As a trader, I feel it is very important to network with other traders in order to grow your resources and meet new people.

With that in mind, I was very fortunate to meet Sarah Potter, a futures trader and writer for her own blog at www.SheCanTrade.com Sarah is a female trader in a male dominated industry. I was able to get some great insights on how she handles “trading with the guys”. 

What can you tell us about yourself? How did you get into Trading?

I’m an average woman making money in the markets. I am a hard worker, and enjoy learning about the markets. I don’t have a background in finance, and I think this is actually beneficial for me. My education includes a communications degree, bachelor of education and a masters of education. I like to learn.

I’m not afraid to ask questions, and admit I don’t understand everything but I have figured out what works for me. There is an amazing community of traders out there who have been very kind and helpful over the years. I have recently started a blog at www.SheCanTrade.com as a way to give back to the trading community and share some of my trading insights for others.

When I’m not trading I like to stay active outdoors. I enjoy participating in triathlons, mountain biking, downhill and cross country skiing. Most weekends I’m either competing in one of these sporting events or enjoying time with my husband (who is also a trader) and two dogs.

How long have you been trading and what markets do you trade in?

I started trading part time about two years ago. I was looking for a way to make a little extra money but the more I traded, the more I realized that I really enjoyed trading.  I trade primarily futures, usually S&P, Dow, and the Russell. I will dabble in currencies and some options sometimes when the futures market isn’t moving enough for me.  I’ve been trading full time for the last four months. So I guess I’m new to the trading block. Trading part time for two years gave me time to refine my strategy and become consistently profitable. I’ve read some books and use www.t2ctrading for market analysis to help support my trading strategy. Over the past two years I’ve refined some trading set ups  that work for me.

Why do you believe there are so few female traders?

I don’t know why there are fewer female traders, I’d like to meet more. I think trading is a great career option. Anyone can learn to trade.

I think it’s really about helping more people to be trading literate. There are many get rich quick schemes that taint the trading industry. I’d like to help educate others about the difference between trading responsibly and gambling.

Studies show that everything from hormones to confidence could make women naturally better traders than men. Do you agree with this? If so what is your edge?

Well of course I need to agree with this. =) I believe anyone can do anything as long as they have a plan regardless of whether they are male or female. The quote “the only difference between a dream and a goal is a timeline” is something I live by. If you believe in yourself, and use your strengths to leverage your weaknesses you will achieve your potential. I believe my edge is that I believe in myself. We all have bad days, and I’m no exception.