8 Tips for Female Business Owners

Are you, just like me, a confused but driven female business owner? So many times have I googled “tips for female business owners” and the results were just all over the place. 

Some very “connect with your inner child” that gave very little advice on how I would go about doing that. Then I just thought maybe I should just compile one of these lists on my own. Because running Linksandmaria (and starting it) have been so many things so I do think I can share some of things that have helped me – and still do to this day.

I have many quirks and unique things about myself. One of the most obvious things is my passion for plants, planting a seed, nurturing it and seeing it evolve. Instead of just hiding that interest and just viewing it as a hobby I have made a part of my personal brand. 

What do you have that can be a part of your story, or your brand? A unique perspective and experience will strengthen your business – you will get a clearer message. This will in turn make it more clear what sets you apart from your competitors.

I am part of several communities and it is so empowering to be around like-minded people who can hold me accountable but also show me some tough love once needed. 

Starting and running a company is so lonely at times. Especially if the majority of your friends and family have more traditional 9-5 jobs. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with people who get you. 

Supportive peers, mentors, industry contacts – the most important thing is you not only depend on one single person. A strong network is like a kind pack you have on standby, who is there for you when you need them.

I am a perfectionist and have this not so charming trait of ending up in tunnel mode. This means I can sit for hours and hours. Sometimes I forget to eat or take breaks. What has worked for me is to decide how long I should work before I actually start working. Another big thing has been to set alarms after 45 minutes so I have to take a break.

Running a business is demanding, and maybe you are like me thinking you are a robot at times. But even though I love robots, this trait will not be very helpful in the long run. Instead: make sure you set boundaries – when is work hours and when is your personal time? And don’t forget to take those breaks – go for a walk, stretch or simply do a 5 minute meditation. 

One thing I have read that works for many people is the Pomodoro Technique where you work 25 minutes completely focused followed by a 5 minute break.

Another tip is to plan your meals in advance. This will not only save you money and time, it will also probably lead to you eating healthier.

Don’t we all feel good when we help someone? I know I certainly do. That’s why I say “give to your community” and engage in volunteering and community involvement.

It feels good to make a positive impact and it also allows you to pause from your business. You stay grounded and less self-obsessed.

“I want to make money” is a very vague goal and it has no emotional value. The goals have to be meaningful so you can keep going and for that you need an emotional reason. Or many emotional reasons, that keeps you doing what you’re doing as a female business owner day in and day out. 

I prefer to write my goals down but that is just personal preference. The key here is that you define the business goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. And that you prioritise tasks that align with your long-term vision.

I am in the SEO space and with AI coming along there are so many factors that have changed, everything from SEO on page, link building-campaigns to how you do outreach, You cant afford to not keep up with all the new trends, if you don’t you risk being left behind.

So stay flexible and be willing to adapt to new circumstances (even if you may not like them at first). Embracing the change can lead to new opportunities and actually help your business stay alive and competitive.

One of my mentors has always said “Maria-Katarina, have conversations with people all the time, that’s how you do business”. In the beginning I was a bit confused about what he meant with this. But I followed his advice and just contacted people who I genuinely appreciated (not in the fake flattery style) and that has led to some really great opportunities for me.

Don’t be obsessed with getting a message 100% correct or to jump on a call and not  have a super clear agenda. No one will care if you screw things up. Talk, write and chat with people on a weekly basis because that is how you build relationships. And relationships mean business.

When I got my first backlink I made an announcement in one of my Facebook groups I’m part of, I wrote to some other people privately and shared what happened. I was just so happy and it honestly felt like a victory. When I got my first guest article opportunities I celebrated by buying a new plant (of course ;)).

What I am trying to say is that small achievements count and you should recognize them. You need to do what you can to keep your spark going, because like I have said a bunch of times now, being a female business owner is a lonely place. 

So acknowledge and celebrate your milestone and successes, no matter how small, Honor them, honor yourself and keep that motivation up.