The End of The Girlboss Era and What That Means for the Service-Based Industry in 2022
Episode 608: Show Notes
This episode is inspired by a 45-second TikTok we stumbled upon about what’s going on in the online business world. We specifically loved the phrase, “We’re at the end of the Girlboss era” because, honestly, we couldn’t agree more! Today, we talk about what the landscape of online business looked like five or six years ago, what it’s looking like in 2022, and why we think there is so much more access and opportunity than ever before. However, it is going to take a shift! We are in a new season, we are in a new world, and people have different expectations.
Let's take it back in time and investigate what the Girlboss Era is, what started it, and why we think it’s on its way out! We take a look at the radical shift required to move forward in business and as a society, the realization required to shift your mindset, and where we really and truly hope the online business world isn’t heading!
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What Kicked Off the Girlboss Era and What’s Kicking it Out
The Girlboss Era can be taken even further back from the online landscape, to the media influence we were exposed to in our teen years. The protagonists of the books and films we consumed were often highly influential, financially savvy, and stylish young women who were achieving highly regarded positions right out of the gate. This set the precedent for women to work hard and explore roles in a traditionally masculine space. We were raised to dream big and reach for the stars!
Then came the 2008 economic crisis, we were filled with this fire, but there were no roles to fill, so we had no choice but to find our own way and make it work for us. The online business industry was literally invented by its mission-driven participants! The culture became infectious, but it came with its own set of disadvantages that we seem to be moving away from today.
Before, there was a blind trust in other women, and in the “anyone can do anything” attitude, but because of the global pandemic and the movements questioning trust, safety, and ethics prior to it, we believe this Girlboss era is over. People are more clear about their priorities and boundaries and, going forward into a new era, we predict the rise of a service-based industry like no other, and those who succeed will be the ones who are solving real problems for real people.
Why Collective Unlearning and Relearning Is So Important
There are radical shifts taking place in our society, whether you like it or not, and if business owners aren’t paying attention to them, they risk losing everything. Collective unlearning and relearning is critical, and if you aren’t evaluating yourself and prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, not only are you doing yourself a disservice, but you are aiding white supremacy. It really is as simple as that. People want to trust other people, thus businesses need to be sincere, reliable, and self-reflective. We all need to be using this time to grow our minds and expand our willingness to observe our shortfalls. Things have changed so much over the last 10 to 15 years and the way we show up, talk about ourselves, and connect with people has to change too. Capitalism may seem inescapable, but the opportunity to make a change lies in how we solve problems going forward.
How to Shift Your Mentality and Build Your Business in Alignment
The Girlboss Era mentality was based on the idea that you can create a course on anything, but that’s no longer the case! Free information is far more accessible today, and it’s really hurting creators. But this can be seen as an opportunity to shift your mindset, get clear on your priorities, work on how you show up in the world, and support other people. There is now a chance for people with valuable skill sets and diverse expert-level knowledge to intentionally work with fewer people and have a bigger impact on them. Consumer options are unlimited, and this calls for you to refine your filter! This is a chance for you to make a real living that’s in alignment with the kind of life you want to live. It does, however, require some self-reflection: Is this truly what you want?
The Direction We Hope We Aren’t Heading in the Online Business World
We are not yet in a new era, and if we swing too far to either side of the spectrum, we may run into some trouble. There are a few trends that we’re seeing that we, personally, hope won’t dictate the new norm. First off, the unrealistic upscaling of expectations. These days, everyone wants to be a millionaire! But does everyone need to be a millionaire to meet their personal needs and desires? Absolutely not. Where you live directly affects your cost of living, and it’s totally okay to reach within your own realm instead of building a business that’s not in alignment with you as a result of external pressure. Secondly, we see owners catching the tail end of the Girlboss Era and removing themselves from their business too soon in the name of ‘scaling’, but what they seem to forget is that they are the talent, and it was the services they personally provided that brought them any kind of success. It’s important to be aware of the consequences of delegating everything and going on a hiring spree before getting a good grip on HR law. You don’t need to build an empire to fulfill your needs!
Quote This
We’re, at this point, a part of a multi-billion dollar industry that didn’t exist a decade ago.
Highlights
What kicked off the Girlboss Era and what’s kicking it out. [0:03:04]
Why collective unlearning and relearning is so important. [0:16:30]
How to shift your mentality and build your business in alignment. [0:20:46]
The direction we hope we aren't heading in the online business world. [0:26:01]
ON TODAY’S SHOW
Abagail & Emylee
The Strategy Hour Podcast
We help overwhelmed and creative entrepreneurs break down their Oprah-sized dreams to create a functioning command center to tame the chaos of their business. Basically, we think you’re totally bomb diggity, we’re about to uplevel the shiz out of your business.
KEY TOPICS
Hiring, Scaling, Diversity, Equity, Online business, Mindset
