”No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half its citizens “ – Michelle Obama
In the past, career choices and business opportunities for women across the world have been extremely limited. While we have made significant progress over recent years, opportunities for women climbing the corporate ladder are still met with underlying challenges and socio-cultural discrimination. The Digital Industry is no different. Females working within the digital marketing industry regularly encounter old cultural mindsets and practiced behaviors that make it difficult to succeed. Van Rossum (2018) explains trajectory of growth for women in leadership positions is dramatically different from their male counterparts. Less than a third of the digital marketing force are female, which suggests that women are significantly under-represented in contemporary the marketing world.
That being said, there are still countless women moving mountains, and breaking boundaries in the digital marketing industry. Over the past decade, there has been a notable undertaking to drive the professional development of female figures within our contemporary marketing industry. In this way, we have witnessed the growth and development of many women moving up the ranks.
To celebrate Woman’s Month, we explore the contribution of women to the field of digital marketing. Here we share some advice for ladies currently navigating the tricky waters of career progression in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Do a Self-Assessment
There is nothing more powerful than a woman who knows what she wants.
You won’t achieve your goals if you are uncertain of what your focus is. Therefore, focus on taking time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and consider where you want your career to go. Hereafter, you can generate a sound plan of action and strategize the who’s, what’s, where’s, when’s and why’s of your industry.
Create a thorough road map for your career with a focus on valuable motivations, targets and desires. This way, with a good dose of hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals. With this said however, build realistic life goals and place focus on maintaining an authentic self-representation. Always maintain your core values and beliefs, and make sure you’re building the right path for your own success.
Knowledge is Power
Successful female digital marketers aren’t afraid to share their expertise and question authority.
The Digital Marketing Industry is ever-changing. Therefore, you need to be confident in yourself and your abilities. At the end of the day, you are your biggest supporter. Without your own motivation, confidence and dedication, you’re stuck.
Stereotypical, women are characterized as inferior and inexperienced when it comes to the corporate world. Do your research, step up and speak out where necessary. It is your responsibility to equip yourself with the right knowledge and know-how to succeed in your industry. To learn more about the digital marketing world, take a look at our various easy-to-read insightful articles.
Earn Your Seat at the Table
It’s one thing to fill a seat at the table. It’s another thing to earn that seat.
While you may have equipped yourself with the fundamental knowledge and skill-set to succeed in your industry, it doesn’t suggest you instantly deserve that advanced position, career title or promotion. You are responsible for your own career, and cannot expect success to be handed to you. It is only you that can grow your goals and aspirations to fruition.
Focus on building your very own personal brand identity; demonstrating your capabilities and verifying your valuable contribution to your company as a woman and a leader. Take initiative, ask questions, tackle the opportunities you are given head on and challenge yourself to growing and improving day-by-day.
Support Other Women & Diversity
Make it your responsibility to ensure you are advocating for diversity, and generating space for other women like yourself to gain opportunities for career growth, success and leadership.
Pay it forward by taking the time to share invaluable advice and experience for navigating the corporate world with fellow superwomen. Give support and encourage others. Maintain your integrity and practice patience and kindness. Become an active part of the movement towards helping women thrive.
Having a mentor that can help guide you through the rough waters we often encounter as women in the corporate world, is an invaluable experience. Majority of success comes from the guidance and loyalty of our fellow partners and associates. There are so many people willing to lend a helping hand. So, take the time to reach out to other women in your industry and share your experiences.
Find/Build your Support Network
Networking is fundamental to building connections and forming relationships within your industry. Networking is the active exchange of information, opinions and ideas among people with a common interest or profession. Although this may seem daunting at first, building a strong network of associates, contacts, mentors and leaders will put you in good stead for a successful future. Networking allows you to reorganize, create and act upon various business opportunities, share information and seek potential clients and partners for future business ventures.
