Top 5 Business Tips to Help Women Succeed

There’s no denying it. The world has changed a lot over the past 50 years.

The corporate landscape has started to shift, resulting in greater opportunities for growth and development—particularly for women.

Now, more and more women are rising to the top and transforming themselves into powerful, influential leaders. This is particularly true when looking at Direct Selling; an industry rife with driven, motivated females.

Seriously, whether you’re looking at a CEO of a billion dollar company, like Mary Barra CEO of General Motors, or USANA’s very own Vice President of Field Development Lori Truman, women are doing extraordinary things.

But according to a recent Pew Research Study Center survey, two-thirds of the women and nearly half of the men polled say females face some kind of discrimination when it comes to getting their foot in the door, professionally speaking.

That’s why I’ve done some research of my own and compiled a list of my top five business tips to help women succeed:

1. Do Work You Are Passionate About

Like it or not, to succeed in business you’re going to have to have a varied skillset. That’s why it’s important to find a career you enjoy.

Money isn’t everything, so don’t fall into the trap of believing you have to sacrifice your personal life and make millions to be successful.

“We’re expected to be committed to our jobs, our personal relationships, our kids—all at the same level of intensity,” a mother of twins and CEO of DXagency, Sandy Rubenstein says.

If you truly enjoy the work you’re doing, you’ll be more motivated to devote the amount of energy it takes to adopt leadership positions within your business or industry.

2. Build Your Brand

Regardless of gender, success always comes to those who know how to market themselves. Make sure you know who you are as a professional and don’t be afraid to let the world know what you can bring to the table.

When it comes to building your brand, start with Social Media. Be an active participant in your online community—taking part in conversations about timely issues and various trends on Facebook, LinkedIn and your company’s blog.

3. Get Recognized

You already work hard. You know what it means to hustle and take care of business. But you may have noticed that being a Jack (Jill?) of all Trades doesn’t always get you where you want to be?

You probably think everyone will notice your commitment to excellence. And maybe they will, but a little shameless self-promotion never hurt anyone.

Don’t get too boisterous, but you’re allowed to make sure people inside and outside your organization know what you’re capable of.

Don’t wait for someone to offer you that promotion; put in your time, then ask for the recognition you deserve.

“Studies show men over-estimate their talent and women under-promote themselves,” says Karen Mallia, Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina. “You need to be your own brand, and make sure everyone inside and outside your organization is aware of who you are and what you are capable of doing.”

4. Speak Your Mind

You’ll never get anywhere without making a little noise.

Now, we’re not saying you need to be the loudest person in the room, but sometimes it seems like women are afraid to be heard.

Don’t be afraid.

Your thoughts and opinions matter—they have value—and you’re not doing anyone any favors by keeping them to yourself.

Trust us when we say that the most successful people speak their minds. Imagine what cellphones would like today if Steve Jobs never shared his vision with the world.

5. Manage How People Perceive You

It’s a tough reality, but image matters.

And while you may be caring and personable (definitely good qualities), you also need to behave and communicate like a leader, with the understanding that you alone are responsible for your destiny.

People need to understand that you’re in control; that you’ve “got this,” for lack of a better phrase.

Advice from me:

“In any business, it’s always important to build connections and open your mind to new experiences. The world is evolving—fast—and meeting the right person just might be the doorway to your next opportunity. If you’re a USANA business owner, don’t miss the 2016 SWEET Retreat—Successful Women Empowering Entrepreneurs Together. This is where amazing women come together to share life experiences, struggles and success stories.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn and build lasting relationships!

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