Writing for Business Review Weekly this month, Australian Businesswomen’s Network CEO Suzi Dafnis has asked whether there is a crisis of confidence for female entrepreneurs, and if so, what can be done about it.
Suzi writes that “research has shown 51 per cent of female business owners do not pay themselves a wage” and that “women operating in rural areas were less likely to pay themselves a wage compared with female business owners in metropolitan areas.”
Therefore, she claims, greater government funding, such as grants, is what’s needed to ensure women can grow their business with greater confidence. However she also believes that mentors can be instrumental to bringing female business owners through times of uncertainty. The 2013 Westpac Report demonstrates that mentor assistance supersedes the Internet and friends or family as sources of useful advice. Suzi also believes groups such as the Australian Businesswomen’s Network can deliver confidence by offering networking and advice on crucial business facets such as marketing, finance, networking and business education. Delivering recognition, such as through the Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame, evokes inspiration by acknowledging those who have overcome a variety of business challenges. Read the full article, here.
