Usa business

A common frustration for women in business – and men, too – is being pushed around by the people and companies we need in order to succeed. Sometimes they send you around in circles to locate resources, other times they just aren’t as helpful as you know they can be, and often, you’re just left waiting... and waiting for a response.

Learning how to be bold and direct, and demanding respect, fairness and attention is part of being a successful business person. This isn’t to say that there’s no place in the business world for being friendly and nice but being "too soft" can delay your progress. As someone once put it, "If you leave room for people to take advantage of you, they will." Here are 10 tips to help get what you want, when you want, from the people you need most:

1. Keep a record of your goals and objectives. Refer to it often to ensure that you stay on track. Share this with someone you trust and have them help keep you in line.

2. Figure out what you want before you meet with people. You're then more likely to remember your goal, form your discussion around it, and ultimately achieve it.

3. Let people know when you need help with something. Even if they can't help you themselves, they're more likely to find you someone else who can.

4. Don't leave questions unanswered. If you have them, ask!

5. Don't be afraid to walk away. If you feel you may be wasting your time, or could be taken advantage of, your willingness to go elsewhere may be what prompts someone else to take action in your favor.

6. If you want to solidify a deal or an agreement, or just protect yourself, write it down. A lot of people will try to backtrack from promises they make if there is no way of holding them accountable.

7. Tell people what you want from them. Do use some tact, but be direct. Most business people will respect you more for it.

8. Give people the best reason to want to help you. Being a good person is the first step. If people like you, they're more likely to go out of their way for you.

9. Always think in terms of creating win-win situations. How can helping you help them? Figure this out first and you're one step closer to getting what you want.

10. Believe in yourself and your business. If you truly think you have what it takes to succeed, make it happen.