A note from our founders
Last week I was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. My 6-year-old daughter, sat at the bench with her notepad and
pencil. With pencil poised, she said to me, “Mum, this winter I’m going to open a hot chocolate stand. Where do
you think I should open it?” “Why do you want to open a hot chocolate stand?” I asked. Her reply? “I need to start a
business, so I can make more money. In winter everyone loves hot chocolate. So where should I open it?”
And right there was the reminder that we are the biggest role models to our children. Women in business are
so powerful and influential - not only in the market place and the economy, but in our own homes too. Amelia
sees me growing a business from home. She’s noticed that I attend meetings with a note book and pen. Already
she realises that growing a business takes planning and consideration. Plus, she knows the main purpose of a
business is to be profitable.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows women make up 34% of all small business operators. I can
only see this number increasing. More women are feeling empowered to step outside the traditional workforce
and follow their passions to create their own successful business.
To embrace the roller coaster that is entrepreneurship, women need three key elements:
Unshakeable Self Belief
When you look deeply at the entrepreneurs that have achieved success, each one will tell you it was their belief in
themselves that got them through. Each one had moments of doubt, sure, but at their core, was the knowledge
they had the skills and capabilities to get the job done. It’s called self-belief for a reason. It must come from an
internal source; not accolades and pats on the back from others. Work on building your own self-worth, so you
know that whatever the storm, you can hold strong and continue to move forward.
A Rock Solid Support Network
At Real Entrepreneur Mums we firmly believe in the adage “You are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most
time with, so be wise with who you choose.” This is especially true if you’re a solopreneur working from home.
Our interactions and connections can be so limited, that you want to make sure they’re positive and helping you
to reach your goals.
And if you have a partner, you want them to be a part of your support network. After all, they’re one of your five
people. Develop the tools for open communication – tell them what you need for support. Listen to what they
need from you. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Make your journey part of their journey, bring them
along for the ride.
Access to Mentorship and Training
Life is a about continual learning. Nobody knows everything, and nobody ever will. You need to embrace the
opportunities for new learnings; in fact, you should be planning and budgeting for them. Invest in y ourself as
well as your business. But don’t get in the trap of booking yourself on course after course. Self-development is
great. Procrastination isn’t. If you can’t keep yourself accountable, find someone who will. Find yourself a mentor.
Someone who has walked your path and has knowledge and experience to share. Someone you respect and who
will keep you accountable for your actions.
Being a woman in business is one of the most challenging and most rewarding things you can do. You have the
opportunity to create the life you want to live. Whether it’s creating a network of amazing women who go after
their goals and smash them or starting a hot chocolate stand in the middle of winter. By believing in
yourself and surrounding yourself with others that share your vision, you have the foundations for
success. So, what are you waiting for?
Co-Founder Real Entrepreneur Mums
Alison Valenti