Working in the world of the female entrepreneur is about breaking those misconceptions and working towards those equal opportunities in Industries that are potentially antiquated in their beliefs. While women can be making waves in the boardroom, it's important to remember that there are many underrepresented industries that will need fresh female talent. 

One of the most glaring examples is the world of contracting, for example, roles like plumbers, electricians, or construction workers. These are typically male-dominated industries, and it's important to shift the tide, but naturally, any woman that is looking to get started here either as an electrician working for themselves or working under a company needs to overcome a number of hurdles. For those who are looking to get started as a female contractor, here are a few areas:

Approach It from a Modern Angle

One of the biggest problems we can all feel when trying to break into an industry where the doors appear closed to us is having to compromise ourselves or potentially step back in time in order to meet the needs of that company or industry in general. What we have to remember is that we can look at contractors and how they work to gain inspiration in how to be better at our job, but not necessarily use their approach as the definitive method. 

Lots of old-fashioned contractors seldom use tools like field service software, but instead opt to be fearful of these things. Because so many contractors can be backward or antiquated in their beliefs, this is something that we can capitalize on. Approaching it from a modern angle does not just make us appear unique in relation to our chosen fields, but also puts us head and shoulders above our competitors.

Utilize Your USP

Being a contractor where you go to people's homes is not just about doing the job at hand but actually delivering stellar customer service. One of the biggest complaints many people make about contractors like plumbers or electricians is that they did the job but it didn't give the customer any faith in that individual. When it comes to looking for a contractor like a gas safety expert, you would look at those that come recommended but they may only be recommended because they did the job well. 

Sometimes we can feel like that person who comes into our home is completely untrustworthy. This is where we have an amazing advantage because we can utilize our USP so that we are someone who is far more engaging, personable, and puts the customer's mind at ease. This instantly puts you in a unique field in terms of how you promote yourself. Marketing yourself involves having a professional portfolio and client testimonials, but this is where social media and professional networking can put you at a greater advantage because you're not just highlighting yourself as potentially the only female contractor in your local area but you are also more likely to be dealing with female customers. You are instantly in a position where people are more likely to hire your services because of that simple and effective thing - the personal touch.

Seek Out a Support System  

Making a name for yourself in any industry that throws up barriers can be incredibly demoralizing and difficult. It is essential to set up a support system that believes in your abilities and goals. In the construction industry, there are mentorships that can help build skills and confidence in such a male-dominated industry. There are many benefits of having a great mentor. They can help you increase your self-confidence, improve communication, help you develop better goal-setting skills, and more importantly, it gives you the opportunity to learn from their experiences. If you are looking to make a name for yourself in an industry that is so tough to break into but also disparaging of your efforts, a support system will help you overcome numerous challenges, from bias to stereotype.

Stay Up to Date

Going back to the notion that many of these industries are very set in their ways; if you can embrace the concept of continuous learning by addressing the latest trends, advancements and technology, and best practices, this will help you refine your toolbox so you can improve your skills and stay competitive. If we feel that we are constantly in competition with an industry that has hundreds of years of experience in shutting women out, positioning yourself as someone who is able to understand the past and the present and use this to inform far more effective decisions that will not just boost your business but the industry, in general, is all down to continuous learning. It should be a mindset that we progress with as we become more confident in our abilities.

Do Not Neglect Business Skills

An incredibly simple thing but covers a multitude of disciplines. Being a contractor generally means you have to manage your own business. A business can comprise the financial side, the customer side, as well as the promotions and skills needed to do the job. All of these can be full-time jobs in themselves, and to position yourself within an industry where many men think that to run a business effectively they've got to buy a van and some tools means that you can potentially undercut a lot of the competition. Having an understanding of running a business can partly be attributed to experience, but it can also be a lifelong journey that helps us learn about ourselves.

Remember Your Journey  

The reason you want to be a contractor might not be to point out inadequacies in a specific industry but purely about you developing your natural skills. We have to remember that being a female in a male-dominated industry is an incredibly political statement and therefore this means that we have to not give in and play the game of that industry but we have to remember that we are bringing creativity and fresh perspectives that will upgrade an old-fashioned industry. By proxy, we are inspiring others to do the same, and this can be a fantastic motivator if we are experiencing kickback through old-fashioned ways of thinking. 

There are many ways that we can combat stereotyping and bias. We can prepare for those moments by telling ourselves that we will speak up, slowly shift misconceptions, and not let hatred or prejudice have the last word. Being able to speak up in a simple manner may open a dialogue. The great thing about you being a solo contractor means that you're not relying on someone else to pay your wage. Many people feel pressured into doing things they don't want to do in situations because they have no control. Countless examples of line managers being inappropriate and other bosses displaying completely unacceptable behavior. If you encounter any form of bias or prejudice, you can either say nothing, or you can decide to start kicking against these misconceptions. We must assess the risks of speaking up within certain situations, but we should also not undermine our efforts here, and it is critical for you to be your advocate and not be afraid to confront biases head-on.

Do Not Be Afraid to Fail

Because of the politically loaded component of operating in a male-dominated industry, there is an almighty pressure upon yourself to succeed come hell or high water. It's essential that we not be afraid to fail but also celebrate our achievements at every step. Ultimately the goal is to grow in your chosen career, and you will not progress if you are not being challenged. It is about understanding your strengths and working on those weaknesses. 

This is why working on your mental health is as important as working on your career. Ensuring you have the fortitude to deal with anything that comes your way is not just about coping with the stresses of running a business but recognizing that every passive-aggressive comment that will hurt can slowly wear away at your mental resources. It's just as important to prioritize your mental health and develop this overall strength by undertaking the right practices that work for you. Whether this is meditation or deep breathing or having a greater sense of perspective that motivates you, it's essential to develop this skill.

We live in a time where diversity in the workplace is not just a box-ticking exercise but is pivotal to the progression of any industry. If you are looking to break into an already antiquated and backward-looking sector, whether it is as a plumber or a construction contractor, it becomes critical to not just develop the essential skills but recognize that it is something that requires breaking down several doors and feeling like you're the first person ever to do this. Male-dominated roles should be a thing of the past, but there are still areas and industries where the presence of a female is rare. It's time to change that.