Success in the female entrepreneurial networking process

Figures & data

Table 1. Entrepreneurial success factors/profiles

Success factors/profiles	Motivation	Persistence	Responsibility	Autonomy	Pair/team/peer	Auditory	Visual	Kinesthetic	Information processing	Thinking style
Schumpterian	*			*			*	*		*
McClellandian	*		*	*
Timmonsian	*	*	*		*	*	*		*	*
Sarasvathian							*	*	*	*

Fig. 1. Dendrogram, spring 2006.

Fig. 2. Dendrogram grid, autumn 2008.

Fig. 3. Principal components 1–2, spring 2006 and autumn 2008.

Fig. 4. Principal components 1–3, spring 2006 and autumn 2008.

Fig. 5. Principal components 2–3, spring 2006 and autumn 2008.

Table 2. Frequencies of motivation, persistence, responsibility, and autonomy 2006 and 2008

	Motivation				Persistence				Responsibility				Self-directed
	2006		2008		2006		2008		2006		2008		2006		2008
Valid	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%
0	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	3	12	3	15
1	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	3	15
2	–	–	–	–	2	8	3	15	–	–	–	–	6	24	5	25
3	–	–	3	15	1	4	2	10	–	–	1	5	5	20	3	15
4	–	–	1	5	4	16	6	30	2	8	2	10	3	12	3	15
5	4	16	1	5	1	4	2	10	3	12	4	20	3	12	2	10
6	2	8	6	30	7	28	2	10	15	60	9	45	3	12	–	–
7	9	36	4	20	4	16	1	5	5	20	3	15	2	8	–	–
8	10	40	5	25	6	24	4	20	–	–	1	5	–	–	1	5
Total	25	100	20	100	25	100	20	100	25	100	20	100	25	100	20	100

Table 3. Frequencies of pair/team/peer, auditory, visual, and kinesthetic 2006 and 2008

	Pair/team/peer				Auditory				Visual				Kinesthetic
	2006		2008		2006		2008		2006		2008		2006		2008
Valid	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%
0	–	–	–	–	1	4	1	5	–	–	1	5	–	–	3	15
1	1	4	–	–	1	4	2	10	2	8	2	10	–	–	–	–
2	–	–	1	5	–	–	1	5	2	8	6	30	1	4	1	5
3	1	4	4	20	3	12	3	15	4	16	2	10	1	4	3	15
4	2	8	5	25	5	20	4	20	3	12	–	–	1	4	–	–
5	7	28	2	10	10	40	8	40	8	32	2	10	5	20	5	25
6	5	20	2	10	2	8	1	5	2	8	4	20	2	8	1	5
7	5	20	5	25	3	12	–	–	3	12	3	15	9	36	3	15
8	4	16	1	5	–	–	–	–	1	4	–	–	6	24	4	20
Total	25	100	20	100	25	100	20	100	25	100	25	100	25	100	25	100

Table 4. Frequencies of information processing and thinking style 2006 and 2008

	Information processing simultaneous/right brain				Information processing sequential/left brain				Thinking style spontaneous				Thinking style reflective
	2006		2008		2006		2008		2006		2008		2006		2008
Valid	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%
0	–	–	1	5	3	12	5	25	3	12	6	30	5	20	5	25
1	1	4	1	5	1	4	4	20	4	16	4	20	1	4	4	20
2	–	–	1	5	8	32	5	25	3	12	3	15	4	15	2	10
3	4	16	2	10	6	24	3	15	3	12	3	15	5	20	3	15
4	10	40	8	40	7	28	3	15	2	8	2	10	4	16	5	25
5	5	20	3	15	–	–	–	–	4	20	–	–	3	12	1	5
6	2	8	2	10	–	–	–	–	2	8	1	5	1	4	–	–
7	1	4	1	5	–	–	–	–	1	4	–	–	1	4	–	–
8	2	8	1	5	–	–	–	–	2	8	1	5	1	4	–	–
Total	25	100	20		25	100	20	100	25	100	20	100	25	100	20	100

Table 5. Entrepreneurial experiences

Support and encouragement

‘I have a picture of others’ experiences and work and it helps me to go forward’. MKT3, 6.11.2008

‘[T]o listen to others’ experiences about entrepreneurship, especially women's … especially from diverse business areas, we have got a lot of help, in many kinds … this has been important from many perspectives, I wonder, how we could have managed our situation without this project. We met nice people and types on this journey, we saw the same kind of problems, and in the same way it is good to stop for a while just to listen to the guidance and advice’. TH2, 28.10.2008

‘It supports my work. It relieves you when you are solving some problem alone’. TH3, 21.10.2008

‘[O]n the other hand it brings the joy of being an entrepreneur, because this network, which is together now, we have quite a good sense of humor, and in my opinion, we have very nice meetings, and therefore in many different ways it enhances entrepreneurship and the firm's operation, too’. CH11, 16.10.2008

