Is being a female entrepreneur an advantage or disadvantage?
As a female entrepreneur, and a young one at that, I am occasionally asked whether I believe my gender is a help or hindrance. This question is particularly of interest to people given my company is technology-based – a traditionally male-dominated space.
As I attend conferences dealing with investment and technology, it is clear that men largely fill the room. Being a woman in a testosterone -filled crowd makes it easier to get noticed. This is undoubtedly a distinct advantage. After all, standing out from a crowd is so important in business – raising awareness that you exist and what you do is the first step to get to the next level.
There are also formal opportunities for women like never before. With the advent of supplier diversity – where large corporations and governments have quotas to do business with woman- and minority-owned firms – women business owners get a fast track to meet with key individuals within these organizations. The incredible opportunities through supplier diversity continue to astound me.
There are even more opportunities by embodying the “refreshing change” people are looking for. My best example is when I went to a photo shoot for a national business magazine. After channeling my inner model – apparently, a distinct difference to the majority of men who want to stand in front of the camera with their arms crossed – we finished the photo shoot with high-heeled jump shots. The amazing photo and article were published on the first page of content in the magazine. It seems that “refreshing change” clearly resonates beyond just a personal opinion.
There are also many women – and many men too – who are willing to help you more. Perhaps they know the hurdles they have overcome, perhaps they see a mirror image of themselves, perhaps they see a vision of their own daughter. In any case, I have experienced these individuals going above and beyond to help.
Then again, there are some women who will not help you at all – whether it is perceived competition or “make it on your own” or something else. Ah, we can be our own worst enemy.
There are other drawbacks. While it is easier to get noticed, at times I have felt there was more initial scepticism, like “does she actually know what she is talking about?”, even before saying a word. This cynicism robs women of a fair chance.
Yet it is often not what you know, but who you know in business. The historical and continued reality is that men have far outnumbered women in positions of power. Traditionally, these networks and positions have been hard for women to break into.
Implicit systems are set up to nurture these male spheres – doing business over a round of golf, going for beers, giving presents of alcohol, etc. I grew up with two older brothers and played sports, so I became accustomed to these typically male activities, which I believe has given me an advantage in business. But why does it all have to be this way? There are many women, and men too, who do not have an affinity for things like sports and alcohol.
I have also learned the hard way that I must be careful about going alone for a business dinner or attending a sporting event with a male business contact. Certainly there are many exceptions, but I have had the experience of the man having different intentions than I did – and having to get myself out of uncomfortable situations.
I have also had the experience of men being worried about the perception of being seen with me to their wives. Seriously?
In my eyes, meeting them is about business. These things would not be issues if I were male. I sometimes wonder about what actual opportunities are missed due to such hindrances.
Undoubtedly these are my own experiences, and other female entrepreneurs may have faced other ones. For example, I have not yet faced the reality of juggling motherhood while running a business.
But the bottom line is that if you know your stuff – if you are great at what you do – then questions about your gender will become less relevant.
I also believe that women should not strive to be the same as men, but authentic to who they are. That includes doing things differently if that is what is right – including photo shoots of jump shots in heels. Authenticity reaps longterm rewards in many ways.
My best piece of advice to female entrepreneurs – keep working on yourself and be the best you can be. People will increasingly recognize you not as a woman, but simply as the best there is.