13 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Accepting a Job Offer
You deserve the job, but does the job deserve you?
Photo: Ekaterina Bolovtsova for Pexels
The New York Times published a piece titled "13 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Married." And since a job is a marriage of sorts, we started thinking about 13 questions you should really ask yourself before accepting a job. We aren't talking first jobs, but career makers. The kind you stick with for the long-haul, through thick, through thin, through sickness and in health; marriage material kind of jobs. It's a mistake to accept a position with the intention of leaving.
In the same way that hiring mistakes can be very costly, the same can be said for accepting the wrong offer. If the position is not the right fit, you are going to end up on job boards and sending out résumés all over again. While landing a job is tough, accepting the wrong position can be detrimental to your career. We're thinking long distance, not sprints.
1. Started from the bottom, now you’re where?
Is there room for growth? If for instance, you're starting as an assistant, is the company prone to promote from within? Before accepting, make sure there is a "here" to get to.
A good way to figure this out is to check out the following:
2. What’s the turnover rate for employees?
With a little research, it's easy to find how long the oldest employee has been at the company. If the turnover rate is incredibly high, or the oldest employee has only been working there a year, consider why this might be the case.
Are there employees who started in your current offered position? Where are they now?
3. Do you want your boss’s job?
This is a tricky question to answer.
Because sure, the idea of being the boss might seem illustriously tempting to you, but taking your boss’s job should not be the end goal. Excel at your position and work to be promoted, sure, but your takeover strategy shouldn't revolve around taking over someone else’s position.
4. Are you willing to work weekends? Nights? Early AMs?
What kind of hours are you willing to clock? For most of us, the 40-hour workweek myth is just that. So think about how you're going to feel when you get an email from your boss on a Sunday.
Do you need a position that has a clear clock-in and clock-out, or are you comfortable with stress-related rapid-fire texts from your boss on the weekend? (They happen. They're real.) Your heart needs to be in it, in order to win it.
5. Could your boss double as a mentor?
Is your potential boss someone you admire and respect? At least from the outside. Unlike a relationship or marriage, it's impossible to predict how well you will work with someone—especially during crunch time or in high-stress, high-pressure situations, before you work with them.
So do the research. What kind of reputation does your boss have? How do the current employees seem to feel about their jobs? When you went in for your interview, what did the office environment feel like? Was it sunshine and butterflies and rainbows or were there grumpy cat rainclouds above everyone’s desk?
Working well with someone who is "bossing" you is a major factor to consider.
6. Will you be challenged?
Forget a cushy job. At this point in your career, you should desire a position that grows your skills and expands your offerings as an employee—just in case you wind up having to divorce this position.
If you know you'll be able to set goals to outperform yourself, you will not only make yourself invaluable to the company, but you'll also be making an investment in your future that will pay in dividends.
7. Will you resent your salary in six months?
It's very rare to be head-over-heels in love with your salary from the start, but around 40% of women report being unsatisfied with their current pay. It's one thing to accept a salary or wage that is below asking, it's another to accept a wage that is well beneath you.
You'll end up angry, frustrated, and ultimately, less productive.
8. Are there benefits?
Health care costs add up, and they are something you should factor into your decision. Don't get blind-sighted by the salary without considering other costs you may incur on your own.
Most companies that offer benefits do so after 90 days. Be sure to ask what the company policy is, and if they don't have benefits, check out our post on how to negotiate benefits.
9. Is it corporate, startup, or freelance? And is the environment right for you?
You know you best. So when it comes to choosing the right office culture, think hard. The corporate job might pay more, but are you going to become frustrated and disillusioned when every idea you have has to be vetted by ten people up the ladder? Are you willing to commit to the kind of hours a startup requires?
If you're accepting a freelance job make sure to set parameters before committing. Don't accept a job where the expectations are so high, you're primed for failure.
10. What’s your commute?
The average U.S. worker commutes approximately 26 minutes to work each day. Could you imagine commuting more than that?
Here's the rub. Most employees are spending much more on commuting than they realize. From gas to maintenance, it's an important factor to consider in the long-run.
A nasty commute can contribute to a nasty attitude. If you're spending over an hour in the car in the AM, you're not going to arrive at the office bright, cheery, and ready to put in work.
11. What are the potential problems?
As with any relationship, there will be issues. Outline what you think they will be—from long hours to travel complications to communication issues, and be honest with yourself if they are problems you can accept.
Once you accept them, don't moan and groan when they crop up.
12. Have you checked out Glassdoor?
With a database of millions of company reviews, CEO-approval ratings, and salary reports, you can do a bit of online shopping before you buy into the company.
