Empowerment or Exploitation ?
Where did all the good people go, I've been changing channels, and I don't see them on the T.V shows” - Jack Johnson
Hey Hey,
As always, the online space is buzzzzzing like a bumble bee and I have noticed an upkick ( not sure if I just made that saying up) of outsourcing for like zero dollarbucks. So this has prompted me to talk about the fine line between empowerment and exploitation. I am all about seeing women win in the online business world! It is actually my main "WHY" in my biz.
The #girlboss movement, the rise of female entrepreneurship – it's inspiring! But soooooooooometimes, there's a nagging feeling that something isn't quite right. Underneath all that talk of "empowerment" and "when one of us shines, we all shine", there are stories of women being used as cheap labor, stolen work, or their hard work used to build someone else's fortune while they're left struggling. So, how do we separate the genuine opportunities from the ones that leave us high and dry? Let's dive in and unpack a few things.
Step 1: Follow the Money Trail
When it comes to figuring out if a business opportunity is truly empowering, the first thing you need to do is follow the money. Ask yourself these tough questions.
The Price of "Empowerment": Does joining this awesome-sounding community come with a hefty upfront cost? Are you pressured to buy expensive courses, programs, or products to get started? True empowerment shouldn't make you broke before you even begin. Think of it this way: If a company genuinely believes in their product or opportunity, they shouldn't risk burdening those they claim to uplift with crippling debt.
The Lure of Easy Money: Let's be real, building a sustainable business takes effort. If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, promising crazy high income with barely any work...red flag alert! That's often a sign that things aren't what they seem. Remember, instant riches are more a fairy tale than an online business model.
The Pyramid Scheme Pressure: If your main income source is supposed to come from recruiting other women into the fold, something's off. Real businesses focus on products or services, not just endless recruitment. This is a major sign of a pyramid scheme disguised as a supportive community. If the main emphasis seems to be on building your 'downline', rather than developing your own skills or selling something tangible, be very cautious.
Step 2: Value Your Time
Your time is your most valuable asset. Don't throw it away on a business model that doesn't respect it. Here's what to watch out for
The Hustle Trap: Beware of opportunities that demand insane work hours with no clear path to actually making a decent living. If it feels like you're constantly on the grind but never seeing the rewards, it's time to re-evaluate. You deserve to be paid fairly for your time and effort. Ask yourself if the promised rewards are truly in proportion to the hours you're expected to put in.
Training or Tumbleweeds? Does the business offer real support, mentorship, and the tools to help you succeed? Or are you left to figure everything out yourself? If you're constantly scrambling and overwhelmed, that's not empowerment; that's just using you up. A company truly invested in your success will support your development, not leave you lost in the wilderness.
Are You a Billboard or a Business Owner? If you're endlessly creating free social media content, promoting the main business with no compensation, chances are you're just free marketing labor. Remember, you deserve to get paid for the value you bring. Be wary of anything that hinges on constant unpaid promotion that primarily benefits someone else.
Step 3: Listen to Your Gut
Sometimes, even with all the facts, something about an opportunity just feels...off. Don't underestimate your intuition! Here's why your instincts matter.
The "Ick" Factor: If your gut screams "this shit is shady!", even if you can't pinpoint why, It probably is. Our intuition is often subconscious pattern recognition, picking up on things we might not even be consciously aware of. Trust that uneasy feeling. I wish I had.
Stress Isn't Success: Empowerment should make you feel, well, empowered! If you're always anxious, stressed, and depleted, it doesn't matter how loudly they preach "abundance mindset." A thriving business shouldn't leave you broken.
Whose Dreams Are You Building? Does the opportunity center around promoting someone else's vision, products, and brand? Or does it genuinely encourage you to develop your own unique voice and path? True empowerment helps you shine, not fade into the background.
It's easy to get swept up in the promises of online businesses touting female empowerment. But remember, not every shiny opportunity is built on solid ground. True empowerment means having each other's backs, offering fair opportunities, valuing each woman's time and talent. By asking these tough questions, listening to our instincts, and demanding better for ourselves, we can break away from exploitative business models.
Let's choose collaborations that truly uplift us, allowing us to grow our own businesses while supporting our fellow entrepreneurs.