'BYOT' and 4 other ways to stay relevant in the workplace.

After years of doing the same old things day in, day out, we often form habits we’re not even aware of.

And the longer we’ve been in the same job,the more likely we are to over-look – and under appreciate – the true value of long-term experience at work.

I’ve been the hiring manager before, and I’ve heard it first-hand from many employers: organisations value hard earned experience over formal qualifications, and they’ll take it over youthful exuberance any day.

So why do so many women question their relevance in the workforce as they get older?

Could it be that women hold themselves back from speaking up?

It might be we don’t feel safe to ask for what we want, or we push down our true desires or we just don’t really believe what we have to share is of value. It may be a combination of factors.

But I do know many women have felt this at one time or other during their careers.

Women reach the age of 50 and often start reflecting on their workplace achievements and regrets.

Here are five key insights to you stay relevant in the workforce.

1. Say it - DON'T delay it!

Have you ever been in a workshop where someone asks a question and you think, "I was going to ask that".

Or been in a meeting and a colleague pipes up with a suggestion and you think, "That's exactly what I was thinking".

Part of the problem is that we don't believe that our experience and expertise is truly of value.

Trust that it is - and offer it up. .

2.  Use real examples that matter to the business.

Be the one to speak up if something is suggested and you think it can be improved. Give a working example of where it has or hasn't worked in the past, share it, or recommend it be opened up to the team to workshop a solution.

3. Age shall not weary them.

The longer you've been doing something, the more insights, case studies, working examples and lessons you bring to the table. This holds huge value to organisations.

You become incredibly valuable on teams because you can speak first-hand about what you've seen work - or not work - over the years. Just be careful to deliver your message in the right way – no one wants to be talked down to. A good way to introduce your input is to say, "My experience has been..."

4. Don’t compare apples to oranges.

It's easy to compare ourselves to others and think we're somehow not as skilled or talented as a new young gun consultant or recruit. The truth is, what we've accumulated in lessons learned through our careers is often far more valued than you might think. Don’t worry about changing teams, embrace it and shine.

5.Blow your own trumpet (BYOT).

This is one expression many women use - and it’s one I’ve said myself too many times. “I don’t want to blow my own trumpet but...”

Blowing your own trumpet isn’t something to be ashamed of - it's something to embrace. It’s about telling the world what you’ve done well and where you've added value.

Blowing your own trumpet (BYOT) is a really important skill when it comes to staying relevant in the workplace and asking for more. Women who know how to ask for what they want also know how to promote themselves professionally.

Celebrate what you have to offer and take a minute to think about the true value of longer-term work experience.

It might not seem you always apply that experience on a daily basis, but it does play an important role in the workforce.

If you're on the team and you're in the room, you have earned the right to be there - you have been called upon for your capabilities and competencies.

Alice is a money and mindset transformation coach to help women transform their personal rela-tionships with money to live wealthier, more wonderful lives (www.alicecrawley.com). Unlike budg-eting services and websites, Alice Crawley helps women redefine their relationship with money, which is the most common roadblock to long-term financial freedom. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and her website.

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