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March 19, 2013 at 01:45 PM
The numbers are notable: From 1997 to 2011, the number of U.S. women-owned businesses increased by 50 percent. In 2011, the median compensation for female CEOs was 13 percent more than for male CEOs, according to NerdWallet Financial Markets.
Indeed, a record number of women are Fortune 500 CEOs. Women are launching businesses at 1.5 times the national average. There are now 8.2 million American women running their own companies.
According to Catalyst, a non-profit organization, as of Jan. 1, there were 21 women running Fortune 500 companies, including IBM and PepsiCo, That’s up from just seven in 2002-2003. Among the Fortune 1000 companies, there are twice as many, including the CEOs of Neiman Marcus Group, Cracker Barrel and Dun & Bradstreet.
Nonetheless, business women still face hurdles. Keep in mind, while 21 are Fortune 500 CEOs — a record high — that’s only 4.25 percent of the total. The figures hold for Fortune 1000 companies, where less than 5 percent have a female at the helm.
While women are launching more businesses, they have an upward climb; studies show that women-owned companies are less likely to hit the $1 million mark and are more likely to fail.
To claim, own and keep the keys to the corner office, women executives need to be seen, heard and to lead with greater influence and impact. Here are three key tips:
Develop your personal brand: Let people get to know you, your core story of experiences and how they relate to your drive and vision. As Steve Jobs said, “connect the dots,” then use transparent communication to share your story. People make better connections with people who tell a great story, and they’re most interested in the story behind the person at the top. Transparency encourages greater communication, team building and leadership.
