Every year, more and more women break through the glass ceiling and establish themselves as successful business leaders. And, yet, it’s not an easy journey. Thankfully, you don’t have to make the journey alone. Many successful women get there by getting advice from mentors, building a network of people who can help them, and turning their weaknesses into strengths. These factors are essential in overcoming obstacles and paving the way for success. Let’s look deeper at the resources that can help you achieve your goals.
The Mentorship Factor
Starting a business or pursuing your career goals can be exciting and challenging. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking help and advice from a mentor can make all the difference in your success.
A mentor is someone who has been in your shoes and can offer invaluable advice and encouragement as you navigate the ups and downs of your career. Many successful entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders say mentors helped them get where they are today.
If you’re not sure where to find a mentor, Haseena Bheekhun, Chief Operating Officer at Unitrove, offers some advice in How To Find The One? (Mentor) Part 1. Her suggestions include LinkedIn, YouTube, social media, networking events, and educational seminars.
Working with a mentor can be a game changer when growing a woman-owned business. Here are some reasons why seeking mentorship is a smart move for you:
Experience: Your mentor can offer valuable insights and guidance based on their experiences. A mentor can help you see beyond your current perspective and explore new challenges and opportunities. With their support, you can set achievable goals and benchmarks for career growth. By sharing insights and experience, a mentor can empower you to develop a more comprehensive and effective career strategy, considering a wider range of possibilities.
Emotional Support: Your mentor can offer emotional support and encouragement, creating a safe and welcoming space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. This can be especially important for women in male-dominated industries, where it is challenging to find supportive allies.
Accountability: Your mentor can hold you accountable for your goals and actions, providing guidance and feedback on progress and helping you stay focused on your objectives. They can also remind you to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
Career Development Planning: Your mentor can help you figure out what you do well and where you need to improve and make a plan for your professional growth. This can include setting goals, identifying growth opportunities, and providing feedback on your performance to reach your full potential.
Seeking the guidance and support of a mentor can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals with greater ease and give you the confidence to keep pushing forward.
The Networking Factor
As a business leader, building a supportive network can be transformative for your career. Building relationships with others who are also going through the ups and downs of climbing the ladder of success is important. Women, in particular, can benefit greatly from developing a network of supportive individuals who can offer guidance, resources, and encouragement as they navigate business leadership challenges.
Looking for a network to connect with? A simple Google search can help you find organizations and events in your area. Alaniz is proud to be a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) community and to have earned their “woman-owned business” certification. WBENC is committed to helping women business leaders succeed by providing access to networking opportunities and programs that can accelerate growth.
There are countless ways to grow your network, such as by joining professional groups, attending networking events, and reaching out to like-minded individuals in your industry. Here are a few key reasons to make networking a priority:
Access to Resources and Opportunities: By building relationships with people in different industries, you can access resources and opportunities you may not otherwise have access to. This can be an incredible advantage, helping you expand your network, connect with potential clients or investors, and stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.
Knowledge and Expertise Sharing: Women in a supportive network can share knowledge and expertise with each other, which can help them develop new skills and perspectives. This can lead to more innovative ideas, better decision-making, and, ultimately, greater success.
Increased Confidence: Being part of a supportive network can also help you develop increased confidence in your abilities as a business leader. When you have a group of people who believe in you and support your goals, you may be more likely to take risks, pursue new opportunities, and push yourself to achieve more.
Building a supportive network takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. Keep connecting with like-minded individuals, and know that you have a community of supporters cheering you on every step of the way.
The Vulnerability Factor
As a business professional, it’s important to keep in mind that success is not about never messing up. You’re human. Mistakes will happen. If you’re willing, you can grow and learn from your mistakes. Being vulnerable enough to acknowledge your weaknesses and gaps in knowledge is a key part of professional growth. Admitting to vulnerabilities can help you succeed in several ways:
Learning and Growth: Recognizing areas where you need to improve can lead to a willingness to learn and a commitment to personal and professional growth, which is essential for success in any business. Embrace learning opportunities, and know that every mistake is an opportunity to grow.
Building Trust and Credibility: Being honest about your weaknesses and gaps in knowledge can help build trust and credibility with colleagues, clients, and customers. By acknowledging your limitations, you demonstrate humility and authenticity, which can lead to stronger relationships and more effective collaboration.
Avoiding Future Mistakes: Admitting weaknesses and gaps in knowledge can help you avoid costly mistakes that could hurt your career. By acknowledging what you don’t know, you can seek guidance and input from others who can help you make more informed decisions. In this article, editor-in-chief of Woman’s Own and American Woman magazines, Lynn Varacalli Cavanaugh, shares some common business weaknesses and how to turn them into strengths to avoid future mistakes.
Remember, admitting vulnerabilities is not a weakness but an opportunity for growth and improvement.
The Success Factors
If you take this advice to heart, you’ll be on the right track to achieving success. Remember, it’s not always an easy journey, but you can do it with the right mindset and support. Mentorship can be a game-changer because it can give you valuable advice, emotional support, and help you stay on track with your goals. Building a network of people who can help you is also important. This can give you new opportunities, help you share knowledge, and give you emotional support to boost your confidence. Acknowledging your vulnerabilities opens up opportunities to grow and build trust. Embrace these success factors, and you’ll be on your way to big things. Keep going!
