Women Entrepreneurs Setting the Pace

by Debbie Ruston, Featured Contributor

WE JUST CELEBRATED International Women’s day this past week. Women today, have a much more entrepreneurial, gutsy spirit, than they did 40-50 years ago. We no longer believe we need to sit at home and simply be the cook, and housekeeper as older generations did. More and more women are realizing that they have choice, and do not need to buy into the belief that the only way to work is for an employer. I have been a successful entrepreneur since 1986, and I have seen for myself the number of women that take bold step into the world of entrepreneurship, often driven by the desire to spend more time with their families, and these women are setting the pace for what is possible, for women and men alike. When we were having our children, many years ago, that is precisely what led me to this wonderful world of being self employed! I wanted to be home with our children, but needed to make some extra income to do so. So, like many young mom’s, I looked for a way to do that and looking back over my career, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

There are so many benefits to being an entrepreneur, especially when you work from a home office and there are so many ways we can start viable businesses from home, utilizing all the technology options available today.

– set your own schedule
– work around your family commitments
– volunteer at your children’s schools and extra events
– take the time off during your children’s school holidays and really be present with them
– be home with your children if they have a sick day
– no day care fees
– life balance
– less stress
– work when you are most effective personally

As we progress in age from having small children to becoming empty nesters, the benefits continue but some additional ones become apparent…..

– time to travel for extended periods of time
– spend more time with your partner
– being available for your grandchildren
– helping your grown kids with the support they require
– volunteer work
– you set the example of what is possible and inspire your grown children

In today’s world, there are so many opportunities to be able to create a business from home and with the support of technology today, you can literally do business all around the world, while being at home with the people you love most. As I write this article, I am amazed still at how incredible it is to be able to sit here in front of my fireplace, with a cup of coffee – my little dog resting on my knee, while typing on my laptop, listening to some beautiful background music. Over the years, I have seen this become more possible for so many different fields.

There is no need to run around like a mad women, through rush hour, jumping to every order that the corporate world dishes out, just to make a living. I have learned that we work to make our family life better so that we can do the things we want to do, with the people we love most. Many people in society have this backwards – many people are working so long and so hard, that they have lost touch with their family – they are working to survive. Many people have literally lost touch with why they are even working – they are in survival mode. Put your family first – find a way to make your family life better and a business that supports that – there are SO many options available today!

I encourage every woman reading this post that has the desire within them, to take that next step – Do not let fear, past conditioning or limiting beliefs hold you back. What is your experience, your background, your interests, hobbies and passions? How can you take all of this and find a way to work for yourself? Do not be swayed by family or friends that might give you “their best advice” to stay in your “secure” job. Discover your passions, follow your heart, that is your guiding light! When you are following your own guiding light, you can never go wrong. Becoming an entrepreneur has been and continues to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done – I am grateful to my children – for if it wasn’t for them coming into our lives, and being inspired to be home with them, I may not have discovered that there are other options than working a job your entire life. This is a key for success….tap into your “why”….WHY do you want to take this step, how would it change your life for the better. Paint that picture in your mind, and then start taking action. It is through being committed to the picture in your mind, (your “why”) that you will find the ideas, and the strength to push through whatever challenges may arise.

Here’s to YOUR success!

Reach out to Debbie personally if you would like assistance in developing the critical mindset necessary for success as an entrepreneur. She works with entrepreneurs, provides corporate training for businesses and works with the educational sector to develop strong, self reliant entrepreneurial leaders. You can reach Debbie directly by email: [email protected], by phone 1-800-576-2917 or on her website.