For generations women in small business have been staying out of the limelight rather than shining brightly in it. Our American culture still has a little bit of the "men have all the answers and women are just meant to look pretty" attitude. Of course, times have changed and successful women in business understand that if they don't speak up for themsleves no one else will.
The news is checkered with women making a name for themselves at the head of Fortune 100 companies, being first on a public company board of directors, and making the list of Forbes billionaires. 
But you don't have to be doing these things in order to get the visibility you deserve.
As the graphic demonstrates,women in male-dominated arenas can easily stand out. The question there is will you as a woman in a male-dominated arena speak out? The number 1 secret to standing out as a woman in business is woman benefit immensely when they surround themselves with men - particularly if they are willing to distinquish themselves as serious about their business. Men will rally around the lone woman in the group in order to help her feel comfortable. This is particularly true of men who have daughters. In the 21st century, men understand that women may have every opportunity of success, but that there is still a steep climb to gender equality. Instinctively they know that for every time they reach out to assist a woman in business another man will be as generous toward their daughter. During my years in business I have been asked hundreds of times to mentor a daughter from a man I met through my business.
The number 2 secret to standing out as a woman in business is declaring that you are an expert in your field. No one will ever tell you that you are an expert. It is up to you to believe that you know as much or more than any one else doing what you do. The definition of an expert is "a person with a high degree of skill or knowledge in a certain subject". Entrepreneurs spend just about every waking hour thinking about, working on or laboring at their business. As Malcolm Gladwell in his Outliers categorically states anyone who spends an abnormal amount of time focused on one area will be successful. Outliers can't fake it - they know because they do.
The number 3 secret to standing out as a woman in business is giving back/paying it forward and walking the talk. Getting involved in women's groups may seem counter intuitive when it comes to standing out as a woman in business, but the fact is being a leader among women goes a long way. As women, I believe we have a special obligation to other women --to support them on their path. It is easy once we make it to the top to align ourselves with people of power. Countless times I have witnessed women who have made it to the top - the executive team, the board room, the elite group -- only to dismiss the support/help they received during the climb. Did they do it on their own? Mostly...but do they have a responsibility to pave the way?....unequivocally!
Standing out requires the self confidence to stand up, speak out and believe in your ability to make a difference in the world. Only you can decide if you have what it takes.
