Please note that the National Association of Professional Women occasionally allows guest writers to post to our blog. The views expressed below in no way represent the views of NAPW.
Professionalism can be defined in various ways according to whom you ask. But for the majority of people referencing professionalism in the workplace; they see it more as several learned attributes or perceived behaviors. Professionalism is often a matter of having good values and acting on them in the workplace. Those that create a professional demeanor often find themselves awarded for their acts with bonuses, promotions, and advancements.
First and foremost professionalism in the workplace starts with your ability to be trustworthy. People tend to underestimate the value and moral importance of trustworthiness, but this attribute is seen as a professional act among peers. If you prove yourself to be a trustworthy person by sticking to your word, standing by your beliefs and not stabbing people in the back- you will be viewed as being a professional.
Second, you must always prove yourself competent. Often competency means listening instead of talking; it means hearing what is said and acting on those comments. Competence relies on what you know, but also on what you can learn from others.
Respect for yourself, as well as others, is the third attribute for professionalism in the workplace. Respect is earned and not given- respect is the ability to hear varying opinions sometimes different than your own and communicate your feelings in regards to that opinion in a non-judgmental way. Respect for one’s self starts with individual responsibility, including your perception of yourself. If you respect yourself, others will follow.
Professionals act with integrity; this means being honest and fair with co-workers, superiors, and those that work for you. If you want to be perceived as being a professional in the workplace, you must act with integrity; treating all those around you with respect and giving each person their own fair treatment.
Consideration and empathy are the final two attributes that contribute to professionalism in the workplace. These two attributes are often missed when people describe professionals; but in order for you to understand all aspects of any scenario, you must be able to put yourself into another’s shoes, you must be able to consider all aspects before you can act in a professional way.
Professionals in the workplace lend support to their co-workers, employees, and superiors; as well. Professionals in the workplace often go above and beyond their job duties to aid or support other’s they work with or they work for. Professionals in the workplace are easily approachable people and have good communication skills; they hold themselves accountable for their own actions. Many professionals find themselves in situations at times that challenge their values and their beliefs; often times creating inner and outer conflicts. It’s important to work through these conflicts in rational ways in order to maintain your professional demeanor. If you want to improve your professionalism in your business environment; start by applying some of these attributes to your everyday routine.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Matt Proman, NAPW Founder
Matthew Proman, founder of the National Association of Professional Women, began on this path by recognizing that some of his best clients were professional women. From his exposure to this important segment of the business community, he quickly gleaned how he could provide the critical support professional women need to further their business growth and career advancement. Matt Proman understood how to establish platforms from which individuals can efficiently and effectively present themselves to further their careers and to achieve personal and professional success.
With this keen insight, and recognizing that professional women throughout the United States could greatly benefit from an association devoted to facilitating networking and the enhancement of knowledge and insights among these professional women themselves, Proman founded the National Association of Professional Women.
As we all know, NAPW went on to become the largest national business association for professional women in the United States!
With this keen insight, and recognizing that professional women throughout the United States could greatly benefit from an association devoted to facilitating networking and the enhancement of knowledge and insights among these professional women themselves, Proman founded the National Association of Professional Women.
As we all know, NAPW went on to become the largest national business association for professional women in the United States!
Women In the Business of Child Care
Some women feel very strongly about the maternal instincts in the female kind and there are many instances of women becoming successful entrepreneurs simply by making use of these maternal instincts and putting it all together in the form of a child care business.
Many women have opened up child care services businesses and contract out workers to plausible homes that are in need of child care service. If you feel like there is a need of child care services for children of any age you will probably do a great job if you begin a small business providing child care services to clients.
Child care is something many parents need after the mother has given birth to their children. National Association of Professional Women members sometimes say that at times it becomes impossible for the mothers or the fathers to stay at home with the child for too long since they have business restrictions or job commitments to fulfill. This is why many companies that are providing these services are running successfully in many different areas. If you chalk up a suitable business plan and look for some source of funding which can help you set up this system you can become an entrepreneur and be the owner of a thriving business in very little time.
The most important tool, according to experts, in terms of business success is customer retention as well as employee retention. This is the only way to run a stable business with the help of your employees and to receive positive word of mouth which can only come through best service. This means that if you deal with one client in a positive way they will surely refer you onwards and sing your praises to other potential clients.
