5 Ways to Support Women in Business (on IWD and every day).

Mar 08, 2024

When I started my business 24 years ago, a newly single mum of two young boys - there is no doubt I was operating in survival mode.

There were no industry groups back then, no support communities, or networking opportunities. And when it came to creating and running a bookkeeping business - I really was making it up along the way. And I felt that I was always fighting to be taken seriously. It was hard. Really hard!

Thankfully, times have changed are there are some great industry bodies and associations, along with smaller (though equally as important) support networks to help us navigate the journey of being a small business owner.

And I’m really grateful to now be in the position where I can help, support, guide and mentor others.

So, this International Women’s Day, I thought I would share the 5 small things you can do every day, that can have a huge impact on supporting someone else’s journey.

Be a mentor... If you’re privileged enough to have racked up some experience and expertise, share it and help others on their journey.

Be a sounding board... Just being there is sometimes all it takes. Be there to listen, validate concerns, spitball ideas, and of course celebrate wins.

Be an advocate... Jump into posts and feeds, share articles, leave a confidence boosting comment, send the ❤️ and be someone’s biggest fan.

Be a connector - Helping extend someone’s network can be a huge assist. Introduce, refer, and be a networking side-kick.

Be the tribe - Get in there and help build the community as a whole - there really is strength (and support) in numbers. Finding my tribe was so important - like minded women who understood everything I was going through, who held each other up rather than seeing ourselves as competitors and tearing each other down. Be that and be there for others.

This International Women’s Day I’ll be reflecting on the things that really helped me in my journey, and those things I wish I had access to when starting out, and reminding myself exactly why I do what I do- every day, not just today.

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Bookwiz Academy bookkeeping mentor reviews

Karen Whitely

Founder, Right Click Business Consulting

"I am so grateful for everything you do for the Academy members Martine.

I've been implementing the fixed prices and proposals strategy over the past few months and what a difference that's made to my business (and my mental health!). The fixed pricing and proposals learnings got me out of a few less than desirable situations and helped me put really strong processes in place to ensure I only take on clients that were the right fit for my business.

I can only say how amazing it's been cutting a lot of the dead wood. I've taken on some lovely new clients who have engaged my services since implementing the proposals etc - many have chosen a higher level than I would have expected. My existing clients have also surprised the heck of me! Some of those have also chosen a higher level than I expected.

I'm no longer chasing money, I know what my revenue is going to be each month and the sense of control over my business is indescribable. The pressure is off beyond what I could have ever expected. I know for a lot of people it's uncomfortable going through this process, but if I could only bottle the level of confidence this has given me and show them what it feels like to have the weight taken off, I'd do so in a heartbeat.

Thank you so much for everything you do for your members Martine. The value you bring is absolutely priceless!"

Chrissie Smith

Founder, Chrissie Smith Bookkeeping

"Thank you again Martine. Everyone in our industry needs to jump on the band wagon of this pricing method!

Lots of knowledge bombs, especially on how to have those value add discussions with existing clients. It was like a beacon going off in my head.

I've finally realised that my clients are happy to pay for my knowledge, not just my time.

I think I just needed that support and I have definitely found it in you & Bookwiz Academy!

Thanks for helping me take these steps. So much clarity, it feels really good."

Brooke Arnott

CEO, The Small Business Lounge

"I have been working with Martine for a number of years now to assist with the growth of The Small Business Lounge.

Having her as my mentor and sounding board has definitely assisted me with achieving my goals at each stage of our business growth.

I would highly recommend Martine and her Academy to any bookkeeper or accounting firm."

Hi! I'm Martine Hoosen

Welcome to Bookwiz Academy, where I share over 23 years of a multi-award winning bookkeeping, business ownership & mentoring experience with you!

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