Recent research shows that women account for nearly half of all business travelers in the U.S. This is rather astounding considering 40 years ago this number was a mere 5%. And according to a different study, 48% of the surveyed women traveling for business said they often travel alone.
1. Practice
Nothing breaks your fear of public speaking but public speaking. Two things really helped me: first, the many presentations and discussions in business school. Second, my volunteer work. After speaking to and managing groups of teenagers, I stopped being nervous.
Ditch the emotions
Perhaps the reason women aren't as effective at negotiating as men are lies with the fact that they are simply much more emotional. In business, men have the reputation, the stereotype, of being unemotional. And while this may seem harsh, it may be why they generally come out on top in negotiations. Women on the other hand, want to be friends first, build relationships and think about business later and yet often still expect others to put them first in business, which doesn't happen. It’s always business first.
1. Stick to your key messages
Let people know what it is you specialise in, what it is you are good at. Don’t stray from this, stick to what you know.
2. Involve all staff
1. Anyone and Everyone - Think about everyone you’ve come into contact with this year. Anyone could give you a simple idea or a creative solution that may have helped you break through obstacles so your business could thrive. Be sure to recognize them.
1. Separate Your Personal Costs From Business Expenses - At times you might think that mixing all your expenses is not a big deal since your personal accounts and business accounts are generally your accounts.
2. Keep a Record of Your Daily Expenses - In these records, you should clearly indicate which account facilitated anything you take care of daily. It is important to make sure, for instance, that your personal accounts paid for a business trip, and that at the end of the day that money is paid back and vice versa.