‘[I]t is the peer support, and it is the sharing of the work, but then it is the mental side too and free days. It is very important to share your experiences and knowledge and to get information, for example, on the phone, if you do not have time to meet face-to-face. One knows something and the other one something else … so it is the information, knowledge and skills sharing, it is question about’. TH7, 13.11.2008

‘And it is the sharing, you can discuss with somebody who has the same kind of problems with her health and this kind of things … and it helps a lot that we can share and inspire each other and enhance intellectual capital with each other, because it helps you with your own firm and working alone’. TH1, 31.10.2008

‘It brings new perspectives and you learn diverse small things, which you have not thought about earlier, … like accounting or other kinds of small hints. When we are working alone, somebody has got an idea, and you share the idea or information … and when you have a certain community, there is also its social side and not only the formal side of the network, but the support’. TH12, 23.10.2008

‘Absolutely, it is important, to join and discuss with other people about the same kinds of matters, experiences and well-being, and networking that you can share your own things and ideas, can work together, develop common activities together’. CH6, 24.10.2008

Products, resources, and so on

‘[I]t is co-operation, new channels, and opportunities and perhaps well-being in the life’. TH2, 28.10.2008

‘I will have different activities, because jointly developed new products give new color to the product palette, probably the clientele will be extended and diversified’. CH, 11.16.10.2008

‘Co-operation, new products, co-operation both joy and opportunity as well as productivity, but when you are working alone as an entrepreneur, you feel lonely and therefore it is hard, when you must make all decisions alone … it is sharing … there must be the intellectual side and not just running after money. What I mostly wish, is the intellectual side and then the money comes in sight when we take care of good co-operation, everybody is well, we can share and develop ourselves and develop together’. TH1, 31.10.2008

‘More products for the firm … and diversity for me as an entrepreneur, that I can get away from the heaviest work. It is nice, that there are both sides, I can do various kinds of work, and it would be really nice’. MKT7, 24.10.2008

Contacts, learning, and other benefits

‘Channels first of all and co-operation with diverse people and tools to handle entrepreneurship and by listening [to] other people's experiences of diverse problems and success stories, you understand entrepreneurship better, and it is not always necessary to experience the most difficult way by yourselves and it is nice to realise that other people have the same kind of experiences’. TH, 28.10.2008

‘[W]hat we have done until now, has enriched my life a lot … and as an entrepreneur I learn from the other entrepreneurs, so it will benefit me, and this peer support and peer learning’. CH11, 16.10.2008

‘Networking is always good. The more you know [about] other entrepreneurs, the more it benefits you. If we think, that I need new customers all the time, by networking, when you have relationships, you can get new customers with the help of other entrepreneurs. You can also make common orders in co-operation’. TH1, 31.10.2008

‘We had an opportunity to meet and discuss and reflect our own ideas with other entrepreneurs’ experiences and in that way learn and get new ideas, which can be tried out’. CH6, 24.10.2008

‘Contacts, professional support and some kind of empowering and visioning, for that kind of things network is quite a good tool’. CH10, 17.11.2008

Well-being

‘I enjoy, get new ideas, support and learning for myself as an entrepreneur’. CH11, 16.10.2008

‘I believe that if I had been alone, as a craftsman, now when I have been an entrepreneur already for 8 years, it has given me a lot of energy, positive support, peer support, which enhance well-being as an entrepreneur’. TH7, 13.11.2008

‘[I]t is my own well-being, it is a benefit and then also customers, when there are channels. When we are there at the moment, we also have three channels, and one large common channel. And the sharing of the work’. TH7, 13.11.2008

‘It is the intellectual side, which is sharing, that enhances well-being. … it is important to maintain the inspiring spirit, which enhances well-being and that we have got during the last days a lot’. TH1, 31.10.2008

