Being a woman in the business world has not always easy. Years of struggling for equality in the workforce have helped us gain steady ground, though, and today the face of business is a lot of feminine than it ever has been before.
An impressive 51% of all management and professional positions are now held by women! As women become more dominant in big business, one challenge is making yourself stand out amongst your lady peers. What do the most successful women in business do to set themselves apart? Read on to find out.
Consider Yourself a Success
Media, pop culture, our friends, and our families often impose their own ideas of success onto us. What’s important to remember is that our differences actually make us stronger and more valuable.
As the saying goes, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.”
Truth rings in this statement, and big business has begun to recognize that women offer a unique perspective and innovative ideas that haven’t been widely employed, making them cutting edge. So, as a small fish in a big pond, it’s important to stay true to the voice and ideas that make you unique .
Honor Your Core Values
While not every project you take on during your career will be something that you’re crazy about, you should never compromise your core values to advance your career. If you’re goal is to be satisfied in your job and feel good about the work you do, stick to your guns along the whole journey to the top. You will be respected by your peers and create the type of opportunities that you’ve dreamed of.
Keep Raising the Bar
The number one predictor of growth in women-owned business is the goal to grow. Set the bar high for yourself and your venture, but break that larger goal up into small, manageable pieces that you can celebrate as you accomplish them along the way. Keep looking forward and challenging yourself—always having a goal provides motivation and a driving force of momentum.
Invest in Yourself
You are your own greatest asset, so taking care to invest in your health, education, and spirituality will prove invaluable as you make your way to the top. Successful women are life-long learners, so connect with like-minded individuals, attend seminars, and participate in training that is relevant to your interests and business.
Stay physically active and maintain a healthy diet to support your highest level of energy. Always carve out some time to connect to what is most important to you—feeding your spiritual self will inspire you and infuse passion into all areas of your life.