Between 2002 and 2007, according to data from the Census Bureau: women created almost twice as many businesses as men. Does this data surprise you? Over the last decade the number of women in business becoming leaders has been rapidly growing and is expected to continue.
As a woman business owner, this doesn't surprise me. I have mentored a number of women in business who are leaders in the corporate world and have personally coached many successful CEOs. As I think about the talents, skills and knowledge of these women, I try to separate them from the men and attempt to distinguish the differences between the genders that may make one exceed the other. Male versus female for business leaders, which is better? I have decided that this not a fair perspective to address, as I have coached both men and women that have been successful in business leadership.
So if it is not a gender thing, what is the reason for the number of women in business who are leading and succeeding in today's environment?
Is it opportunity? Is it education? Is it attitude? Maybe we just have something to prove? Or does gender really matter or it is what is within the heart that drives us all?
If you polled 100 different women and asked them the question, what is the catalyst for your success? You may very well, get 100 different answers. Possibly 99.
Maybe if we dig deeper and asked what are the top 10 influences that attribute to your success as a woman in business, we could find some common ground.
For me, it would be:
1. Mentors
2. Opportunity
3. Wanting more for my family
4. Creativity
5. Leaving behind a legacy for my children to carry on
6. Lifestyle
7. The sheer enjoyment of work
8. The challenge of surpassing previous efforts year after year
9. The excitement of incorporating new technologies
10. Helping others around me succeed in their goals, by teaching, training and sharing what I have learned.
In conclusion, with the month of March being designated as Women's History Month, I would like for all women in business reading this to take time to examine what has influenced them throughout their role as a business leaders. Write those things down and find other women that you can challenge and mentor. Do this not for monetary gain, but for that intrinsic feeling that will empower you as a person.
After all, that is what great leaders do, pass it on. Your thoughts?
Please contact Joyce Brister if you would like for me to be a guest blogger for your Business related or internet marketing related blog. With over 30 years of marketing experience, I have expertise in writing about a variety of subject from SEO to social media, as well as, business start-up advise and hot trends in E-commerce marketing.

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