I'm the female half of my company and I often find that though most clients have no problem taking me seriously and they understand my areas of expertise and I quickly prove that I know what I'm talking about, some still pull stunts like seeing how far they can push me and how much they can get for free when dealing with me, but wouldn't dare do that when they speak to my partner/husband.
It feels like they assume I will be a softie - a pushover - just because I'm a woman and I *do* go out of my way to make sure they are well-taken care of.
I just get frustrated when some clients try to manipulate me and I see it coming from a mile away, but they don't realize I know what they are doing.
That or they think I'm merely the secretary!! (sigh)
So perhaps you could help women find creative ways (that suit their personalities and positions), to empower themselves and to subtly keep that power when dealing with certain types of clients - while at the same time still being of service and bringing relief to the client. Sadly, they don't teach this in schools - and experience can be a painful and embarrassing teacher!
Courtesy Of Michele O'Riley Eliseon.com
Showing posts with label Women Entrepreneur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women Entrepreneur. Show all posts
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Key Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs face all of the same challenges faced by male entrepreneurs, with some additional obstacles. For example:
1. In most cultures, women are the primary caregivers for children. They face additional pressures when they become entrepreneurs - how do they balance business ownership vs. motherhood?
2. As a female entrepreneur, depending on the type of business, they may still face some stereotypes. Women may have to still be better and smarter than their male counterpart in order to get the contract.
These are a few challenges. To all men, please do not think that I am saying that you do not face challenges that are particular to men. These are just some specific challenges that some women many face.
Women-owned businesses are growing and home-based businesses are growing because of stay-at-home Moms! SBA shows that 50% of start-up businesses are women-owned businesses!
In fact .... State of Women-Owned Businesses Report Executive Summary from American Express - March 2011
• As of 2011, it is estimated that there are over 8.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 7.7 million people.
• Between 1997 and 2011, when the number of businesses in the United States increased by 34%, the number of women-owned firms increased by 50%— a rate 1½ times the national average.
1. In most cultures, women are the primary caregivers for children. They face additional pressures when they become entrepreneurs - how do they balance business ownership vs. motherhood?
2. As a female entrepreneur, depending on the type of business, they may still face some stereotypes. Women may have to still be better and smarter than their male counterpart in order to get the contract.
These are a few challenges. To all men, please do not think that I am saying that you do not face challenges that are particular to men. These are just some specific challenges that some women many face.
Women-owned businesses are growing and home-based businesses are growing because of stay-at-home Moms! SBA shows that 50% of start-up businesses are women-owned businesses!
In fact .... State of Women-Owned Businesses Report Executive Summary from American Express - March 2011
• As of 2011, it is estimated that there are over 8.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 7.7 million people.
• Between 1997 and 2011, when the number of businesses in the United States increased by 34%, the number of women-owned firms increased by 50%— a rate 1½ times the national average.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Micro Grant Program from Investing In Women
Below is from my friend Gazelle Simmons …. Dedicated to all the lady entrepreneurs out there:
The Micro Grant Program from Investing In Women was started to encourage more women to become financially independent.
Why is this important? Studies have shown that empowering women can decrease poverty, increase education, and promote equality. All of these create a society of happy healthy people! When women are in control of their finances they make smart decisions and spend more time focusing on family and fun.
It’s easy to empower women, just by talking about it with friends and acquaintances. We are asking that you take action by spreading the word.
Send an email, share this on your Facebook page, add it to a Linked In discussion, or include it in your next blog post. Tell people why YOU feel it is important to support women in business. You can share this message ….. or use your own words. Just make sure you share the website link too!
Investing In Women
Want to do more? Each grant is for $500, so we only need 100 people to donate $5 each. That’s the price of one latte at your favorite coffee shop.
The Micro Grant Program from Investing In Women was started to encourage more women to become financially independent.
Why is this important? Studies have shown that empowering women can decrease poverty, increase education, and promote equality. All of these create a society of happy healthy people! When women are in control of their finances they make smart decisions and spend more time focusing on family and fun.
It’s easy to empower women, just by talking about it with friends and acquaintances. We are asking that you take action by spreading the word.
Send an email, share this on your Facebook page, add it to a Linked In discussion, or include it in your next blog post. Tell people why YOU feel it is important to support women in business. You can share this message ….. or use your own words. Just make sure you share the website link too!
Investing In Women
Want to do more? Each grant is for $500, so we only need 100 people to donate $5 each. That’s the price of one latte at your favorite coffee shop.
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