Many local women are creating their own dreams
by WIN Admin — published in Press Releases
Who are these Women Without Offices?
Business trends in Ontario are changing rapidly, and women are leading the charge. Female sole proprietors are the fastest growing element in Ontario's small business landscape. Many thousands of them work from homes, studios and even their vehicles. While filing away last year's columns I thought about the more than two dozen women who graciously allowed me to feature them in 2010. In candid fashion, they shared both the benefits and the challenges of working from non-traditional business venues. Each has encouraged and even inspired other female entrepreneurs.
There are significant common threads that motivate women to operate small businesses from home and studio offices. Many have chosen the one-woman show because of lifestyle. Specifically, they're committed to balancing work, family and other life demands. The opportunity to create flexible work hours (often working late into the night and on weekends) provides the freedom to share in daily family activities and responsibilities. Others love the opportunity to be in control of their work. Still others can earn more money than main stream employment might offer. Most report that enjoying, and taking pride in, their work is just as important as the dollars earned.
Growing a home-based business can present unique obstacles for women, though. Many find that separating personal from business and time management can both be very challenging. They're more likely to be interrupted by family and friends with personal calls and visits than if they were working away. And there are so many hats to wear! Being in charge of everything, from production of goods or services, bookkeeping and marketing to promotion public relations, is a substantial task. Building a successful small business takes time, strategies and connections. The satisfaction and personal growth can be immense but financial restraints, especially in the early stages, often prohibit marketing their work or products as effectively as most would like to. Compared to self-employed men, women have greater difficulty putting aside family needs in order to commit to early morning or after hours networking events and other business opportunities. Hence, it can take much longer for people get to know who these women are and what they do.
Some say it's easier to create your own dream job than wait to be hired for it. It's a common motivator for women with excellent skills and experience, especially in male-dominated work. From house painters, tradespeople, renovation designers and sales reps to teachers, artists and therapists, many women suspect they are not taken as seriously as male counterparts. Still, they hold to exceptional standards of service and believe in providing excellent customer care. Since this column's inception in 2009 the WWO (Women Without Offices) networking group has evolved, connecting many diverse Northumberland women whose businesses are off the beaten path.
Thanks to Northumberland Today for the opportunity to showcase these creative and industrious women, and the value and service they provide. It has been a privilege to meet, write about and to acknowledge and honour each of them.
Source: Northumberland Today