I am coming up on my 3-year freelance anniversary, and soon after will be my 8-year business owner anniversary. I quit my last "real" job over 5 years ago. I have been the primary bread winner for my family for almost 3 years, and the sole bread winner for the past six months.

I have successfully ran three different businesses in the last 8 years: one brick-and-mortar, one handmade, and one professional services.

In my current entrepreneurial endeavors, I have launched almost 100 websites and have helped over 200 clients in their journey of starting and operating their own business.

Not to get big-headed on you, but I like to think that I am a strong business woman.

Not only that, but I have worked with – and therefore know and have been inspired by – lots of strong women business-owners. I have female friends who are amazing at their own business-ing. And in my journey I have discovered a few characteristics present in those who succeed, as opposed those who don't quite make it.

1. Don't give up just because you don't like the outcome
If we all gave up every time we got frustrated or something turned out differently than we had anticipated, I do believe the world would be a sucky place. As would each of our lives.

If I went back to bed every time I got frustrated, I wouldn't have built the business that I have. Nor the family and friendships. My clients wouldn't have their rockin' online businesses and my creative pals wouldn't be rockin' their own dream careers.

Saying "never give up" is much too cliché, and really, a lie. You should give up some things, like smoking and attempting to bring acid washed jeans back. But you should not give up on a good cause just because something goes awry. Stick it out. It will make you stronger.

2. Handle your own problems
I find few things less attractive than someone pushing their problems off to someone else. Putting yourself into that uncomfortable situation to solve a problem is what will make you a stronger person. Handing it off to someone else makes you out to be a punk. Hiding behind someone else is not very business woman-esque.

So, whether it be making that phone call you've been dreading or finally taking your car in to the mechanic, [wo]man up and deal with your own problems.

3. Own up to your shortcomings
I will be the first person to say that I suck at developing Wordpress. I have no patience. I can't whistle. Not every project that I have ever taken on has ended fantastically.

Owning up to your shortcomings doesn't mean that you're admitting weakness. Honesty isn't weakness. Honesty is awesome. And you'll be respected for it.

4. Have good time- and project-management skills
When I see business folks and leaders with bad time- and project-management skills, they lose about a million brownie points in my book. Especially if you're complaining about having a million meetings and phone calls, but I see you on Pinterest or Facebook a bit too often, then the problem isn't your busy schedule. It's you.

A strong business woman has to have her shit together. Period. And, if you just can't manage it yourself (hey, some people just don't have the touch or really do have too much going on) then learn to say "no" and/or hire someone to get it together for you. And stay off Facebook.

5. Never lie
I pride myself on being someone who's very honest. Unapologetically honest. It's one of those things you either totally love me for, or you very much so hate it. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's been one of the biggest backers for where I am today.

Honesty is always the best policy. Always.

6. Ask for help
Asking for assistance is ever-important. Even super heroes have sidekicks. Delegating and allowing others to help you can skyrocket you to the top. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Ever.

7. Help others
Helping others is just as important as asking for help. Give it sometimes, too. Whether it be sharing a friend's product on your blog, or offering your services to a colleague, help others. Karma, folks.

8. Make decisions
Your business will never ever grow if you don't make decisions. This is something I have realized while working with my own clients. The majority of the time, if a client is terribly indecisive during a design project (and I'm not talking about weighing options, but almost completely incapable of making a gosh-darn decision) then their website will never see success. Never. Not a one, in my experience.

A strong business woman knows what she wants and goes for it. If she's not sure, she trusts her gut and risks it. There's no mulling over decisions for weeks, or requesting 47 edits. There's a decision, hard work, and success.

Growing Stronger

I'll wholeheartedly admit that sometimes it's hard for me to ask for help, or really just wanting to get back in bed mid-morning (maybe this is me excelling at admitting my shortcomings) but being a strong business woman is about consistent growth. Always trying harder and setting the bar higher. Getting help and helping others, in any way that you can.

And really, whatever the characteristics, being a strong business woman is all about pushing forward. Choo choo!

What qualities do you admire in strong business women?