While the number of women running companies remains far behind that of men, more and more women are leading their own firms.  And more women are getting the startup bug.  History tells us that recessions can be a great time to start a business.  But tackling the challenges of building something from scratch in a time like this is not for everyone.  Sure, workers are easy to come by, but funding is not.  And whenever the recovery starts, all indications are it will be a slow one.  In the digital/new media age, there is plenty of advice available from people who have taken the leap into self-employment and the startup world.  Here's some advice from women entrepreneurs:

The Self Employment Blog offers up a list of personality traits that you need to possess in order to "be your own boss."  Those traits include some of the obvious--"self-disciplined," "tenacity"--and others that you might not immediately think about--"willingness to ask for help," "a sense of humor."  Read Karyn Greenstreet's full list here.

If you decide you do have what it takes, here are two lists of the top-five ways to find success:

From Jane Wesman at WomenEntrepreneur.com:   

1) Commit to one business 

2) Research that business

3) Create a business blueprint

4) Build a team

5) Surround yourself with positive people

Read Wesman's explanation here.

And from Ellen Parlapiano and Patricia Cobe--founders of MompreneursOnline.com--writing for The Women's Conference:

1) Cross-promote

2) Champion a cause

3) Co-host a Twitter party

4) Barter to save money

5) Start your own networking group

Read the full post here.