Amanda Gome wrote a great article in smartcompany.com on this topic back in February 2008. She asks what makes a successful entrepreneur and what traps she needs to overcome - traps that are often specifically related to her gender. I'm just going to list her headings here because I want to encourage you to go to the website and read the full article. Even if you don't see yourself as an "entrepreneur" or you aren't even in business, this article has much to offer any women who wants to advance her career.

Her Top 10 are:

1. Money is good - talk it, borrow it, control it, embrace it.

2. Find time and brain space to read that BlackBerry brochure.

3. Have a life partner who doesn't travel.

4. Fight discrimination and bullying.

5. Make the baby part of the business plan.

6. Don't feel guilty.

7. Pick businesses in high growth industries.

8. Join the right networks.

9. Don't wash the tea towels.

10. Get tough with staff; they are not your friends.

Read the full article here.