After reading and going through many blogs on start-ups and woman entrepreneurs I landed on a guest post of Kate Endress. She is CEO and
cofounder of DITTO.com, which is an eCommerce site dealing in customized designer eyewear including the contemporary prescription
sunglasses. She graduated from Stanford Business School, worked as a private equity investor, and embarked on her journey as an entrepreneur.
In her guest blog post, she describes that there is an increasing number of great female role models who serve as inspirations. She states
that women lead just 8% of venture-backed companies. Also, that decision of hiring Marissa Mayer by Yahoo while she was pregnant was not
only exciting but also inspiring. Kate Endress shares that how fruitful was the strategy discussed by Marissa Mayer in her talk at
Stanford Business School about How a woman CEO can achieve a work-life balance?
Based on her personal experience Kate Endress has shared four pieces of advice:
1. Connections Count: Build Your Network
It is important to have genuine connections for the long run. All it starts with sharing your business ideas confidently, a strong and warm
handshake followed by friendly eye contact. As business owners we all are busy, but meeting a new business owner every month (at least)
is highly motivational.
2. Let Others Help: Tap The Resources
There are several resources and organizations which are supporting woman entrepreneurs, utilize the facilities. It's always good to work in
team or group. Its advisable to utilize the available resources and encash opportunities to grow. All this helps in networking, mentoring,
generating and investing.
3. Don't Forego Funding: VCs Are Becoming More Balanced
Small venture community or woman startups are more successful for example Women make up 60% of Zynga's customers, 77% of Groupon's
customers, 82% of Pinterest's users, and 70% of all eCommerce buyers. Kate Endress quotes," If your target market is women, you can
leverage your experiences and build a better story of how your company will reach other females.". There are many government grants
available for woman entrepreneurs.
4. Learn To Lead: We Need More Movers, Shakers, and Mentors
Have a voice, speak out confidently, realize your weaknesses and work on them. Build your own team of strong women mentors another young woman who wants to be a businesswoman in the future. Set an example for other females and run the show while building your own network.
Many of us dream to have our own startups at some point in life. Theirs no expiry date. You can start your venture at any age, what counts
is the zeal, go-getter attitude despite all the odds? Buckle up. All the best.
WE NEED MORE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS! Please leave comments and share your thoughts on the same.
