Lotus Work At Home Mums Blog

Women don’t start businesses JUST for the money so get over it Glenda!

By Leigh Hunt on August 30th, 2007

After reading this article today, I just HAD to comment.  Whilst I must champion Glenda Stone for her success as an entrepreneur and support for women in business generally, our song sheets couldn’t be more different!

Earlier this year Glenda became part of a task-force launched in the UK “to take women’s enterprise in Britain from primarily “cottage industries” to ones that actually generate wealth, jobs and make a significant contribution to the economy”. 

Errm, is it just me or aren’t we more than an economy, aren’t we a society?  I happen to think that ‘cottage industries’ DO make a significant contribution to the economy.  But more than that, they make a significant contribution to our society as a whole.  Isn’t family life an essential part of society, and one that has suffered in recent decades with the onslaught of the hideous 24 hour society?  If cottage industries mean a return to close knit families and a better quality of life then all hale the home worker!

Glenda admits that her mantra is “profit before passion”.  I couldn’t disagree with this more!  Make a profit yes, but not at the expense of your passion!  Why do we have so many issues today with stress related illness and depression? Well, I can’t really answer that.  But what I can say for sure is that when you’re doing something you feel really passionate about it’s much harder to get stressed, even when the pressure is well and truly on. 

There are many facets that lead to a happy life, and money itself is just a small piece of the puzzle that makes up the bigger picture.  I mean, if you’re not happy and balanced in other areas of your life having bundles of money is not going to make a jot of difference. 

Glenda says “There’s a myth that you have more time to do your own thing when you have a business. The reality is yes, you have more flexibility when you start a business but no, you don’t have more time.”.  Leigh says “Right, you may not have more time, that would be impossible.  But what you do have is more choice and control over how you spend your time.”

It’s great that Glenda is bringing attention to women’s enterprise, but her expectation to change women’s wants and desires is grossly unrealistic.  Like it or not Glenda, most of us define success by more than just pound signs.  I for one want to feel passionate about what I do, and whilst I also want to make a profit, I will never EVER sell myself out to do so. 

Oh and, success IS also about giving back.  The more you give back, the more you get back. 

Times are changing, and women ARE advancing in the world of business.  But get over it Glenda!  We’re going to do it our way, or the highway!

[climbing down off soapbox]

Comments

#1 - By Roberta Jerram on September 18th, 2007 at 10:02 AM

Couldn’t agree more, Leigh!!
Well said (any room on the soapbox for another little one?)…

Perhaps now Glenda’s a mum she’ll develop a more rounded outlook on life like so many of us?

Roberta x

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