Let’s Celebrate Our Sisters, Women In Business! 

Let’s Celebrate Our Sisters, Women In Business! 

If you were to ask me what does business represent for me, I would have to break it down and say: “It is about working according to my personal values. 

My decisions, even with whom I work, are based on those values. For me, it also means that I aim to steadily improve my business and that I always strive to learn new things. As an entrepreneur, I continue to develop myself and constantly face new challenges.” I think this is a key factor and not relevant only for women, but entrepreneurs overall. 

Global Entrepreneurship Week is globally celebrated in more than 100 countries. The essence of this celebration is to highlight the global entrepreneurial spirit. Even before this pandemic, women in business were on the rise, and it is for this reason that I dedicate this issue to all my WIB (Women In Business). 

Women have long been underrepresented in entrepreneurship, but that trend is shifting. 

The women that are out there making a change from education, creating a change in ecosystems and our global business status.  Women in Business is rising. Globally, entrepreneurship rates among women increased by 13 percent versus 5 percent for men, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which monitors 40 economies from around the world. 

This year, Global Entrepreneurship Week (link here) is celebrating four distinct themes: Education, Ecosystems, Inclusion and Policy, and I can guarantee you that you will find women that are DOING, despite the challenges that we are facing.

Moreover, it has been estimated that if more gender parity existed in entrepreneurship, and if women in business started businesses at the same rate as men, global GDP might increase by $28 trillion by 2025 (these figures were of course prior to the pandemic, but do not underestimate the power of women working together for a greater business. 

Let us not for a moment however, mention, how hard it is to build a business. It requires consistency, sacrifices and lots of discipline. Sometimes, just before you start reaping the fruits of that labor, you often feel as if you should give up, simply because the journey has been so long. Being an entrepreneur myself, I am constantly faced with challenges. I take solace in knowing that I am not the only one fighting and giving it all to build a brand, there are many other women in business around the globe doing the same. 

The reality is that business does not come with a magic wand, that will make your journey to success an instant one.

 It also does not have a “this will work formula”, and that goes for whether you are in the service industry or have a tangible product to sell / market. I have realized and I can testify that some of my greatest ideas come from interacting with other business oriented and driven women in business in my circle. That exchange of information, brainstorming sessions and support that results from powerful collaborations, will never have a price tag and it can mean so much for your business.

 As a woman in business or a female entrepreneur, you’re sure too have a story or two of your own experiences of doing business and I would love to hear some of your stories in the comments below. 

I am happy to share with you some of the things that has helped me drive the business as a woman in business and expand my network. Not only have I impacted my community, but I have been able to reach bigger audiences with a greater potential of turning that proposal into an actual sale or a new client. 

My sisters around the world, let’s continue to build the Women in Business community by:

Don’t fear failure. Failure builds us stronger give us the opportunity to improve. 

Be receptive to feedback, but also give honest feedback to your fellow Women in Business. Feedback is critical to validate your business. Competitive research can also help you understand what customers want. 

Never stop “levelling up” yourself with new knowledge. The key to growth, innovation and success is knowledge. Every successful entrepreneur I have met is an avid learner. In fact, the average CEO reads up to 60 books a year. If you don’t like reading, try audio books, online classes, masterminds

Become that expert in YOUR field. There are clients out there, looking for a solution to their problem that only you can provide. Show up as the expert and solution for them, despite of what others may think. 

Network with fellow Women in Business. If you want to build a large and successful business, you cannot do it alone. You need to get over your fear of rejection and network like it’s your job. The amount of collaboration and connections that can be gained by a large but close network is invaluable. 

Dream & Plan BIG! Women in business often underestimate their own potential and fail to dream big enough. It is important to tap into the inner reason behind your business and really think about the legacy you want to leave behind.

Support #dontdoitalone. 

Want to join a supportive community of Women in Business? Check out the link here for a supportive international community. 

It is important to have both mentorship and accountability to make sure you do not get stuck in your own head or the overwhelming amount of information on the web.

Female entrepreneurs can shorten the path to success by learning from the success and failures of others. 

Be confident. It is important to maintain confidence and believe that the rocky journey is worth it, because the world needs your impact.

I hope that some of these tips, can help you enhance and re position yourself as a woman in business and as a true leader. Women in Business is not just a thing….is a global movement. Are you taking the necessary steps to make sure that your business and your network moves with it? I certainly hope so! 

About the Author:

Kenty Lichtenberg founder of Kerai Kreative Style, a proud mother, blogger, and branding mastermind from the Caribbean. 

As an internationally awarded blogger and brand manager, she has had the opportunity to work and represent some of the biggest brands in the world. She has the unique ability profile brands, connect them to local markets, and create opportunities for growth. 

Kenty is a recognized influencer, and advocate for everything women empowerment and growth. She has not only helped other brands but also established and grew 2 of her own brands, from the Caribbean region that has it’s own unique set of challenges. 

 Whilst she has the passion of helping others, Kenty is always willing to learn, engage and go the extra mile for the the people she works with and the goals she wants to achieve.