Yes, you really can go your own way – no matter what your age and level of experience. Over the next couple of weeks we’re featuring young female entrepreneurs who’ve either escaped the corporate world, never stepped foot in the corporate world, or are simply doing something on the side of their corporate life.
We ask them everything from what unique traits they think make an entrepreneur, to the turning points that led them to pursue their own business, and the advice they have for other women looking to do their own thing.
Today’s young entrepreneur is 26-year-old Impact Leaders director Emily Haigh. Her boutique consulting firm works to assist organisations engage in a social impact initiative – allowing them to access brand differentiation and competitive benefits that are more financially sustainable than Corporate Social Responsibility alone.
What unique traits do you have that have aided your success as an entrepreneur, or that you expect to aid your success?
A hard work ethic, positive outlook and sheer determination. I don’t ever see things as being “too hard”, but rather as “it’s a challenge, let’s work out how to get past it and move onwards and upwards”. The way you view a challenge will determine your success. It’s also great to surround yourself with positive people and to look for business mentors and advisors. Support and advice networks are key.
How do you retain your energy and keep enthusiastic about your work day to day?
Expect to have lots of challenges. Pick yourself up and move on. Enjoy the moment and be thankful for the lessons you learn along the way. Again, if you can surround yourself with great people and remember to look after yourself and stay healthy, you will keep you energy up and be much more productive than working yourself into the ground. The resulting success is hugely rewarding and fulfilling.
What was the turning point or defining moment that inspired you to branch out with your own business?
The rush and knowledge you get from being wholly responsible for your own success is quite compelling. In the case of Impact Leaders, we saw a niche in the market, refined the business model and were quickly able to see the potential for success. Impact Leaders is in an innovative market that is experiencing huge traction. We are getting approached by many of Australia’s biggest corporations who want to lead this change and be seen as ‘innovators’. The lesson here is, aim high and you never know what could happen. You make your own success.
I am very lucky to be in a position to really drive positive change around managing and solving the ever-increasing social problems in Australia. This is truly an exciting time for business who want to do well whilst doing good. Had I not take a great leap of faith, I never would have started my own business and been able to see the business take off.
What key personality traits and skills do you believe are required for young women keen on developing their own business idea, or pursuing a career as an entrepreneur?
Innovation, drive, street smarts and an ability to see the positive side of every challenge. If you can’t laugh and move on, you’ll find starting your own business quite a challenge.
And what advice would you have for encouraging such women to stick with the plan?
Again, expect it to be very hard work. Commit to it, make sure you get the basics like a great accountant and lawyer to set up smooth functioning business foundations. This is very important. Get your brand out to the market through attending industry and networking events regularly. Support other entrepreneurs and they will support you. Keep in touch with your support networks and make sure you do something for yourself every now and then so you don’t burn out. The fun is in the challenge!