4 Easy Ways To Support Female Entrepreneurs

2021 marked five years of McMillion Consulting, and I celebrated big time! For me, it was important not just to look back and see how far I had come, but also to raise a glass to all the people who had helped me get there. There are too many to count! I am genuinely so lucky to have awesome cheerleaders, mentors, friends, and clients who support me (the person) and my business by referring me to and introducing me to other awesome people.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a female entrepreneur, it’s that we thrive when we encourage one another. Sometimes helpful support looks big, like time, money, and resources. Other times, it’s as simple as making a referral or speaking a word of encouragement. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve rounded up four easy ways to support a female entrepreneur this month. 

1. Write a LinkedIn recommendation.

If you’ve been the client or customer of a female entrepreneur, take a moment to write her a LinkedIn recommendation. Even one testimonial can go a long way toward creating credibility. Plus, every recommendation you write acts as a mini-billboard for you by showing your name, face, and headline on the other person’s profile. It can pique someone’s curiosity to learn more about you, click through to your profile, and potentially reach out. It pays to be kind to others! 
 

2. Make an introduction. 

As the saying goes, it’s all about who you know. There’s nothing more gratifying than introducing two people you respect. When you come across someone who would be a perfect client for a female entrepreneur you know, make a referral. Maybe you know an investor or someone with connections in a particular industry—pass along a name when it makes sense to do so. You’ll be amazed how much you can support women in business simply by adopting a connector’s mindset. 
 

3. Share your knowledge.

I love sharing lessons from my time as a business owner with other women because it gives me an opportunity to recognize my own professional progress. Set aside time to reflect on what you know, and then be generous with your knowledge. This could be as small as a coffee chat with someone who’s just starting out in business, or as big as saying yes to a mentorship opportunity. Often, simply knowing someone has stood in your shoes can be the greatest encouragement. 

4. Leverage your platform.

If you’re a leader, you have a platform whether you realize it or not. Either through years of experience in a particular industry or because you’ve built a strong social following, people listen when you talk. Be mindful of opportunities to use your voice to increase visibility for women in business. Your recommendation and recognition have the power to propel a business from obscurity to success, so wield it well. 

When I think about women I admire, Heidi Hoium, Owner and CEO at Ironworks Team Consulting, comes to mind immediately. Despite significant health challenges this past year, she managed to have her best year ever. It’s such a testament to her commitment to her vision: to help financial advising teams scale and maximize potential. Her faith and focus are an inspiration to me and I feel privileged to call her a friend. 

Think about your own community. Who can you support this month? If you’re not sure where to begin, your LinkedIn network is a great place to start. I’ve rounded up some great ways you can be an MVP on LinkedIn in this free guide. Check it out!