Article of Interest: Engendering Female Entrepreneurs

In BusinessWeek.com

BusinessWeek Online reporter Stacy Perman recently spoke with Marilyn Kourilsky, a professor at UCLA's Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, director of the Institute for the Study of Educational Entrepreneurship and author of "The New Female Entrepreneur," about barriers female entrepreneurs continue to face and the ways in which they can break through them. Here are two important clips from their conversation:

Q: Why then, do you find that so many women want to start their own companies?

A: They have a real passion, and they don't want to work for someone else. It's the only way to really make it. Even with all the new successes cropping up the ladder, they still perceive that there's a glass ceiling and that the best way is to start a business of their own.

Q: What are the biggest male misconceptions about female entrepreneurs?

A: They don't think women are in for the long haul, like they are. They're seen as doing something as a hobby rather than something they need to do for their family. There's this whole culture: For instance, if you're in a group and a woman comes up with an idea and then a male rephrases it, it's accepted as his idea. I don't think women support women (Laurel here ... absolutely not true: Just look at the power of the WPO network!) the way men support men.

The whole attitude toward gender is not changing as fast as it could, but we're still making progress. There was a time when women said they wouldn't go to a woman doctor. Now they make sure they do. I foresee a time when women entrepreneurs say they'd rather deal with a female vendor or entrepreneur.

Well ... what do YOU think? Agree? Disagree?

Event: The Future of Digital Media Distribution (2/28/05)

It's not too late! Check out the next IIT Thought Leader Seminar, "The Future of Digital Media Distribution," where Thomas Curran, founder of Digital Media Project, will present his views on the current state and the future of digital media distribution, including broadcasting and Internet. I hope you can attend this provocative seminar on Monday, February 28 at 4:30 p.m. on the IIT main campus. The seminar (brought to you by Ed Kaplan Entrepreneurial Studies Program, IIT) and following reception are free and open to the public.

Article of Interest: More Women Seek Business Ventures

In HispanicBusiness.com

Tricia Hensley had a good job keeping the books at her husband's granite countertop company, but it wasn't her passion.

The former accounting major wanted more in a career -- she wanted her own business. After looking into several franchising opportunities, she turned to her passion for fitness and opened Figures! Fitness for Women, a women-only gym on Evans to Locks Road.

"I had helped my husband's business for three years, but that was his. I wanted something that was mine," she said.

Ms. Hensley personifies a national trend -- more women are seeking their business independence and starting their own ventures.

Read the complete inspiring article here.

Roadmap To A Million Dollar Business: Marsha Firestone, Ph.D.

In E-magnify's newsletter, Seton Hill University, The National Education Center For Women

Great interview with the Women Presidents' Organization founder Dr. Marsha Firestone! Be sure to check out.

Member News: All About Careers Featured in the WSJ!

From the Wall Street Journal Online

All About Careers, a Chicago start-up, was featured in Joann Lublin's column in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, February 1st. Media staffing concern president Laurie Kahn talked all about her job-search workshops (you heard it here first November 5, 2004). Congratulations to Laurie! We are very proud of you.