Whilst efforts are being made to address the gender imbalance in the workplace, there is still significant progress to be made. In my marketing life, I've often found myself to be the only woman in the room in many internal and client meetings, so I know how isolating this can feel – regardless of how much I respect my male peers.
We look at some handy resources for women in business / Picture Credit: Pixabay
I've collated a series of helpful tips to help women make the most out of their relationship with their colleagues, networking, and where there are spaces for women to learn from one another.
Join a network of like-minded women
Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting. - Ivan Misner
Rather than viewing a networking event as an opportunity to hook a client or brand alliance, view it as a chance to share valuable insights first from those who can empathise with your journey.
The AllBright Collective is an online community created for smart-minded women who believe that we rise by lifting others. They’re passionate about driving positive change for women worldwide, with over 150 training courses, opportunities to meet peers, and editorials from trusted voices.
The British Association of Women Entrepreneurs is the only entrepreneurial network specifically for women in business with capital at risk. Founders and directors across all business genres offer one another sound advice and exposure opportunities. They’ve been inspiring the leaders of tomorrow since 1953.
Everywoman looks to empower women through personal progression, advocacy, and sponsorship to achieve their goals, with their own awards season recognising talent, diversity, and contribution to supporting women in business.
Be consistent
Consciously showing up as a reliable, compassionate, and capable team member and experiencing how others receive this will inform how you imbue confident communication into the rest of your life.
Recognise the value of the work you contribute – aloud. Often this assertiveness is misconstrued as arrogance; it’s the self-respect you deserve. And if you are struggling with something? Chances are your colleague has been meaning to ask you something too.
Networking events will be less intimidating if you already communicate with your peers constructively and confidently.
Ask for introductions
Who do the people you know know?
Having a shared middle ground in the form of a colleague or family member is hugely reassuring when reaching out to a peer for the first time. You’re not taking advantage of someone else’s contacts; they’ll only agree to share their time and knowledge with you if you show up as an ally.
Open dialogue with your colleagues creates the space for you to share your interests on a more personal level; therefore, if you come across an event or course that could help their progression, you’re able to signpost them and vice versa.
Inviting other people to the table is great for inspiring confidence in them and helping them get the exposure they need – chances are, they will return the favour. ‘Actually, [insert name here] has a lot of knowledge in this area. What do you think [insert name]?’: simple.
Know when to say 'no'
Saying ‘no’ to someone else is actually saying ‘yes’ to looking after your welfare, and there is a constructive way to do it. The key is to turn around your scarcity mindset. Rather than assuming no future opportunities will come from declining this invitation, remember to express gratitude as you do so.
For example, ‘I’m honoured to have been considered for this role. However, I cannot give this the full focus it deserves at this time.’ This sentiment leaves the enquirer with a still-sunny outlook on why they chose you in the first place – you can be trusted to work to the best of your ability rather than grabbing a quick payday boost.
If you’re thinking of saying no to a direct line manager, remind them of your to-do list with the angle of asking which elements they would prefer you deprioritise. This way, it’s not a hard no, but a compromise.
Having the breathing room to consolidate your skills on key projects and go home without having melted your brain will allow you to be more receptive to opportunities that come your way.
In conclusion...
Networking isn’t just the act of booking your ticket to an event and attending, the work to show up and market yourself as the right person to back starts by building trust and loyalty within your friends and colleagues, which puts you in good stead to make the most out of connections you build and nurture them properly.
Words by Sophie Crabtree for Female First, who you can follow on Twitter, @CrabSophie.
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