It's a fact, no entrepreneur likes the thought of failing in business. But here's another fact - research shows that while fear of failure is the biggest concern for all entrepreneurs, women fear it more than men. Women who are considering starting a business should not be afraid of failure, and instead see it as part of the journey and an opportunity to continue learning.
‘Fear of failure’ is an important factor preventing women from making a significant impact in the world of business.
There's no doubt that for many aspirant women entrepreneurs, fear of failure holds them back from actually starting a business, or scaling their business to new heights. Women need to challenge the deeply-rooted notion that they cannot be entrepreneurs; or that they may launch a business and then fail, and such barriers hold them back from taking that vital next step. In the world of entrepreneurship, it's important to start out by looking at all the positive reasons to start a business, rather than overthinking the risk of failure from the get-go. Success or failure in business does not have anything to do with gender. It's about research and planning well; hard work and determination (in large quantities); and the will to succeed.
So, here are some inspirational quotes from successful women entrepreneurs on how to banish the fear of failure - hope they give you the courage you need!
by Thembe Khumalo
Sometimes when you’ve taken a big leap, you are so conscious of the magnitude of what you’ve done that you don't think you can or should take any more major steps. That was me after leaving home at 22 years old - I was so determined to make my life work and validate the choices I had made, that I found it difficult to think beyond my immediate activities. This kind of paralysis can also hit entrepreneurs in the early stages of building their business, particularly when a huge risk has been taken to get to the start-up stage.
by Margaret Hirsch
No one has ever taken selling as a subject at school, yet over 90% of all business involves selling of one kind or another. When you hear the word salesman what usually comes to mind is a slick looking, fast talking, slimy person who is trying to take your hard-earned money from you. Well today and especially at Hirsch's Homestore, nothing could be further from the truth. Our salespeople are very kind, considerate people and they are known as "professional solution finders.” All day is spent finding solutions to other people’s problems. Be it from the perfect piece of toast for breakfast, to the most cost-efficient washing machine for a family of two, or ten; to the latest fridge/freezers which actually send you a message when your food is about to expire or run out! We have to know the model numbers, the features and benefits and of course the prices!
by Margaret Hirsch
The only thing holding you back from living the life of your dreams is FEAR. Now fear comes in many different forms. I always tell my team members that it can either be:
False Evidence Appearing Real … or… Forget Everything And Run
by Naike Moshi
Like many of you, fear is not a stranger in our lives. Fear is a powerful force that can keep us from achieving our goals and live to our fullest potential. Is fear holding you back in pursuing your goals and dreams? Is fear holding you back in trying new things? Do you make excuses when it comes to start building your brand? If the response is YES, to above questions, you are not alone. I was like that and am still a work in progress.
by Elizandra dos Santos
Living is the biggest challenge that human beings face, and most of them exist and are driven by the feeling of fear. Fear is not bad if it is used as a feeling that moves us to take action, which is not the case I am referring to in this article. I speak of fear as a paralyzing feeling, a feeling that makes us uneasy, no matter if it is in our imagination or real facts.
“I get satisfaction when I see women move out of their comfort zone, face their fears, and create a life full of purpose”
Marta Mulongo, founder, MM Coaching (Mozambique)
Learn to conquer fear!…
“Fear is one of the major barriers for young women to start a business. My advice would be that, in business, failure will be their best friend. So, they should start getting used to that.”
Krystal Bella Shabani, founder of Krysbel Designs (Burundi)
Become the best version of yourself...
“Bet on Self-Knowledge! Overcome your fears and become the best version of yourself.”
Nereyda Ah Hoy, writer, author & founder of Indika platform and digital magazine (Mozambique)
Don’t let fear hold you back….
“Don't let fear get the better of you. Because in as much as we want to be perfect in everything that we do, the mistakes we make shouldn't make us fearful to try again, they should fuel us to keep going and do better.”
Tshiamiso Kgomanyane, founder of SHE Legal Co. (South Africa)
Don’t be afraid….