If you wish to look for more business advice you can become a member of the National Association of Professional Women or the NAPW which can also connect you to other women in the related fields.
Many women have opened up child care services businesses and contract out workers to plausible homes that are in need of child care service. If you feel like there is a need of child care services for children of any age you will probably do a great job if you begin a small business providing child care services to clients.
Child care is something many parents need after the mother has given birth to their children. National Association of Professional Women members sometimes say that at times it becomes impossible for the mothers or the fathers to stay at home with the child for too long since they have business restrictions or job commitments to fulfill. This is why many companies that are providing these services are running successfully in many different areas. If you chalk up a suitable business plan and look for some source of funding which can help you set up this system you can become an entrepreneur and be the owner of a thriving business in very little time.
The most important tool, according to experts, in terms of business success is customer retention as well as employee retention. This is the only way to run a stable business with the help of your employees and to receive positive word of mouth which can only come through best service. This means that if you deal with one client in a positive way they will surely refer you onwards and sing your praises to other potential clients.
If you wish to look for more business advice you can become a member of the National Association of Professional Women or the NAPW which can also connect you to other women in the related fields.
What Does It Take to Be a Professional Woman?
There are many ways a woman can attain financial freedom even in these tough times. If you are a working woman you can always go the extra mile to improve your professional skills and become less prone to lay offs and downsizings. But if that problem has come upon you can always get back up on your feet with a small business idea that can get you profits. Regardless of what your goals, all it takes for professional women to succeed is a lot of hard work and a positive attitude. You can also become a part of organizations like the National Association of Professional Women or NAPW which can give you further advice on all aspects of your profession and also connect you to other women who are in related fields.
If you are looking to get ahead in business you can always take some grant or other funding opportunity to help you business expand or grow and earn more profits. This can be achieved by checking out specific grants and loans available for women by the federal or state government. You can also remain in touch with the associations and groups you joined like the National Association of Professional Women or the National Association of Women Business Owners which can help you get good advice and offer the best solutions. This way you will also be updated on what the business world is going through these days and you will be able to turn your small business into a thriving success.
Positive attitude and will power will also help you achieve your targets and goals. Keeping a positive outlook on life regardless of the problems you face will help you stay connected with the rest of the world and take on the right opportunities when they arrive. All you need to become a successful professional woman is the right attitude and proper planning. Visit NAPW for more information!
If you are looking to get ahead in business you can always take some grant or other funding opportunity to help you business expand or grow and earn more profits. This can be achieved by checking out specific grants and loans available for women by the federal or state government. You can also remain in touch with the associations and groups you joined like the National Association of Professional Women or the National Association of Women Business Owners which can help you get good advice and offer the best solutions. This way you will also be updated on what the business world is going through these days and you will be able to turn your small business into a thriving success.
Positive attitude and will power will also help you achieve your targets and goals. Keeping a positive outlook on life regardless of the problems you face will help you stay connected with the rest of the world and take on the right opportunities when they arrive. All you need to become a successful professional woman is the right attitude and proper planning. Visit NAPW for more information!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Check Out Our New National Association Of Professional Women Website!
We are thrilled to announce a new National Association of Professional Women Website! While our old site at napw.com is still looking great, our new online site gives some great information for members and non-members alike. Check out information about the National Association of Professional Women Scholarship Program, or NAPW In The Studio! Members can get NAPW Perks information for some great discounts from leading retailers, and of course if you are not yet a part of our Mentorship Program now is the time to join!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Global Changes for Women in the Workplace
The views expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of The National Association of Professional Women, but are solely of the author of the article below.
Most American women would assume that the battle for equality was slowly ending; after all this is the year 2010 and we do live in what is believed to be the greatest nation in the world. Yet stunning studies show that the gender gap is still an ongoing issue even in the states. Recently a World Economic Forum was held with focus on measuring the gender gap throughout the globe. A total of 58 countries participated in this forum; areas looked at and compared dealt with economic participation, economic opportunity, political empowerment, educational attainment, and health and well-being. One might assume that the United States would rank rather high on the scale for equality; but alarmingly enough- the US ranked 17th. Countries like Sweden, New Zealand, and our neighbors to the North, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and even Australia all ranked higher than the US in this study.
