Confidence is the key to finding success in business for Women

Entrepreneurism is charging up the popularity poles and, true to type, refuses to lay down and keep quiet.

Barely a day passes without a missive from someone urging us into new enterprise - self reliance and self employment.

The message is very powerful. Duncan Bannatyne - who needs no introduction, has recently said that ‘it is the best time ever to start [a new business]’.  Given the critical nature of the employment market and the redundancy horror stories that affect everyone in every sector, the rally call is timely and may be seen as motivating; but is it misplaced? Entrepreneurship is not a boat that everyone can float.

As an Ambassador for Enterprising Women, I recently met 45 female entrepreneurs at the House of Commons. It was evident that each and every one of us had turned our passion it into a workable business. The glorious evening was hosted by Bev Hurley: herself a serial entrepreneur and one of the UK's leading experts on growing sustainable and successful women-owned businesses.

On the drive home I mused upon the secret ingredient that these ladies evidently possess.  Is it nature or nurture? Were these ladies born with a business brain and unshakeable resolve, or did life fashion their choices and the right doors open for them?

Duncan Bannatyne’s fellow Dragon, Peter Jones, believes that entrepreneurship and enterprise is something that can be taught. He has orchestrated the National Enterprise Academy to foster enterprise amongst the next generation, male and female - but, which ever side of the bed you lie, there is one very special ingredient that you must have by the bucket load - confidence in yourself. And there’s the rub; for whatever reason, women tend towards self-depreciation and a lack of self belief. Fundamentally we do not believe that we can do it on our own and this in a nutshell is what holds so many of us back.

My musing have led me to believe that there is a reason and perhaps an answer. As far back as we know, men fought for what they wanted. Using their innate physical strength they found food, shelter and a mate to bear and raise their children. Only the strongest survived.  Although evolution has ensured that modern manifestations of progress are rather more sophisticated; genetic memory is very strong.  With a warrior’s mindset, you can well understand why self belief and self reliance begets self-confidence. Women, on the other hand, have historically depended upon their menfolk to protect and provide. Remember that women only won the right to vote in 1928, just 72 years ago.  Some say that this land mark was the resultant and cumulative appreciation of women’s work efforts during the First World War and the subsequent change in focus. Prior to that, women’s working role in western countries was limited, designated, ‘women’s work’ for the majority.
So, history and anthropology aside, if you are battling with a lack of self confidence; you are not alone - take heart and be brave.

Mary-Jane is a Norfolk business coach and mentor. You can contact her at mary.jane.kingsland@gmail.com