~by Donya Zimmerman~
As a female entrepreneur, I have learned to balance work life and personal life. One way that I balance both sides of my life is by spending quality time with God. To me having some form of “spiritual balance” in your life will make it easier for you to deal with the daily trials of running a small business. I find reading my bible on a daily basis gives me the “spiritual balance” I need to stay focused on the daily activities needed to grow my business. Psalm 143: 10-11 states “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. V11…for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble.” With my connection to God, I understand that I will face trials and tribulations regularly. But, those trials and tribulations do not define who I am as a woman and small business owner.
Female entrepreneurs must understand that they do not have to do everything or “wear multiple hats”. We must learn to stop trying to please others and learn to be true to ourselves. We must understand that God created each of us with special gifts and talents to share with the world. We need to cultivate those special gifts and talents in a way that will allow us to share them with others. As a woman you must learn to be the person God created you to be, you cannot pretend to be someone else to please others. Also, you should not try to duplicate another person and just be you. God knows who you are and He loves you for being the “true you”. Female entrepreneurs are most successful when they are their “true authentic self”. Being your “true authentic self” brings integrity to your personal brand and customers will gravitate to your business more easily.
Female entrepreneurs must understand that not every person is going to understand you or get you. Women business owners are a special breed because we dare to be our true humble selves. We understand the sacrifices it takes to be a successful business woman. We know that when you first start a business you will have to make many sacrifices.
Here are some of the sacrifices that small business owners make when first starting their business:
- Time
- Money
- Family
- Friends
But, at the end of the day, those “little” sacrifices will reap “great rewards in the end”. Woman entrepreneurs must remember that they must always take time out from running their business to spend quality time with family and friends. Do not underestimate the power God has given you to live the life He desires for you to live.
Do not pretend to be something you are not to please others. If you have a desire to start your own business, go for it; when you take that first step God will do the rest. Let God give you the knowledge, skills and tools needed to become a successful business owner. Remember that your success as a female entrepreneur should be defined on your own terms and not on the terms of what the world considers success. Inside of you is an “unpretentious young lady” who desires to be her own boss. Having your own business does not mean that you are not important or you are not adding value to society. Not everyone was meant to have a 9 to 5 job and some people were meant to create jobs for others. Some people were meant to create their own path in life as entrepreneurs.
My fellow female entrepreneurs – just ignore those close to you who try to discourage you from starting your own business. Only God and you know what is best for your life. Live your life according to your own rules. Go be the best “female entrepreneur” you can be.
Meet the Author: Donya Zimmerman
Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience. Donya is also a public speaker and aspiring author.
She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) and Powerful Biz Woman (subsidiary of FACMBC), both of which are based in Baltimore, MD.
Services provided by FACMBC: Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance; Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance; and Business Organization Assistance.
If you are thinking about starting your own small business or non-profit organization, do not hesitate to contact me because I can show you how to do so.
For more information about Donya:
- Email: dzimmerman36@gmail.com
- Website: http://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PowerfulBizWoman/
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/FACMBC