Women in the workplace accounts for nearly half of America’s workforce, at last count 47%. Still, women are treated as secondary citizens when equal pay is looked at. This trend in the US seems to be similar to global findings, as well. According to studies, in both developed and undeveloped countries, women earn an average of 78% of wages when compared to their male counterparts. And for the most part, women’s economic participation lies heavily in jobs that are low paying and offer little room for advancement. The Economical opportunities on the global front are similar to what the US has seen for years; women are treated unfairly due to negative and obstructive attitudes across the business sector. Maternity laws and family matters often inhibit a woman’s advancement in the workplace; women often will be looked over for promotions and advancements more as a punishment for wanting to work and have a family. Currently, the United States has a 12 week unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act that protects a woman’s job when off for adoption or birth of a new child. But unlike other developed countries, the United States government does not require employers to pay their women for time off during FMLA absences; yet another form of punishment for the working class woman. If the United States ranking of 17th for overall equality sends quivers down your spine; then you’re really going to gasp when you hear the US rankings for economical participation for women in the workplace- 46th!
Fortunately all countries represented do agree that education is the number one influence on changing and closing the gender gap in the workplace for women. And statistics in the US does show more women graduating with degrees than men. As well, US statistics show that more of those women graduating are producing better grades and receiving more honors than men. According to recent studies, 53% of all college students in the US are female. However, in the big global picture- we are still ranked 8th for equality in educational attainment within the 58 countries. The National Association of Professional Women is the largest professional female business association in the country!
One can assume that with more and more women graduating from colleges with higher grades than men; they would achieve more economical opportunities than these men. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case- until the US follows in our Nordic neighboring countries’ footsteps; characterized by strong liberal societies, protection of minority rights and a comprehensive welfare system- no doubt women in the US will remain blinded second class workers.
Most American women would assume that the battle for equality was slowly ending; after all this is the year 2010 and we do live in what is believed to be the greatest nation in the world. Yet stunning studies show that the gender gap is still an ongoing issue even in the states. Recently a World Economic Forum was held with focus on measuring the gender gap throughout the globe. A total of 58 countries participated in this forum; areas looked at and compared dealt with economic participation, economic opportunity, political empowerment, educational attainment, and health and well-being. One might assume that the United States would rank rather high on the scale for equality; but alarmingly enough- the US ranked 17th. Countries like Sweden, New Zealand, and our neighbors to the North, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and even Australia all ranked higher than the US in this study.
Women in the workplace accounts for nearly half of America’s workforce, at last count 47%. Still, women are treated as secondary citizens when equal pay is looked at. This trend in the US seems to be similar to global findings, as well. According to studies, in both developed and undeveloped countries, women earn an average of 78% of wages when compared to their male counterparts. And for the most part, women’s economic participation lies heavily in jobs that are low paying and offer little room for advancement. The Economical opportunities on the global front are similar to what the US has seen for years; women are treated unfairly due to negative and obstructive attitudes across the business sector. Maternity laws and family matters often inhibit a woman’s advancement in the workplace; women often will be looked over for promotions and advancements more as a punishment for wanting to work and have a family. Currently, the United States has a 12 week unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act that protects a woman’s job when off for adoption or birth of a new child. But unlike other developed countries, the United States government does not require employers to pay their women for time off during FMLA absences; yet another form of punishment for the working class woman. If the United States ranking of 17th for overall equality sends quivers down your spine; then you’re really going to gasp when you hear the US rankings for economical participation for women in the workplace- 46th!
Fortunately all countries represented do agree that education is the number one influence on changing and closing the gender gap in the workplace for women. And statistics in the US does show more women graduating with degrees than men. As well, US statistics show that more of those women graduating are producing better grades and receiving more honors than men. According to recent studies, 53% of all college students in the US are female. However, in the big global picture- we are still ranked 8th for equality in educational attainment within the 58 countries. The National Association of Professional Women is the largest professional female business association in the country!
