Women can succeed if supported with resources to promote their businesses. It's a common phenomenon to see women support each other by forming networks or joining existing ones which improve their access to resources. Digital resources also help women improve their skills and knowledge in their different fields. Whether digital or physical, resources greatly improve chances of women success in entrepreneurship.
We asked entrepreneurs and business owners about the best resources for women entrepreneurs and here's what they had to say;
#1- National Association of Women Business Owners
The resource I have relied on from my earliest days as an entrepreneur is NAWBO, the National Association of Women Business Owners. On a national level, the organization works tirelessly to influence public policy on behalf of all women business owners. At the local chapter level, NAWBO is a place where members personally understand the challenges unique to female business owners and provide education and encouragement to meet those challenges. It’s a place you can be very real about problems without feeling judged, and where you can truly shine and never apologize for being ambitious.
Thanks to Mary Cravets, Simply Get Clients!
#2- A Powerful network of people
The best resource for growth is building a powerful network of people. It's not complicated and creates a path for professional development along with company expansion. Reach out to people and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Most people want to share their knowledge and help a fellow professional develop their business.
Thanks to Amanda Kranias, Hillman Accelerator!
#3- Where the love is
The BEST resources that women entrepreneurs can utilize for business growth is to “go where the love is.” Too many people try to over-strategize how they are going to go after resources. Start with the people who already know you and love you; stop with the cold calling. Go where you’ve already had success with the people who know you, love you and trusts you.
Thanks to Holly Dowling
#4- She Runs It
One of the best decisions I've ever made was joining She Runs It, a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting, mentoring and recognizing women in media, advertising, adtech and various other industries. Through them, I have grown my leadership skills, I have found my voice and I have cultivated a valuable network; all have contributed to increased brand awareness and the growth of my company which has translated to current and future business. They are a group of the most kind, empowering, supportive and powerful women I have met. I feel so lucky and blessed to be a part of the community.
Thanks to Lizbeth Cardozo, Tiny Milkshake Media!
#5- A number of books
I think reading the best books in management is the ultimate resource for entrepreneurs. A great book can serve as a roadmap into how leaders think and speak. They provide insight from industry pioneers that few people– even top execs– would have access to otherwise. Some of my favorites are High Output Management, Measure What Matters, The Hard Thing About Hard Things and The Everything Store. I re-read these books constantly. They help me stay grounded and focused. No matter where one is in their career, I recommend all entrepreneurs pick up a book and start reading.
Thanks to Jolijt Tamanaha, Fresh Prints!
#6- Content-based resources
Content-based resources are invaluable to fledgeling women entrepreneurs. Websites like Ladies Who Launch and Women 2.0 exist to provide female business owners with relevant and motivational content that addresses real-life situations and provide actionable and simple solutions. These topics can be anything from how to properly pitch to a client, to how to get over the nerves of networking. The comments section also gives readers the chance to communicate with each other, swapping stories and tips. In turn, it makes for a great networking hub of women who are all in the same
boat.
Thanks to Frances Geoghegan, Healing Holidays!
#7- Gary Vee
At this current time for women entrepreneurs, I feel like Gary Vee has a unique approach and outlook on how to truly and authentically run a successful business. His insight, raw and real-life examples, interviews and rants really make you think and evaluate who you are as a brand and what your purpose/mission is. His books, podcasts and YouTube channels are full of effective insights and a robust take action now type of approach.
Thanks to Teana McDonald, 3E Connections, Inc!
#8- TED
A great resource for women entrepreneurs is TED. The site is full of videos of great talks from influential women that vary on topics ranging from going on a walk to engage your creativity to how to find and create joy in the everyday. If you're in a rut and need some inspiration or good words to motivate you onward, I recommend watching a few of the talks to learn something new and wonderful.
Thanks to Deborah Sweeney, MyCorporation.com!
#9- Facebook
I recommend that women entrepreneurs use Facebook to grow their businesses. Facebook’s advertising interface is easy to use, even for the most novice user. Budgets can be small initially and grow as your business grows. Because Facebook has so many users across the globe, it’s easy to target your ad to just the type of people who might be interested in what your company offers. In addition to advertising on Facebook, set-up a social media fan page on Facebook so that you can stay in touch with your customers and engage with them on a daily basis. Experiment with what type of content your customers might enjoy. Try different types of posts and see what your customers love. It may be inspirational quotes, photos, polls, or even contests.
Thanks to Kate Gorman, Fort Mason Games!
#10- The Sisters in SEO Facebook group
SEO is a largely male-dominated industry (most of the SEO FB groups are 80+% male), and the Sisters in SEO skill sharing and networking group is for women by women. It was founded by some of the top ladies in the industry. I'm consistently surprised there aren't more women in SEO – there's no glass ceiling coded into Google's algorithm! The Sisters in SEO group is a great place for women who want to level up their skill sets, without having to deal with any mansplaining.
Thanks to Kari DePhillips, The Content Factory!
#11- Two networking hubs
As a woman entrepreneur, especially one who works from home and doesn't get to interact with others in real life, I turn to the following resources to network, stay updated on industry news, and learn and grow more in my line of work: Google Women Techmakers and Lean In Network are active networking hubs where I get to meet great women, and also great mentors. They are monthly newsletters covering women success stories, upcoming event information, and links to articles on how to grow more as a woman entrepreneur. Very inspirational stuff.
Thanks to Ankitaa Gohain Dalmia, AnksImage!