Finding Your Way in the Corporate World

Professional women who are entering the workforce should look for opportunities at companies that value diversity. Seeking positions at women-owned businesses may even minimize the chances of an unsavory workplace experience. If you do experience sexism, though, it’s important to document it and notify human resources of the issue. Asserting your rights will help you earn advancement opportunities and demonstrate that you’re capable of leadership.

Why Starting Your Own Business May Be Better

Even if you do everything right and play by the rules, it may seem like the sexism of the working world is simply inescapable. If so, starting a business might offer freedom from these oppressions. No matter what kind you choose, it’s imperative that you have a business plan that includes your marketing strategy, business structure, and funding sources. Before jump-starting your business, consider how your business will affect your life and how much personal freedom you require. Here are four business ideas you can try:

1. Marketing Consultancy

If you have the ability to sense a brand’s potential, perhaps you have what it takes to establish a marketing consultancy. As an independent marketing consultant, you’ll help brands capitalize on their strengths, mitigate their weaknesses, and market to their target demographic effectively. You can build your business in this field by soliciting clients, marketing your own company, and advertising on freelance platforms.

2. Creative Skills Business

If you have a creative skill such as painting, fashion, or graphic design, you can monetize this skill by starting a business. You’ll need to establish a steady group of customers and learn what kind of products and designs sell best. You should then establish a plan for regularly producing and selling inventory so that you create a steady stream of income.

3. Freelance Copyeditor

Perhaps you have a way with words. If so, copyediting is a potentially lucrative career path and business option. There will always be a need for talented copyeditors, and you can fill this niche by establishing a business offering your services. Marketing your business and offering deals to new clients can help you build consistent revenue.

4. Caregiving Business

If you have a passion for helping others, caregiving may be a suitable business option. Start by obtaining any licensure that’s required in your state and deciding what kind of population you want to serve — elderly people, the disabled, or young children, for example. You can then set an hourly rate for caregiving services and start working directly with your clients.

Form an LLC

Forming an LLC (limited liability company) when starting a business can provide many benefits, including personal liability protection, potential tax advantages, and increased credibility with customers and suppliers. Additionally, an LLC structure can make it easier to raise capital, transfer ownership, and secure loans or grants. Instead of hiring an attorney to register your LLC, you can save by working with an online formation service.

Obtain Necessary Funding

Getting funding when starting a business can be a crucial step towards success, and options include bootstrapping (self-funding), seeking investment from angel investors or venture capitalists, applying for small business loans from banks or other financial institutions, or utilizing crowdfunding platforms to raise funds from a large number of individuals. If you’re planning to apply for a loan, take a close look at your credit report so you have an idea about what rates you’re eligible for. It's important to carefully evaluate each funding option and determine which one is the best fit based on the business's needs, goals, and financial situation.

Break the Glass Ceiling With Your Skills

The glass ceiling is often the barrier between women and the professional success they seek. If you’ve found yourself facing this problem, you may need to find a way to achieve success on your own terms, whether that means going back to school or starting your own business. Find a business idea that matches your skills, form an LLC, check your credit report before applying for business loan, and break that glass ceiling once and for all!

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