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The increase in female entrepreneurs over the past few years has been awe-inspiring, especially when compared to the growth of male entrepreneurs. Results of a survey by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) highlight a rate of increase between 2015 and 2016 that was double the increase posted by males. Below is a look at the changing landscape of entrepreneurship and five steps women can take to become successful entrepreneurs.

How has the entrepreneurial landscape changed for women? 

"Once a little-known vocation, life coaching is gaining traction in the technology age... According to projections by the Bureau of Labor Studies, the consulting services industry is responsible for the majority of employment growth in professional and business services. The industry is increasing by 575,600 jobs annually, or 4.7% — one of the largest and fastest growth rates across industries.”

In addition to the overall increase in the number of women who are choosing entrepreneurship, there has also been an increase in the number of women who are channeling their entrepreneurial spirit through a career as a life consultant. Viv, a company led by a powerful and award-winning female CEO, Cami Boehme, gives others the opportunity to lead by helping others. Viv Life Consultants work on their own terms and play a key role in helping their clients identify and pursue their personal and professional goals. A perfect opportunity for ambitious and passionate woman looking for a compelling side gig, Viv Life Consultants provide expert guidance on an extensive array of topics ranging from money management to interview skills to balancing time. All with tools that make it simple to grow a business.  

How can women become more successful entrepreneurs?

Not all entrepreneurs are created equal. A proactive approach to entrepreneurship is essential to prospering in an increasingly competitive market. Additionally, it is helpful to establish supportive, empowering relationships with other accomplished women. Below are five steps to help women become successful entrepreneurs.

1. Enlist the support of a female mentor.

Female entrepreneurs are more often motivated to succeed when they have a successful female role model to follow. Whether you choose to participate in a formal mentoring program or opt to find a mentor on your own, a seasoned mentor can empower women and provide them with the following:

  • Tips for juggling your entrepreneurial dreams and responsibilities at home
  • Strategies to overcome the fear of identifying and alleviating your self limiting beliefs
  • Ways to positively channel emotional energy
2. Surround yourself with successful women.

Regular exposure to like-minded women builds confidence and is a constant reminder that you can achieve your dreams. Finding accomplished role models at work and within your community is one of the best ways to fuel your entrepreneurial drive. You will have firsthand access to problem-solving skills and witness the strategies that strong women employ to earn the respect and admiration of others.

3. Join professional organizations for women.

Joining professional organizations for women is another great way to expand your empowerment support system. You can begin by joining organizations within your business industry and then becoming a member of professional organizations designed to give women the resources they need to succeed. Here are just a few organizations that exist to empower female entrepreneurs:

  • National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)
  • International Association of Women (IAW)
  • National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
4. Strive for work-life balance.

Maintaining the proper work-life balance is essential for success and happiness as a female entrepreneur. As you pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, make sure that you do not allow your drive for success to stand in the way of your spiritual passions and your personal relationships with friends and family. Designate time each day to recharging your batteries and reconnecting with loved ones.

5. Serve as an inspiration for young girls and women in your community.

Imagine a young girl… She is smart. She is ambitious. She believes in herself and her abilities. From a young age, she has the desire to leadto inspire others to greatness, to surpass expectations, to better the world. Yet as she grows up, two elements will affect her ability to lead: confidence and connections. Throughout her life, she either will receive what she needs to build these two key components of leadershipor she won’t.” – KPMG Women’s Leadership Study

Serving as a role model for girls and young women in your community will help pave the road to success for the next generation of female leaders. Helping young females channel their desire to lead others is a process that should start as early as possible in order to cultivate their leadership potential. There are many ways for you to help young women develop the confidence and connections they need to pursue a path of entrepreneurship. Here are just a few ways that you can use your own leadership skills to help build tomorrow’s generation of entrepreneurs:

  • Offer to volunteer or serve as a speaker at your local schools
  • Sponsor community events that support young female leaders in your community
  • Volunteer your time to organizations such as Girl Scouts of America and other groups that help girls develop their leadership skills

What is the single best path to successful entrepreneurship?

There are many steps women can take to become a successful entrepreneur. However, the most direct path to entrepreneurship is to seek the guidance of an industry expert. A seasoned leader in your field can provide the tools and inspiration you need to recognize your dreams of entrepreneurship.

The Viv Life Consultant community is filled with consultants who support each other and share ground-breaking ideas that foster success. We recognize that we can achieve far more as a community than any single person could accomplish alone. By joining our supportive network, you will enjoy the empowering opportunity to build lasting relationships with women who share your aspirations and talents.

We invite you to contact us to find out how you can join our fantastic community—and while we have an amazing group of powerful women, we have plenty of dedicated men as well! The Viv community of entrepreneurs and innovators will provide you with the support you need to thrive as a budding female entrepreneur. We look forward to empowering you to achieve your goals!