Becky Canary-King is an account manager and press contact at Direct Incorporation, a company focused on providing a more economical and efficient alternative to using a law firm for common legal/entrepreneurial issues.

A recent study in the Journal of Economic Psychology posits that women have a lower preference for becoming self-employed.

Is it just that women are under-motivated? I don’t think so. Could it be a lack of role models for young female entrepreneurs? After all, women make up only 3% of CEOS on the Forbes list of 500 biggest companies.

Whatever the reason, you can help change this, by inspiring future generations of women to embrace the benefits of small business ownership. Here are four suggestions to get you started.

1. Share your story. During my Girls Scouts days, our troop was visited by a female sales manager, architect and local politician. Seeing women in a wider range of career than usually depicted on TV really broaden my ideas on who I could be when I grow up.

You can share your story as well. Blogging is a great way to do this, as well as visiting a  local girls scout group or getting involved in a women’s philanthropic club like Zonta.

2. Emphasize new models of leadership. In the current climate of economic uncertainty, unemployment and workplace dissatisfaction, many are calling for a new type of leadership.

A study by Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute found that women business owners and managers tend to be more receptive to input and guidance from internal and external advisors, proactively customer-focused and more committed to creating opportunities for others.

Rather than changing your leadership style to fit a masculine world, embrace a more cooperative management style.

3. Give practical help. Have you ever asked for advice and received platitudes instead? Don’t just tell other women to reach for the stars. Tell them how you made it.

Take the time to grab lunch with a young entrepreneur or attend networking events with the goal of finding another woman to reach out to. You can go the extra mile by becoming an angel investor, but just solid practical advice from the field can be a huge asset.

4. Be confident. Demand respect as a business owner. Embrace and celebrate your unique strengths. Even if doing so doesn’t feel right at first, soon this confidence will become second nature …and it will encourage other women to do the same.

What inspired you to start your own business? Who were your role models?