“Don’t be afraid to be afraid, have the courage to face fear, and jump - there are lots of great things that happen when we decide to take risks. Take small steps and actions, instead of waiting for the right moment, you only make this walk learning by doing.”
Tania Tome, founder of Ecokaya (Mozambique)
by Saajidah Esat
I was inspired to write this article because of a book I am reading (for the second time). The title of the book is ‘Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway’ by Susan Jeffers. Fear comes up in our lives regularly and contrary to the belief that feeling fearful is a sign of weakness or lack of courage, this book enforces the fact that fear is a very normal emotion. It also offers great tips on how to act in spite of fear, when you are most likely to experience fear and a unique perspective on turning pain into power.
“Success begins with a will. Go out there. Start something. Be fearless!”
Lorna Rutto, CEO and co-founder of EcoPost (Kenya)
by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress
Back in 2012, I knew I wanted to write a book that included interviews of amazing women to share their stories and insights. I didn’t know where to begin so I called Mandy Wiener, a well-known journalist. I had worked with her earlier that year on an event and reached out to her for advice. She was extremely helpful and at the end of coffee, I asked her which voice recorder she uses for her interviews.
“Do not stop - envision yourself where you want to be. Pack only of the best ingredients, and never fear the mountain.”
Nira Sklair, founder of Nira Sklair Photography (South Africa)
Face your fears....
"We all have dreams and talents, but fear always stands in the way of many people. My advice is to take the first move by starting small, face your fears, believe in God and in yourself and you will succeed."
Yvonne Manyiki, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa)
Don't let fear stop you....
"Do not let fear stop you from achieving your dreams. Associate yourself with people who are already in the industry that you are interested in and learn from them."
- Cecilia Mnisi is the founder of MMJ Interpretation Services, a Gauteng-based Interpreting and Translation Company in South Africa. The company specializes in Interpreting, Translation, Transcriptions, Recordings and Minute taking. Cecilia graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 2002 and is a qualified Legal Interpreter and Translator. She registered the business in 2011 and operated on a part-time basis until she resigned from her full time job in 2014 to pursue the business full-time. Cecilia has attended the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and is accredited as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) through WE Connect International in South Africa.
“Feel the fear but do it anyway.”
- Deborah Sawyerr, founder of Sawyerrs’ House (Nigeria)
"Conquer your fears as that is what enslaves most women."
- Divine Ndhlukula founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)
Do not be afraid...
"Do not be afraid to try. Do not be afraid to fail. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Find your added value and build your service offering on it. It is worth it!"
- Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy is the founder of The Talent Factory, a boutique Public Relations consultancy in Mauritius. Marie-Noelle leads a consultancy business that specialises in crafting tailor-made Public relations & Communication solutions for businesses, SMEs, and start-ups. Before launching her company she worked in the media industry for over 10 years at La Sentinelle, one of the most important media groups of the Island. As Chief Editor, she managed various publications and editorial teams and also created Essentielle, a glossy women's magazine.
You have to really want it!...
"Do not be afraid of your dreams, everything you are dreaming of is going to come true. The catch is, you just have to really want it."
- Judith Msonthi is the founder of Judie Emcee in Malawi, a business that offers Presenter, Host and Master of Ceremonies services for corporate, social and festival events. Judith is a trained TV presenter who has led two prime-time television shows and anchored for TV news and radio. She is very comfortable in front of an audience, which makes talking to a room and crowd filled with strangers her speciality. Judith is rapidly breaking ground on local and international media platforms.
Failure is not fatal....
"I have been an entrepreneur for more than 38 years. Some lessons have been learnt the hard way through failure - but failure is not fatal. It helps build character and learning for the next round. I value people and relationships and this is my most important asset. We need to be realistic. Often we are so passionate about an idea and cannot see the pitfalls. It is important to have an advisor/coach/friend who can help you have helicopter vision rather than being stuck in the forest. Be resilient. Believe in yourself."
