It is no secret that women are less likely than men to apply for jobs that they see as long shots—indeed, one recent survey indicated that more than a quarter of women are unwilling to apply for any job where they have less than 90% of the required experience or qualifications.1 And even for self-employed women, this tendency to hedge or manage risk might keep a business from truly taking off. Here are a few tips and tricks to help women realize their full worth—and the value of their business.
Seek Out Mentors
Regardless of the stage your business is in currently, having a mentor or two that you admire and emulate could be invaluable. Moreover, having female mentors might be even more important for women business owners if these mentors understand the specific struggles and challenges a woman may face. By attending networking events, workshops, and conferences and supporting other local woman-owned businesses whenever possible, you may make connections and take advantage of some of the hard-won lessons learned by others.
Do Not Be Afraid to Say "No"
Time management is one of the biggest challenges business owners face, especially when juggling many competing obligations. It is easy to over-commit, whether this means a last-minute agreement to bake cupcakes for a child's school function or deciding to take on a project with an ultra-picky client. Unfortunately, overcommitting could be one of the biggest contributors to a poor work-life balance and burnout.
You could better prioritize your time by evaluating what is most important to you and focusing only on those tasks. This might mean passing on some projects and clients if you determine they require a disproportionate investment of your time and effort to produce positive results. Not being afraid to say "no," gives you more freedom to say "yes," when appropriate.
Always Keep Learning
You may thrive in a continuously shifting business landscape by staying current on industry trends and new technologies. The advent of artificial intelligence had an immediate impact on many industries, and those who are continuous learners are far more likely to stay relevant and adaptable even when things change quickly.
Be Your Own Biggest Cheerleader
Many women have been socialized since childhood to avoid self-promotion, fearing it may make them look conceited or self-important. But if you do not advocate for yourself, who else might? Feel free to assert your value, whether this means raising your rates, encouraging a problem client to go away, or using bold, attention-grabbing language in your marketing materials. At the same time, sharpen your negotiation skills to get what you deserve.
Remember that every entrepreneur's journey is different. Each of these tips is adaptable to suit your circumstances and aspirations. By combining these strategies with your determination and dedication, you may find your way toward creating a successful and fulfilling career in the business world.
Important Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
This article was prepared by WriterAccess.
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Footnotes
1 Don’t Sell Yourself Short!
https://www.womenmeanbusiness.com/2020/06/dont-sell-yourself-short/