2024’s Biggest Challenges for Female Entrepreneurs and Proven Solutions
The Biggest Challenges Female Entrepreneurs Face and Proven Solutions
Paula Marie Davis
Founder of Ditch the Dogma | Creator of the SEEK™️ Method
Building a business from the ground up is no small feat, even for female entrepreneurs who embody resilience, creativity, and innovation. Yet, they often face two significant obstacles: maintaining the energy to wear multiple hats and crafting authentic, revenue-generating marketing strategies. This guide offers actionable insights and practical advice, grounded in science and data, to help female founders navigate these challenges and achieve sustainable success.
📷 Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Female Founders: Building from the Ground Up
Meet Jean LaVallie, the Founder of WESOS (Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success). Jean embarked on her journey in 2015 with a vision to create an intentional networking platform for female entrepreneurs. As a dedicated wife of 25 years, loving mom to four, and grandmother to three, she consciously navigated her family responsibilities alongside her professional ambitions. From developing a novel idea for her networking community to building her brand from scratch, Jean’s sheer determination and ingenuity have grown WESOS to over 10,000 members strong across the U.S. Her story highlights the unique path and immense effort required to succeed as a female founder.
MEET JEAN LAVALLIE
Founder of WESOS NETWORK
Managing the multitude of roles and responsibilities that come with being a female founder can be exhausting. It’s a continuous journey, not a one-time effort. For Jean, eleven years into her business, this means meeting the demands of a growing national networking community, managing multiple chapters across the nation, and being a committed wife, supportive mother, and engaged grandmother. As the face and community leader for her platform, it is crucial for her to be an energized, creative force. Often stretched thin, Jean strives to maintain the energy to show up as her best self in all these roles while curating visibility tools that generate revenue for her business and resonate authentically with her audience.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” ”
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic, personalized approach that integrates well-being with authentic marketing practices. It might seem like an unusual partnership at first, but it’s the solution you didn’t know you needed. Here’s why.
Science of Ditching Dogma: Reclaim Your Inner Wisdom
Jean, like many female founders, both newcomers and seasoned professionals, often feels overwhelmed by the myriad of advice and trending guidelines she encounters—many of which are rigid and fail to consider the specific needs of her life and business. This rigidity prevents adaptation as she grows personally and professionally and as the world around her changes. However, one of the most empowering concepts for her, and all female founders alike, is the belief that she already possesses the knowledge she needs to succeed.
“Trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn’t figured out yet.”
Studies have shown that individuals who trust their intuition often make better decisions in complex situations. The idea of “ditching the dogma” – speaking into a bespoke, personalized approach encourages Jean to trust her inner wisdom and intuition. Instead of following one-size-fits-all solutions, she reconnects with herself, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-authority. This perspective is foundational to achieving true, lasting success in both personal and professional realms.
2. Integrating Well-Being and Business Success
Jean realizes that her well-being significantly impacts her productivity and creativity. Research indicates that well-being is crucial for maintaining high performance. For instance, a study by the World Health Organization found that for every dollar invested in mental health, there is a four-dollar return in improved health and productivity. When Jean prioritizes her health and wellness, she cultivates the energy, focus, and resilience needed to propel her business forward. Conversely, her successful business provides the stability and resources necessary to maintain and enhance her well-being.
“Well-Being is not a maybe; it’s a necessity for sustainable success.”
This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, especially for female founders.
The SEEK™️ Method: A Framework for Holistic Success
📷 Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Developed by Paula Marie Davis, the SEEK™️ Method is designed to support female founders like Jean weave together well-being with revenue-generating strategies. It revolves around eight key metrics that address both personal well-being and authentic marketing.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”
The SEEK™️ Method begins by prioritizing the female founder's well-being with four metrics that are measurable and distinct to her. This is not about wellness dogma and food rules. It’s about resilience, avoiding burnout, having energy for days, and sleeping like a baby rather than a fried, c-suite executive. By tracking metrics such as heart rate variability, waist-to-hip ratio, and glucose levels, female founders are experiencing increased creativity, enhanced mental clarity, and gaining the confidence to be the face of their brand, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
“Authenticity is the currency of modern marketing.”
The newfound excitement and energy are just what the female founder needs to uplevel and prioritize genuine visibility and engagement, storytelling, and sharing her unique journey and the mission behind her brand. She can build a loyal community that supports and advocates for her business. Paula Marie Davis’s SEEK™️ Method strongly emphasizes authenticity in marketing, encouraging female founders to step beyond conventional methods and embrace their true voice in their marketing efforts. This approach will help female founders navigate the marketing maze and build brands that stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Effective marketing requires consistent brand visibility, meaningful and efficient conversations, and generating a return on all marketing investments, several of the metrics monitored with the SEEK™️ Method. Aligning your goals with measurable metrics is essential to staying on track. By focusing on these metrics, you can ensure that your marketing efforts are aligned with your values and consistently compelling, driving your business growth.