Table 6. Appendix 1

Factors/profile
1. Motivation/self-starting	I enjoy trying new things and often seek new opportunities.
	I feel motivated after successfully completing a project at work.
	It's important to me that I am successful at my job.
	I find on-the-job training stimulating and always want to learn more.
	I'd rather do other things than be at work.
	It really doesn't matter to me or anyone else how well I do at my job.
	My work and/or job training do not really motivate me.
	Learning new skills or leisure activities does not really interest me.
2. Persistence	Once I start a task, I like to work from start to finish and see that it's completed.
	I make every attempt to follow through with each one of my tasks, even when they are difficult.
	I prefer to work systematically and no one has to remind me to get my work done.
	I don't like to stop in the middle of one task to start working on a new one.
	I always have trouble completing difficult tasks at work.
	I generally finish most of my work, but someone has to push me to do it.
	I always procrastinate, hoping I won't have to finish certain tasks.
	When I take breaks, I usually get distracted and often fail to return to my original task.
3. Responsibility	I always like to do what's considered right.
	I don't have to be reminded to do things and always take my duties seriously.
	If I make a mistake, I usually apologise and try to correct it immediately.
	I am a reliable person and do my best to keep my promises.
	There are other things more important to me than working or learning new things.
	I often don't keep my promises, regardless of people's expectations or consequences.
	I don't always do the ‘right’ thing and often can't be bothered to correct my mistakes.
	As a child, learning was not very important to me, and it still isn't.
4. Self-directed	I prefer to receive clear directions before I start something, and tend to follow them closely.
	For difficult tasks, I need clear guidelines or a framework, then I know what to do.
	I like to be told exactly how to do something, when, and where to begin.
	If I get instructions in advance, I have no trouble finishing a task.
	I prefer to work independently and like to work things out for myself.
	I usually figure out how to get things done without instructions.
	I do not like receiving help or being told to how do something.
	If I am unable to finish something, I reluctantly ask for directions and then try to complete it myself.
5. Pair/team/peer	I work or concentrate better with another person present.
	I am more productive and get more done when I have a partner to work with.
	I learn more and work faster if I have someone else to exchange ideas with.
	I like to share ideas, or what I've learned, with a friend or co-worker.
	I enjoy working on team projects.
	I prefer to work with a team or committee instead of working alone.
	Being part of a team enhances the quality of my work, my effectiveness, and insight.
	Working or learning with a team helps me to achieve better results.
	When working in a group, I find that we all help each other.
	Interacting with people of similar interests improves my comprehension and learning.
	I prefer to develop new ideas with members of a peer group, often without a leader.
	I am most effective in my work or study when I can relate to colleagues, friends, or like-minded people.
6. Auditory	I remember best by listening or discussing.
	I can absorb a lot of information by just listening to an audio tape or a radio report.
	I really like lectures and recall information well if someone reads it to me.
	My comprehension improves when someone talks to me and I learn a lot from listening.
	I remember best when I can explain to others what I have learned, read, or heard.
	Talking out loud helps me to organise my thoughts.
	I love debating and enjoy participating in discussion groups.
	For better understanding, I need to talk things over with someone else.
	I understand difficult concepts more easily if I can talk them over in my head.
	By talking to myself I often find solutions to my problems.
	When I worry, I always have a lot of negative self-talk going on in my head.
	I tend to say the words in my head when I am reading.
7. Visual	I remember best by reading or seeing information written down.
	I prefer computer programs with words, graphs, and flowcharts.
	I like books and task descriptions with clear, precise text, and instructions.
	I enjoy solving crossword puzzles and/or word games.
	I remember best by watching a television programme, video, or movie.
	I really enjoy computer programs with graphics, pictures and colours.
	Doodling helps me to remember what I hear.
	I like to sketch, draw charts, and symbols when working on a new project.
	I can understand difficult concepts more easily when I visualise them.
	I tend to create images in my mind when I worry.
	When I have to solve a problem, it is easier for me if I imagine the outcome.
	Picturing what I have heard, seen, or read helps me to remember and understand new information better.
8. Kinesthetic	I like work that requires me to be out of the office.
	I prefer projects with physical activities or involvement in real situations.
	I learn best by getting involved – by doing, interviewing, experiencing, or reporting.
	I often do my best thinking when pacing, walking, or jogging.
	I remember best when I feel positive about the material I am dealing with.
	Often I understand new material by how I feel about it.
	I prefer to solve problems or make decisions based on my intuition.
9. Information processing
Simultaneous/right brain	I like to have an overview or know the reasons and goals before I start.
	My comprehension is better when I get a summary right at the beginning, then concrete examples, and when I feel good about the task at hand
	I prefer people who have a sense of humour and a positive view on life.
	I tend to browse through a magazine or newspaper backward, often read the end of a book first, and then decide whether it's worth reading.
Sequential/left brain	I prefer tasks and topics that move in a logical sequence, contain plenty of details, and avoid sidetracking.
	I like details and benefit most from analysing information.
	I prefer people who stay on task, are serious, and don't fool around.
	I always start at the beginning of a book or magazine, rarely dip into the middle, and/or look at the end first.
10. Thinking style
Spontaneous/right hemisphere	I am a quick thinker and get bored if I have to reflect on things for too long.
	People tell me that I make snap decisions.
	Most of the time I don't really think before I speak, make a decision, or take action.
	In conversation, I often interrupt and sometimes have the answer even before the question is asked.
Reflective/left hemisphere	For better understanding, I need to think first and I prefer to consider all options before I make a decision.
	I usually don't make snap decisions.
	I always think about the consequences before I take action.
	When I respond to questions I have to think about the answers first.