Recently, Philly PR Girl joined in on the Inaugural Global Interdependence Center Women’s Conference, Women and Risk: Myth or Market Opportunity? This gave us a chance to meet with and listen to experts speak on female business owners and women’s careers. Some of the objectives of this first annual conference were to address women’s financial needs, their career paths and how to go about funding personal projects.
The conference was based primarily around the theory that women are risk averse, meaning that they are approximately 200% less likely than men to take risks in their careers. This also means that women are less likely to ask for a raise or promotion when they deserve it, they are less likely to take a job they feel they aren’t already prepared for and they are less likely to start their own career venture.
The most important piece of advice we got from the Women and Risk conference came from Emmy award winning journalist, Mary Caraccioli who said to “have the conversation.” Have the conversation about the raise or promotion you deserve, have the conversation about women-centric benefits such as maternity leave, and most importantly, have the conversation with yourself about what you deserve.
Professionals from the conference wanted to make sure women are taking risks, because no one has ever become successful by playing it safe.
Here are five key things to remember if you want to make it big:
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Have the conversation: No one became successful by staying quiet.
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Take risks: Women typically avoid situations that make them uncomfortable, but when was the last time your first day at a new job wasn’t nerve wracking? Staying comfortable means missing out.
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Self – fund personal business projects: Female business owners seem to be happier when they have 100% control over their business. This means providing for all the costs upfront which makes getting your idea off the ground that much harder, but in the long run it’s worth it.
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Think creatively: When asking for certain benefits, or when looking to take time off for personal reasons, find a way to show your boss that the new circumstances will benefit both of you. If you want to spend more time at home with the kids but aren’t ready to give up the job you love, explain how moving to part time allows you to split your focus equally, instead of constantly worrying about the kids while you’re spending all your time in the office.
Who cares if you don’t feel completely qualified? Studies have shown that women shy away from new positions in their companies if they don’t feel they are completely qualified for the job. But by the time you feel qualified, you’ve missed your chance. Take opportunities as they arise, and learn the skills you need along the way.