- Lynda Smith is a social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Refirement Network in South Africa, a business involved in helping organisations and Individuals 50+ to understand the opportunities and challenges that the future holds for this demographic group. She is an accredited retirement coach in South Africa through Retirement Options USA. Lynda has a real passion for children, women in leadership and understanding how South Africans can unlock skills development and grow the economy.
Keep pushing....
"Do not entertain fear. If you feel any fear (which you will) ignore it and keep pushing until you get to where you want to be. Surround yourself with support, like Lionesses of Africa, and find mentors to help guide you through your journey."
- Nozi Kubeka is the founder of Zon Communications in South Africa, a company on a mission to provide advice, support and life skills to young people through talks and workshops in schools, and youth organisations. Nozi is an entrepreneur, author and speaker who is passionate about transforming the lives of young people through empowering them with a powerful message of how to make wise life choices and decisions.
Don't be afraid....
"Network! join as many groups as you can! Understand your business or product as well as you can so that when you talk about your business you are confident! Talk about your business to anyone and everyone. Don't be AFRAID!"
- Bryony Parr is the founder of Oh So Organised in South Africa, a company that offers a professional organising service to get your home or office space clean and organised. This professional organiser finds it truly rewarding to de-clutter and organise a space whether it be as small as a closet or a whole house or office. Bryony believes a tidy workspace is a tidy mind and and organised home is a happy heart.
Don't let the fear stop you....
"Do it already! It's important to take the leap and make the mistakes early. Don't let the fear stop you; just jump and build your wings on the way down. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to be self-motivated and constantly create opportunities for yourself. In my career, I’ve had absolutely nothing handed out to me on a silver platter and there's no shortcut to the success you envision for your business."
- Emma Tandoh is the founder and CEO of Outspoken Edge in Ghana, a digital marketing and content development business that offers a tailor-made bouquet of e-marketing, social media and content marketing and web services for SMEs and women-led businesses in Ghana and across Africa. Emma is an ambitious, resourceful, multilingual writer, digital media and technology enthusiast. She studied Information Studies, Economics, and Geography at the University of Ghana, Legon, graduating in 2007 with a BA Honours in Geography and Resource Development.
"Don't have fear - no matter who you are and where you are from, your dreams are real and you should make it your business to achieve them."
- Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe are co-founders of Uzuri K&Y in Rwanda, a company creating beautiful handcrafted shoes with a unique Rwandan aesthetic. These two former college classmates shared a passion for fashion and a desire to start a business venture that would create much needed jobs for their community. Despite little means, they decided to kickstart their business whilst still studying, launching Uzuri K&Y back in 2013.
Never let fear get in your way....
"Never let fear get in your way, its just there to hold you back. Women are capable of doing anything they set their minds on, so they must never be afraid of challenges. We just need to think positive, always dream big, and leave no room for negativity."
- Innocentia Maine is the founder of MIS Poultry Farm in South Africa. She is taking her love of farming and building a poultry business that she sees as the first step in creating a multi-faceted successful agribusiness of the future, and one that will hopefully inspire other aspirant women agripreneurs to follow in her footsteps.
Fear is the only thing holding you back....
"Don't be afraid. Fear is the only thing holding you back. Women are wired to be cautious and thank goodness, but it often holds us back. If you really think you have a good idea or product then go for it, don't let anyone try to distract you from your path. Its easy to say but from my experience in business, very few get it right the first or the second time and failure is part of the process of finding success."
- Gaby Lobban is the founder of Zumbudda in South Africa, a technology company which has launched a website offering REAL-Time eChats with healthcare professionals (Experts) to people looking for advice. Gaby's background is in design and advertising and she has worked in the pharmaceutical, medical and diagnostics industry for 20 years.
The fear of failure is one of the greatest obstacles many entrepreneurs face. Whether at the beginning of their journey or during critical moments of growth, this fear can paralyse, undermine confidence, and even prevent great ideas from moving forward. However, learning to overcome this fear is essential for achieving business success. Let’s explore how you can tackle this feeling and turn it into a driving force for your entrepreneurial journey.