How Language Can Limit Your Business Growth

Struggling to Speak with Power

In the past, I struggled a lot with embracing my professional voice. The reality is, that as women, we’re taught to be accommodating…to not make waves. We’re supposed to be pleasant and understanding. And all those qualities can be good…but for a woman in business (and in life), they can also be incredibly dangerous.

As women, there are many times over our careers when we’ll be underestimated, paid less and silenced when we try to offer up our insights.

Our experiences can too often go unnoticed and unrewarded, and the situation is worsened by our willingness to “soften” our approach in order to make others feel more comfortable. Making us unwilling pawns in our own oppression.

But the days of making ourselves smaller and quieter in order to appease others need to end. We have to realize that we deserve to take up space.

Stop Hesitating and Overthinking

One of biggest issues women are facing today is how to portray ourselves online. I’ve seen too many women struggle (myself included). We struggle to write our about pages and bios. We hesitate to add our accomplishments. We worry about what people will think about us. We quiet ourselves in meetings and lower ourselves to other individuals, who we think are more experienced…more qualified….more prepared…more deserving.

Many times we’re told to “play the game.” We’re told this is how it’s done. We’ll get our turn.

Well…it’s time to stop holding back. Time to stop waiting for permission.

I’ve had to tell myself this again and again. Asking myself…why am I hesitating? What am I waiting for?

Not long ago, I came across an app online that helps with one small aspect of our progress…LANGUAGE.

Stop Apologizing in Emails

Have you ever noticed that you’re apologizing too much in emails? Do you feel powerless or struggle with saying the right thing?

Just Not Sorry is a free app that you can add to your emails that will help you to become more aware of how you speak.

Language is very powerful. This is something I’ve had to recognize and learn as my business grew. I saw that with each email or phone call, I was giving away more of my power. I was unintentionally making my voice the smallest in the room. This was allowing people to dismiss me and undervalue me. It made running a business very difficult at times.

That’s why I think this app has so much potential for women entrepreneurs. Just Not Sorry gives us the tools we need to acknowledge the way we speak and how it impacts the way people treat us.

Let Your Confidence Radiate

I’ve always been a big believer in embracing self and identity. So, as a woman, I don’t intend to do things a man’s way. This is not about being more forceful and commanding in emails. My emails between myself and clients are still kind and genuine. They’re still friendly and playful. BUT…I don’t talk with my eyes down anymore. I don’t apologize for things that are out of my control. I don’t make myself the smallest person in the room. That’s the difference.

And I know that my clients and business partners appreciate it more too. They can feel my confidence radiate. They can sense a quiet strength in my words. I no longer sound unsure, insecure, apologetic. And this is just as important for my clients as it is for me. They need to know they can depend on me and that I can provide the assurance and experience necessary to handle anything that comes my way.

Want to learn how you can more fully express your power in emails?

Read: 8 Ways Women Undermine Themselves with Their Words

More: New Chrome App Helps Women Stop Saying “Just” and “Sorry” in Emails

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