Building business relationships matters…

in silence regarding some of the aforementioned situations. In some cases single mothers are left to shoulder the worry, responsibility and anxiety of raising children and this cannot be classified as ‘gender equal’ when it comes to mental health issues.

It’s too simplistic to ascribe a one size fits all policy on mental health. The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, diet and social interaction is what is proscribed to both genders – which to an extent plays a positive part - however there remains a need to give women’s mental health separate status.

ADOPTING an isolationist mentality in business is very unwise given the huge scope there is for networking and new ideas. Women in business have a particular advantage in this regard as a high level of commonality already exists between you and other business women. This can be used to your advantage.

Forging strong links is essential, even more so when you feel it isn’t necessary. The secret to building business links is to build far and wide. Someone who you feel is of no advantage to your business today can end up being very important down the road. That’s why you need to be not only strategic in your dealings, but also long-sighted.

Building partnerships is also invaluable for when you encounter a sticky period in business. This is when you will need to look for advice, a personal favour and goodwill from people you’ve built up trust and familiarity with. But while being a woman in business creates an instant niche with other business women, remember the golden rule: spread your reputation as far and wide as possible, especially with those you feel may not be necessary to your business. Business is a chain with many links, be sure to have a connection with as many as possible.