Council Post: How To Access Resources and Uplift Other Women Entrepreneurs: 10 Solid Strategies

Every business owner hopes to succeed in their venture. Access to the right resources plays a huge role in that success—but barriers do still exist, especially for female entrepreneurs. 

Women in the business world often talk about the importance and benefits of supporting each other. That’s why we asked the women of Young Entrepreneur Council how they tap into the right resources and lift up other female leaders in the process. Here’s how they’ve achieved their own success, and helped their fellow female entrepreneurs do the same. 

Photos courtesy of the individual members.

1. Give 10x What You’re Looking To Receive 

Instead of asking, “How can I as a woman get more resources?” ask, “How can I help more people, women or otherwise?” Can I give 10x of what I am looking to receive? It’s amazing what happens when you apply the 10x rule as opposed to asking for a handout. We just hired a new female CEO for one of our portfolio companies. The reason why? She gave to that community constantly and was so qualified we’d have been crazy not to hire her. Giving 10x more usually means you get 100x in return. – Codie Sanchez, Cresco Capital Partners 

2. Look For A Mentor And Be A Mentor 

The fastest path to success is looking at what others have done on their journey and learning as much as possible about the successes and failures they experienced along the way. For me, I’ve always found it helpful to find a mentor that is doing what I’d ultimately love to do. This could be someone who has achieved a level of success that I aspire to or it could be someone in the same field/industry as me. Either way, I look for people that inspire me. To ensure that whatever I’m receiving is also being passed along, I look for opportunities to become a mentor as well. Post-secondary institutions are often looking for mentors to support their students so that could be a great place to start. Knowledge is a gift that can be passed on, so I’d encourage everyone to do just that! – Erin Blaskie, Fellow.app 

3. Think Beyond Your Own Industry 

Always seek out other mentors who excel at their fields, even if their field of study doesn’t directly affect you. You never know who you may meet or what you might learn. Join seminars or groups or find a women’s leadership conference around you. You’ll make strong connections no matter the primary topic, and be able to pick the brains of other talented women who have also had to solicit mentors for their lives. Think of seminars and conferences as a meeting place for people with mentors. I would even encourage you to try seminars and events directly outside your field of expertise for a wider range of potential connections and a better playing field. – Darby Cox, Darby Cox LLC 

4. Reach Out On Social Media 

An easy, fun way to get in touch with other female entrepreneurs is by reaching out to them using social media. These platforms take the edge off and make it easier to network than going to an event or sending them an email. You can also personalize your message based on the content they post so you have a higher chance of grabbing their attention and starting a conversation. Don’t be afraid to be the first to reach out; as long as you’re being authentic and honest, that’ll translate in your communications. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms 

5. Join Peer And Industry Groups 

Female entrepreneurs should join peer groups, such as executive forums or industry organizations. These types of resources are great for entrepreneurs because you can build your network and learn. With executive forums, you get exposure to new ideas and approaches, as well as learn how others are dealing with similar issues. Industry organizations keep you aware of what is happening in your industry and what opportunities there might be for you and your business. I support other female leaders by speaking at events, providing professional advice and connecting them to people they should know or can help them with an issue. I also hire some of the most amazing female CFOs, controllers and accountants in the industry. – Jennifer A Barnes, Optima Office, Inc 

6. Fearlessly Focus On Asking And Offering 

Access to the right resources for sure is pivotal, and yes, there are barriers. The best advice is to put on the blinders and block out the noise because there will be a lot coming from all directions and from all kinds of people including advisors, investors and employees. Temptation will pull you to get emotionally involved and feel bad when a male colleague gets the investment you didn’t, but there’s no time for that. Entrepreneurship is an Olympic sport that requires focus. Know where your North Star is, put on blinders and stay focused. Expect the barriers. It’s not going to be easy and you may have more barriers than other people with certain things, but be a cockroach. Fearlessly ask for business and fearlessly offer resources to other female leaders. – Arry Yu, Yellow Umbrella Ventures 

7. Ask For Help Directly 

Nearly all of the conversations I’ve had that led to a business win were through LinkedIn direct messaging. I’ve found that it’s a great place to ask people for help. For instance, in working with startups, I’ve had to quickly learn about different industries. When I want to learn about a new topic, I find the best thing to do is go straight to the experts. Connect with them on LinkedIn with an honest message about your intentions, whether that be just a reference for resources or a long-term advisory role. I believe people do want to help female entrepreneurs, but you have to make sure you are seeking and asking for the help directly. I have very rarely had female entrepreneurs reach out to me, but I’d love the opportunity to do so. I’ve definitely reached out to many female leaders on LinkedIn! – Victoria Brodsky, BlockchainBTM Inc 

8. Connect With Both Like-Minded And Diverse People For Ideas 

Connect with entrepreneurs who have the same mindset as you. Connect with your diverse team. Let them share their own suggestions and allow them to be creative. It is effective because the resources came from people with the same bandwidth, interest and passion as you. On the other hand, you are also building a good rapport with your team and co-entrepreneurs. I support female leaders by helping them out and sharing my ideas with them as well. With more brains joined together comes better ideas and more resources. – Daisy Jing, Banish 

9. Tap Into Your Shared Mission 

Barriers exist for entrepreneurs of all genders. I think the female community has a very unique support system because we have a shared mission that connects us all. I have been blessed that many busy women have answered my emails, DMs and calls because of our shared cause. I encourage entrepreneurs to be vulnerable and tap into the strengths of the community of women around them. – Ashley Merrill, Lunya 

10. Share Space With Each Other 

It is vital to share space with other female leaders—whether online, in groups, in organizations or in female co-working spaces. Having shared spaces creates more opportunities for growth, networking, sharing resources and supporting each other. – Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage


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