A Glimpse into Metrics of the SEEK™️ Method
When female founders focus on these metrics to improve their well-being and optimize marketing effectiveness, they create a robust framework that helps them achieve sustainable success without sacrificing their authenticity or their health.
📷 Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
“Building a brand means knowing who you are and what you stand for.”
Energy Stabilization [Enhanced Productivity]: Ensuring consistent energy levels to maintain productivity. Regular physical activity boosts energy and reduces fatigue. A 2021 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology confirms that moderate exercise enhances energy.
Resilience Building [Reduce Stress & Encourage Autonomic Balance]: Enhancing mental and emotional resilience to handle stress and challenges. A 2020 meta-analysis in Behavior Research and Therapy highlights that mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies significantly increase resilience and reduce stress.
Health Management [Nourish Body, Mind, & Spirit]: Prioritizing physical health to support overall well-being. A balanced diet and adequate sleep are crucial. A 2019 review in Nutrients shows the positive impact of a balanced diet on overall health.
Marketing Optimization [Engagement & Conversions]: Developing effective marketing strategies that resonate authentically. Data-driven marketing strategies can enhance engagement and conversion rates. A 2020 article in the Journal of Marketing discusses the importance of authenticity in brand communication.
Autonomy Development [Self-Determination & Confidence]: Fostering self-reliance and confidence in decision-making. Self-determination theory emphasizes the importance of autonomy. Research in the Journal of Business Research (2021) demonstrates the positive impact of autonomy on entrepreneurial success.
Authenticity [Brand Loyalty]: Building a brand that reflects true self and values. Authentic brands build loyal customer bases. A 2020 study in Harvard Business Review emphasizes the growing consumer demand for authenticity.
Longevity Focus [Sustainable Practices]: Planning for long-term success in both health and business. Sustainable practices ensure long-term growth. The World Economic Forum (2020) outlines the benefits of sustainable business practices.
Growth Ignition [Continuous Learning & Innovation]: Continuously learning and adapting to stay ahead. Lifelong learning is linked to innovation. A 2021 study in the Journal of Innovation & Knowledge finds that continuous learning is crucial for competitiveness and innovation.
Practical Tips for Female Founders
Sustain: Cultivate Connection and Stability
Tip: Understand your core values and set clear, achievable goals. Align your actions with these goals to stay grounded and resilient. Regularly assess your brand’s visibility to ensure a stable market presence. The clarity of purpose can improve mental well-being and drive sustained effort.
Empower: Foster Autonomy and Innovation
Tip: Break free from conventional norms and trust your intuition. Innovate and make decisions confidently. Use customer engagement metrics to tailor your marketing strategies and connect deeply with your audience. Empowerment in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Embrace: Celebrate Longevity & Authenticity
Tip: Practice self-compassion and celebrate your journey. Develop an authentic brand voice that reflects your true self. Measure marketing effectiveness through conversion rates to ensure your strategies are working. Authenticity in branding builds trust and loyalty.
Kindle: Ignite Growth & Continuous Learning
Tip: Commit to lifelong learning and personal development. Create a vibrant, passionate life that fuels your entrepreneurial spirit. Track your marketing ROI to ensure your growth strategies are yielding results. Continuous learning leads to greater adaptability and innovation.
QUOTE FROM JEAN
- not a salesy/testimonial - think musings about her experience
AND OFFICIAL HEADSHOT
Learning from Experts with Integrity
While learning from experts is essential, it’s crucial to choose mentors who genuinely invest in your success. Look for those who offer personalized guidance and avoid cookie-cutter solutions. Seek out mentors who understand the importance of measurable goals and data-driven metrics for your well-being and marketing strategies. Ensure they are willing to support you holistically. Remember, you are the sum of your parts, not the other way around.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner SEEKer
Female founders face unique challenges, but by embracing their inner wisdom and integrating measurable well-being and authentic marketing metrics, they are achieving sustainable success and —and you can, too. The SEEK™️ Method offers a practical and measurable framework to help navigate these challenges and thrive holistically.
Remember, for female founders, the journey of entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business. It’s about nurturing yourself and creating a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. When you prioritize well-being and authentic, revenue-generating marketing, you pave the way to living your life’s mission. You’ll impact your loved ones, your business, and every soul you touch, both locally and globally.
For more information and resources on how to implement the SEEK™ Method, visit www.ditchthedogma.com. Join the Fall Cohort Waitlist now. Be in the know when registration opens and get access to the tools, support, and community to implement the SEEK™️ Method effectively.
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.