According to the 2016 American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, Houston is home to 259,400 female-owned firms, an increase of 70.4% since 2007.
To encourage more women-owned businesses to grow, the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) – a national nonprofit with 127 chapters located internationally – launched the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies™ Guide to Growth, sponsored by American Express. Co-written by Dr. Marsha Firestone, President and Founder of WPO, and Susan Johnson, Director of Communications for WPO, the guidebook contains career advice and methods to succeed from 15 different experienced female business owners and leaders.
The guidebook features two Houston-based female business leaders are featured in the book and share their success story on growth.
June Ressler, President and CEO of Cenergy International Services, shares experiences and tips on business growth through human resources such as:
- Invest in an assessment test that can be administered during the interview process
- Identify and stick to your core values to maintain and protect your culture as you grow
- Maintain positive energy, a commitment to excellence, and provide fabulous customer service
- Have people in different parts of the company weigh in before making a decision. Involve senior leadership, administration, and marketing, at the very least
Pamela O'Rourke, CEO and President of ICON Information Consultants, offers best practices and strategies for business growth through financing such as:
- Lead by example every single day. Leadership starts at the top
- Keep costs down to increase ROI as your company grows
- Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are, so you can continue your personal growth
- Start with a business plan, and stay on top of it every month
