Entrepreneurship often comes with more than its fair share of challenges. No matter how long you’ve been in business, entrepreneurs will need to deal with trying to establish a brand, exceed the competition, and stay profitable. However, female entrepreneurs breaking into business not only have to face these issues common to all startup business owners, but also have a plethora of unique challenges specific to them.

It’s no secret that Americans tend to believe that men have a better shot at leadership positions, even though the majority also says that both genders make equally good leaders. Corporate America is very much a boy’s club: only 4.8% of Fortune 500 companies have women sitting at their CEO desk. Many of those women that have made it as far as they have were brought in during times of adversity for their companies: Marissa Mayer was hired to save Yahoo, Lynn Elsenhans took over Sunoco after their shares dropped 52 percent. Why do so few women succeed despite their vast qualifications?

  • Women are expected to defy social expectations. A lot of women entering the world of business owners try to fit in and adopt the attitudes of their male counterparts. However, this is often counterproductive, as men tend to have competitive and aggressive mindsets about their businesses. Successful female entrepreneurs state that staying true to yourself and finding your own voice will help women achieve success in the workplace. Don’t conform to a man’s idea of a leader: be yourself and you will go far.
  • A lot of women also run into a lack of funding to get their businesses off the ground in the first place. Statistics show that less than 3 percent of companies funded by venture capital have female CEOs. Venture capitalists have a tendency to invest in people from their own circles (i.e. an investor who earned their degree at a certain college is more likely to invest in a business started by an alum from their college). This means that venture capitalist firms run by women will be more likely to invest in female-operated startup companies. However, that only accounts for 6 percent of United States VC firms. Women who are looking for investors need to devote significant time building their teams and a solid business plan if they want a chance at success.
  • Because of how women are brought up in American society, many female entrepreneurs run into the issue of having a community-based, “team effort” mentality that doesn’t translate properly to business. Women can unintentionally downplay their own worth when talking about their companies, and that often leaves them struggling to convey their value and contributions to the business. To counteract this thought process, try saying “I’ and “me” more often rather than “we” and “us”. It isn’t bragging; it’s just a matter of letting your clients and peers know that you are in control and that you are making a concerted effort to own your accomplishments. Have confidence in your ability to run a business and play to your strengths to set yourself apart as a leader.
  • There is a disappointing lack of female role models within the business world compared to men, and women often find themselves laying the groundwork for the women that will come in after them rather than connecting with mentors and teachers that will help them succeed. Don’t get discouraged: there are role models out there if you keep looking for them! It is essential that you find others that will support you and help you achieve success. Build up a network of people willing to help you and make sure that you don’t discount those that work beneath you. An underling who wants to work for you and help you succeed is a hundred times better than a boss who isn’t concerned with your well-being.
  • On top of all of the above problems, women are often faced with needing to balance their business with their family life to a higher degree than most men. Being a mother while running a business can be extremely challenging if you aren’t prepared to have dual responsibilities with work and family. The important thing is to not take shortcomings and little mistakes get to you, such as missing your child’s class trip. If you can find a way to devote time to both your family and your work without detracting from either one, you stand a good chance of success in both avenues of your life.