By: Kathy Spitzer, Esq.

Small businesses contribute greatly to the American economy by serving as an essential mechanism by which many Americans access the American Dream. By creating opportunities for women, minorities, and immigrants, small business helps millions enter the economic and social mainstream. By providing new ideas, small firms also act as agents of change.

A. Small firms are about the prospects for the future, not the repetition of the past. They embrace change and competition. Yet the innovativeness of small firms and their ability to explore new technologies is surprising since often they are resource poor, have small research and development budgets and limited manpower. Community networks can help small firms overcome their limited resources. They often rely on regional knowledge for important inputs into the innovation process. Through this process of accessing and sharing knowledge with other firms in their geographic area, small businesses help the circulation and building of these regional networks. The networks then also serve as word of mouth advertising. If they respect each other, they refer each other.

Approximately 50 years ago women made up less than 26 percent of the workforce (and they were mostly secretaries, nurses, and teachers). But regulatory events such as the Civil Rights Act in 1978, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1975, and the Affirmative Action Act in 1978, opened up business ownership to women. At that same time, the role of women in society began to change. As more women successfully created, managed, and grew companies, their achievements became noticed by the media and government. Women’s business groups such as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the National Foundation for Women Business Owners (NFWBO) were founded. Since the 1970s, women’s share of small business has increased dramatically. New technology and increased access have had a profound effect on women owned businesses. Women are now, more than ever, able to contribute to a growing economy without sacrificing as many family priorities.

The flexibility of setting one’s own hours, combined with the passion of doing something for love as well as profit, has proven an appealing recipe for women. For a lot of woman choosing a business means figuring out what you care about â?? what youâ??d like to do. Women tend to want to do what makes them happy, rather than just what makes them money. And doing what you love leads to its own successes.

A. The number of female owned businesses (a business where women own 51 percent or more of the company) has grown 20 percent between 1997 and 2002. This is larger than the growth of male owned businesses â?? up only 16 percent. The Census Bureau conducted a survey in 2002 of 1.9 million business owners. The report identified 6.5 million businesses that were female-owned and 2.7 million firms where ownership was divided between men and women.

How do these women get started? The number and types of funding options available for women is as great as it has ever been, especially in Nevada. Nevada Microenterprise Initiative distributes Small Business Association (SBA) loans of $500 to $25,000 for typical business purposes. Southern Nevada CDC hosts the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership which assists individuals with opening a business through classes and seminars. The SBA 7a Loan Guarantee Program allows approved business owners to go to banks with a guarantee from the SBA behind them.

One big advantage to start ups right now is the sheer volume of information available to entrepreneurs. Technology has made data gathering simple and quick.

This includes data on loans and loan help available to women. But proving that a company is woman owned can be a daunting process, not only when it comes to loans. Be sure your business truly is female owned before you try to take advantage of any special treatment. The voice of small business is increasingly becoming a female one, with female entrepreneurs generating billions. If you have a passion, go for it! There is lots of support out there. For more information please visit www.successdna.com and www.corporatedirect.com .

Kathy Spitzer, Esq.

http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/women-and-business-93085.html

Technorati Tags: women entrepreneurs

Your First Step – Start With Your Heart

Real connections come from true, heart-felt, and honest interactions. Shed your business persona and be yourself. If you have a line drawn between your personal and business connections, then erase that line. Start connecting with others as if each person might end up as your best friend. It’s a simple formula for connecting from your heart with other entrepreneurs: Be yourself, and you’ll naturally attract like-minded, quality people. People you meet are more likely to introduce you to their friends and associates if they like you.

Honesty, curiosity, and vulnerability are keys to success. Intimate connections are the foundation upon which we build satisfied lives and the best connections are heart-centered connections. Don’t think for a minute that success in business requires a stoic business persona. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Maintain an attitude of service

Great connections are the ultimate life and business builders and all great connections are based on a positive attitude of serving. Yes, it’s true that we can’t stay in business for long if we give everything away. But, there’s a fascinating paradox that I’ve discovered in my many years of networking and creating connections. The more I give, the more I get.

Approach each interaction with an eye toward providing service. Find out what your prospect needs, and if you can’t provide the answers, then steer her towards someone you know. You’re not giving your business away, but you are always thinking of ways you can be of service to others. A service-oriented attitude is perhaps the most magical networking tool available. You’ll be amazed at how swiftly and abundantly it comes back your way. Simply put – the more you give, the more you get.

It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you

Those with the largest database of business cards don’t necessarily win. Unless you’ve honestly connected with the most influential people in your database, having their names will do you little good. Put your energy toward creating close connections with those who can have the most positive influence in your life – and don’t limit your search to business connections.

Think in terms of how you can help these people by connecting them with others you know, by providing a unique service, or simply by being a friend. Make yourself available and they’ll respond in kind when you’re in need. Ask yourself: Who are the most influential people in my industry? Who are the people with whom I’d most like to associate with? Then, start developing strategies to meet these people. It’s most important to connect with those who are most like how you want to be. And don’t for a moment believe that some people are out of your reach. Aim high and you’ll reach high.

Connecting isn’t a solo trip

Great networking isn’t about out-maneuvering your competition. The best networkers think in terms of collaboration, not competition, even with their fiercest competitors. How might two or three of you band together to provide products or services to more high-end, high-paying customers? How can you enlist the help of people around the globe in your R&D efforts?

Connecting by its very nature is collaborative. Instead of collecting business cards and sending out brochures, seek out people with whom you might collaborate and build strong connections. You might meet someone with a brilliant idea who’s looking for a partner with your expertise. Or, you might form a mastermind group to brainstorm innovative ways to improve your business while holding each other accountable for implementing these new ideas. Best of all, you’ll create new friendships that enrich your life.

Jill Lublin

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/networking-for-women-entrepreneurs-connecting-is-the-magical-key-to-networking-19054.html

Technorati Tags: women entrepreneurs