Women and Leadership
Networking resources for women entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs make a huge contribution to the Canadian economy. According to WEConnect Canada, a non-profit organization that helps women business owners access opportunities, more than 821,000 women-owned businesses in Canada annually contribute more than $18 billion to Canada's economy. Women-led firms provide jobs for 1.7 million Canadians and creating new jobs at four times the rate of the average firm.
Finding – or Refining – Your Niche: Why specializing could prove your best business tactic
By Susan Baka, President, Bay Communications & Marketing Inc.
Identifying a niche to exploit is often the source of many successful business start-ups and growth stories. For example, if there is something you could use in your own life that does not exist, it could represent an opportunity to start a business. If you already run your own business, perhaps you could add value to an existing product or service rather than trying to come up with an idea that changes the world. Whether you are a retailer, a health professional, manufacturer or service provider, look around you and see where there might be a void that needs filling or a business concept that needs improvement. In other words, build a better mousetrap.
Is it better for a woman to have a female mentor?
By Susan Baka, President, Bay Communications & Marketing Inc.
Even though all the experts say that the most critical first step in starting a business is to have a business plan, it’s amazing how many budding entrepreneurs don’t heed this advice. A good plan lays out what your business does, how it can compete successfully, and how it will be managed and run, and also includes financial information like income and expense projections. It should be professional, complete but concise and easy to read. Check out the Scotia Plan Writer for business to guide you.
Are women better networkers?
Depending on who you talk to, your chances of sealing a deal – whether it’s a sale or contract – are as much as 80% higher when networking is involved. Many women, however, are not as aware of the power of networking as men. Do you shy away from it?
