DO LOOK THE PART : While the trailer industry is mostly a casual environment , paying attention to the little touches that convey professionalism makes a difference . Well-groomed hair and nails , professional make-up and well-fitting clothing influence how you feel and how others see you .
DON ’ T OVERLOOK BODY LANGUAGE : How you hold yourself during interactions with others speaks volumes . Is your body in a protective stance or relaxed and open ? Do you look at people when speaking to them or are your eyes down on the floor ? Are you poised or are you fidgeting ? One can tell a customer that you ’ re present with them , the other says you ’ d rather be elsewhere . Working on body language is a challenge for those who are not naturally extroverted and requires self-awareness . However , the work you put in will pay off .
DO WORK ON YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS : You have a unique voice that deserves to be heard , so when opportunities arise to use it , you need to be convincing and articulate . Seek out resources and opportunities that can help you develop your communication skills : read up on effective communication skills , use an app like Grammarly to refine your writing , or simply observe high-performing individuals in your workplace .
Establishing a strong professional presence may not remove the obstacles of outdated beliefs that permeate male-dominated industries entirely , but it may reduce them from daily roadblocks to occasional bumps in the road .
The good news is that you don ’ t have to go it alone . NATDA ’ s Women in the Trailer Industry consists of women in the industry who understand and are available to serve as a safe , supportive sounding board . Join our LinkedIn and Facebook Groups . If you have a resource on professional presence or other topics , be sure to share and start a conversation . We ’ re here to welcome you !
Women in the Trailer Industry Committee Mission Statement : “ Building strong women leaders through mentorship , collaboration , and community all while navigating the work / life balance .”
50 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org