~ by Mila Sanchez ~
It often seems like women in business have a hard time getting ahead. As much as we would like to believe that there is equal treatment of women in the workplace and in entrepreneurship, women are often passed by for opportunities like promotion in favor of men. We have to work just a little bit harder to show that we are more qualified and more driven.
There are several things you can do to pad your resume and add to your overall knowledge in ways that are bound to make you stand out and get you the opportunities you want. No matter what career path you are trying to get ahead in, this guide will help you on your way.
Make sure you are educated
While it can be argued whether real work value lies in education or experience, nearly every person with hiring and opportunity-giving power is going to be looking at your education. This is why, according to Arizona State University, power in the workplace can be gained through education. When comparing your experience with that of someone with similar experience, your education could be the thing that tips you over the scale when the choice is ultimately made.
Being more educated is also going to help any woman who is looking to spearhead her own business. You will have critical thinking skills and practical knowledge to apply to your ventures, something that others may be lacking. It’s nice to have an idea, but without the know-how to initially back it up, the process for getting your business started is going to take much longer than it needs to. Opportunities in entrepreneurship wait for no person, so the faster you can get started, the better your odds are of being successful.
Keep up with technology
Technology is so prevalent these days that it’s being used and integrated into every aspect of our lives. With things like cloud-based data, technology is changing the way we do business. And you no longer have to be in a STEM field to have a need for keeping up with the ever changing technology trends. Knowing your technology stuff will help you to make innovations in your workplace by integrating technology that will allow your company to thrive, and set you out above the rest.
If you are starting your own business, you definitely need to know your stuff. Technology has changed the way we pay for goods, and if you don’t know the various payment methods people are using these days, you may miss out on some sales. You also need to know how to use the Internet and social media to advertise your business. With DVR and streaming services, a paid advertisement on TV is no longer an effective method for reaching an audience. A creative and well executed social media campaign is much more effective at reaching people these days, especially younger people who are new consumers.
Be a Thought Leader
Ultimately, the thing that is going to make you stand out and be successful is to be a thought leader. It combines education and keeping up with trends, making you the best and most knowledgeable in your field or position. Using this knowledge with a little inventive and critical thought, you will no doubt be looked to for information and guidance by your peers and be spotlighted for promotion and opportunity.
Entrepreneurs as thought leaders are what make the difference between mildly successful and wildly successful. Take these five inspirational women leaders who are killing it with their businesses. They took their knowledge and combined it with their passions and beliefs and created viable businesses that have been very successful.
We may have to work just a little harder, but there is no reason why women can’t make it to the top of our chosen career paths. With education, technological knowledge, and becoming a thought leader in your industry, you can get ahead and lead the way.
Meet the Author: Mila Sanchez
Mila Sanchez is a writer with a BA in English Linguistics living in beautiful Boise, ID. Her ambitions include traveling the world, studying languages and taking pictures of her dog, Baymax. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram!
