A vital resource for entrepreneurs that often proves elusive is adequate support. Engaging with individuals who comprehend your struggles and can offer guidance can significantly influence your journey during tough periods.
Danielle Canty and Natalie Ellis, both entrepreneurs, established the online community BossBabes to simplify access to such support for women in business. They provide a range of offerings, from membership advantages and paid programs to complimentary tools specifically tailored for businesswomen, such as a blog, an engaging Instagram presence boasting 3.5 million followers, and The BossBabe Podcast.
“By creating inclusive spaces where anyone can participate, irrespective of their background… they can exchange resources and discover opportunities that they may have thought were unattainable,” Danielle remarks.
Danielle and Natalie discuss discarding the “bossy” label often affixed to ambitious women, the significance of identifying your unique strengths, and the necessity of being willing to adapt continuously.
Don’t let stereotypes restrict you.
It’s no secret that society has historically been unkind to women who are driven, self-assured, and career-oriented. Ambitious women have frequently been branded as “bossy” and overbearing, instructed to tone it down and soften their approach.
Fortunately, that narrative is gradually shifting. Increasing numbers of women are launching thriving enterprises, securing positions in C-suites, and ascending to leading roles within their respective industries.
A significant portion of this success stems from women aiding other women. Contrary to the stereotype of female executives being ruthless and competitive with their female peers, this generation prioritizes paving a smoother path for future women leaders.
“We should adopt a mindset of collective success, where we thrive when we uplift one another; we win when we celebrate each other’s achievements; we succeed when we support each other; we prosper when we extend a helping hand to those behind us,” Danielle suggests.
When you find yourself as the only woman present, utilize your influence to ensure it won’t be the case going forward. If you encounter someone using terms like “bossy” or critiquing you or another woman for being “too ambitious,” don’t hesitate to challenge them.
Clarify why such views are sexist: While ambition and decisiveness are lauded in males, they often face scrutiny when exhibited by females. Would they describe a male behaving similarly in the same disparaging manner?
You aren’t obliged to conform to others’ perceptions of you, nor do you need to accept the pace at which societal changes occur. Harness your ambition and determination to advance the discussion for yourself and fellow women.
Identify what makes you unique.
The idea of establishing a brand from the ground up can feel intimidating enough to discourage many from starting. Since identities don’t form overnight, the sooner you begin shaping yours, the more beneficial it will be.
To kick things off, Natalie emphasizes the need to pinpoint two critical elements:
- Your niche: the specific audience you resonate with most closely. This could be a broad category, such as working parents, recent college graduates, or stay-at-home moms.
- Your unique proposition: the qualities, experiences, attributes, and interests that define you. This element differentiates you within your niche.
A common pitfall for many in branding is recognizing their niche without clearly defining their unique proposition.
“Individuals with the most robust personal brands, especially on platforms like social media, tend to have a well-defined unique proposition that they actively embrace,” Natalie observes.
For instance, Natalie and Danielle have consistently adopted a more forthright communication style with BossBabes compared to other communities aimed at women in business. This approach has resonated with an audience seeking a refreshingly candid interaction, and crucially, it aligns with their authentic selves. Your unique proposition must be genuine to ensure it remains sustainable.
Once you understand your target audience, ensure you have a distinct message that sets you apart from others.
Be prepared for your identity to evolve.
Many mistakenly believe that altering your brand or product implies acknowledging that previous efforts were wrong. In reality, it’s natural for a company to morph, similar to how we all evolve over time.
As Danielle notes, most people wouldn’t wear the same outfits they did in their teenage years. Trends and ideas shift; the mature response is to adjust accordingly.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of adapting to change. Like numerous other businesses, Danielle and Natalie found themselves needing to recalibrate their strategies for BossBabes, including scrapping planned in-person gatherings.
Danielle describes their approach as “pivot, don’t pause.” “Being an effective entrepreneur means experimenting with new ideas and pursuing them,” she explains. “It’s wonderful when those strategies flourish and lead to sustainable success. But if they don’t, don’t shy away from pivoting or reassessing your concepts because, in the end, stagnation can be detrimental.”
Of course, maintaining consistency in certain aspects is essential for any business. Natalie emphasizes that BossBabes has always aimed for a polished and precise image, even as her standards for what that means have evolved over time.
“From the start, our core values have remained intact, but the manner in which we convey these values has transformed,” she shares.
Understand what you aim to provide, and adjust your delivery as you continue to grow.
