It's International Women's Day and I'm so proud to partner with women-owned businesses. Before I get into my "why," here are some fast facts on women-owned and operated businesses:
• US women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion a year
• 40% of US businesses are women-owned
• 64% of new women-owned businesses were started by women of color
• There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago
Why do I work with women owned businesses specifically?
This was something I was asked recently (yes, really!) so I wanted to take the time to really explain why I'm passionate about helping and supporting women owned businesses through effective brand design (besides the obvious reasons ;) ) So here are a few reasons to partner with women owned businesses and why women owned business are the key to a brighter future for ALL genders.
Why do women make great leaders?
We value work-life balance
Women are great leaders because we value and are able to balance professional and personal leadership skills. It’s also easier to approach a woman leader with a personal request, or a sensitive question. There's more to life than business and by caring about the well-being of their team, they can assure work-life balance that results in higher performance in the workplace.
We're more inclusive
I hate to say that there are female and male ways of dealing with power because I think each of us has masculine and feminine qualities. However, based on my own experience working in both male and female dominated workplaces, women will tend to be inclusive, to reach out more, to care a little more.
We're more empathetic
No matter where they live in the world, no matter what their cultural background, or family dynamics: In general, women are better at empathizing with other people than men, according to the researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Why is this important in business? Because empathy is an important quality in governing the way people interact and impacts their relationships in and out of business.
We focus on teamwork
The women I’ve worked with in the past consistently demonstrated passion, enthusiasm and an immense capacity to serve and be served by others. I’ve witnessed women make bold and wise decisions as leaders while relying on others to be part of their team. The environment is less authoritarian and more cooperative and family-like, with a foundation of solid leadership.
We're motivated by challenges
Until 1974, American women could not apply for credit on their own. Until 1988, women entrepreneurs couldn't even get business loans without a male cosigner. We've made huge strides and overcome challenges that only added the fuel for us to get shit done and get it done well no matter what challenges are thrown our way.
Womankind has overcome so much and made HUGE strides. However, there's still more work to be done and I'm proud to be a part of it.
Working with fellow women owned business owners brings me the utmost joy and makes my work that much more fulfilling. I already love what I do and seeing another one of us succeed is so inspiring to me, other women, and girls for the future. How could you not want to be a part of building a better future towards equality and betterment for all? Because when women succeed, everyone prospers as a result.
