How do you get ahead as a woman business owner? It’s critical to stay on top of your game, including staying on top of your reading.In August 2020, Catalyst reported that almost one-half (47%) of the US labor force were women. However, only approximately one-third (40%) were managers in 2019. Women of color had nearly a third (32.3 percent) of management positions:
● Asian women — 2.5%
Here at Fundid, we help women business owners grow. We also look for ways to get women into the C-Suite in every way possible. We think learning helpful information, ideas, and instruction is possible with the writings from and insights of other women who've had success. Some of the best reading for business women include:
1. The Confidence Code
Katty Kay and Claire Shipman's book clarifies the mechanics and mindset behind self-doubt that holds many women back from their goals. The authors explain that damaging habits plague even strong, confident women. These practices, according to the authors, include perfectionism and extreme risk aversion.
2. Big Magic
Creative Living Beyond From the author of the popular book, Eat, Pray, Love, comes this new book that illustrates that women, more than men, suffer from a fear of failure. Big Magic is her manual for living a creative and fulfilling life, whatever your field.
3. The 48 Laws of Power
This book by Robert Greene gives the reader insight into the greatest philosophers of all time. Although this book is not directly focused on business women's worlds, it is an excellent read for women entrepreneurs as they build their businesses.
4. Emotional Intelligence
This book, now over two decades old, takes on interpersonal relationships, which has always been a foundation of business success. Daniel Goleman's guide can help women maximize productivity and make for great team-making.
5. Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Offices
Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D., points out in her book that women often find it challenging to advocate for themselves. Women can confuse negotiating with confronting. To understand that women are parented differently from men, she lists 130 "nice girl" mistakes.
6. Lean In
As Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and coauthor of Option B, Sheryl Sandberg knows that women tend to hold themselves back. This book explains that women should pursue their goals with gusto. Sandberg includes tips for negotiation techniques, career building, and mentorship. The author's purpose is to empower women around the world.
7. The Politics of Promotion: How High-Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead
Bonnie Marcus wants to know why qualified, motivated professional women so often get passed over when it comes to promotion. In her book, she gives some answers. In her writing, she gives women the tools and guidance needed to successfully navigate organizations, office politics, and the recognition they deserve.
8. How Women Rise
When you can overcome the twelve habits that are holding you back, say authors Wally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith, you are going to take your career to new heights. From two leaders in the business world, this guide asks questions that will help you look at your job differently. Some examples include:
Helgesen says that what worked for you in the past could be sabotaging your future success.
9. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts
In her New York Times bestseller, Brené Brown worked with leaders, change-makers, and culture shifters to show how to use these practices to get to that point where women can step up and lead. Brown shares that real leaders:
● Stay curious
● Are courageous
10. #GIRLBOSS
Sophia Amoruso made a name for herself in the fashion industry by building a clothing empire. The author shares how she went from the very bottom to being the founder of one of the fastest-growing retail businesses. Amoruso welcomes all entrepreneurial women to experience the kick in the butt they may not have wanted, but always needed.
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