One can assume that with more and more women graduating from colleges with higher grades than men; they would achieve more economical opportunities than these men. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case- until the US follows in our Nordic neighboring countries’ footsteps; characterized by strong liberal societies, protection of minority rights and a comprehensive welfare system- no doubt women in the US will remain blinded second class workers.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Statistics on Women in Business
It’s a phenomenon that has taken off quiet rapidly in the last fifty years, women working outside the home. Most of today’s children have both parents working outside the home; the thought of mom staying at home and keeping house is a far-fetched idea that is only seen on rerun episodes of Leave it to Beaver and the Brady Bunch. According to statistics, 47% of all workers are women and at least 72% of those women have minor children living at home.
Statistics also point to more and more women starting their own businesses, as well. Recent studies found that women owned businesses are growing at a rate of 43% between the years of 1997 and 2006; twice the average rate for US firms, in general. Most women owned businesses concentrate on services offered to other women, as well. Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 women owned firms operate services in the health care or social service assistance fields. At least another 38% of women owned business is focused in retail.
If one was to look at recent college graduate trends in comparison, the oddity of more female owned businesses starting and opening may not seem like to much of an oddity. The studies show that more women are graduating from college than men. According to recent statistics, only 46% of those attending our nation’s colleges are men. Even more interesting, those women attending colleges and universities are actually receiving better grades and more honors. Elite institutions like Harvard are seeing more women receiving honors than men upon graduation. Professional womens associations, the largest being our own NAPW, are becoming more and more vibrant.
Unfortunately, these statistics mean very little when one studies the overall job and career patterns of women in the workplace. It seems that stereotypical careers for women like teaching, nursing, and administration positions still account for the majority of women in the workforce. According to statistics, at least 50% of those women employed in the US are working in support positions with low paying occupations.
Salary gaps have always been an issue when discussing men and women in the workplace; the causes for this difference has been researched for years by experts, still the average woman continues to make 21 cents less on the dollar than her male counterpart. For those in the higher class brackets, corporate executives and millionaire earnings- even less. According to Forbes 25 highest-paid women, only one would rank in the top 25 if the lists were combined. CNN Money reported that in 2006, only 10 women ran one of the Fortune 500 Companies; and there were only 20 women running businesses in the top 1000. However, as more and more women continue to dominate on college campuses, there’s no doubt the trend will continue to the corporate arena. More and more women will most likely see job trends changing for the better and salary gaps closing; it’s just a matter of time.
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of The National Association of Professional Women. NAPW occasionally allows guests and members to post blogs of interest, however these blogs are not those of NAPW.
Statistics also point to more and more women starting their own businesses, as well. Recent studies found that women owned businesses are growing at a rate of 43% between the years of 1997 and 2006; twice the average rate for US firms, in general. Most women owned businesses concentrate on services offered to other women, as well. Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 women owned firms operate services in the health care or social service assistance fields. At least another 38% of women owned business is focused in retail.
If one was to look at recent college graduate trends in comparison, the oddity of more female owned businesses starting and opening may not seem like to much of an oddity. The studies show that more women are graduating from college than men. According to recent statistics, only 46% of those attending our nation’s colleges are men. Even more interesting, those women attending colleges and universities are actually receiving better grades and more honors. Elite institutions like Harvard are seeing more women receiving honors than men upon graduation. Professional womens associations, the largest being our own NAPW, are becoming more and more vibrant.
Unfortunately, these statistics mean very little when one studies the overall job and career patterns of women in the workplace. It seems that stereotypical careers for women like teaching, nursing, and administration positions still account for the majority of women in the workforce. According to statistics, at least 50% of those women employed in the US are working in support positions with low paying occupations.
Salary gaps have always been an issue when discussing men and women in the workplace; the causes for this difference has been researched for years by experts, still the average woman continues to make 21 cents less on the dollar than her male counterpart. For those in the higher class brackets, corporate executives and millionaire earnings- even less. According to Forbes 25 highest-paid women, only one would rank in the top 25 if the lists were combined. CNN Money reported that in 2006, only 10 women ran one of the Fortune 500 Companies; and there were only 20 women running businesses in the top 1000. However, as more and more women continue to dominate on college campuses, there’s no doubt the trend will continue to the corporate arena. More and more women will most likely see job trends changing for the better and salary gaps closing; it’s just a matter of time.
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of The National Association of Professional Women. NAPW occasionally allows guests and members to post blogs of interest, however these blogs are not those of NAPW.
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