7 Ways to Thrive as a Woman Entrepreneur

7 Ways to Thrive as a Woman Entrepreneur
Natasha Swartz,

In celebration of Women’s month, international award-winning business coaches, Deborah Coskey and Natasha Swartz from ActionCOACH Ignite, share seven tips to help women excel in the field of entrepreneurship.

  1. Inner Belief: Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey and this can be compounded when you’re trying to be a superhero for your home and family as well. You need to ensure you are your biggest supporter. Whilst the doubts will always creep in, it’s important to dig deep to find your inner belief and then remind yourself of that belief regularly. Entrepreneurship is something anyone can do and entails a multitude of skills that anyone can learn. You are good enough. Believe that!
  1. Vision: Entrepreneurship is hard, with many setbacks and challenges. It does have however have an equal amount of opportunity and more than its fair share of fantastic moments. The vision you have for your business, how it can serve the world and most importantly how it can drive your dreams and goals is critical in pulling you through the lows and pushing you to the ultimate highs. Ride the rollercoaster knowing why you’re doing this and what you’re chasing.
  1. Lean on your inner circle: Whilst entrepreneurship can at times be a lonely journey, remember that there are many people in your corner – people that have your best interests at heart. Physically write down who is in your inner circle. Whether it’s your romantic partner, your parents, your friends, your suppliers, a customer or two, or perhaps even your bank manager. Ask yourself who has your back and is willing you towards success. When you actually see it written down you’re much more inclined to believe it. Lean on that inner circle. You’ll face times when you’re going to need their support and guidance.
  1. Learn to say No: Warren Buffet notably said: “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” Don’t be the woman that says yes to everything and to everyone. Every time you say ‘yes’ to something or someone, you’re effectively saying ‘no’ to something or someone else. Sadly many of those times whilst saying ‘yes’ to everyone else, you’re actually saying ‘no’ to yourself, your priorities and your boundaries. As an entrepreneur, you are the most important person in your business and therefore you need to ‘put the oxygen mask on yourself first’. Know your priorities and learn to say ‘no’ to everything else.
  1. Recharge: It’s important to remember that even Wonder Woman needs to rest and recharge. Whilst you’re giving everything for your business, your family and your community, don’t forget that you are an integral part of that complex web. You cannot give from your ‘bucket’ what you do not have. Take a minimum of one hour per week that is purely yours. Use it for a hobby, just to relax alone on the couch, make a call to a long lost friend or whatever gives you energy. Make time to recharge your batteries and prioritise it weekly.
  1. Ask for help: Why is it that women are so willing to give help yet so reluctant to ask for it? More than leaning on your inner circle, you will sometimes have to ask for help. If you need help, please ask – people are often surprisingly open and willing to assist.
  1. Banish guilt: As a woman entrepreneur (and especially as a mom) you might often find yourself on a guilt treadmill. A never-ending pursuit for peace and happiness that seems to elude you. When you’re at work you feel guilty for neglecting your family and when you’re at home you feel guilty about not doing enough in the business. STOP IT! You’re not being 100% present in any of your roles and the guilt causes wheel-spins and even paralysis. Decide upfront how much time can be dedicated to what. If you can only work four hours a day then make that the most focussed and dedicated four hours you can. Think of how much work you get done the day before you go on leave. Your productivity goes through the roof because it has to. Then when you’re wearing any of your other ‘hats’ as a woman, mom, romantic partner, friend etc. you can be at peace and 100% present there as well.

 In honour of all the fantastic women that make up our wonderful nation of strong women, ActionCOACH South Africa will be hosting a FREE webinar to help women business owners and entrepreneurs to absolutely thrive, especially during these challenging times.

FREE Women’s Month Webinar: ‘Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Summit’

Friday, 28th August 2020

9h00 – 11h00

Book now! Email Chenal at [email protected]