The recent March jobs report was dismal to say the least. Only 88,000 new jobs in March 2013.
According to a new book Women Lead female entrepreneurs have an advantage and more women today should think about exploring options other than just the corporate world.
For example, says Women Lead, if you have posted photos on Flickr, made a book on blurb.com, brought a child to Build-a-Bear, used Body Shop products, watched Baby Einstein videos or worn a pair of Spanx then you have been one of many people who have benefited from a woman's idea.
In 2011 there were an estimated 8.1 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. generating $1.3 trillion in revenue, employing almost 7.7 million people. What's more, women are outpacing men in small business and job creation.
Furthermore, women are predicted to create over 5 million new jobs by 2019.
Women Lead notes that is almost a third of 15.3 million new jobs the BLS forecasts for the next six years.
- Classic entrepreneurs- seeking achievement
- The Balance entrepreneur- seeking balance
- Corporateprenuers- left firms to create their own opportunities
- Gazelleprenuers- high growth firms
- Globalprenuers- Women entrepreneurs in less developed countries
- Technoprenuers- technology or virtual environment ventures
- Boundaryprenuers- women who shift back and forth between corporate and self-employment
- Mommyprenuers- women who seek self-employment during their child's formative years.
Women don't see any boundaries between shifting back and forth across these opportunities.
The Woman's Advantage
According to Women Lead many critics mistake effective entrepreneurship between men and women by comparing the size of their firms when longevity and viability may be more sustainable and in the long run may be a better measure of success. These critics, notes Women Lead, view entrepreneurship through a traditional masculine lens in that growth is the foremost priority and if the owner does not pursue this are somewhat lacking or underperforming.
Women lead with grace by blending traditional leadership skills and characteristics with social and emotional intelligence to create stronger and longer lasting relationships with employees, business partners and customers. The net result is a positive gain for the business and a positive gain for the U.S. Women are leading the way and redefining the rules of self-employment.