Every year, it seems that International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating women, it also generally creates many discussions and debates about equality. Some of these discussions are not helpful and only result in widening the gap in understanding between genders (and often amongst women themselves).

It should be a great opportunity to challenge stereotypes for women in business, not only to champion the cause of women, but to also shift the consequences for men. Although stereotypes have some measure of reality, this doesn’t mean that everyone fits the stereotype. For example, there is often an assumption that men are more rational than women, or that men are the ‘strong’ ones. Being more realistic about the variations amongst men and women, which are probably due more to personality than gender, takes the pressure off both sexes.

A big part of showing what women in business are capable of (and a way of smashing stereotypes) is to tell their stories. Via this column I have showcased some inspiring women (and I plan to do it a lot more!), because role models are a powerful way of showing women what they can achieve (despite stereotypes and attitudes of others perhaps indicating otherwise).

Malala Yousafzai, despite her young age, is one such role model, whose bold actions, and subsequent speeches, have provided us with many inspiring quotes. This one perfectly summaries this topic: “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”. What a profound yet simple statement! Of course she is right: equality for women in business is not solely for the benefit of women. When women are given opportunities, and a culture in which to succeed, it benefits all of society.

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them” (Unkknown)

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender

One of the earliest pieces of advice I was given when starting my own business was to ‘be myself’. I think it is still the best advice I have ever received. Too often I meet people in business who are obviously trying to be something, or someone, they are not. They are trying to emulate their competition, or be who they think people want them to be. But no one can sustain this for long. The only way to succeed in business is to be genuine.

In almost every industry, there is a level of trust that must be achieved before a customer will engage with you, and more importantly, continue to engage with you. Much of that trust ultimately comes down to the strength of your character. Every person you meet, whether they realise it or not, are looking to see if you are genuine.

When you communicate with someone (in person or otherwise), your reputation is established by what you say and by what you do. Brilliant branding and a fantastic mission statement mean nothing if it is not also backed up by a genuine connection. Much of this comes down to caring: when you care about your customers, they feel respected and valued, and will come back for more.

Being genuine is also about creating a strong reputation and credibility. To be credible, you have to consistently reflect your values and principles – if you are attempting to emulate someone else’s values, it will soon become obvious to others that you are not the ‘real deal’. ‘Being yourself’ not only becomes the simpler and ‘easier’ option, it is also the best way to build a business with a solid foundation.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender

Some business owners can be categorised as ‘working for themselves’ – that is, they have chosen to create their own job and workplace, rather than be employed by someone else. They are not seeking to ‘change the world’ but are very happy being their own boss. Other business owners can be better defined as entrepreneurs, which “is someone who is always thinking [she] can do things a different, better way...and sees them differently than other people do” (Sam Zell, Chairman of Equity Group Investments).

When you read those two descriptions, you will know which one describes you. Neither is ‘right’ or ‘better’, and to a large degree, you won’t have a lot of choice as to which type of business owner you are. That is, if you are an entrepreneur, you will think as Sam Zell has described: your automatic response will be to see ways that something can be improved.

This trait does come with a downside: entrepreneurs are often viewed as arrogant. And it IS a fine line: just because you think (or know!) that there is a more efficient way, doesn’t mean people are ready to hear that. At best, you need to find a tactful way to make suggestions.

Although it can be frustrating, the best course of action is to channel that energy into the things you can control, and showing the end product as proof. Most people are not going to ‘see’ the vision you have, either for something new or how your method is going to change current outcomes. Where you do need to get stakeholders on board in order to progress your ideas, make sure you provide concrete examples of benefits and outcomes.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender