5 Success Tips for Women in Business

#1: Find Your Tribe
Know that your mission or message is not going to resonate with everyone. Instead of trying to change the minds of the skeptics, or sell your critics on your product or service, focus on those who get it.

Every business will find a natural community—those who have an affinity for its purpose or vision. For example, if your business is about creating earth-friendly products, your tribe will likely include green bloggers, conscious consumers, and label-reading moms.

#2: Trust Your Instincts
We are often our own worst critics, doubting ourselves instead of trusting our instincts. Early in my solopreneur career, I learned the hard way that the problem with self-doubt is that other people see it too, and interpreting it as a sign that you may be in over your head.  Why should they trust you if you don’t trust yourself?

Listen to what your intuition is telling you about people, opportunities, and decisions. Chances are if you chart out the reasons and evidence in each case, you will reach the same conclusion.

#3: STOP Saying “Sorry”
I’m sorry, but you have to stop saying “Sorry.”

Sometimes we take politeness too far and apologize for things that don’t even warrant one. Save your apologies for when they are truly need, and stop saying sorry out of sheer habit.

The same goes for our habit of over-explaining. We tend to provide explanations, sometimes detailed ones, even when none is required. This comes from a felt need to justify, to make others comfortable with our decisions. Know that your “No” is enough—no explanation required.

#4: Charge What You Are Worth
This is a challenge for many women. Remember, what comes easily for you is challenging for other people, which means it well worth it for them to pay you and skip the steep learning curve of figuring it out on their own.

Do your homework, find out what the going rate is for your product or service, and charge accordingly. Don’t think you need to discount to get business. Discounts often have the opposite effect, because prospects assume you aren’t worth it.

#5: Know When to Say “NO!”
Often we say “yes” to things we know we should say “no” to—out of guilt, pity, or even politeness. Learning to say “No” is an important entrepreneurial skill.

Know when you need to say a polite, but firm “no” and mean it, because every time you say “yes” to one opportunity, you are saying “no” to another,  and perhaps more important, opportunity. 

Carla Young is a professional copywriter, business journalist and social media strategist, specializing in social media marketing.