Hey there, trailblazers. In the thrilling world of entrepreneurship, having the right financial guidance is crucial. However, for women, there are often unique challenges that arise.
My name’s Ryan Smith, and as your financial business coach, I’m here to provide the clarity and direction you need. Dive into the rest of the article, and you’ll see how we can handle these challenges together. By the end, you’ll be equipped with both a clearer understanding and actionable insights suited for your new entrepreneurial journey!
Financial Challenges For Female Entrepreneurs
The path of the entrepreneur is an exciting one, right? You get to chase your passion, be your own boss, and write your success story. But if you’re a woman, there’s an added layer…
Unique financial challenges.
You’ve got a few distinct financial challenges blocking your path to financial freedom. Understanding them isn’t just smart—it’s essential. In my experience working with women business owners, it hasn’t been uncommon to come across:
Wage Gaps: Even today, for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns roughly 82 cents in the US. That’s not just a paycheck thing—it can also impact the funds you’re pulling together to start or expand your business.
Longer Life Expectancies: Women often live longer than men. More years means more funds are needed for retirement. This places added pressure on female entrepreneurs to not only earn but to save and invest wisely.
Balancing Business and Family: Women often juggle more caregiving responsibilities, whether that’s for children or aging parents. This can lead to unforeseen expenses or interruptions in your business journey.
Pricier Health Needs: Women’s health care, including maternity care, can be more expensive. These costs can eat into the funds you have set aside for your business.
Lack of Representation: The business world still has its boys’ clubs. Networking, mentorship, and simply “being seen” can be tougher, which can impact everything from partnerships to investor relations.
By recognizing these challenges, you’re already on the path to tackle them head-on. And with the right financial strategy, you can turn these challenges into opportunities.
Modern-Day Opportunities For Female Entrepreneurs
Perhaps you’re a woman in the exploration stage of entrepreneurship. You haven’t pinpointed the exact business you want to embark on. If that sounds like you, take a deep breath and prepare to dive into a world of options.
In today’s digital age, the world is your oyster, and that oyster might be online!
The online business space is booming, breaking geographical barriers and tapping into global markets. From eCommerce stores to consultancy services, an online course to digital marketing – the opportunities are endless.
One of the major perks of the digital realm is the variety of niches you can dive into. Maybe you have a knack for graphic design or a passion for sustainable fashion. The point is, you have a ton of options at your disposal to create a business that offers you freedom in more ways than one.
Still wondering where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our piece on the 17 Ways to Start Making Money Online As A Woman. It’s a treasure trove of valuable insights, waiting just for you. If one excites you or spurs up some questions, feel free to set up a complimentary consultation call with me. With the right leadership skills and our coaching program, we can guide you in starting your own business.
Business Financial Basics For New Female Entrepreneurs
If you’re a female entrepreneur who has already decided on a business to start, it’s time to review some business financial basics. I work one-on-one with female entrepreneurs to make sure they have a firm understanding and handling of the following:
Basics of Business Budgeting
Budgeting is the backbone of building a business. Think of it as your roadmap to achieving your business goals. If you want to steer clear of financial pitfalls and drive toward prosperity, you need a solid grasp on the basics:
Income Sources: Identify every stream of revenue. Sales, affiliate marketing, client contracts – every dollar counts.
Fixed Costs: The non-negotiables. Rent, salaries, utilities, insurance – track every recurring expense.
Variable Expenses: Costs that change, like marketing campaigns or production materials.
One-time Spends: Purchases such as new equipment, consultation fees, or team events.
Profit & Loss Forecast: Use your data to predict profits and losses, providing a clear picture of your business’s financial health.
Emergency Funds: Set aside funds for unexpected downturns or challenges. This safety net is crucial.
Revisit & Revise: The business world changes. Regularly update your budget to reflect your current reality.
As a financial advisor who helps new female entrepreneurs, I’m here to take the headache out of organizing your business budget. I’m also here to help you maximize its potential, ensuring you’re on the trajectory towards financial growth and stability as you launch your company.
