New Years Resolutions for Business Women
Plans for Creating New Beginnings and Professional Growth
Nov 19, 2008
It is estimated that by the year 2010, women will make up 48% of the workforce. Taking a leadership role in a chosen field can begin with making a few resolutions about how to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there waiting for the right person. Each New Year presents a chance for women in business and professions to evaluate where they are and where they want to be. The New Year is a symbol of change and commitment with the potential for growth and success.
New Years Personal Resolutions
Spend some time thinking about what can be accomplished in the New Year and ways to attain those goals. Commit them to paper and consider them a business plan for success:
- Determine what is important now and for the future.. Think about how personal relationships fit into business goals and, if necessary, how the two can be balanced.
- Education is vital in obtaining employment or advancement. If attending formal classes is not possible, take advantage of courses that are available on the internet. Attend seminars and workshops, read trade magazines, and join business organizations that will advance career goals.
- Mentoring from someone in the same business field can provide insight as well as a support system. Be ready to listen because honest, negative feedback can be eye-openers to mistakes that can prevent advancement.
- Strengthening skills that match the culture of the employer help to define positioning in the company hierarchy.
- Motivation means keeping eyes on the prize--eventually moving up the ladder of success.
- Leadership opportunities that may have been missed in the past should be evaluated and reconsidered.
- Dressing for success means taking a little extra care as to wearing what is the norm in the business milieu.
New Years Community Resolutions
Volunteering in the community adds to leadership skills in many ways. It is not only a way to contribute to the needs of others, but is also a good networking source. Choose the organizations wisely as to committment, interest and time limitations. There are organizations such as Girl Inc that help prepare teenagers and welcome mentors with experience in business and professional fields.
Andrea Davenport, Director of Recuiting for Ninety Nine Restaurants, (Women in Hospitality, 1/15/08) reminds women that "There is no quick, easy and inexpensive "silver bullet" to help...win the war of female talent. Business has its highs and lows and so do many women in business."
Often, business and professional women become disillusioned when trying to break through the “glass ceiling" or seen their full potential ignored. Or they are carry guilt feelings about past mistakes and/or missed opportunities. The New Year is a symbol of new beginnings, an opportunity to grow and succeed further in a chosen field. Starting out with firm resolutions and a positive attitude toward making the most of abilities can make it a banner year.
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