How to be a “Successful” business Woman of Color in a World filled with Minority/Female Stereotypes

Being a successful woman of color is a very challenging task.

Each day business women of color run the risk of meeting a male business colleague or potential client that does not think that she can do the job because of her gender and/or race. They also deal with various female stereotypes such as:

• Women are nurturers and are too emotional to get the job done.


• Women make better caregivers, not business people.


• Women are not mentally strong enough to handle the pressure that goes along with the job.


• Women make “bossy” managers and are difficult to get along with.Women are moody and their minds changes with the wind.


• Women are indecisive and are not good at problem-solving.

Although, the business “glass ceiling” exists, women of color in today’s business world are stronger, savvier and smarter than ever before and are able to destroy these myths. It is apparent that women of color do not believe these myths, as the Center for Women’s Business research reports that - as of 2004: Women of color owned an estimated 1.4 million privately-held firms in the U.S., employing nearly 1.3 million people and generating nearly $147 billion in sales. Firms majority (51% or more) owned by women of color now represent 21% of all privately-held firms majority-owned by women, meaning that one in five such firms is owned by a woman or women of color. Women of color own 36% of all firms owned by persons of color.
Between 1997 and 2004, the number of privately-held firms majority-owned (51% or more) by women of color is estimated to have increased six times faster than the number of all U.S. firms (55% vs. 9%). During the same time period employment increased by 62% and sales by 74% among firms owned by women of color (pg.1). As we have seen, change is here and organizations are recruiting women of color to run their businesses or they want to do more business with women owned businesses.

According to, Of Broken Glass & The Past, “In general, women are seen as having more integrity than men. With the latest Enron scandals and government pressure to make sure businesses are run ethically, women are stepping up to the challenge” (pg 2). So, can an aspiring or an existing woman of color overcome many of the female and/or racial stereotypes that exist? Yes they can, but they are a few things that must be done before you try to overcome the various stereotypes that exist.

First, you must know who you are, as you cannot let others dictate who you are. Yes, we all have issues to contend with, but knowing who you are and what you are capable of doing is half the battle. Next, you must know your passion and your niche. Last but not least, you must have confidence that you can get the job done.

Below are several tips:

• Dress for success. Depending on the industry, it is always best to stick to the traditional business colors. Care about how you look, as looking the part is half the battle and it will also help you get your foot in the door.


• Be a subject matter expert.


• Learn how to effectively communicate with people.


• Know your industry of choice and you must be able to articulate what you know as well, using the English language.


• Learn to listen and not feel as if you need to be heard all of the time. Listening is an art and it can take you a long way.


• Refrain from showing your emotions while making a decision or while you are talking to a colleague or a client.


• Do not carry a chip on your should, thinking that someone owes you something.


• Learn to read financial statements.


• Learn boardroom etiquette.


• Do not have an attitude or a negative attitude.


• Have professional business stationery.


• Do not cross your number out on business card and put your new number on an old business card. Presentation is everything and as a business owner, you must have some pride in what you give your clients.


• Be on time and call your client if you are running late.


• Come prepared to meetings.


• Ensure that you have a professional website. Business colleagues and customers should not be able to tell that you are a female/minority owned business.


• Make a decision.


• Learn to play golf.

Women of color are doing more now in the business world than ever before and the trend will continue to surge. Success is what you make it and it is doable for anyone no matter what race or gender you are.

You must first make your mind up that you are willing to do what it takes to be successful and “do-it”. Stereotypes will always exist. People are going to think what they want to, but it is up to you to prove them wrong. In order to do that, you cannot fall into the traditional minority/female stereotypes. Set yourself apart and prove them wrong. Intellect, business savvy, professionalism and a good attitude will take you a long way.

Remember, if you believe in yourself others will believe in you.