The status of women-owned businesses in Iowa has looked pretty bleak the past few years – we’re ranked 51st in the nation. The only way we can solve this (or nearly any problem, in my opinion) is through education, leading to smart action.
Last week, I was honored to spend a day with 130 business owners, professionals, and politicians who aren’t complaining, aren’t asking for favors, but ARE creating solutions and changing the landscape for current and future business owners. Here I offer 10 takeaways from the 2014 NAWBO-CI “Women Mean Business” Summit that you can apply to your own business or career growth:
- Success Leaves Clues. How often do you come up with an idea, then quickly dismiss it because you don’t know how to proceed? Keynoter Kristen Sharma reminded us that we don’t have to start from scratch or know all the answers in order to move forward, and her track record serves as wonderful proof. Look to your own past wins, as well as the successes of others you admire, to find clues and ideas that will move you forward.
- Serve As A Model. When you’re in a position of success, you must constantly remember that you serve as a model for others. An interesting addendum, however, involves serving as a model even in the journey. Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds (pictured) discussed the status of small businesses, emphasizing how “Iowa has an opportunity to serve as a model for other states, to move the status quo and leverage our diverse talent.” Don’t just wait until you’ve reached your goal – model for others all along the way.
- Know Your Why. Although her breakout session focused on marketing, Heather Yost applied her opening tip to both business and life success: begin with your why. You need to know the driving reason behind what you do. Remember, it’s not to make money or gain a certain position – those might be success measures for you, but they’re not the purpose behind your work. (For further reading on this topic, I suggest Simon Sinek’s bestseller, Start With Why.)
- Take Risks. Starting and running a business or advancing in a career are risks in their own right, of course. But don’t stop there. A common theme throughout the day’s presentations encouraged moving forward even when you haven’t yet figured out all the details. As Shakti Gawain once wrote, “The world will reward you for taking risks on its behalf.”
- Seek Out – And Thank – Mentors. All of the afternoon panelists spoke highly of mentors, role models, and coaches who have supported them in their extraordinary business growth and success. Jane Whalen added an important comment to this: “Make sure you go back and say ‘Thank you’ to your mentors and advisers.” Not only is it a nice gesture, but expressing your gratitude also encourages your mentor to continue paying it forward with others.
- Make Values-Based Choices. If you look only at the statistics, you might think the failure rate for small businesses is quite high. What the stats don’t show, as Maureen Collins-Williams pointed out, is that business owners sometimes choose to close their doors in order to honor their deeper values and priorities, such as family. “It all comes down to choices,” Collins-Williams asserts, “and we need to support them all.” Even if they choose differently than you would.
- Keep Your Feet Moving Forward. Panelist Erin Rollenhagen has experienced her share of obstacles throughout her career, but they have not stopped her in her tracks. If anything, they’ve strengthened her resolve and clarified her priorities even more. “Even when you feel like you’re up against a wall,” she advised, “don’t stop. Keep your feet moving forward and you’ll make progress.”
- Dare To Innovate. A huge factor in staying relevant in the business world involves finding a need, then offering a solution. Emma Peterson didn’t like how ticketing companies prevented musicians and artists from being adequately compensated for their work, so she set out to change the industry. “I didn’t know exactly how to do it,” she admitted, “but it was important, and I knew I could find the people and resources to help with the parts I didn’t understand.” Focus on the WHAT, then you can figure out the HOW.
- Build Community. The entire day was a powerful expression of community! You don’t have to go it alone – whatever your “it” is. Connect with people who can help you achieve your goals, reach out to those whom you can support, surround yourself with energy, success, and positive individuals. Never stop learning from and sharing your own experiences as well as taking in all you can from those around you.
- Do What You Love. The speakers and attendees of the Summit varied in industry, experience, company size, age, and nearly every other factor imaginable. One common denominator rang clearly through all the presentations, however, which aligns with studies on the wealthiest, most influential leaders in the world: Do what you love. Fuel your passion. Make your difference doing work that matters to you and makes a difference for others.
“Who we are is reflected in what we do and how we do it. Do what you love, work at something you believe in, do work that matters…and make a difference in the work you do.” ~ Sandra Magsamen
What would you add to the list? Share your ideas below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter.
Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who feel stuck – whether at an income level, in their leadership abilities, or “spinning their wheels” in the day-to-day – to flourish towards their vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.
Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.
