Women – The Innovative Entrepreneurs

More than one-third of entrepreneurs in the United States are women, and the growth in the number of woman-owned firms is more than double the rate of all U.S. firms. Stay-at-home moms are multi-tasking more than ever. In between childcare, cooking and cleaning, they are cranking out inventions that are making them millions. In America, women start 424 new enterprises every day that's more than twice as many as men. These mothers of invention have nurtured their creative ideas outside the corporate box. Knowing how to stretch a dollar, these resourceful women started simple, by keeping costs down and production up!

Today, women entrepreneurs employ more people than the Fortune 500 combined. Throughout history there are many successful woman entrepreneur models such as Madame C. J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove) listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the First Female African-American to become a Millionaire by her own achievements. Orphaned at the age of seven, Walker built a thriving beauty products business in the early 20th century, employing over 3,000 people. She was noted for working hard, honest business dealings and quality products led her to success.

According to a recent U.S. national poll, try to guess who was the most admired entrepreneur? Was it Bill Gates? Donald Trump? Nope -- Oprah Winfrey stood out head and shoulders above the rest. The story of Oprah's life success is truly inspiring as she overcame many challenges. Today, Oprah is admired as the most influential woman in the world. 

Today, over 11-million creative woman entrepreneurs are using their ingenuity to fill niches on their own terms. The reasons women start their own company varies but research shows 46% want more control over their schedules, 23% were frustrated with the corporate environment, while 24% saw a niche and filled it. These successful woman entrepreneurs all share a common characteristic: they think outside the box.

The Small Business Administration's Women-21 or Ethos Mentor both one-stop shop resources centers for woman entrepreneurs; the fastest growing group of business owners. An explanation for why women have emerged as an important entrepreneurial group and why they have moved beyond traditional sectors can be found in examinations of changes in women's human capital-especially their educational access and occupational representation. Today, woman entrepreneurs are the first generation from the cross platform, device agnostic, multimedia world in which we live in. Now, they take cues from both to put a personal stamp on business. They don't just tap the insight of other women entrepreneurs, but encourage networking and support their success. 

Here's some popular networking techniques used by woman entrepreneurs:

Keep It Small: Networking at the executive level is rarely done via big parties or industry mixers, regardless of gender. Woman entrepreneurs mainly connect through one-on-one meetings or small, exclusive dinners and get-togethers giving everybody a chance to relax. It fosters a great climate for brainstorming and meeting new executives.

Keep It Selective: One of the key elements to networking isn't just how but who. It's most advantageous to connect with like-minded individuals and coordinate dinners or drinks with an eye on synergy between attendees. It can also help guests feel more comfortable in sharing insight or contacts.

Keep It Consistent: They regularly make an effort to connect with fellow women in business to put heads together and conjure new ideas. It's done via a variety of ways, from email, to cell texting to instant messaging to in-person meetings, but most importantly, it's constant.

Keep It Focused: While gatherings are often in a social or relaxed environment, make no mistake - it's all about business. Networking can be fun, but keep it productive as well.

The success of women entrepreneurs is a dynamic trend. Perhaps a hybrid of Baby Boomer work ethic, 70s freedom, and the great women in business boom of the 80s and 90s, they're an inspiration of drive, ambition and an anything-is-possible mindset. What's interesting is that it goes beyond the business world into every corner of their lives. They have rich social lives and good friends, husbands, great families, and live comfortably. They love style, looking good, support social change, and most of all, are happy.

Now it's your turn to take the steps to achieving your dream and go for the gold waiting for you at the end of the finish line.