6 tips for budding women entrepreneurs

Surabhi Dewra, co-founder and CEO of MeraCareerGuide.com says the key to success lies in overcoming conventional thinking.

This piece is for all the young ladies out there, who plan to start out on their own or have already joined the start-up force.

My company started as a 'one woman' army; however, we are today a team of ten with a couple of contractors and a business that is growing.

In the years that I worked towards establishing the company, I learnt about 'surviving instincts' which have since then become bye laws for me.

1. You are just an entrepreneur

Stop calling and identifying yourself as a 'woman' entrepreneur. Do not take pride in being branded 'rare breed' by the press.

The day you appreciate the title of 'woman' entrepreneur, you have consciously made a different finish line and by default you are out of race.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

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Stop thinking that it is difficult to hire a male candidate and to work with them.

Most often we assume male employees come with bloated egos and may not accept a woman as the leader.

Most people join start-ups only to add to skills, take up challenges and to work in an informal environment.

If you think you will not be able to manage men at work, it is time you upgrade your leadership qualities.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Be fearless, speak your mind out, there are no specific rules for males or females in a business meeting.

No one will ever give you business because you are a woman, similarly no one will ever drop a deal because of your gender.

Your success lies in how you perform in the business you are involved in.

Hence, focus on building the business and do not waste time and energy on who runs the business.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Be that 'deaf frog' who hears nothing and is focused on climbing the hill.

Do not be bogged down by remarks such as "Life is tough for a woman as an entrepreneur", "Ah, it's her hobby business, nothing serious!"

After all, it was the corporate world that coined the word 'glass cliff' which means that a woman is appointed when the male management fails!

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Stop being dependent -- be it on your cofounder, team, family or your friends.

Indian girls live in that extra protected cushioned environment since their childhood. But this protection is no less than a parasite.

It will reduce your growth as a professional.

Let people around you know that you are not dependent on them for completion of a chore, but you would appreciate their help.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

Emotional instability of women is a myth much projected by authors of the fiction world.

The fact is women are wired to be emotional and resilient beings.

Use emotions in the form of 'emotional intelligence', instead of allowing yourself to be soft. Take hard calls, fast decisions and learn to say No.

And use the power of resilience to bounce back each time you meet failure.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh