Ellen Fisher is the founder and publisher of the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia, a directory of women-owned businesses and organizations. Created in 1982, it is now the largest, most comprehensive guide to women-owned businesses in the region and is distributed in three states and eight counties. She has been a longtime supporter of Empowerment Group’s Women Entrepreneur’s Circle and women-owned businesses in Philly. Fisher understands that placing a spotlight on these businesses is a way to support their growth, help female entrepreneurs network with each other, and showcase the wide range of women-owned businesses that exist in our area. Read our interview with Ellen Fisher below:
Q: What inspired you to create the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia?
In the early 80's I was hired to sell financial services to women-owned businesses. I asked for the list of wbo's and found there were no lists. At the same time, there were government set-aside programs requiring large corporations and local municipalities to purchase a percentage of their goods and services from women-owned businesses if they wanted to continue receiving govt. contracts. I came up with the idea of a way to help out these large entities find us.
Q: I see the Women’s Yellow Pages is now published in 20 cities in 17 states. What are the most crucial things you have done to grow this network of women-owned businesses?
Share information with everyone. There is enough business for all of us.
Q: Do you have plans to expand further?
We are looking for ways to expand the reach for our advertisers on the internet.
Q: What are your goals for the next five years?
Double sales and create a succession plan.
Q: Do you think women must have a higher education or extensive business experience to start their own company?
No, you just need passion.
Q: What are three pieces of advice you would offer to women looking to start their own businesses?
Create a "board of directors" to bounce ideas off. It's O.K. to plan, but it's more important to remain flexible. Because you are the business and the business is you, no matter where you are and what you are doing.
For more info on the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia go to www.philawyp.com.
Q: What inspired you to create the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia?
In the early 80's I was hired to sell financial services to women-owned businesses. I asked for the list of wbo's and found there were no lists. At the same time, there were government set-aside programs requiring large corporations and local municipalities to purchase a percentage of their goods and services from women-owned businesses if they wanted to continue receiving govt. contracts. I came up with the idea of a way to help out these large entities find us.
Q: I see the Women’s Yellow Pages is now published in 20 cities in 17 states. What are the most crucial things you have done to grow this network of women-owned businesses?
Share information with everyone. There is enough business for all of us.
Q: Do you have plans to expand further?
We are looking for ways to expand the reach for our advertisers on the internet.
Q: What are your goals for the next five years?
Double sales and create a succession plan.
Q: Do you think women must have a higher education or extensive business experience to start their own company?
No, you just need passion.
Q: What are three pieces of advice you would offer to women looking to start their own businesses?
Create a "board of directors" to bounce ideas off. It's O.K. to plan, but it's more important to remain flexible. Because you are the business and the business is you, no matter where you are and what you are doing.
For more info on the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia go to www.philawyp.com.
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