Five Ways Women Motorcyclists Are Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's - about the same time women started riding motorcycles - Coincidence? I think not.

Now celebrated around the world each year on March 8th, events are held throughout the month to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations customize the theme to reflect local gender issues.

With a well-entrenched history of standing against the status quo, women riders of today have much to offer as role models and change agents.

Here are five reasons that women riders are in a perfect position to support this year's theme of "Connecting girls, Inspiring Futures."

They speak from experience. Women riders have taken a stand and followed their heart. They've stood for what was true for them, rather than what others wanted them to believe or how they wanted them to behave. In many cases, they've had to had to:

    Defy stereotypes.
    Overcome the opinions of others.
    Go against cultural expectations.
    Making our voice heard in a predominantly man's world.
    Standing in our truth. Standing for what we believe in, not what others want us to believe.
    Accommodate physical requirements.
    Address safety concerns

They know what it's like to step outside their comfort zone, face the challenges and reap the rewards. They've experienced:

    Adventure.
    Independence.
    Freedom.
    Self-confidence, and most deeply.
    Connection with spirit.

They've learned we were capable of far more than we ever dreamt possible. Aside from obvious physical, cognitive, emotional or financial constraints, they've come to understand the only things that have held them back, or caused irrational fear, are the thoughts and ideas that are planted in their heads. Easy as it sounds, these are powerful determinants of behaviour. Learning to recognize them is the first step in overcoming them.

They're discovered a whole new community and sense of self. Who knew such a community existed? There is something very special about the connection between riders - men and women. And that attraction extends beyond the motorcycling. When was the last time you got out of your car and someone came over to speak with you? Yet get off your motorcycle and people are drawn to you like magnets.

Like the hero, who has followed his heart and gone on a quest, they've found the treasure. It was in them all along. The Road to Empowerment has led them right back to their Self.

With something this precious, we must share it. Although motorcycling is a supreme gift and riding brings unique rewards, not everyone has a motorcyle on their path. Inspiring others means modeling standing in our truth; being authentic - whatever that is. That's how we initiate change.

How are you sharing the treasure?

Liz Jansen

Liz Jansen, Ontario, Canada, is an author,entrepreneur, adventurer -- and rider extraordinaire.

She creates motorcycle experiences that instill a sense of adventure, freedom and community while traveling the transformative road to personal and professional leadership. Liz has worked with individuals, corporate clients, manufacturers, retailers and provincial and regional tourism associations. She is also a certified motorcycle instructor.

Women Entrepreneurs - Doing Business in a Feminine Way

Supporting entrepreneurial women is my passion. With that in mind I wrote this article for female/women entrepreneurs only, so I could focus and celebrate the feminine way of doing business. I'm eager to share with you communities that support doing business in a feminine way.

This is an important subject since women are starting businesses at nearly 3 times the rate of men. Currently there are 11million women owned businesses in the US. What's motivating women to start their own businesses? According to a survey by Ladies Who Launch, women launch a new business for the following reasons:

To have more FREEDOM and CONTROL over their schedules and LIVES.
To pursue their PASSION and DREAMS.
To create REVENUE and MAKE MONEY doing what they love.

The specific motives are unique to every woman yet they reflect a pattern. Women want their business to fit in with the rest of their priorities and values in life.

The Feminine Approach to Launching a Business

Women generally rely on a more intuitive approach to starting their businesses. In order to get started, women need to feel the creative juices flowing and then have the freedom to act on their ideas. Ladies Who Launch is the first online and in-person platform to recognize and cater their program (for female/women entrepreneurs only) to the uniquely feminine approach to launching.

The feminine approach is celebrated through the Ladies Who Launch Incubator program, where you can get through the first stage of launching and find the resources you need to continue growing. As an Incubator leader in my local area, I've watched that the participants' businesses truly expand and grow more quickly when they are connected to other women in their area. Click here (insert link) to learn more about Incubator programs in your area.

The Feminine Approach to Running a Business

Women tend to be collaborators and prefer not to go it alone. This can be a tremendous advantage because they're always on the lookout for help to get their business off the ground more quickly. Most women don't have a problem admitting that they're not sure how to proceed and will ask for direction. Their businesses benefit as a result.

At whatever stage their business is at, entrepreneurial women are always looking for:

Inspiration - Women are inspired when they see and learn from other women who have great ideas, a broader, more creative perspective and who are already achieving the kind of lifestyle they visualize for themselves. Learning from other successful entrepreneurs gives women a sense of who's doing what in business and if she can do it, I can do it!

Resources - Women want training and coaching from business experts on the latest business strategies. They also want advice on how to create balance and a high-quality personal life.

Community - Women crave a like-minded community of women for a daily dose of wisdom, support and guidance.
Women need a venue to get the inspiration, resources and sense of community they crave. A few years ago I began hosting a monthly "Great Women's Gathering" in my home. These few joyful hours of unstructured sharing are tremendously valuable for everyone in attendance. It gives us a chance to connect, gather together and learn from one another in a completely supportive environment. Consider starting your own group as a way to reach out to women in your community.

I wholeheartedly believe there's plenty of room for every woman to shine in all that she does-and this quality of abundance is a very important way to celebrate the feminine way of doing business.