It can be hard for us women in the music business. In fact, it can be hard for women in any male-dominated business. But those challenges only heighten the sweetness when we become a respected, acknowledged professional surrounded by men who are our peers. How do we accomplish this? By bringing to the table HOW we want to be perceived.

In a male dominated business, women can find discomfort when not sure how to fit in with the boys, let alone compete with them. How we are perceived starts from the moment we size ourselves up. We must define our strengths and acknowledge our weaknesses. Finding success isn't defined by the business we choose or the gender we are, but about our work and the goals that are achieved.

Some women find that to be recognized and acknowledged they need to become ultra-sexy. They use their feminity and body as a way to get attention in hopes of gaining power. But, while it may get attention initially, it will not build respect and create long-lasting relationships. Maybe it will land you a meeting, but not a business ally. Plus it isolates other women striving to be noticed for their intellectual contribution and that will not make them fans of you.

Some women who rise to the top of a corporation do so by taking on the characteristics of men. They become overly aggressive, "ball breakers," abrasive and fiercely competitive. They become like the men they believe to be competing with and often get reputations for being hard-nosed and unpleasant individuals to work with. They may rise to the top, but there they remain alone without the allies of the companies' men or women, as both can't quite identify with the character this individual has become.

One other self-defeating situation is when women, who by nature are nurturers, become the constant "helper." They don't lead, delegate or strive to be in a position of power. They always find a place to help, hiding their ideas and opinions. There is nothing wrong with being support staff, but I have seen more qualified women then I can count being assistants, when they had the smarts to be the boss. They just continually found work situations to support someone else's vision and business. These women, who organized and supported the office, remained invisible from professional and monetary accolades.

The Right Mix

Women have come very far from solely being homemakers to being thriving and contributing members of the work force (and yes, we still take care of the home). It has been hard for many to find the right angle to reach their career goals. Can a woman be confident, without being considered arrogant? Can she be feminine without being sexy? Can she be a decisive leader without being considered aggressive? Can she be a team player without always being the subordinate? Yes, Yes, Yes.

Here are ten tips women can use to become the Successful Professional they Strive to Be

1. Allow yourself to be comfortable in your womanhood.

(don't play it up, don't play it down).

2. Dress appropriately.

Professionalism always comes down to appropriateness. If the outfit works at the nightclub, then it probably doesn't work for the office. Be mindful.

3. Have an opinion and a contribution.

Your voice is as important as everyone else's.

4. Follow proper etiquette.

There is nothing wrong with being "ladylike" in business. Being a lady does not diminish your power, it reinforces it. You can make your point loud and clear without screaming at top volume.

5. Lead by example.

When fear or self-doubt kicks in, move forward anyway, for you can open doors and build the foundation for other women professionals to follow.

6. Multi-task.

Women are natural multi-taskers (ask any mother), so bring that tremendous skill to the work place. This showcases your ability to prioritize, the diversity of your skills, your follow through, your focus and you get a lot done!

7. Use your strong emotions wisely.

Women are known for being more emotional then men. If you use your emotions to benefit you, then there is nothing wrong with being emotional at work. PASSION and ENTHUSIASM for your job is contagious to your co-workers and will benefit everyone. (But keep the tears to yourself).

8. Build alliances.

Find women and men who share your professional goals and nurture those relationships. Networking with the right people will always lead to the next big opportunity. Plus, your alliances will help keep you motivated.

9. Keep your support team on speed dial.

It is not easy being a female professional in a male dominated business....so you will need your girlfriends and spouses to whine to, cry to, complain to, etc... Just be sure to do it in privacy.

10. Find Heroes.

There are many successful women professionals in the corporate world. Do research and learn about them. Find who you inspire to be like and then go for it!