Kim Yorio, author of The Girl's Guide to Starting Your Own Business urges young female entrepreneurs who lack confidence to "fake it till you make it."
Yorio, co-owner of YC Media, a public-relations company based in New York City, stressed that confidence is the key to success.
At a session yesterday organized by the Wharton Women, Yorio and co-author Caitlin Friedman took a group of women, and a few men, through the running of a successful business.
Small is beautiful, according to Friedman. Small businesses are tight-knit and allow their management to be closely involved with every aspect of the company.
"Staying small allows you to become an extension of your company and your brand," she said.
Drawing on their personal experience, Yorio and Friedman talked about some of the key issues people need to know when they start a business.
The women said that being over-involved is dangerous, as it does not allow for personal growth. While they favor an informal work environment, they find it important to lay down a set of ground rules for their staff.
Yorio stressed that sexual discrimination is a reality in the workplace and that women have to step around this reality.
It is necessary for business owners to think of themselves as an entrepreneur first and as a woman second, Friedman said.
"When I think of myself as a woman, I feel I am becoming my mom," she said.
Attendees at the event were pleased, even the men.
"Although they spoke to the ubiquitous estrogen in the room, their insights about life, business and gender were extremely informative," College junior Adam Altman said.
