Finding Purpose - A Journey of Empowerment for Women in Business

Finding Purpose - A Journey of Empowerment for Women in Business

By Primera Muthoni

In the fast-changing business world of today, women are making great progress, breaking down walls, and making their own way to success. Women entrepreneurs are transforming industries and making their mark because they are determined and do not give up. Here are 5 sure ways to get kickstart your journey.

  1. Embrace Your Passion

Finding purpose begins with identifying your passion and what truly drives you. Ask yourself, "What ignites my enthusiasm? What brings me joy?" Discovering your passion not only brings fulfilment to your work but also fuels your determination to overcome challenges. Whether it's making a difference in the community or pursuing a specific industry, aligning your business with your passion gives it meaning and purpose. Personally, I am driven by seeing others thrive, and my expertise lies in technology, product development, and management. I am committed to supporting women in building sustainable businesses and leveraging technology tools to empower their success. Let us embark on a journey where passion, technology, and business merge to create a meaningful and impactful path forward. 

  1. Define Your Vision:

It's important to have a clear goal for your business once you have found what motivates you. Think about where you want your business to be in a few years. Set both short-term and long-term goals that are in line with what you care about and what you value. A clear vision will help you make choices, motivate your team, and give you a sense of direction. This year,my burning desire  is to make sure that at least 400 people and businesses use a technology tool to make their lives easier.

  1. Cultivate Self-Confidence:

Believing in yourself is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur. As a woman in business, it's important to cultivate self-confidence and trust your abilities. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement. Seek opportunities for personal and professional development to enhance your skills and boost your self-assurance. You constantly need to work on your self confidence and choose a village that will support you as you grow. 

  1. Build a Strong Support System:

Success is seldom achieved alone. Business women need to have a solid support system around them. Make connections with others in your sector. The best environment in this regard for me has come from Business Network International (BNI) (visit www.bni.com) and the women entrepreneurs forum at Girls for Girls. The constant networking events and accountability have helped me grow in my area of business as a consultant. 

Make sure you are around individuals who can encourage you, comment on your work, and assist you in achieving your goals. Two effective strategies for personal and professional development are collaboration and having a mentor.

  1. Develop Essential Business Skills

To thrive in the business world, women must develop and refine essential skills. These skills include:

a) Financial Acumen: Making informed decisions and managing resources efficiently both depend on having a solid understanding of the financial aspects of your company. Learn about financial analysis, cash flow management, and budgeting. I had to connect with experts in this field at different points in the development of my business, to really learn the basics I needed. 

b) Marketing and Branding: Develop a strong brand identity and learn to effectively communicate your value proposition. Understand your target market, create compelling marketing strategies, and leverage digital platforms to reach a broader audience. Read my earlier blogs on personal branding here and here. 

c) Leadership and Communication: Effective leadership and communication skills are essential for building and inspiring your team. Learn to delegate, motivate, and communicate your vision clearly. Listen to this TEDxKiwenda Talk on Shared Leadership here. 

d) Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: These skills are essential in navigating business partnerships, contracts, and resolving conflicts. Practise active listening, empathise with others, and seek win-win solutions.

 Keep in mind that your entrepreneurial journey is distinct, and by embracing your purpose, you can have a lasting impact both within and outside of your industry. Therefore, let your passion lead the way, your abilities advance you, and your purpose motivate you to achieve greatness.

My name is Primera Muthoni, and I enjoy supporting entrepreneurs by helping them navigate and adopt technology to accelerate business growth.

Business Consultant at Analytics Business Centre and Associate Consultant (Uganda Management Institute)

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