“When you earn a congratulatory remark from your peers, embrace it gracefully and confidently. And according to leadership consultant, Rachelle J. Canter, Ph.D., ‘If you can’t own this success for yourself, then own it for all the other women who look up to you and emulate you.'”
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation suggests there are growing challenges for female entrepreneurs. “Despite growing contributions of women entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy, women still face barriers, according to Kauffman Vice President of Innovation and Networks Lesa Mitchell in the San Francisco Chronicle.”
But Erica Nicole, founder and CEO of YFS Magazine, insists, “Despite the challenges it’s time to not only lean in, but for many women to finally take a seat at the table.”
Studies indicate that women business owners are decidedly optimistic about 2013. In a recent survey, the “National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) found a pervasive sense of economic optimism, including a prediction by most WBOs (85 percent) that more women will become entrepreneurs in 2013 than in past years. WBOs also plan to invest more (38 percent) or the same (54 percent) in hiring this year than they did in 2012 – a positive sign for the economy.”
Erica Nicole cautions female entrepreneurs, that in the midst of optimism, to learn from those who have come before them and proactively position themselves to succeed.
In ‘Four Rules Every Female Entrepreneur Should Follow‘ Erica Nicole candidly reveals provocative small business insight “for females only”. Erica Nicole insists, “While many business challenges are common for all founders, there are unique lessons that women entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn in business.” She goes on to share four powerful lessons she has learned as a successful female entrepreneur.
1. Own your success.
There are several things that, as a woman, you should never apologize for, and at the top of that list is your well-deserved success. The apologetic undertone of some women entrepreneurs is subtle, laced with an excuse, chocked up to ‘luck’ or a dismissed congratulatory pat on the back. Many of us aren’t outright asserting, “I’m sorry that I am successful,” but a lack of confidence and all of the above are bedfellows of the same notion. Ladies, we already face an uphill battle in some cases. Don’t pack more unnecessary personal baggage on your rise to the top. When you earn a congratulatory remark from your peers, embrace it gracefully and confidently. And according to leadership consultant, Rachelle J. Canter, Ph.D., “If you can’t own this success for yourself, then own it for all the other women who look up to you and emulate you.”
Read the full article at Black Enterprise.
About Black Enterprise
BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Learn more at blackenterprise.com.
About Erica Nicole
Erica Nicole is an accomplished serial entrepreneur, acclaimed small business expert, dynamic speaker, syndicated columnist, philanthropist and Christian thought leader.
Erica is best known by the entrepreneurial community as the Founder and CEO of YFS Magazine: Young, Fabulous & Self-Employed (yfsmagazine.com) an internationally acclaimed and award-winning small business news site – the definitive digital magazine for startup, small business news and entrepreneurial culture.
As an entrepreneurial change-agent, Erica Nicole been featured in national media outlets including Forbes.com, Ebony Magazine, UpStart.com, Fox Business, MSN Business on Main, The Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, American Express OPEN Forum, Business Insider, AllBusiness.com, Mashable, AOL.com, Examiner.com and many more. Learn more at ericanicoleinternational.com.
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