Being a Great Influencer: Creating the WOMENIVERSE

Why Woot Believes in Being a Great Influencer: Creating the WOMENIVERSE 

At WOOT we believe that influence is one of the most powerful tools for women to create lasting change, form meaningful connections, and build a constellation of support.

Our ambition is to create a WOMENIVERSE—a world where women help one another thrive by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities. We understand that taking that first step to make a change can feel daunting, and that's why we aim to empower women in that space—when they’re still figuring out where to begin, what shoes to wear, or how to navigate their next move. 

For years, men have networked through golf, drinks, and members’ clubs, building influential connections in informal settings. Women, on the other hand, have often found themselves on the outskirts of these opportunities. Women of Our Time is a club that’s exclusive but not exclusionary, where women are empowered to receive advice and guidance while also sharing their expertise through our ‘donate an hour’ approach. We are formalising the informal network that already exists—if you’re lucky enough to know someone who can help. It’s a system of mutual support, where we help each other thrive, without the power struggles or funny handshakes. For women, by women, we’re here to ensure that every woman has the freedom to thrive and create her own constellation of influence. 

The Power of Influence: Why Developing This Skill is Crucial for Women in the Workplace 

In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, influence is a key skill that can significantly enhance career progression, foster leadership, and strengthen professional relationships. For women, mastering the art of influence is essential for navigating challenges, advocating for themselves, and building powerful networks. The ability to influence others can open doors, provide opportunities, and help women assert their value in the workplace. 

What is Influencing? 

Influence is the ability to guide or persuade others toward a specific outcome while maintaining mutual respect and collaboration. It’s not about manipulation—using deceitful tactics for personal gain—or simply negotiating a compromise. Rather, influencing is about creating win-win situations, shaping perspectives, and inspiring action through credibility, logic, and emotional intelligence. 

Research on Influence:

Research shows that influence is a crucial factor in career success, particularly for women. According to a study by the Center for Creative Leadership, women who develop strong influencing skills are more likely to secure leadership roles and promotions. In her book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Dr. Robert Cialdini highlights key principles of influence, such as reciprocity, commitment, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity. These principles help guide the process of persuading others while maintaining ethical standards and respect. 

Another key figure in the realm of influence is social psychologist Dr. Amy Cuddy, who focuses on the power of body language and presence in her book Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges. Cuddy’s research suggests that non-verbal communication, including posture and facial expressions, can significantly impact how others perceive us and how we influence them. 

Why Women Find It Harder to Influence:

While influence is essential for success, many women face unique barriers when trying to exert influence in the workplace. Research indicates that women are often held to higher standards than their male counterparts, and their attempts at assertiveness can be perceived negatively. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that women are often penalised for exhibiting traits associated with influence, such as confidence and assertiveness, because these behaviours conflict with traditional gender norms. Women may also face challenges in balancing assertiveness with likability, which can hinder their ability to influence without being judged. 

In addition, women may have fewer opportunities to develop their influencing skills due to systemic inequalities and lack of access to influential networks. Without the same informal support systems that men often have, women can struggle to gain the visibility and mentorship needed to advance their careers. 

Top Tips for Developing Influencing Skills 

Influencing is a skill that can be developed with practice and intention. Here are some key tips to help you strengthen your ability to influence others: 

Be an Active Listener:

Pay attention to what others are saying, and respond thoughtfully. This builds trust and shows that you value their perspective, making it easier to influence them. 

Develop Emotional Intelligence:

Communicate Clearly and Confidently:

Build Trust and Credibility:

Leverage Your Network:

Be Empathetic:

Know When to Assert Yourself:

How Women of Our Time Support Hub Can Help 

At Women of Our Time Support Hub, we are committed to empowering women to develop essential workplace skills, including influence.  

If you want to explore this more, then book a free triage session, which is designed to help you identify where you need support and provide clarity on your next steps. From there, you can access a free 1-hour session with an expert advisor who will offer tailored guidance, practical strategies, and emotional support to help you navigate workplace and personal challenges.  

Here’s how else we can support your development: 

• Workshops: Interactive workshops that focus on building influencing techniques, from communication to emotional intelligence. 

• Access to Resources: A range of guides, articles, and toolkits to help you refine your influencing strategy and navigate workplace dynamics. 

  
  

For more information on our programmes and how we can help you strengthen your influencing skills, visit our website at Women of Our Time Support Hub. Let us support you on your journey to becoming a more impactful and inspiring professional. 

By empowering women to develop their influencing skills, we are helping them create their own constellation of support, guiding others, and leading the way toward a more connected and empowered future. At Woot, we believe that each woman can make a difference—and together, we can create the WOMENIVERSE.