The Entrepreneur’s Source Franchise Friday™ Q&A on Women in Business

The Entrepreneur’s Source Franchise Friday Q&A on Women in Business

Last week’s episode of Franchise Friday™ featured The Entrepreneur’s Source’s Judy Stoleson, co-founder of Women Empowered by Business (WEBB) and Entrepreneur’s Source regional developer and coach, to discuss women and business ownership today.

With 30 years of business experience, having served as a CPA, senior executive with a public corporation and small business owner, Judy has helped clients achieve their dream of business ownership for the past 13 years as both a regional developer and a coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source.

As co-founder of WEBB—a nationwide organization whose mission is to promote successful entrepreneurship among women—Judy helps to provide opportunities and resources designed to educate, empower and enlighten women as they embrace the challenges of business ownership.

Women and Business Ownership – Q&A with Judy Stoleson

What should a woman consider before pursuing business ownership?

She needs to know what she wants the business to do for her. A business is a vehicle to accomplish Income, Lifestyle, Wealth and Equity™ Goals, so she needs to understand that first. She then needs to find a business that will help her reach those goals.

She also needs to be confident in herself and look at her past performance, skills and the abilities she’s gained in the employment arena and bring them into her business. Basically, she needs to take a good look at her transferable skills and take the initiative to explore the possibility of being a business owner.

The possibilities are endless. You’ve just got believe in yourself and know what you’re trying to accomplish.

What makes franchising an opportune avenue for women aspiring to become business owners?

Franchising is just a wonderful way for women to break into business. It’s not the only way, but it’s a wonderful way. The system provided by a franchise business is a huge advantage for business owners. Franchising provides an established brand name, proven operating system and ongoing support team.

Not only that, but franchising offers part-time, semi absentee and full-time business model opportunities, meaning owners have options for desired time and capital commitment. These options allow women to enter into a business that not only supports their income and wealth goals, but lifestyle and life balance as well.

What is the main message behind Women Empowered by Business (WEBB)?

We really wanted to empower women to think bigger than they had before and to gain the tools needed to be a business owner. We not only create information to help women be business owners, but we encourage women to stop focusing on just being a small business owner, and instead focus on increasing revenues and realize their potential to be multi-million dollar revenue producers.

What sets women apart as business owners?

Communication, initiative and emotional intelligence are just a few of the key traits that fuel women in business. Several recent studies have shown women will deliver a higher sales return, a higher return on capital and a higher return on equity. As soon as companies start to realize this, I believe women are going to be breaking through the obstacles.

I’m always very careful to note that women business owners are not necessarily always better, stronger or more equipped than men, but rather that they have some unique leadership principles weighted in their favor, such as empowerment, leadership and emotional intelligence, and women need to focus on that.

Take the First Step Toward Business Ownership:

For those wanting to take the next step in the journey to business ownership, an E-Source Coach is a great resource to help you define your I.L.W.E.™Goals and begin to explore business opportunities.

Check out 5 Things You Didn’t Know a Business Coach can do for You.

Also, those interested in learning more about everything small business ownership, franchising and entrepreneurship should listen to the Franchise Friday podcast every Friday at 10 a.m. EDT.