As businesses start to return to normal, what advice do you have for women business owners looking to scale and grow their business?
Tracy L. Cooper, LCSW
Private Practice CEO and Barry University Doctoral (DSW) Candidate
My advice is to listen, learn and adapt as necessary. As we emerge from the pandemic shutdown, it is imperative to note changes in my field because mental health services did not shut down. Many states and local agencies embraced and supported virtual, synchronous therapy as an effectual provision of services by changing laws and policies. My practice was poised for growth but the pandemic stalled those efforts. Throughout 2020, I slowed to technologically evolve my practice while pondering my ultimate goals: Do I want to keep “bootstrapping” for my practice which increases short-term financial gains or grow my business to enable its long-term livelihood? I could fill every hour of the day providing Telehealth services, but it would leave little time for personal and business growth. At the advice of a fellow businesswomen, I established a business plan to which I could refer to weekly. However, I did not want to lose sight of my goals so I also searched for a business coach. I know the steps needed to gain competency in my field but needed help identifying the steps needed to gain competency in growing my practice. When you can admit that you don’t know what you don’t know, your growth has begun.
Chyanne Husar
HUS Architecture
If we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is the power of remote work and the value of our technology. Our office was established as a flexible work environment before the pandemic, so laptops and cloud servers were standard issue. However, we came to realize that security and file collaboration within cloud servers deserved extra attention when selecting a service provider.
Additionally, we make sure our staff develops good habits for online meetings for a seamless client experience. Moving forward, the question is whether it is necessary to have staff within our actual geographic region. Remote hiring will offer a broader employment base as we compete for new talent.
Melissa Kehl
Rieke Office Interiors
I believe that the key to scaling your business is to do so without fear. Use any feelings of fear to propel yourself forward. The best way to do that is to first look for opportunities to innovate, then develop a plan to follow, get the support you need, and be willing to ask questions. I am a firm believer in mentorship and love to help others succeed in business. Cultivate your own circle of mentors by reaching out to people you respect and admire, who are doing what you want to do next, and ask them questions. Also, don’t be afraid to say “No.” Your time is valuable so you will need to decide what to say no to in terms of time, money, effort and even opportunities. Taking the time to objectively analyze what is presented to you can lead you to the right decision for your woman-owned business.
Carrie J. Little, MS, BS
CarMarc Realty Group, LLC
Who would have thought we would be saying, “It’s time to get back to normal”? I am sure many agree that we never thought we would be reinventing ourselves as business owners. After this past year, there is no longer business as usual. As women in business, it is time to make sure we remain relevant and continue to learn something new to grow our businesses. As we start to return to normal, it is important to never forget how we got here! Let’s always innovate and pivot in business. As we look to scale and grow our businesses, I recommend you:
- Learn something new every quarter and implement that new tool or skill into your business.
- Set goals each quarter and work like every day is the last quarter of the year!
- Take a needed break or vacation every quarter to re-focus and come back ready to work.
- Get outside, network with other women business owners. Closed mouths do not get fed! Always be ready with the “Ask” or call to Action!
- Be intentional on social media, do not post just to post. Think of social media as your digital networking platform. Comment on other’s posts. It is time to be intentional on social media.
Together let’s get back normal and scale our businesses together.