This is what I learned by listening to successful women entrepreneurs
“I found my people.”
Have you experienced that before?
Whether they’re friends, professionals, or professional friends, it’s awesome when you find people who get you. They understand your passion, radiate their own enthusiasm, and motivate you to be better.
That’s what I experienced by attending the Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (WISE) Symposium 2017 in Syracuse, NY.
Here are 9 lessons I learned at the event:
[1] You may be the worst judge of your own capabilities. [Kathrine Switzer] When I started my own business, I bookmarked a page titled, “Beating self-doubt.” I get it. We are often the worst and most critical judge of our capabilities. Many women sell themselves short and undercharge for their services. This is an important reminder.
Kathrine Switzer is an athlete, advocate, and author. She is the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon.
[2] Rethink structures. [Annie Dean] Annie is disrupting the staffing industry through her company, Werk, a high-growth, job marketplace. Werk is solving the fundamental problem that prevents women from rising to leadership positions: flexibility. We must rethink structures that maintain the status quo.
Annie Dean is the Cofounder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Werk, a marketplace for jobs with pre-negotiated flexibility.
[3] Fail/succeed is a false dichotomy. [Theresa VanderMeer] This is a simple, yet transformative thought: companies and professionals don’t simply fail or succeed. Every entrepreneurial venture is a series of failures and successes.
Theresa VanderMeer is a social entrepreneur who founded WORK+SHELTER.
[4] Make sure you have processes in place that you trust. [Dr. Zina Berry] As I build my writing business, this best-practice holds true. Trustworthy processes lead to more efficient communication, better client interactions, organized billing, controlled finances, and process optimization.
Dr. Zina Berry is the founder of Berry Good Dental Care in Syracuse, NY.
[5] We deserve to be acknowledged and acknowledge others. [Isisara Bey] Not only did Isisara state, “We deserve to be witnessed in the fullness of who we are.”, she demonstrated this belief. At the start of her keynote, women were speaking in the back of the room. Isisara said, “Ladies in the back — will you please respect the people listening and will you please respect me.” Acknowledgment is important.
Isisara Bey is a film festival and live events producer, keynote speaker, and facilitator.
[6] Develop a purposeful intention. [Lisa Baker & Melissa O’Mara] Lisa and Melissa kicked off the symposium with a presentation titled, “Igniting the Spirit of Intention”. We answered the question “Why are you here?” and developed a strategy for achieving our desired outcome. Creating an intention is a tangible way to guide your business.
Lisa and Melissa are co-founders of The Leaders Co-Lab, a living laboratory and consultancy that helps people work better together.
[7] Women are literally being coded out of the future. [Annie Dean] Last year, 2% of venture capital funding went to women. The tech industry is creating the future of business through code. When women-owned companies only receive 2% of VC funding, the voices of women are consequently coded out of the future. This must change.
Annie Dean is the Cofounder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Werk, a marketplace for jobs with pre-negotiated flexibility.
[8] If you’re afraid of numbers, look at them with curiosity. [Elin Barton] I’m a math nerd, but I think this is applicable to many entrepreneurs and freelancers. The numbers can be overwhelming. Elin approached the numbers with curiosity. What do they mean and how do they connect? This mindset can transform finances from overwhelming to “kind of fun”.
Elin Barton is the President of White Knight Productions, Inc., a video production and marketing firm.
[9] Turn your creative dreams into goals. After listening to and speaking with successful women entrepreneurs, I discovered a pattern. Successful entrepreneurs turn their dreams into actionable goals. Everyone has dreams, successful people have goals.
It is an incredible opportunity to learn with successful people. If you’re interested in learning more about the WISE Symposium and these women, you can find their biographies here.
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Hey there, I’m Laura! Do you want me to write for you? Click here to learn more. I specialize in writing about business, tech, and professional development.
