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When you look at what what the business model most women in business have ..the list of what they 'do' looks something like this:
- General administration
- Email
- Website maintenanceWebsite maintenance
- Phone calls
- Sales Strategy
- Social Networking
- Banner Advertising
- Customer Services
- Bookkeeping
- Running errands
plus much much more.
Not only do they have to make their business work, they are responsible for the personal side of life. Having children and partners plus take care of the household can consume your day.
The biggest barrier to their success is they often try to 'do' everything themselves, which is impossible. While they are 'doing' the day-day basics, there's no time to work 'on' the business. There's no time to look after their no. 1 asset... themselves.
That's why getting help is essential. If you're a woman in business, you need to look at letting go and asking for help. 'Superwoman' is a myth.
I recall one lady who had three pre-school children who was spending every possible minute working on her business. Well she really wasn't working 'on' it, she was working 'in it'. Mary did everything including packaging orders, bookkeeping, delivery of orders and all the paperwork. She wanted to make more money but she was very reluctant to let go of anything.
She also had the mentality that she couldn't 'spend' money on the business, until she made some first. If Mary outsourced the menial tasks, she would have easily freed up her time and tripled her current income, and been much more happier.
The business was a heavy noose around her neck. She was a perfectionist and felt that if she didn't play the part of Superwoman, she would have failed.
Freeing up your time is crucial, however what do you do with that free time? You see most women in business (and also a lot of men) are unsure of what to do next and that's why they keep themselves busy buried in paperwork and general daily busyness.
Identifying what type of help you need is also vital. I recently came across a woman who was struggling to keep her holistic health centre viable. She thought by investing in a special machine for an additional $25,000 which can diagnose various ailments she'd make more money. A new machine wasn't the solution.
The truth was she had no idea how to run her business. She needed a business coach. And it wasn't all about marketing that she needed. Her self-esteem and personal image needed to be addressed for her to be seen as credible.
Lisa thought it would be a 'good idea' to start a small retail store. That way she and her friend could be in business together. So thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of blood, sweat and tears later she was left with:
- Her friendship destroyed.
- A nervous breakdown
- Her marriage broken up
- $75,000 of additional debt
- No chance of having the baby she so desperately wanted
The pretty brochures, advertising costs and flashy website didn't bring in the business. And unfortunately a lot of women in business 'fluff' around and spend time and money in the wrong areas.
So if you want to stop struggling, find out what successful business women do. Every successful business woman I know continously gets help through coaching, attending seminars, reading, finding mentors etc. They are on a constant personal and professional development journey.
They also outsource their weaknesses and use their strengths.
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