Understanding Business Taxes and Deductions
The world of business taxes can be a real maze. However, within this maze lies the potential to save and maximize your hard-earned money. For those pursuing a full-time entrepreneurial journey, understanding your taxes and deductions is more than a necessity—it’s an art. Master this, and you’ll unlock pathways to financial efficiency. Let’s break down the essentials of understanding business taxes and deductions:
Business Structure Matters: Whether you’re a sole proprietor, an LLC, or a corporation, each comes with its tax implications. Know your structure; know your tax obligations.
Self-Employment Tax: When you’re self-employed, you have to cover both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes: Instead of annual tax payments, many entrepreneurs pay estimated taxes quarterly. Don’t let this surprise you!
Home Office Deduction: If you use a section of your home only for work, you might qualify for a home office deduction.
Vehicle Deductions: Drive for business purposes? Mileage, tolls, and parking might be deductible.
Travel & Entertainment: Business trips, client dinners, and even some events can offer deductions. But remember, they must be business-related.
Professional Development: Courses, workshops, or conferences aimed at improving your business skills? Deductible!
Retirement Contributions: Some retirement plans, like SEP IRAs or Solo 401(k)s, can offer tax advantages for the self-employed.
Demystifying taxes doesn’t just help you stay compliant; it empowers you to harness every financial opportunity. And remember, I’m here not only to guide you but also to partner with your CPA. Together, we’ll form a tax savings power couple, ensuring you’re leveraging every deduction and making your money work smarter for you.
Tips for Securing Funding and Investments
Turning your idea into a successful business requires not just passion, but also capital. And when you’re starting out, funding is crucial. How do you captivate investors and lenders, and convey your vision in a valued way? Navigating finance can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can attract the funding you need. Here are key tips to secure investments:
Build a Stellar Business Plan: It’s more than just a document; it’s your story. Your business plan should resonate with your vision, emphasize market potential, and showcase a clear path to profitability.
Manage Your Personal Financial Health: Your personal financial track record can be a lens through which investors view you. A healthy credit score and well-managed debts reflect your financial acumen and reliability.
Research & Choose the Right Investors: Aligning with the right investors is pivotal. Find those who resonate with your industry and vision, and who bring more than just money – think mentorship and industry connections.
Network Consistently: The power of a handshake can’t be underestimated. Networking exposes you to potential investors, partners, and mentors. Industry events can be goldmines of opportunity.
Prepare for the Pitch: It’s your moment under the spotlight. Answer questions confidently, show a strong understanding of your business, and let your enthusiasm stand out.
Consider Alternative Funding: Beyond traditional investors, there’s a world of funding out there. Platforms like Kickstarter offer crowdfunding opportunities, while microloans can be a stepping stone to bigger funding later.
Transparency is Key: Every business has challenges. Being open about them not only portrays honesty but also demonstrates your problem-solving capabilities.
Establish a Track Record: Demonstrating that you can manage and repay small funds can be a testament to your reliability, making it easier to secure more substantial investments later.
Know Your Options: From angel investors to venture capital, grants to personal loans, understand the various funding avenues and what they entail.
The journey to securing funding can be complex. But together, we can weigh the pros and cons of each funding option, and crunch the numbers. As a team, we’ll ensure you make a choice that’s not just good, but great for your business’s future.
The Importance of Financial Literacy and Continuous Learning
Your business education is an ongoing journey, particularly in financial literacy. Unfortunately, women starting in business don’t always enter the arena with the same level of financial literacy because they are often excluded from key conversations and education on the subject. If you’re interested in becoming more financially literate and building a business that thrives, consider upping your knowledge on the following:
Cash Flow: More than just profits, it’s about knowing when money comes in and when it goes out. Predicting cash flow helps avoid surprises and ensures small business business continuity.
Risk Management: Every business venture has risks. Financial literacy teaches you to identify, evaluate, and strategize to mitigate these potential setbacks.
Debt Management: Understand the difference between good debt (which can grow your business) and bad debt (which can hinder business growth).
Investment Basics: Know where and when to invest profits to generate more income, be it in stocks, bonds, or reinvesting in your own business.
Tax Acumen: Dive deep into tax breaks, understand deductions, and become adept at maximizing returns while staying compliant.
Negotiation Skills: Whether it’s securing a loan, discussing payment terms, or sealing a partnership deal, financial knowledge boosts your bargaining power.
