The Hidden Roadblock Stopping So Many Women Entrepreneurs in Their Tracks

What’s the number one thing that I see stopping women entrepreneurs and founders from reaching their potential? This one challenge keeps them stuck, keeps their business from growing, and drains their confidence.

Have you guessed it yet? Before I name it, let me share a story about someone I’ve partnered with on several occasions. I have permission to tell her story, though we’ll call her Jane.

Jane is incredibly smart, with over two decades of leadership experience in corporate America. She was always the person who could make things happen, who others relied on for big projects. But then Jane decided to take a leap and start her own business, hoping to create something meaningful on her terms.

At first, she was knocking it out of the park, serving her clients exceptionally well and weaving her unique personality and values into her business. Then things started to shift. She found it harder and harder to show up consistently. Marketing became a chore, lead generation felt like an endless uphill battle, and she grew disillusioned with the constant need to bring in new clients.

Jane knew something had to change, so she invested in a coach to help her grow. But even with her coach’s advice, she struggled to implement. She’d get motivated for a day or two, then slip back into old habits, and her business started to dry up. That’s when she reached out to me. We’d met at a workshop months earlier and became friends, so she felt comfortable sharing everything that was going on.

As we talked through her challenges, one thing became crystal clear: Jane needed accountability. She needed someone to not only give her advice but also help her stay on track as she took action. So, I volunteered to support her, and we set up regular check-ins to work through specific areas:

1. Consistent Lead Generation – Instead of chasing new clients sporadically, we set a realistic weekly target. I encouraged Jane to start by reconnecting with her past clients and asking for referrals, something she’d never considered.

2. Sales Presentations & Follow-Ups – She began dedicating one day a week to developing and rehearsing her pitch. With each call, she got more confident, and we set up a follow-up process so no opportunity slipped through the cracks.

3. Nurturing Existing Clients – Rather than always looking for new business, she focused on upselling to her current clients and building long-term relationships that would encourage repeat work. This took a load off her lead-generation plate.

Week by week, I watched her put in the work. And soon enough, her momentum picked up. Today, Jane has a full slate of clients and is even developing a plan to scale her business so she can serve more people while balancing her time.

Why Accountability Works

What made the difference for Jane was accountability. She didn’t need more information or advice; she needed consistent support, encouragement, and someone to hold her feet to the fire. When we have someone helping us stick to our commitments, we’re less likely to fall into the cycle of procrastination and self-doubt that keeps us stuck.

If you’re finding it hard to make progress, here are a few ways you can bring accountability into your own business:

• Join a Small Accountability Group – Meet regularly with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who can encourage and challenge you.
• Find a Trusted Accountability Partner – This could be a colleague or friend, but choose someone who will push you to stay on track without letting you off the hook.
• Hire a Coach – If you’re looking for a professional level of support and specific business guidance, hiring a coach can give you the structure and personalized strategies you need.
• Use a Task-Tracking System – Sometimes, self-accountability can be reinforced by using tools that track your progress. Set weekly goals, check them off as you go, and reward yourself when you meet them.

No matter what method you choose, the key is consistency. Accountability doesn’t work if it’s random or sporadic; it has to be a reliable part of your routine. And the more structured it is, the more you’ll accomplish.

Up Next: Finding the Right Accountability Partner

In my next blog post, I’ll be diving into what makes a strong accountability partner and how to choose someone who will truly help you level up. Because the right partner won’t just encourage you—they’ll challenge you to grow in ways you never thought possible.

If you’re ready to bring accountability into your business and see what’s possible through coaching, I invite you to sign up for a complimentary Leadership Visioning Session. It’s a free, 30-minute call where we’ll talk about your business, how coaching can help, and see if we’re a fit to work together.