6 Tips for the Woman New to Business
“Thank you, women who work! You are present and active in every area of life-social, economic, cultural, artistic and political. In this way you make an indispensable contribution to the growth of culture which unites reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the sense of ‘mystery’ to the establishment of economic and political structure ever more worthy of humanity” (Pope St. John Paul II, “Letter to Women).
As I come to my first year of working in the “real world,” I have found a few tips and tricks for women in business I wish I had known before starting my career. While I am confident I have a lot left to learn, I am eager to share this advice with the next generation of women in the workforce:
1. Don’t Wait to Be Introduced
Err on the side of introducing yourself first. Whether sitting in on a client meeting or greeting the person at the door, it is your responsibility to initiate your presence. Introducing yourself also says, “I belong in this environment and have earned the right to be here.” Not introducing yourself can leave your persona unknown and can also be a missed opportunity to make a new connection.
2. Camera on
Always have your camera on during video chats and, if appropriate, do not mute yourself. Having your camera on will show that you are attentive and make people aware you are actively engaged in the call. There are exceptions to this rule, such if you aren’t feeling well or if you’re an introvert with “Zoom fatigue.” In this case, acknowledging why you aren’t using your camera is a good way to stay present.
3. Contribute to the Conversation
Sharing your thoughts and opinions will help you make yourself known to your colleagues. Be confident (yet appropriate) when speaking up in conversations, from meetings to the break room. For example, if you are a new employee and sitting in on your first meeting, many people will be looking to see what you bring to the table. It is important to create thoughtful insights that show you are attentive and eager to join the company.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Say, “No”
Create boundaries for yourself around your work. If you don’t feel you are being asked to do realistic tasks that adhere to your job description, kindly decline the ask. Just because you are the newest or even the youngest employee does not mean you need to take on additional tasks that were not listed in your job description.
There is a balance between showing you are willing to do what it takes to get the job done and taking on more than you can handle. It’s important to communicate effectively with your supervisor and colleagues to establish a clear understanding of your responsibilities and to prioritize tasks, ensuring that you can meet expectations without sacrificing your well-being or job satisfaction.
5. Overdress
Dressing for success increases respect as well as self-esteem. The old saying “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” doesn’t change after you get your first position. The definition of “dress for success” can vary, so find out what fits your company culture and your industry.
Note: This rule also applies for video calls (even if it is only from the waist up).
6. Be Intentional With Your Language
Selling yourself short and not taking credit will make you look unassertive. Be confident yet humble when speaking about the work you do on a day-to-day basis. Replace phrases such as “I got lucky” and “I don’t deserve this” with phrases like “I worked hard to get to this point and am proud to be here.”
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross said it best: “The nation … doesn’t simply need what we have. It needs what we are.” As a Catholic woman in business, you do not need to mold to the images the professional working society provides in order to succeed. There is a strong place and need for women in business in our world today.
Caroline Kenagy, the community manager at Catholic Women in Business, is a recent graduate from The University of Kansas where she studied marketing and management/leadership. She has a strong passion for connecting and supporting women in business, especially Catholic women in business. Caroline now works as a Brand Manager for an International Executive Search firm as well as does freelance marketing work. When not working, Caroline enjoys spending time watching sports with her family or traveling with her friends. Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn.