, support, and opportunities for growth that otherwise wouldn’t have existed. As someone who is currently running their own business —a veg box delivery service in the UK—I really cannot understate the importance of having a strong local network!”
—Cherry Fermor, Cherries and Carrot Tops
19. Develop the right mindset
“As a female founder, I understand the call to start your own business. You’re an expert at a craft and want to share it with the world. But what you don’t realize is that not only do you have to be an expert at your skill, but you also have to learn the world of business and marketing. It’s a journey —a long and winding one. But it’s so worth it.
“However, the one thing every female entrepreneur should know is that mindset is at times even more important than your skill set. Entrepreneurship is a journey that requires the right mindset in order for you to succeed. And of course, this includes believing in yourself. That is the difference between success and failure. So, as you start this journey, be sure to focus on personal growth and self-improvement, and this will help you succeed.”
—Jenny Belanger, JennyB Designs
20. Don’t sell yourself short
“Feeling condescended to as a woman in my field is all too familiar. For example, people are still calling us ‘females’ in mainstream media. Imagine a client recommending his ‘female business consultant’ to someone as if femaleness indicates quality. Language is powerful. We are WOMEN.
“One of the most condescending things my clients will do is treat me like my age or gender means I am less of an expert in my field. This can be extremely frustrating and disheartening, and it’s a common experience for many women in professional settings. I was an entrepreneur at 22, and I’m curious if I’ll earn more respect once I’ve put a few more lines around my eyes.
“It may tempt you to take the treatment to earn the dollar, but we shouldn’t have to work harder and for less pay to prove our value. As entrepreneurs, we have the power to choose our clients and the value we provide. Only work with those who appreciate you and charge accordingly. Your services are valuable. Don’t sell yourself short.”
—Alexis Ankersen, Calibrate Career Services
21. Realize the power of emotional intelligence
“We female leaders are often criticized for being emotional or leading with emotion. However, strong emotional intelligence is a tremendous skill to have as a leader. If as a woman, you can be self-aware, self-motivated, and practice a high level of empathy, you will excel in your entrepreneurial journey.
