Professional Development Opportunities for Female Business Owners in 2024
As we step into 2024, I’m more motivated than ever to help female business owners create the business and life they’ve always dreamed of. I’m a proponent of taking advantage of professional development opportunities. It’s helped me develop as a business owner and step into that role despite feeling imposter syndrome sometimes.
I want to share some cool professional development opportunities for female business owners I’ve found. Of course, these all depend on the industry you’re in, so make sure to do some research first!
I hope you take advantage of these or others you know of in 2024! Let’s all become the powerful business owners we know we can become. ❤️
Online Courses
Online courses are a great way to develop your skills and learn new skills, too. I usually enroll in one online course a year. I want to fully commit to learning something new, and if I enroll in too many, I get overwhelmed and end up not taking action! Online courses require you to put in the work; if you don’t do the homework or supplemental material provided, you’re wasting your time and money. Think of it as a college course – you have to sit through the lecture, then go home and do your homework.
Conferences
I love attending entrepreneur conferences! They’re a fun way to escape the virtual world and meet other business leaders face-to-face. Conferences provide you with networking opportunities and educational sessions to take back to your business. Research and find conferences that would benefit your business and make it a goal to attend one in 2024!
Networking
I can’t tell you how much business I get from word of mouth and referrals. I think a lot of business owners operate that way. That’s why networking is so important. Being a virtual business, it’s difficult to get out and network. Here are some opportunities you can take advantage of in 2024 (both in-person and online!).
- Local Chamber of Commerce
- Meetup
- Facebook groups
- Social media (LinkedIn and Instagram in particular)
- Business Networking International (BNI)
- Local trade associations
- Local development associations
Certification
That feeling of earning a certification is like nothing else! Certifications can validate your skills and knowledge. It gives you bragging rights on your website and shows you know what you’re talkin’ about. You’ll also learn new skills or freshen up existing skills so you can offer more value to your clients. Work towards certifications that are relevant to your profession and career goals.
Business Coach
Investing in a business coach was one of the best things I did for my business. A lot of entrepreneurs start their businesses without prior knowledge of how to operate a business (or is that just me?) I knew I had the skills business owners needed, and I just started offering my services.
A business coach helped me create a sustainable and successful business. I learned and implemented so much from their guidance. I highly recommend hiring a business coach to help scale your business.
Mentorship Program
Sometimes business coaches offer mentorship programs or group coaching. If you aren’t ready to invest in a 1:1 business coach (it can be pricey), a mentorship program might be the right fit. You’ll be in a group with other business owners learning from a coach. You’ll probably get regular coaching calls, resources, and a way to communicate with the coach in a mentorship program. It’s something to look into if you’re looking for help in your business but aren’t able to back the bill of a 1:1 coach.
Trade Shows
Investing in a booth at a trade show can be a great way to network with new clients and other industry professionals. They happen several times a year and there’s bound to be one near you. You can also travel to trade shows if that fits for your business! By sponsoring a booth at a trade show, you have the opportunity to meet potential new customers. You’ll also likely get a list of attendees with their contact information. One event could result in hundreds of leads for your business!
You are the most important part of your business. I know it’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day operations of your business. But if you don’t work on yourself as a business owner, the business won’t grow. Make it a goal in 2024 to invest in professional development opportunities. I’ll leave you with this advice I heard from business leader Dean Graziosi:
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but one thing that has never been a mistake? Spending money on improving my skills and my capabilities. Invest in yourself, you’ll never regret it.”
About Solution Integrators
To keep it simple, I’m Ashley, a Chief Systems Officer. I take your complex problems and find ways to simplify them. My goal isn’t just to save you time (saving you time is the easy part!) – I want to fully level up the way you interact, manage, and fulfill offers for your clients. I want to help you provide a cohesive experience. An experience that not only feels like quality but looks that way, too. From onboarding to offboarding – I want to transform each phase of interaction from lead to signed client. Let’s work together!
