There’s a well-known finding (originally from an internal Hewlett-Packard report, later discussed in Harvard Business Review) that men tend to apply for roles when they meet about 60% of the qualifications, while womxn tend to wait until they meet nearly all of them.

Many womxn entrepreneurs bring that instinct along with us when we start our own businesses, saying yes only when we’re confident we can deliver excellent work.

That instinct is a good one – it protects our clients, our partners, and our reputations.

But sometimes, it also closes the door too quickly.

This week, we’re laying out 4 responsible ways to deliver quality work even if you don’t have perfectly matched experience.

🧠 Learn It

If the work is adjacent to what you already do, you may be able to close the gap and expand your offerings.

Instead of: “I don’t do that.” → Try: “I don’t do that yet, but I can get there responsibly.”

When it’s appropriate

The skill builds on your existing expertise
The stakes are low-to-moderate (not mission-critical, no severe downside risk)
It’s a direction you actually want to grow in

How to pull it off

Be transparent and price accordingly, or upskill before you commit
Use structured resources (trainings, tutorials, expert guidance) instead of trial-and-error
Build in a small buffer for iteration so you’re not overpromising precision on day one

This can look like a therapist adding life coaching, a photographer learning new lighting techniques, or a founder setting up their own backend systems before outsourcing.

🏗️ Build the Capability

If you can deliver part of the work, you may be able to bring in someone who fills the gap.

Instead of: “I’m not the right fit.” → Try: “I can put together the right team for this.”

When it’s appropriate

You can confidently own strategy, scope, or client management
The missing piece is clearly defined (a skill, credential, or requirement)
You have (or can access) a trusted partner to fill that role

How to pull it off

Be explicit about roles and responsibilities from the start
Price in a way that accounts for your partner while preserving your margin
Position the partnership as intentional, not incidental

This is how a lot of larger consultancies operate—it just may look more polished from the outside.

📈 Own the Outcome

You can lead the project and client relationship, while someone else executes the work behind the scenes.

Instead of: “I have to be the one doing this.” → Try: “I need to ensure this gets done well.”

When it’s appropriate

You can confidently scope, oversee, and quality-check the work
You have access to reliable execution partners
The client values your thinking, leadership, or relationship—not just the task itself

How to pull it off

Set clear expectations internally and externally about ownership and delivery
Stay closely involved in quality control
Choose partners whose work you trust enough to stand behind

This is a common (and often invisible) way businesses expand beyond their immediate capabilities.

🤝 Stay in the Room

You may not be the right person to execute, but you can remain connected to the opportunity.

Instead of: “This isn’t for me.” → Try: “I can still play a role here.”

When it’s appropriate

The work is clearly outside your scope or interest
You know someone who is an excellent fit
There’s an opportunity to build or deepen a relationship

How to pull it off

Make a thoughtful, specific introduction (not a quick pass-off)
Stay looped as a connector, advisor, or strategic partner when appropriate
Build reciprocal relationships with people you refer work to
Consider referral fees where appropriate and transparent

Most people treat referrals as an exit. They can also be an entry point to stronger partnerships and future work.

🛍️ For product-based businesses

The same principles apply—they just show up differently.

Learn it → test a new product in a limited run
Build the capability → collaborate with a partner brand
Own the outcome → use production or fulfillment partners
Stay in the room → curate or bundle instead of creating from scratch

You don’t need to have every capability in-house to expand what you offer. You don’t need to already be the person who has done it before.

You need to be the person who can ensure it gets done well.

Want a trusted network of execution and referral partners you can actually rely on? Our next dinner is Wednesday, April 15th.

And look out for our newsletter next week - we’ll discuss how to decide when you should say yes—and when passing is actually the smartest move you can make.

🪢 Laura & Lauren