Interviews

One of the things that I do is interview women business owners, frequently as a part of their certification process to become a WBE.  This week, I was privileged to talk with five women business owners, representing the manufacturing, construction, and service sectors.  I asked each woman what one thing would make her job easier as a business owner, and received a number of responses.  One response involved wanting more time, and another involved wanting more access to capital.  The one response that stuck with me is that she said that it would be easier if she were a man.

That reminded me of Jeffrey Toobin's books "The Oath" and "The Nine."  In each, he discusses the workings of the Supreme Court Justices and in particular, about Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  Justice O'Connor was the first woman Justice.  Anyone who goes "through the wall" is the bloodiest, and "The Nine" talks about what Justice O'Connor had to do to compete and earn her career.  "The Oath" talks about Justice Ginsburg and her being a swing vote on the court, and how she prevails.

For those of you who are pioneers in your field, investigate these books to remind yourself that you are not nuts and that you are paving the way for those women coming behind you.  The first one through the wall is the bloodiest.  Stay the course.

AND for those in West Michigan, be sure to enter your nomination for the Grand Rapids Business Journal's Top Women Owned Businesses awards to be held in March 2013.  www.grbj.com  The women entrepreneurs coming up the ranks need to see you as a role model. 

It's all good.