10 key tips for surviving as a female entrepreneur

After one week, Rebecca Field walked out of what she thought was her dream job. Just 24 at the time, she had an inkling of an idea to start her own talent management agency and decided to simply get on with making happen.

Three years later, she’s at the helm of Mode Talent Agency, competing against much larger and more experienced players for national contracts.

So how did she do it? Great contacts helped — many of which she developed as a commercial model while at university — as did a willingness to step out and do her own thing. She needed to learn how to grow a business on the fly — which she did — while also realising when to let go and where to ask for help.

In the lead up to her presentation for the League of Extraordinary Women next week, Field offers ten tips below for would-be entrepreneurs and those who’re just starting out on their small business journey.

1. Find time away from work: whether it’s at the gym, playing with your dog or simply taking an actual lunch break, you’ll be more productive and your body will thank you and reward you for it
2. Don’t assume anything: regardless of your past experiences with a client, ask for contracts and check the fine print
3. Document all client liaisons: this is great for chasing invoices
4. Don’t overburden yourself in running your business: work to your strengths and find professional help for areas you cannot manage
5. Look at your social circle for skills: can you do a contra deal with your friends for mutual benefit?
6. Talk it out: find a mentor or person in a similar industry to bounce ideas off and discuss business issues
7. Invest in your staff: they will grow your brand
8. Shop around for services: research and price-check on what you need to market and maintain your business
9. Remove emotion in hostile situations: you’ll make better decisions when you focus on the facts
10. Automate wherever possible: save time and rarely miss a beat by keeping a variety of email templates on file to respond to enquiries, quotes, invoices and feedback. Look for ways to automate your business

Rebecca is speaking at the next Melbourne League of Extraordinary Women breakfast on Tuesday, June 3.

This story first appeared on Women’s Agenda.