1. They can clearly articulate their value. This has been an evolution for me, especially since leaving the corporate world. But I have my elevator pitch down pat now and I know the minimum wage I'll work for. No compromises.
2. They are financially savvy. No bad debt. I've worked hard to track my earnings and know my mandatory life expenses. this knowledge influences decisions I make in my business and in my personal life. This also helps me figure out what splurge or fun spending I can do. Why earn top dollar to retire late in life?
3. They set hard phone boundaries. My need to prove myself early on made me forget boundaries with email and phones. But the more I grow in my confidence as a fractional CMO, the less anxiety I feel about ignoring email and putting my phone away in the evenings. I started with the rule of never responding between 4pm and Friday and 9am Monday.
4. They are always put together, even for virtual calls. I switched to permanently remote and went through such a struggle on what to wear. But I've settled into a sharp tshirt, light face, and jewlery for most client calls. I feel more confident and I know I look polished.
5. They out source! This was the biggest struggle for me mentally as I have alot of financial anxiety, but slowly I learned that paying someone else a small fee to free up my time actually helped me generate more income. You really need to know your finances to make this decision which is why number three is so important.
From my own experience navigating a career transition and striving for success, I’ve found that adopting the habits shared by successful women can be truly transformative. One habit that stands out is the ability to clearly articulate one’s value. Crafting a concise elevator pitch not only boosts confidence during networking but also helps set professional boundaries by defining the minimum acceptable terms — a critical skill I developed after leaving more rigid corporate settings. Financial savvy is another game-changer. Keeping track of income, expenses, and avoiding bad debt gives a clear understanding of what’s strictly necessary versus discretionary spending. This clarity drove me to make smarter business investments and personal spending choices. It also shifted my mindset towards working smarter, not just harder, with the goal of financial independence rather than late retirement. Setting phone and email boundaries was a tough but essential shift for me. Early on, I felt the pressure to prove myself by being constantly available. Gradually enforcing strict no-response windows created a healthier work-life balance, reduced anxiety, and improved productivity — especially entering weekends. Appearance and presentation, even in virtual settings, carry more weight than we often realize. Finding a go-to professional look helped me feel polished and confident during calls, influencing how clients perceive me. Perhaps the most difficult yet rewarding habit has been outsourcing. Despite initial financial worries, delegating tasks freed up time to focus on revenue-generating activities. This investment in help is only possible with a solid grasp of finances and discipline in spending. Embracing these habits has boosted my confidence and career growth significantly. If you integrate these approaches into your routine, you'll likely experience similar benefits — more control, better financial decisions, and ultimately, greater professional success.
