Women's Business Blog

Today, March 8th, is International Women's Day! Women, and especially women in business, should be celebrating. As they say..."we've come a long way baby..." and although we have 'miles and miles to go before we sleep' women must respect the struggles and obstacles the women before us have conquered. The U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy reports that exporting businesses owned by women and minorities export more intensively than those owned by non-minority men: 50% Hispanic-owned; 42.9% Asian/Pacific Islander/Aleutian Eskimo-owned; 28.6% African American-owned; 30% women-owned; 21.9% men-owned and 18.1% Caucasian owned. National Foundation of Women Business Owners (NFWBO) reports that acrosss the world women-owned firms comprise as much as one-third of all businesses and that the number of women-owned companies is growing faster than the economy in many countries (and not just industrialized countries). Yes, women all over the world understand the power in running their own business and are learning to take charge of their lives and earning potential. The picture of what a village of 100 people would look like if we shrunk the Earth's population is: 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 North and South Americans and 8 Africans. 70 people would be non-white and 30 white; 70 would be non-Christian and 30 Christian. 50% of the world population would be in the control of just 6 people...all of whom would be citizens of the U.S. These numbers provide the basis for opportunities for international trade. If you are a woman in business you can celebrate International Women's Day by exploring the feasibility of taking your company international. Regardless of the globally instability there is a market waiting for you and your product and/or service. Check into one or more of the many organizations supporting international trade and see if your business has an opportunity to capture an international market. The world is waiting for you.

There has never been a more difficult time in our history, at least since I've been around, to not only grow a business, but to sustain it. The banks have their grips tight around our money -- yes, I said our money. Whether your business has money in the bank or not, the money in the bank is taxpayer money and that is YOUR money. So if you feel angry you have every right to feel that way. But, this blog isn't about getting angry it's about getting even, or better said - finding the money you need in this economy to grow and thrive. The money is out there if you take the time to reach out to the appropriate resources. Women business owners must read Growing Your Business and carefully review each site linked there to find the source that most closely matches your current need. As I coach my clients, when looking for money you must understand not all money comes with the same obligation. You should research carefully and take your time before making a decision about accepting a grant or a loan. Some of the reasons business owners are in trouble now are because they didn't take the time to question the scope of the long term liability the last time they screamed SHOW ME THE MONEY. Nevertheless, don't wait another day to go online today to sites linked above. Some of the wonderful links included are resources such as: small business administration and count me in and more.

2010 will be the year when women in business will be the engine that will drive the U.S. economy. For the first time in history, women are the majority of the workforce. This blog is devoted to working women everywhere and those that care about them. Informative articles will be linked here and commented on by me. I'll share my 30 years of business experience with you having started both profit and nonprofit businesses. I have been an advocate for women in business because I believe there needs to be more attention paid to their achievements. Women leaders must be seen and heard as our voices and our leadership is needed now more than ever.