The fact is that nearly anyone can open a business, regardless of experience or expertise. The trick, then, is knowing what you need to know to run a successful woman-owned business. To make it more complicated, the level of experience required can vary greatly from one woman to the next. Different personality types approach business decisions differently, and some women are simply more inclined toward the entrepreneurial spirit.

Does this mean that, if you don't see yourself as a "go getter" that you can't run a successful business? Absolutely not! If you are clear about your goals and what you want to accomplish, it's then a matter of learning a few things. And there's no one better to learn from than successful entrepreneurs!

Why "Real World" Experience Can Help
Before you head out to open your business, consider working a job in a similar (or the same) industry in a position that will allow you to experience the inner workings of the business. For example, if you are interested in developing a business that will offer some type of product, learning the entire process of product development can be extremely useful. From the inside, you can see how a company develops, markets, and sells a product, as well as how it works with contractors (if applicable) and the financial workings of the company.

This type of experience is invaluable. Not only do you learn the business from the inside out, you can also witness what works and what does not, and make plans for your own business accordingly. The basic fact is that it's simply easier to open a business if you have some experience in the industry, or a similar business. It's not impossible to run a successful business without this, but it's extremely helpful.

Another bonus of working in the industry prior to branching out on your own is that you make connections! As a woman in business, you know the importance of networking and making the essential connections with others in the business world. Having a network of people to call upon as you start out is irreplaceable in value, and it's much easier to develop from the inside rather than trying to break in from the outside.

Find a Mentor
When you're actively involved in the business world, it's much easier to find a mentor to work with you who can share her experiences and knowledge with you. In a positive mentor relationship, you can learn an enormous amount

How do you find a mentor? Maintain open communication in the workplace and develop positive working relationships with your seniors (a good idea regardless of whether or not you're actively seeking a mentor). As you feel comfortable, simply ask. Inform her that you are thinking of starting your own business and that you're impressed with her success. While it can feel intimidating to seek a mentor, she'll likely feel honored by your request.

Seek out organizations that serve businesswomen as well. Many professional organizations have mentoring and other similar programs in place to help members help each other. If you're not a member of an organization that is either geared toward women in business and/or that is directly related to your business, join now! You will likely be pleasantly surprised at the giving nature of the other members. Gone are the "cutthroat" days of years gone by. Business people, and particularly businesswomen, understand the benefits of supporting others in business--even if it's the same business!

Know Your Business and Find Your Niche
Some of the old standbys still apply. If you know your business well, you're much more likely to be successful. Your knowledge will help you with basic business functions and will help you earn trust with your customers. After all, everyone is more comfortable shopping with someone who knows their stuff, whether it is a product or service.

Real world experience offers you a chance to learn all aspects of a business, and as an added bonus, you'll be paid in the process! This can also help you understand what you can do that is even better. Determining and developing your specialty is more complicated than offering a better product or service, but that's the basic starting point.

The bottom line is that real world experience is not a requirement for running a successful woman-owned business, but there are a number of benefits. You don't need to put your dreams on hold, but you can use your job as a great starting point to creating the best business that you can.

For more ideas and information go to WomenCorp. You can also get great ideas and inspiration from the free newsletter. To begin receiving it, sign up here.

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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Brian Kirk
(205) 835-8167
http://www.WomenCorp.org

Roxanne Batson is Managing Partner of WomenCorp.

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