Only 3% of women's businesses reach $1mil- glass ceiling?

[Elizabeth Robbins]

As a female entrepreneur, I was kind of appalled at hearing this news considering that the number of women entrepreneurs is increasing at an extraordinary rate, growing at four times the national pace of business formation between 1997 and 2002. Women owned firms now account for nearly 40 percent of U.S. businesses according to the Center for Women’s Leadership at Babson College http://www3.babson.edu/CWL/research/Myths-and-Realities-of-Women-Entrepreneurs.cfm

Is this just another glass ceiling?

I really believe that better press, increased dialogue and sponsorship—from angel networks to corporations—is the key to establishing a strong women’s network.

And from seeing what the fabulous female entrepreneurs (Sandy Lerner, Cisco; Kay Koplovitz, USA Networks) are doing out there, that change is happening right now.

Let’s discuss, I would love to hear what others have to say about these statistics. Did they shock you as much as me?

[Account Closed]

Nobody can set a limit to the growth of a business except the owner, and maybe the manager of that business (which falls right back on the owner for a poor choice).

Glass ceiling is upper management refusing to move qualified women up past a certain level. When a woman owns a business, who is it who isn't allowing her to move upward? Nobody but herself.

What are the corresponding statistics for male owned businesses?

[Timothy W.]

If you let statistics determine your success then you relegate yourself to the 97% of people.

[Elizabeth Robbins]

To PNW, thanks for taking the time out to read my post and reply. The main objective of that post was to try and get female entrepreneurs a wake up call and come together so we can provide a positive forum to improve those statistics. And to answer your question, men take the lead with a 3% advantage over women. That number may not seem like a lot, but I know that if all us female entrepreneurs come together, we can soar!

And to Tim, thanks for your response as well! But I wasn't basing my entire business strategy off of those numbers, I just posted it to show that men always have the upper hand in business, and I think it's about time we change that!

Has anyone here heard of Microsoft's Vision to Venture business seminar? It's been going on since the beginning of April with only 2 dates left on the tour. Did anyone here attend or plan on going to the last 2 events? These are so important for women in business! Susan Solovic of Small Business TV is one of the featured speakers, and her lecture is amazing! It really inspired me.

Go on to http://www.smallbusiness.officelive.com/v2v/ for more info on the events.

You can also check out this video featuring Susan Solovic talk about her book! http://youtube.com/watch?v=tZJeZDuy8ko

I'd love to hear some responses from any of my women out there!

[Account Closed]

Very few business persons, not males, not females, have businesses generating over $1 million profit a year.

It's not because anybody is keeping them down. It is because people (men and women) reach a plateau where their needs are being well met and they don't pursue the dollar any further.

There is no good old boys system which is keeping a running account of female owned businesses and cutting them off as soon as they reach $999,000 in income. You get that high, you can continue to go higher.

I know women who have started their own businesses because the good old boys WOULD cut them off in the corporate structure (and I think that is slowly changing), but once you figure out a successful business plan, then gender doesn't have anything to do with it.

As for venture capital. who is applying for it? You don't get if you don't ask. Venture capital is way way too expensive for me to want any, so I'm not asking. But with a really sound product and a good business plan, I can't see investors caring too much beyond seeing what their money is buying them.

I occassionally run into workers who have an attitude about working for a woman, but I just go around them and hire someone else. There is no shortage of good workers who are more interested in their paycheck than in who owns the company.

Barriers to race and gender have fallen and the only thing holding anyone back now is not their race or gender. There are serious obstacles to EVERYBODY who wants to excel, and to declare that you can't because of your race or gender is simply making excuses to not try.

But on the flip side, it doesn't matter who you are, there is someone else who wants that money for themselves and you are going to have to deal with that. Sometimes that isn't easy (for anyone)

[Elizabeth Robbins]

Hi PNW, thank you again for your insight. I do see where you are coming from, and I do agree that it shouldn't come down to issues of gender with business. You either have that business side to you, or you don't.

That being said, I'm glad your views on women in business are that of high moral calibre. Are there any other women out there who have ever felt at a disadvantage in your place of work due to your gender? I'd love to be able to hear your stories and how you were able to overcome any adversities to succeed in your business.

Check out the Microsoft Office Live Small Business Resource Center!
http://www.smallbusiness.officelive.com/resourcecenter/women

It's a great way to find support for other women in business, and to discuss and share experiences and support!

Has there been anyone out there that has tried out Microsoft's new Office Live Small Business program and had positive experiences with it? I think it's a really amazing tool in helping to market and manage your online presence. It's being billed as your one stop shop. I'd love to know if anyone out there has, or will try it out as part of their business model.

-Elizabeth