Hi Jan–your comment touches on a very important aspect of starting your own business — it is a form of empowerment. Going out on my own has also allowed me to take my power back. So many of us feel trapped in situations where we have given up our power in exchange for an apparent connection to the company we have turned our power over to. However, sometimes we can be taken advantage of due to the fear of losing that connection (job loss, the promotion or title we worked so hard for, retirement savings, etc.).

The freedom and flexibility provided also allows for you to live your life and serve your clients in a way that works for you and your clients. There’s no reason that could not be a basic tenant of any business we started! You are a perfect example of the empowered feminine!

The interesting part is the new research that is beginning to show the impact women owned businesses have on the economy…

http://www.nwbc.gov/research/economic-impact-women-owned-businesses-united-states

“What happens if women-owned firms were not in the economy and generating this $2.8 Trillion in economic impact? An additional 16 percent of our labor force would be jobless – that’s 23 million people!

The data reveal the untapped potential of women business owners. If the great majority of women-owned firms were employer firms as opposed to what we have today (80% non-employer, 20% employer), the overall economic impact would be exponentially greater than it is today – perhaps 3 to 4 times greater, possibly exceeding $10 trillion!

This research when communicated effectively and widely can be the impetus for young women to pursue business ownership. Currently women in the U.S. have reached parity with men in education and, in fact, surpass men in number receiving baccalaureate and master’s degrees. The rub exists in the gap in career opportunities and salaries received throughout their work life. The gap exists in average annual revenues for small businesses with men surpassing women in all race/ethnic groups.

The data indicate a continuing social and cultural shift for work and for women. Full or part time entrepreneurship is a well-established trend. From 1997 to 2002, the Census data report that nearly all growth in small businesses came in the non-employer segment and women had the largest growth compared to other groups. The overarching shift reflects the education, experience and characteristics of women at different stages of their lives. It also reflects the lack of opportunities and flexibility in major
corporations.”