Five Ways to Thrive and Succeed as a Businesswoman

Don’t step-aside, step forward. The battle for women to lead, run companies, make more money than men, is sometimes steep, but it’s happening every day. Our roles as women are not just to be baby makers and first ladies.

When men are confident and confrontational, they are applauded. When women say what needs to be said and are decisive, we can be dismissed for being a “bitch.” If we are passionate, we can be seen as “emotional.” If we need time off to have a baby, people think we’ll fall behind and struggle to get back ahead.

Before getting pregnant, I was burning the candle at both ends to get my company off the ground. I would work all day, have dinner with my husband and then be back at it until one in the morning. I can pick up my phone and be instantly in touch with all my clients, working on their social media accounts. It was hard to sign-off for the day. I was always accessible, and boundaries didn’t exist.

When starting a business, it can be hard to turn down opportunities that come your way. There may be a fear in wondering whether you will get another chance. Don’t let it outweigh your instinct to say no. Get clear on your target audience and who you want to sell to or serve. It will help prioritize the right kind of patronage for you. Learn from me, it is important to set boundaries early on. The work can be exciting and oftentimes we put pressure on ourselves to take on everything in order to prove ourselves, but burnout will leave you feeling stretched thin and eventually take a toll on your performance. If you are clear with your intentions and goals, it will be easier to align with the projects that fit in your big picture, and allowing you the space to turn down what doesn’t. 

I’ve learned a lot by observing business pitches by men and women; it is very eye opening. Men often don’t flinch when asking for a certain number, while the conversation around money and worth gives many women anxiety. Having had clients negotiate down my prices, I can tell you it’s rarely worth it. Often the people who make you feel like your services are too expensive end up being the toughest and most time consuming clients.You know what it takes to get the job done; how many hours, the kind of expertise you are bringing to the table, and the resources you provide. Knowing your worth can be the difference between making five figures versus six figures and beyond. You need to be your biggest advocator. If someone does not agree with your worth, you can decide to move on and align with someone who does, or find a compromise that satisfies both yourself and the client. 

Not every opportunity is meant for us, no matter how much we wish it was. Sometimes a “no” is a redirection and it is important to keep the wheels turning. Oftentimes there is a lesson in the no. Sometimes we aren’t ready for the opportunity, or there is a better opportunity around the corner. Take what you can learn from the experience and turn it into a new opportunity, skill, or connection. It is important to keep your business moving forward. If you dwell in the missed opportunities, then you might find yourself stuck and not evolving. 

We are constantly learning and developing our companies and skill sets. Asking senior businesswomen tips and tricks will help you elevate your company. Asking your fellow peers will help you stay current. When interviewing potential vendors, partners, or clients, asking questions help make sure you understand what the process will be and get on the same page before moving forward. Take the pressure of needing to know everything to validate your expertise. Glossing over information you may not understand can do more harm than good in the long run. Asking questions shows you care. You should make it a point to do your due diligence.

Your fellow CEOs and colleagues are a powerful resource. Many of them are going through the same things as you and can offer different perspectives, solutions, and advice. Creating a community of like minded women allows for you to lean on a support system whenever you need it. Look into professional organizations, online communities, and alumni networks. You might meet your next client, business partner, coach, vendor or team member who helps take your company to new heights.