Motivational quotes can be found in abundance on your social media feeds, and when you’re having a tough day, the messages can lift and inspire you.
“Being a successful woman in business means you get your power from within as a woman, not from what others think, approve or expect from you.”
Melis Sawerschel, Founder of She Is Rebel.
The number of women-owned businesses in the United Kingdom in 2021 was 145,200 which was up from 56,200 in 2018. However, being a woman in business comes with its own set of challenges. Despite making headway in gender equality, there is still a significant amount of work to be done.
When asked about the motivation behind starting their own business, most women will mention one, or all, of the following as their reason for leaping into the unknown.
To follow a passion
Did you dream of owning your own business, or becoming your own boss? Believing in that goal is often the driving force behind becoming a woman in business. Being passionate about what you do, and why you do what you do can be a huge motivator.
To take back control
If the current climate has taught us anything, it’s that life can be unpredictable. Starting your own business and working to your own set of rules puts you back in control of your life and career.
To accommodate family commitments
Whether it is children or elderly relatives, rightly or wrongly, the role of the primary carer still falls on the side of women. Creating the opportunity to work around your growing kids, or caring for sick parents can make all the difference to that work/life balance.
Necessity
Sometimes your business is created out of a necessity above everything else. When faced with obstacles, fears, insecurities, and unpleasant situations, it can become essential to your mental health to remove yourself from a career/workplace and find an alternative option. Instead of giving up, you find an inner motivation and desire to reach for new heights.
The decision to launch a new business always starts with one thing – the seed of an idea. That seed can take months or years to grow and develop, but taking that seed and turning your vision into reality helps you become a true entrepreneur.
As you work through your ideas and analyse them from every angle, you will, no doubt, find motivation and inspiration from those around you. Many of you may look up to other women in business who have travelled the road you are about to embark upon. Some of you are lucky enough to connect with a local community of women in business who can offer support, guidance, and advice as you begin your entrepreneurial journey. Womens Business Networking prides itself on providing such a community.
Inspirational Women
Together with the incredible encouragement, you’ll receive at Womens Business Networking, we’ve found a host of inspirational women who have grown their businesses over the years, and will inspire your business spirit.
Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal
Sophia started selling vintage clothing on eBay in 2006 and has since transformed her business into a multi-million dollar empire. She went on to write and publish #GirlBoss in 2015 and became a New York Times Bestseller. It’s interesting to note that Sophia had no fashion or business experience when she launched Nasty Gal, but she had an idea and a passion for succeeding.
“Don’t give up, don’t take anything personally, and don’t take no for an answer.” Sophia Amoruso.
Baroness Karren Brady of Knightsbridge, CBE
If anyone shows you how to create success born out of passion, ambition, and goals, it is Karren Brady. A true inspiration to anyone who hopes to turn their idea into reality. Karren was 23 years of age when she became Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club. She is now one of the most respected women in business in the UK and rated one of the top 50 inspirational people in the world.
“You can’t determine where you start in life, but you can determine where you end up.” Karren Brady.
Charlotte Pearce, founder of Inkpact
Inkpact provides handwritten notes for businesses – putting the personalisation back into communication. Charlotte is also a programme director at TakeOff Southampton and runs a workshop that aims to inspire entrepreneurial students.
“I truly believe that we create our reality. The work I do with people and brands is all around taking responsibility. Responsibility for your life, business, the planet and your happiness.” Charlotte Pearce.
Let’s not forget the inspirational women in business that are closer to home. Womens Business Networking is honoured to have these ladies as part of our Panel of Experts.
Sharon Louca, founder of WBN
Sharon helps high achieving women in business to increase revenue and take their business to the next level. She provides invaluable support alongside structured business systems and strong practices. Her passion for helping fellow women in business was the seed that started the virtual Womens Business Networking, which provides networking opportunities to women across the globe.
“Don’t let opportunities pass you by through fear or lack of self belief – grab them with both hands who knows where it could take you – the sky really is the limit”
Jules White, founder of Live it Love it Sell it
Anyone who thinks sales is scary hasn’t met Jules! She helps women in business to fall in love with sales and to reconnect with their passion and drive. Her mission is to help you create your UHP (Unique Human Proposition®) to ensure that you provide an unparalleled sales experience for your customers.
Andrea Rainsford, founder of SEO Angel
If you ever wanted to feel inspired by a woman in business, then look no further than Andrea. After suffering a life-changing stroke in her 30s, she not only taught herself to walk again but went back to University and qualified in Applied Computing and a BSc in Computing Science before launching SEO Angel in 2014.
Her mission is to help women in business navigate and demystify SEO to help improve the visibility of their businesses.
Finding women in business who can motivate, encourage, and inspire you is not difficult. We are surrounded by strong women who have taken a simple idea and created something unique, no matter the industry, size, or financial gain.
Let’s finish with a question:
WHO inspires you?
Join the conversation over on our Facebook and Instagram tell us who inspired your business, or who continues to motivate you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Find inspiration with WBN
Are you interested in becoming a member of WBN? Do you want to benefit from the support and wisdom of our group as well as tapping into the knowledge and inspiration of our panel of experts? Find out more HERE.
Photo by Sammie Vasquez on Unsplash
