The world has changed rapidly in the last 10 years and female entrepreneurs are keeping up. In a world of online technology, apps and social media, businesswomen are stepping up to the plate to harness the power of technology for business success.
In Australia, the unprecedented growth in the number of female entrepreneurs can largely be attributed to the rise and ubiquity of technology.
According to a recent report issued by AWCCI, research suggests the number of women starting their own businesses has doubled since 2007. For business owners based in rural or regional areas, distance is no longer an impediment. For businesswomen juggling family responsibilities, working from home is now a viable, if not more convenient, option. The potential of technology has truly transformed the business landscape for female entrepreneurs, who have adapted and capitalised on the advantages it has presented. The result has been a remarkable display of ingenuity and technological and creative prowess among Australian businesswomen. 2013 Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame inductee, Carolyn Cresswell, is the woman behind leading Australian gourmet food company, Carman’s Fine Foods, and is also a mother of four. Balancing work and life is a challenge, but pursuing her professional aspirations has not come at the expense of her family life with the aid of technology. In fact, technology has often created a healthier work/life balance.
What’s more, the growth and success of small businesses owned by female entrepreneurs has proven that, if anything, it is the ability to change and adapt that determines the longevity of a business.
Owner of Birdsnest.com.au and another ABN Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame inductee, Jane Cay, has done just that, having committed to the online revolution at age 18. Using an innovative showroom model, her online retail company provides its customers with a unique retail experience.
Three ways you can take advantage of technology in your business:
- If you’ve got it, sell it online. A website is great, but can you also be selling your products online? Even service-based businesses can sell products like e-books, manuals and tools to customers. eCommerce can target customers not geographically confined to your local area and can also create an additional revenue stream.
- Automate. There are countless tools, many which are cloud-based (i.e., not requiring you to purchase expensive software), you can use to automate some of your processes. For instance, accounting software has come a long way and options like accounting software, Xero, offer more automation than ever before.
- Video conferencing. Cut down on travel by jumping online for a Skype video call. It doesn’t matter where you’re based, you can still have that all-important face-to-face meeting.
In a world revolutionised by the advent of technology in all its forms, businesswomen are increasingly taking the helm and are by virtue of their grit and creativity, taking the business world by storm.
