Women in the workforce

(WTNH) - The struggling economy has more women looking for work or trying harder to keep their jobs. So what do you need to do in order to stay ahead in the workplace? The book "Pretty Smart" takes cues from former Miss Americas and explains how they succeeded in life before and after being in the world of beauty pageants. Author Penny Pearlman gave "Good Morning Connecticut" the inside scoop on what it takes to lead the way in the workplace.

What Are The 7 "Must Knows" For Women In Business?

1. Develop A "Yes I can" Attitude

What distinguishes the 'successful' from the 'not so successful' is that successful women have drive in their belly that keeps them going in the face of adversity. They conduct the research, find the resources, develop the contingency plan to handle the unexpected and set time lines for achieving their goals. When they make mistakes and develop self-doubt, their "Yes I can" attitude propels them through the barriers.

2. Have A Plan

Develop a clear plan of action and then break the process down into achievable steps. As you walk through your fears, you will discover strengths you never knew you had.

3. Risk Is Part Of The Process

Successful women in business embrace the risks as they understand that without taking risk, there will be no reward. The process of starting a business involves risking failure, rejection and appearing foolish but these possibilities are all part of the process. Over time, it becomes easier to walk through the fear and with each goal achieved, develop more courage.

4. Don't Procrastinate

There are many reasons people procrastinate but successful people analyze the reasons for the inertia and then find techniques to spur them to climb out of the trough of inaction onto the playing field. They do what needs to be done even when they don't feel like it.

5. Challenge The Status Quo

Successful women are willing to risk letting go of the unknown and make the changes that others are reluctant to do. Women are doing things differently and it's working for them. Women are using their wisdom, experience and creativity to create new products and services to serve their target market and client base.

6. Use Time Wisely; Make Everyday Count

It takes time to sow the seeds of greatness and gain the knowledge for achievement. Spend time building relationships that will support you in your business. It takes time to have enough opportunities come your way that you can leverage into your desired results. It takes many years to become an overnight success.

7. Change Can Be A Good Thing, Persistence Pays Off

Business success depends on being able to accept change and adapt to the circumstances. Often people who are intellectually smart are most resistant to change. They have invested so much time and energy into what they know, they are resistant to look at a different way to achieve their goals. Many people who weren't straight A students in school are very successful in business because they understand that persistence, hard work and thinking outside of the standard-issue expectations of others makes for real world success.