In 1920, an American woman was considered ambitious if she cast her vote on Election Day. Now women’s voices can go beyond the polls to actually having a say about who gets on the ballot in the first place. That’s because of women’s increased entrepreneurial success in the private sector which contributes the majority of funds for political campaigns.

According to Millionaire Women, Inc., “women are starting new businesses at twice the rate of men“! (7). Furthermore, “the number of women who are now building businesses has increased two-and-a-half times faster than all U.S. businesses, and female investors are the newest market for brockerage firms to pursue” (8). Now, more than ever, successful women are able to make sizeable campaign contributions to candidates who speak to women’s issues instead of hoping their husbands will support the interests that matter to them.

How can you join this growing crowd of female entrepreneurs? Millionaire Women says that information and inspiration are the two prerequisities to realizing wealth (6). In interviews with female Presidents and CEOs, including Hewlett-Packard Chairman and CEO Carly Fiorina and Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung (8), Millionaire Women discovered that there are three secrets to success.

The first secret is: “Wealth Knows No Boundaries” (8). This means that regardless of your age, education, socio-economic status, you can experience financial freedom if you put your mind to it. Hey, if Oprah can do it, coming from impoverished Mississippi, the rest of us can do it too.

The second secret is: “Create Wealth Your Own Way” (9). In previous generations, women needed to camoflauge themselves in a masculine work environment in order to be promoted. Today, the most successful women use their femininity as an asset. For example, women are generally the relationship builders in a family- the ones who write thank you notes, send Christmas and birthday presents, etc. Millionaire Women suggests that the most successful businesswomen use their relationship building skills to their advantage by forging strong bonds with clients (9). The skills our grandmothers used to raise good sons and advance the careers of their husbands are now being used by women who want to stand on their own two feet.

The third secret is:”Great Mentors Create Shortcuts to Success” (10). Network marketing is a perfect example of this final, but probably the most important secret. In a network marketing pyramid (such as Mary Kay), people earn money based on the sales of those in their downline; therefore, it is in everyone’s interest to help the newbees learn the ropes. The person you sign up under serves as your mentor and has an invested interest in your success.

So go out there, discover your uniquely feminine skills, and find a mentor who can hold your hand while you climb the ladder. Before you know it, you’ll be the one the senators will be calling to ask for support on the issues that matter to you!

Go girl, Danielle! We’re proud to announce that every Wednesday, Danielle will be writing articles such as this one for us. Be prepared for some kick-butt insight.