The number of women-owned businesses is on the rise.

The shift marks a major step forward for women entrepreneurs across the world. However, there remains progress to be made.

Women-owned businesses continue to lag behind in other metrics, employing very few people and often, that means women business-owners can be the sole employee of their company and annual revenues can struggle to surpass $100,000.

So, how can women entrepreneurs make sure their company goes the extra mile and breaks through those boundaries?

Here is how?

1. Take a step-by step approach

It’s easy to become eager when working to accomplish or complete a goal. Entrepreneurs everywhere need to remember that opening a successful, small-business involves patience, time and requires you to step back to remember that you must tackle a piece of the goal one day at a time.

2. Don’t sell yourself short

Women have the tendency to sell themselves short, assuming that speaking positively about their achievements is bragging. Stating what you’re factually good at and the growth and success you’ve seen with your business isn’t bragging when it’s done appropriately. Be confident and comfortable disclosing your strengths and touting your success; don’t hide from it — respect will follow.

3. Learn to embrace rejection

People can make you feel very small when starting to work on your dream of establishing yourself in business. Stay strong and confident. Don’t let them make you doubt yourself.

When first attempts are rejected, don’t take it personally. Seek explanations for rejection and modify and resubmit your plan.”

 4. Give back to get back

The more present you are in the industry, the more people you will connect with. From entrepreneurs just starting out, to those who are established. Soak up all of the advice you are given and respect those who have been around for a while. Don’t forget to give back and give help to those who are looking for it. The more you can learn and the more you can be involved is essential to continually educate yourself.

5. Learn from your team

You never need to feel like you have to be the smartest person in the room. Building a good team requires you to hire people that may know more in a certain subject than you do. Find individuals who have a diverse set of skills and experiences and feel free to rely on them for advice and responsibilities.

6. Create a culture of solution seekers.

Owning your own business can pose many challenges and perceived problems, but with every problem comes an opportunity for a solution. Applaud initiative and innovation and focus on the solutions — the end results will become much more obtainable and lead you on your continued path of sustained excellence.

7. Keep the end goal in mind

Write them down as a reminder. It’s so easy to get lost or distracted, considering all the hats you wear as a business owner. But with your goals right in front of you, you never lose sight of what you’re trying to achieve.