Breaking Into A Male-Dominated Business Industry
If you ever think you haven’t encountered the ugly side of business, try and break into an industry where all doors are closed to you. It’s a sad state of affairs, but there are so many industries that are male-dominated. But, while there are plenty of us women trailblazing, what’s the best advice we can provide to those working at breaking into an industry that appears to have the door closed?
Provide That Essential Need
If you have something that they want, they will clamor to get it. These days, it’s all about the networking progress you have. When certain businesses struggle to get contracts, it can be the power of a sincere friendship or relationship that seals the deal. Whether you are looking for lifting equipment at Ranger Industrial, an accountant at Deloitte LLP that charges at cut prices, or you know the right person to revive the marketing, if you provide that essential need, they have to sit up and pay attention.
Bust Heads!
Show them that you aren’t going to be messed with! By showing them, at the very outset, that you have the power, and you have what it takes to keep afloat, you stand a better chance of surviving. Yes, this can be a little bit on the clichéd side, but if you are struggling to make yourself heard, then you’ve got to show you will not be messed with.
Use Your Natural Instincts
It can feel like a game of chess, where you have to put a certain piece forward, but remember to play the long game. It can feel like there are doors shut to you, but there’s always a roundabout way. We can feel that need to overcompensate, especially when we are put on the spot. But be sure you use your natural instincts, and trust your intuition. Just because you are the only woman in the boardroom doesn’t mean that you have nothing to say.
Resilience And A Self-sufficient Mindset
We can spend a lot of time thinking about what other people think about us. Instead, don’t even bother, it’s wasted energy. Instead, keep on the path. As you are heading into situations that can be and mental drain, you still got to find ways to ensure that strength comes from within. Breaking into any industry where you feel in the minority can be exhausting. But you can still prime yourself for good results. Being resilient, especially when engaged in conflict, will keep you pushing in the right direction. As easy as it may be to put on a particular front and personality, if we are going for positions of power, ultimately it’s our natural abilities to do the job that we’ll end up relying on. Consider it a massive learning curve, and when you get to the top, you will still find that there are other challenges afoot. But when you are trying to break into an industry that is stacking up against you, the most significant tool you have at your disposal is your ability to withstand opposition.
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