I recently received an email and a phone call from 2 young women that had B&M stores and both feeling pretty defeated that they weren't able to make a go of it. After speaking with one young woman on the phone and reassuring her that business may be a little slow on the web but that it is still alive and well, and as we explored her possibilities, I heard a renewed energy and excitement about her lifelong dream. It made me realize that what I've always said to be true, women in general and especially in small business, have such different needs. You can't compare us all to corporate America nor can you compare us to men in business. We're moms and grandmas, sisters and friends and we rely on each other for very basic needs such as "caring", "support", "understanding" and "championing". It's what we know, it's what we do and at times it's what we need.
I've heard our community called an "affinity" or "feel good community" and I wasn't really sure I liked the stereotype, but I do like it. I love it as a matter of fact. I love that single handedly or collectively we have the power to pull someone up by their bootstraps or give them a new pair if theirs are broken, supporting them in ways that they can't get anywhere else. It isn't always crisis intervention that we need, it's the daily nurturing that makes us believe in ourselves and our dreams, that makes a group like ours so unique and so very valuable.
The often referenced "take the leap and the net will follow" is vital to our success as women in business. Until you've been a part of a very cohesive and caring "affinity group", you can't possible imagine the difference it can make in someones life - the difference it can make in your life. I would encourage anyone that is even considering starting their journey of bliss to find an affinity group that you can become a part of - an affinity group like Make Mine Pink.
Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink
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