Market Changes: The financial world is ever-evolving. Continuous learning ensures you’re always ahead, be it updates in tax laws, new investment avenues, or innovative budgeting tools.
Harnessing the power of financial literacy empowers women and committing to never-ending learning sets you apart. As your financial thinking partner, I’m here to guide, educate, and strategize with you for a long time! Together, we’ll make sure that your financial prowess matches the strength of your entrepreneurial spirit.
Great Books For Female Entrepreneurs
Books offer a wealth of insights, strategies, and inspirations. They are often instrumental in your journey of non-stop personal development as an entrepreneur. So get ready to stack your shelf with some game-changing reads! Here are some top-rated picks:
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg: COO of Facebook, Sandberg dives deep into the challenges faced by women in leadership roles. Mixing personal stories and practical advice, this book is a rallying cry for women to pursue their ambitions.
Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso: Telling her story from being a bold young girl to starting a huge fashion business, Nasty Gal, Amoruso’s narrative is raw, real, and relatable. This tale exemplifies the journey many women entrepreneurs take in their pursuit of success.
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman: This book, often recommended by female business coaches, explores the importance of confidence, its roots, and offers advice to women about breaking barriers and claiming their seat at the table.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: Bestselling author of “Eat, Pray, Love”, Gilbert delves into the nuances of creativity, pushing boundaries, and embracing passion. A must-read for every creative entrepreneur, often shared in business coaches’ reading lists.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown: Renowned for her research on vulnerability and one of the influential executive coaches, Brown offers insights into leading with empathy, courage, and integrity.
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo: Marie Forleo, a multi-passionate entrepreneur and female business coach, shares her philosophy that every problem or challenge, no matter how complex, is solvable. This book is a powerful testament to human resilience and creativity, emphasizing that with the right mindset and determination, one can navigate any entrepreneurial hurdle. With practical advice, inspiring stories, and Forleo’s signature wit, it’s a must-read for those looking to transform challenges into opportunities.
Retirement Planning for Female Entrepreneurs
You’re a budding entrepreneur, a future force to be reckoned with in the business world. While you meticulously shape your business’s future, have you paused to consider your own? As your dedicated financial advisor and business coach, I urge you not to overlook the importance of personal retirement planning as you build your business.
In my years of providing financial planning for women, particularly for entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed a pattern. Business finances often take the spotlight, with personal retirement plans slipping through the cracks. But the two aren’t mutually exclusive. The financial strategies that help your business thrive can also secure your personal future.
Imagine transitioning into a retirement where your personal finances echo the success of your business, allowing you to enjoy the rewards of your entrepreneurial journey. It’s more than possible—it’s a goal we can achieve together.
I’m here to partner with you. Let’s ensure that as your business grows, your personal financial future shines just as brightly. After all, successful entrepreneurship isn’t just about thriving now; it’s about securing prosperity for the years to come.
Ryan Smith Is A Financial Business Coach For New Female Entrepreneurs
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my role as a CFP® financial advisor, it’s that all female entrepreneurs bring a unique blend of creativity, resilience, and tenacity to the table. And yet, each of you faces unique financial challenges that deserve tailored solutions. I’ve dedicated my career to working alongside aspiring female entrepreneurs, like you, to ensure that financial hurdles don’t stand in the way of your dreams.
Recognizing wage gaps, balancing caregiving responsibilities, navigating health needs – I’ve seen it all. But more than that, what stands out to me is the hidden strength in each challenge. Every problem can become a chance to learn and open new doors. When we work together, you’ll gain more than just financial advice; you’ll gain a partner committed to helping you succeed in your business owner journey.
So, as you stand on the precipice of this vast entrepreneurial landscape, remember this: you’ve got the passion and vision, and I’ve got the expertise to help you realize your ambitions. Together, we can ensure that every dollar, every decision, propels you closer to your goals and helps build a successful business.
Are you ready to elevate your financial game and make those business dreams a reality? Let’s get started. Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me, Ryan Smith. With my hands-on approach, designed especially for new female entrepreneurs, we’ll turn challenges into remarkable opportunities.
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Fixed insurance products and services not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.
