Claire, founder and owner of School Speakers shares some tips for women in business
What advice would you share with somebody looking to balance their work/life?
Be brutally honest with yourself what is important to you and prioritise your time accordingly – & stick to it!
Learn to say NO – women are often guilty of trying to say yes to everything in fear of not letting someone down or upsetting them. You have to realise that there is a finite amount of time and that you can’t do everything.
What time management tips would you share?
Use a diary, it’s a first step but it’s amazing how many people don’t. Then they forget things, double book etc and stress themselves out.
Put clear boundaries on your time, for example I finish work 3pm on a Monday and Wednesday to allow for my daughter’s pick up and hobbies. 3pm to 7pm is a complete no go for anything else.
Meetings need to have a purpose – a clear agenda – and an exit time – be clear on what you want to achieve and the time limit you have.
How could somebody improve their confidence?
List all the things which you are great at and focus on those versus nit picking areas you’re not so good on. Focus on your strengths.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone and do something new – for example I go to the cinema by myself as a way to unwind and de-stress – I never thought I would but I tried it and liked it.
Wear things you feel good in. I think how you feel physically does influence you mentally. I always perform better at work when I am dressed properly.
Get a mentor. I feel that this support can really encourage and boost people.
Most of all, just have a go. The worse that could happen is that things don’t work out, but you will learn from it and move forward having learnt and in a better place.