Women-owned businesses are a powerful force in our industry.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure to work side-by-side, coach, instruct and hang out with many women on their journey of running and growing their landscape business. It’s been exciting and rewarding to have a glimpse into the world of woman entrepreneurs.

They face the same challenges as any business owner—there’s technology, smart decisions, proper budgeting, capital investments and other major issues to worry about.

With that, here’s what I’ve learned that all women entrepreneurs can take to heart.

Women entrepreneurs… 

• are, “on average,” more successful than male-owned counterparts. They are more willing to ask for directions and learn from others. They are not phased by adversity because they are used to working hard;
• employ a sensitivity to people issues that all businesses need in order to succeed in this new world order. It is hard to recruit these days, and creating a healthy culture is critical;
• can gain a leg-up in some markets where a woman-owned business is an advantage;
• enjoy a unique niche in the male-dominated field. Many landscape clients are female, and dealing with female counterparts is a pleasant change;
• think differently and bring a fresh outlook to business. One of my mentee’s told one of her employees, “Here is an impromptu bonus of a day-off with pay. All you have to do is write me a thank you note afterward.”

If you are thinking of going into business for yourself, I say, “Go for It!”

If you are already in business but struggling, I say: “Don’t try to compete head on. Use your strengths to your advantage.”

If you have successfully started and grown your business, congrats! Enjoy the ride!

No matter the gender, all entrepreneurs suffer from similar issues— taking enough vacation and down time, enjoying the fruits of your labor.

I recently emailed with a leading woman-owned business in Minnesota and discovered the CEO was on an educational trip to India while her staff was running the business. Now that is success!

Enjoy the journey.