Image Credit: www.SylviaBrowder.com
Women are killin’ it in the business world. According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, females are responsible for 10.6 million U.S. businesses that give employment to 19.1 million workers. These businesses are economic powerhouses, accounting for $2.5 trillion in annual sales.
The flip side of all that good news is that it is still more challenging for a woman-owned business to succeed and that women make less money on average than their male counterparts. That’s why it’s important to consciously support women-owned businesses, especially small ones. Some of the ways you can make that happen include these suggestions:
Buy from Women
It’s obvious but so important. The next time you are in the market for something – anything – stop and think if you know a woman who sells it. It may cost a little more to buy directly from a small business owner, but is usually well worth the quality product/service and customer service that goes along with it. Plus there’s a feeling of empowerment knowing that your purchase helped another woman succeed.
Engage on Social Media
When the women you know post about their business, “like” those posts or comment. Facebook posts get much better traction in newsfeeds when there are comments attached, so by just posting something brief and authentic, you are helping that business owner’s post see a wider audience. If she has a separate Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account for her business, follow those accounts too.
Share on Social Media
Share, retweet or pin content from women business owners on your own pages. This is basically your endorsement of the products or services and lets your own circles know about what these women offer. It is also a great way to boost the confidence of those women knowing that someone other than them is doing some promotion.
Send Women Business Owners a Note
Maybe you don’t like promoting things on social media. Perhaps you aren’t in the market for whatever item the woman business owner is selling. You can still give her some needed encouragement by sending over a positive email or message. Just let her know that you support her and wish her the best success in her endeavors.
Partner with Women-Owned bBusinesses
Help each other out by coming up with a partnership idea. Put a referral system in place if your businesses complement each other. Split the cost of manning a table at a local event. Come up with ways to bolster each other’s reach and credibility, bringing more exposure to both brands.
If you are a woman business owner, what are the best ways your friends, family and customers have supported you?
Megan Totka is the Chief Editor for ChamberofCommerce.com, a company that helps small businesses grow their business on the web and facilitates connectivity between local businesses and more than 7,000 Chambers of Commerce worldwide. She specializes on the topic of small business tips and resources and business news. She spends much of her time establishing new relationships for ChamberofCommerce.com, publishing weekly newsletters educating small business on the importance of web presence, and contributing to a number of publications on the web. She can be reached at megan@chamberofcommerce.com.
