Forbes publishes a list of the most innovative leaders in America on a regular basis, but the most recent one features just one female executive. This has sparked a lot of backlash because corporate diversity needs to improve and even though change is happening, it’s certainly not happening fast enough. If you want to start your own business, then here are some tips that will help you to overcome any possible hurdles you might face.

Know your Worth from the Get-go

It’s really no secret that women earn less than men in the workforce. Studies have shown that in entrepreneurship, women earn 28% less when compared to men. If you want to help yourself here then you need to set your professional rate so that it’s based on your business value and what you are able to deliver to your clients, as opposed to basing your data on other people.

Grow from Experience

One great way for you to build a business would be for you to use your experience to better yourself overall. Make sure that you are playing to your strengths and also make sure that you focus on your own individual qualities. Sure, there are people out there who are more experienced than you, but there are also people who are lacking experience at the same time. What makes you unique is your passion and drive, so use this to your advantage. It’s also worth trying to sign up with accredited MBA programs too, as this will give you the professional edge you need to really show people that you mean business.

Put Yourself Out There

It can be easy for you to let your lack of confidence make all of your decisions for you. That being said, you really do need to make sure that you put yourself out there as much as possible. If you don’t then you may end up missing out on opportunities and this is the last thing that you want. So the next time you get offered an invitation to a business event, take it and show others that you are in it for the long-haul.

Connect with Others

It’s so important that you really connect with others and that you also make sure that you use social media as well. If you don’t then you may end up making a huge mistake. After all, business owners are always looking to team up with innovative and creative professionals and if you feel as though you have what it takes then you should certainly put yourself out there. LinkedIn is a great way for you to establish connections and you never know, you may end up finding someone who can fill in the experience that you’re lacking. If you are seeking a business partner, make sure that they reflect your core values and that they also understand your company model. That way, you have a higher chance of being able to grow your business with the vision that you have in mind.