WCWB Blog
BUSINESS OWNERS BECOME LEADERS
Whether you consider yourself a leader or not, the moment you choose to be an entrepreneur, you take on the role of a leader.
Whether you consider yourself a leader or not, the moment you choose to be an entrepreneur, you take on the role of a leader. You are choosing to pursue a journey that will require a career-long commitment to learning and personal development. Even with no employees, you are directing all operations and expanding your network. You are doing something many other individuals have not felt capable of. You have already removed yourself from the category of “follower.” A leader has many components and various definitions, however, all effective leadership requires personal growth, effective directing, the respect of others to create successful businesses.
Leaders are INFLUENCERS
Leaders encompass the ability to lead others around them, to guide individuals, and to organize teams. They are able to motivate, encourage, and see the big picture to develop regular goals for the company. Leaders are able to inspire others to believe in their vision and support their mission. This is where investors and stakeholders see potential and put their time, money, and resources into the vision. Leaders see the strengths in others and help them grow in them. Just like they set goals for themselves, they also set goals for their partners and staff.
Leaders are COMMANDERS
Leaders gain a respected level of authority and are seen as mentors. Due to their knowledge and passion, they are trusted to provide solid direction and planning. They are expected to know their craft well and to recognize potential problems or threats. Leaders make hard decisions when needed and take the responsibility when those decisions have negative impacts. They also make sure to be prepared for any outcomes with other planned options to fall back on. Leaders have to problem-solve regularly in order to keep things moving towards their goals.
Leaders are COLLABORATORS
Leaders should know that they must rely on others from time-to time to reach their goals. Leaders know how to collaborate with others who have knowledge and skill they may not already possess. Leaders form teams to speed up processes, but also to collaborate with each other so nothing is missed. Brainstorming with a team is a wise way to problem-solve and to create new opportunities. All business owners must learn to network to grow their businesses. All entrepreneurs require consumers to make a profit, which means consumers are also part of that collaboration process. There are various ways consumers can be involved.
Leadership is learned. It is a transformation process that takes time and experience. It requires a lot of effort and humility, but it’s rewarding to lead others to success. There are different types of leaders and not all are healthy or effective. What type of leader do you choose to be as a business owner? List your strengths and weaknesses and start working on ways you can improve your leadership skills.
By: Ashley Whitley WCWB
Recent Blog Posts
LEVERAGING AUTOMATION TO STREAMLINE YOUR WORKFLOW
LAUNCHING A MENTAL HEALTHCARE CENTER
A guide to mental healthcare.
NAVIGATING SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS
A guide to running a small business efficiently.
BEYOND THE BRICK-AND-MORTAR
Beyond the Brick-and-Mortar: Exploring the Boom in Online Small Businesses
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Leadership Development: A Pathway to Personal Growth and Employee Wellness
APPLYING FOR GRANTS
What is the typical process when applying for grants?
LEVEL UP YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT
Time management is on another level once you become a business owner. Let’s take a look at how we can increase our time management skills to meet the needs of entrepreneurship!
WHAT THE HECK IS SEO?!
Many business owners do not know what SEO is or its importance and it could be drastically hindering their business.
UNDERSTANDING GRANTS
Many people come to the WCWB asking about grants so I thought it would be helpful to explain what grants are and the process of obtaining one.
STARTING AN EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Opening an Early Learning Center in Washington State involves several steps and requires compliance with certain regulations and licensing requirements. Here's a general outline of the process.
2023 BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES
Here are some general business practices that have been widely recognized as effective and continue to be relevant in 2023.
IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL LITERACY
Being a business owner requires a level of digital literacy that not all feel they can meet. It is crucial to increase one's expertise regarding digital literacy in today's technology-driven world for several reasons.
GETTING A LIQUOR LICENSE IN WASHINGTON STATE
Those looking to sell, manufacture, import, or distribute will need a liquor license in Washington State.
STARTING AN ADULT FAMILY HOME
Having worked with a client recently in preparing for her adult family home opening, I wanted to take time to share some crucial information for this type of business venture.
10 TIPS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS
There are so many women who have forged a path and have become inspiration to others seeking their own business.
BARRIERS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
It is important to recognize the barriers associated with entrepreneurship to better plan around them.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING AN ONLINE STORE
The benefits, disadvantages, and process of an online store.
BUSINESS OWNERS BECOME LEADERS
Whether you consider yourself a leader or not, the moment you choose to be an entrepreneur, you take on the role of a leader.
WHAT IS A MARKET ANALYSIS?
As I meet with new potential business owners, I focus first on helping them make a solid business plan. A proper business plan contains a section called “market analysis.”
YOUR BUSINESS IS A CULTURE
Whether you decide to create a culture or not, your business will default to one. As newer business owners and business expanders, you have the ability to start your business off right with a basic set of values and goals.
MAINTAINING MOTIVATION
Women decide to start their own business for many reasons and these reasons can change over time. I have met a lot of women who have started an at-home business simply because they were mothers and couldn’t afford not to work. I was one of those women.
