By Dr. Farrah Gray
Special to the AFRO
(April 28, 2009) - More than one-third of entrepreneurs in the United States are women, and the growth in the number of woman-owned firms is more than double the rate of all U.S. firms.
Stay-at-home moms are multi-tasking more than ever. In between childcare, cooking and cleaning, they are cranking out inventions that are making them millions.
In America, women start 424 new enterprises every day that’s more than twice as many as men. These mothers of invention have nurtured their creative ideas outside the corporate box.
Knowing how to stretch a dollar, these resourceful women started simple, by keeping costs down and production up.
Today, women entrepreneurs employ more people than the Fortune 500 combined. Throughout history there are many successful woman entrepreneur models such as Madame C. J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove) listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first female African-American to become a millionaire by her own achievements.
Orphaned at the age of 7, Walker built a thriving beauty products business in the early 20th century, employing over 3,000 people. She was noted for working hard, honest business dealings and quality products led her to success.
The Small Business Administration’s Women-21.com one-stop shop resources center, notes woman entrepreneurs as the fastest growing group of business owners.
An explanation for why women have emerged as an important entrepreneurial group and why they have moved beyond traditional sectors can be found in examinations of changes in women's human capital -- especially their educational access and occupational representation.
Several online social networks offer support for woman entrepreneurs of all backgrounds such as; MillionaireMoms.com, MomInventors.com, BlackEnterprise.com, Woman’sWork.com, BlackBusinessWomanOnline.com, and HomeBasedWorkingMom.com.
Today, woman entrepreneurs are the first generation from the cross platform, device agnostic, multimedia world in which we live in. Now, they take cues from both to put a personal stamp on business. They don't just tap the insight of other women entrepreneurs, but encourage networking and support their success.
Here's some popular networking techniques used by woman entrepreneurs:
Keep It Small
Networking at the executive level is rarely done via big parties or industry mixers, regardless of gender. Woman entrepreneurs mainly connect through one-on-one meetings or small, exclusive dinners and get-togethers giving everybody a chance to relax. It fosters a great climate for brainstorming and meeting new executives.
Keep It Selective
One of the key elements to networking isn't just how but who. It's most advantageous to connect with like-minded individuals and coordinate dinners or drinks with an eye on synergy between attendees. It can also help guests feel more comfortable in sharing insight or contacts.
Keep It Consistent
They regularly make an effort to connect with fellow women in business to put heads together and conjure new ideas. It's done via a variety of ways, from email, to cell texting to instant messaging to in-person meetings, but most importantly, it's constant.
Keep It Focused
While gatherings are often in a social or relaxed environment, make no mistake - it's all about business. Networking can be fun, but keep it productive as well.
The success of women entrepreneurs is a dynamic trend. Perhaps a hybrid of Baby Boomer work ethic, ‘70s freedom, and the great women in business boom of the ‘80s and ‘90s, they're an inspiration of drive, ambition and an anything-is-possible mindset. What's interesting is that it goes beyond the business world into every corner of their lives.
They have rich social lives and good friends, husbands, great families, and live comfortably.
They love style, looking good, support social change, and most of all, are happy.
Now it's your turn to take the steps to achieving your dream and go for the gold waiting for you at the end of the finish line.
Dr. Farrah Gray is the author of ‘The Truth Shall Make You Rich: The New Road Map to Radical Prosperity,’ ‘Get Real, Get Rich: Conquer the 7 Lies Blocking You from Success’ and the international best-seller ‘Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out.’ He is chairman of the Farrah Gray Foundation. Dr. Gray can be reached via email at fg@drfarrahgray.com or his web site at http://www.drfarrahgray.com.