Alright, women in business, let’s get real for a hot minute. I’m sitting in this Seattle coffee shop, the kind with wobbly tables and baristas who look like they’re auditioning for a grunge band, and I’m thinking about how damn hard it is to stand out as a woman in business. My coffee’s gone cold, I’ve got a ketchup smear on my notebook from a food truck burger—yep, I’m that disaster—and I’ve got stories of epic fails and a few wins. Like, I once pitched a client in Portland with a coffee stain on my blouse, and I swear they noticed. Anyway, here’s seven messy, honest strategies I’ve learned to shine in this crazy competitive world, straight from my life in the US right now.
Why Women in Business Gotta Hustle Harder
Being a woman in business feels like playing a game where the rules keep flipping. I was in a meeting in Denver a few weeks back, sweating through my cheap blazer, totally sure everyone was judging my shaky voice. Spoiler: they weren’t. But that pressure’s real. Forbes says women in leadership are held to higher standards, and man, I feel that. Here’s how I’m figuring it out, one screw-up at a time.
Strategy 1: Own Your Weird as a Woman in Business
I’m not your typical businesswoman, okay? I showed up to a networking thing in Chicago with a mustard stain on my skirt—yep, from a hot dog I scarfed in my car. Total rookie move. But people remembered me, not just for the stain (I hope), but ‘cause I laughed it off and kept going. Your weird stuff? It’s your secret weapon. Love funky glasses or quoting Parks and Rec in emails? Don’t hide it. It makes you stick out in a good way.
Strategy 2: Find Your Women in Business Crew
I used to think I had to go solo, like some badass lone wolf. Big nope. At a women’s biz event in Austin (shoutout to WE NYC for the vibes), I met these awesome women who became my people. We text at 1 a.m. about imposter syndrome, swap leads, and send each other dumb memes. Find your squad—they’ll hype you up when you’re feeling like a fraud and keep you real. It’s like having a crew that’s always got your back.
Strategy 3: Brag a Little as a Woman in Business
Okay, I’m terrible at this. I’m sitting here, my laptop covered in stickers, my coffee basically a slushie, and I still feel weird talking up my wins. Like, I landed a huge client last month, and my first thought was, “Don’t sound like a jerk.” Why? Women in business are taught to stay humble, but screw that. Share your wins—LinkedIn, meetings, wherever. Harvard Business Review says it’s how you get seen. So, post about that project you crushed. It’s not bragging; it’s claiming your space.
Strategy 4: Forget Perfect, Embrace the Mess
I’m a hot mess sometimes, and that’s fine. I once sent a client an email with “oops, wrong thing” in the subject ‘cause I attached my grocery list instead of a pitch deck. Mortifying? Oh yeah. Did they still sign? You bet. Women in business don’t need to be perfect. Chasing perfection just kills your vibe. Focus on messy progress—it’s how I keep going, even when my desk looks like a paper explosion.
Strategy 5: Say “No” Like a Pro in Business
Saying “no” used to make me feel like I was letting everyone down. I once said “yes” to a project I had no time for, and ended up pulling an all-nighter in my Boston apartment, surrounded by empty takeout boxes, cursing myself. Now? I say “no” and don’t sweat it. It’s not being mean—it’s saving your energy. Inc.com says it’s a must for businesswomen. Say “no” to what doesn’t work, and you’ll have room for what does.
Strategy 6: Use Tech to Boost Your Businesswoman Game
I’m no tech nerd, but tools are my lifeline. I use Canva for presentations ‘cause my design skills are… let’s say “creative.” And social media? Total game-changer. I posted on X about a project I was stoked about, and some random person DMed me about a collab. Wild. Check out Buffer’s guide for tips on using social to grow your biz. It’s how women in business can get loud without shouting.
Strategy 7: Keep Learning, Even When It’s Rough
Learning new stuff as a woman in business can feel like getting hit by a truck. I took an SEO course last year and thought my head was gonna explode. But it’s why I’m writing this, hoping it helps other businesswomen out there. Keep learning, even when it sucks. Sites like Coursera or Skillshare have courses to level up your skills, whether it’s marketing or just acting like you’ve got it together.
