Good afternoon blog readers! This is my final blog post required of the course I’m taking at Brandman. I’d love to say that I’d continue writing about this topic but I feel after finishing the research, there isn’t much left to say. In the beginning I was wondering who had been successful, how they did it and the problems they faced. In the end my focus became how women in small business can achieve success.

I organized my resources with an annotated bibliography. This was great in having a go-to document I could reference quickly, to get information. My final paper was a literature review. Basically, one document that encompasses a summary of the resources I collected, which pertain to my topic. This literature review was an excellent way in organizing my thoughts and getting everything in order. I fear my review was far too long than what was required. However, I wanted to make sure I had included a thorough review. The subject of success and small business ownership is a personal topic for me. Having a thorough literary review I was learning as I went along. I’m not sure I would do this if it wasn’t required in the future, just because it was extremely time consuming.

In the end I think I’ve answered my research question, “How can women in small business be successful?” The research concluded there were two main categories, we as women, must focus on: our actions and our mindset.

With actions I’ve found marketing your business should be a priority. For both women and men, implementing a marketing plan, or lack thereof, can make or break your small business. Take action on marketing, make it happen, find a way and find a budget for it. The next action we must take is with networking. Don’t be shy or intimidated! Everyone started somewhere. Get out there, get your business name and product out there. Meet other business owners, male and female. Swap stories and find comfort in numbers. The final important action to take is seeking a mentor. This I’m still trying to do. Everyone starts somewhere indeed. So, don’t create a mentality of, “I know what I’m doing,” when in fact you probably don’t. Find someone to teach you the ropes. Share and bounce ideas back and forth.

Mindset is equally important to achieving success in small business. Have the mindset that, “I can do this!” Believe in yourself. Don’t let self-doubt take over. Reach out and create a support system, let others be a part of the great things you are trying to do. Don’t keep the mindset, “So long as the bills are paid, that’s success.” It’s not. Success comes from growth. Find a potential for growth and have the mindset, “There’s always room for growth.” Paying the bills isn’t a goal…reaching the top of the mountain is. Finally, be willing to trust and take advice. Open yourself up to failure. There are times you will fail. Accept that and know it is a lesson to learn from. Take advice from those who’ve been there before. Be kind to yourself, find balance and believe success is just around the corner. Let’s break that 90% stigma that we’re in it alone!