January is all about new beginnings. In the run up to New Year’s Day, we spend time looking back at the previous year. We take note of what we accomplished (or didn’t), what we celebrated (or want to forget), and the milestones we hit (or missed). At the same time, many people are looking ahead, considering and setting resolutions on how to improve their life. Both are worthwhile exercises, and I’ll do another blog about that. Birthdays are like that too. It marks another trip around the sun, a time to take stock of where we are and where we’re going.
For me, January is the birthday month for the founding of Sabal Group. It’s hard to believe, but our company turns three years old on January 17th. I think that’s worth acknowledging for a number of personal and professional reasons. I hope you’ll indulge me as I share with you why I’m celebrating!
The Power of Women
The United States Census Bureau estimated there were 166.7 million women in the US in 2019. We make up 50.8% of the population! In 2019, the US Census Bureau estimated there were 1.2 million businesses owned by women which had employees. Add to that another 10.6 million women who identify as self-employed and are therefore also considered heads of women-owned businesses. Added together, that means 40% of US businesses are owned by women.
Those 11.8 million women-owned businesses contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. They’re not just independent house cleaners or babysitters. In 2019, female-owned firms generated $1.8 trillion in sales and employed more than 10.1 million people according to the U.S. Census Bureau. I’m proud that Sabal Group is part of this group.
Women-owned businesses exist across the full spectrum of industries. It’s not surprising that they make up 19.4% of all healthcare and social assistance firms. For professional, scientific, and technical services, where Sabal Group falls, women-owned businesses account for only 9.7% of the firms. Business sectors continue to reflect the more traditional fields that first welcomed female employees: healthcare, hospitality, food services, and administrative support. But as times change, even though it’s a slow change, we’re seeing more female-owned businesses in the professional, scientific and technical service industries.
Growing My Brand
According to a 2019 National Association of Women Business Owners report, only 1 in 5 female-owned businesses had revenues of $1 million or more. I’m very proud to be part of this group. Sabal Group had more than $1 million in revenue for 2021 as a 3-year-old company. That’s a humbling benchmark. It’s a goal for every person, male or female, who starts their own business. For most, it remains only a dream. But Sabal Group has achieved it for three reasons.
Every Single Day Matters
First, as Sabal continues to grow, I’m focused on making every single day, every conversation, and everything I do count. I take nothing for granted because I know how easy it is to lose your vision, your drive, and your way in this fast-changing world. I recognize it’s up to me to be the best I can be so I can inspire those who work with me. If I don’t deliver my best to every client, why should they?
Be the Best
Second, Sabal Group offers an important and unique service to our clients. We strive to deliver the cleanest lists of the right target audience to our customers so they can reach their goals. We live and breathe data, and we’ll happily discuss the nuances of refining the demographic and behavior markers with you for hours on end. Just because we love what we do. We want to be a partner in every sense of the word, not just another vendor. That’s why we’re thrilled when you approach us and ask if we have any new or different ideas on how to get their message in front of the right people.
Lead the Way for Others
Third, I’m a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and colleague. Like everyone I know, I wear many hats. I also know I wouldn’t be here without the help and support of others. One of the most important things I can do as a business leader is to show future female leaders it’s possible to pursue and achieve your dreams.
I know I’ve been lucky, so incredibly lucky. I’ve worked hard to achieve these goals. And I know that Sabal Group is a million-dollar company because of the trust our clients have placed in Sabal.
This isn’t the time to stop and rest. After a celebratory glass of wine (or two) to toast achieving one goal, I’ll be setting for new goals. I’ll be back on the trail of the perfect data and campaign for my clients. In the meantime, there’s cake!
