OCT NIBJ: Being a woman in business: be seen, be heard, be brave

Being a woman in business today is certainly easier than it was when I started my career. 

But easier does not mean easy. Women are still more likely to question whether they are ready before pursuing an opportunity. We sometimes soften our opinions, hesitate to promote ourselves, or wait for someone else to recognize what we are capable of doing.

And in a small town like Sandpoint, there is another dynamic at play. Everyone knows everyone — or at least it feels that way! Your reputation matters. Relationships matter. And people talk. That can feel intimidating, but it can also be one of your greatest business advantages. So how do you succeed?

First, believe you belong in the room. Confidence is not arrogance. It is knowing that your experience, knowledge, ideas, and perspective have value. You don't have to know everything before raising your hand for an opportunity. Stop asking, “Am I ready?” Ask instead, “What could happen if I tried?”

Second, build relationships before you need them. In a small community, networking is not about collecting business cards. It is about building genuine relationships. Show up. Attend events. Join organizations. Volunteer. Introduce yourself to people you don't know. And then do something many people forget to do: follow up. A five-minute conversation can become a referral, partnership, client, mentor, or opportunity — but only if you continue the relationship.

Third, keep a success record. Women can be remarkably good at remembering our mistakes and surprisingly bad at remembering our accomplishments. Write yours down. Keep a running list of compliments, successful projects, problems you solved, goals you achieved, and people you helped. When it is time to negotiate, interview, promote your business, or take a risk, remind yourself what you have already accomplished.

Fourth, practice professional courage. There will be times when you need to speak up, ask for the business, negotiate your value, disagree with someone, or walk into a room where you feel completely out of place. Your knees may knock. Your voice may crack. Do it anyway. Professional courage isn't the absence of fear. It is taking action despite it.

Finally, remember this: You do not have to become someone else to succeed in business. Bring your strengths. Add value. Treat people well. Build relationships. Speak up. And when opportunity knocks, don't wait for someone else to tell you that you're ready. Open the door. 

Mickey Hemingway is the founder of MK Hemingway Consulting, LLC www.mkhemingway.com and also of Group Level Up — GroupLevelUp.com — a networking group in Sandpoint. Contact Mickey at [email protected].