13. Is this your dream J-O-B?
By all means, what are you waiting for? Sign that offer letter and get ready for a lifetime of career happiness. (But also remember, that it's when the dream becomes a reality, the real work starts.)
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This story was originally published on April 4, 2016, and has since been updated.
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Banana Republic's Art Director Says Having a Life Outside of Work Is Critical to Success
“You can’t work at your best if you’re burnt out.”
We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate. We call them Everyday Superheroes. In this new series, we talk to the people who are paying it forward, lifting others up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.
Photo: Courtesy of Banana Republic.
It’s safe to say that the traditional career model has been completely disrupted. The path to your dream job is no longer linear—it takes many twists, turns, and jumps along the way—and the days of choosing one job for the rest of your life are officially over. Now, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure journey and which way you turn is completely up to you.
Kimara Mitchell’s story is proof that every job, no matter how big or small, all contribute to the end goal. When she was working at her local Macy’s in the Esprit shop-in-shop or studying to be an engineer, she didn’t know that one day she’d end up in her dream job. Fast forward to today, and Mitchell is now working as the associate art director at Banana Republic leading photoshoot art direction, research, and hiring a team of photographers, illustrators, designers and more to bring the brand to life.
Everything about Mitchell’s career path has been non-traditional including how she landed her current role. Read on to hear how the award-winning designer went from the agency side to in-house, what she does to prevent burnout, and why staying true to who you are at work is key to your success (and the business).
And if, like us, this has you feeling inspired and motivated to kick off the new decade with a whole new perspective, then head over to the Banana Republic career’s page to learn more about how you can get involved and embark on a new, and exciting career path for 2020.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: What did you study in school? And what did you want to be when you grew up?
KIMARA MITCHELL: “Initially I was an engineering/urban planning major. I’ve always been obsessed with cities—how they are planned, transit, green spaces, community buildings—and thought it would be the right career path for me. I didn’t realize how technical it was and after taking an illustration class in my sophomore year, my professor told me about something called communications design. I took a summer seminar at Parsons and then switched my major to advertising the next semester.”
What are some of the earlier jobs that helped to shape your career/path?
“One of my first jobs was working in retail at my local Macy’s in the Esprit shop-in-shop. I’ve always loved fashion, especially the marketing side. When I was young, I would have ads on my wall from magazines, not posters of celebrities. I never knew how to get from admiring ads to creating them.”
“I don’t believe in the idea that you need to hide the real you at work.”
What challenges have you faced along the way? What did you learn from them? How did they prepare you for your job now?
“When I graduated from college, I worked at advertising agencies and it was hard to get a job in-house because they wanted someone with in-house experience. Agency life tends to be very fast-paced and you have to be detail orientated and able to juggle multiple jobs, clients, and deliverables at once. Interestingly, it prepares you for working in-house, especially given the shifts we have to make based on business. On the in-house side, you also work much closer with cross-functional teams, like marketing, merchandising, inventory management, finance, and design. There were a lot of acronyms I didn’t know when I first came to Gap, so I studied up.”
Tell us about your role at Banana Republic? What does it entail? Did you work your way up? What were the positions along the way?
“I am currently the art director for Banana Republic Factory and my job is two-fold. First, I come up with the concept and art direct our seasonal photoshoots. I work with the global creative director and senior director of photography for Banana Republic on evolving our photography, model choices, and how we show up as a brand. Secondly, I manage a team of designers who create marketing with photography, like store signage, direct mail, site, emails, and social.
“I started here as a senior designer on the outlet shared services team, then moved over to the Banana Republic side. From there, I started working with the former creative director on shoots until he would let me run them myself. After two years of that, I was promoted to art director.”
What do you love most about your job and why? Does the reality of your career match up to your expectations/why/why not?
“I love the flexibility in my job and that every day is something different. I could be pulling inspiration for an upcoming shoot, art directing someone on my team for a digital editorial or working with our copywriter on an Instagram story. I never imagined that I’d be in this spot, so I didn’t really have an expectation of what it would be like.”
What can you tell us about the culture at Banana Republic? What has encouraged you to stay?
“I’ve stayed because it’s been a challenge and not become stale. People here are very passionate and extremely intelligent, and it makes you want to step up your game. That being said, we also care about each other and like to have fun.”
Talk us through your daily tasks and what a day in the office looks like for you? What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
“One of the things I love is that no two days are the same. I like to check email and get a head start on that on the commute in. Then I’ll come into the office, check-in with my team, probably work on a project or two and attend meetings like project reviews or kickoffs, brainstorm some upcoming initiatives, or work on some image retouching notes.”
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
”I’ve been into sports since I was young, and I started running in high school. I usually start off the day with a three-mile run, then come home, check email, and have breakfast. I’m a bit obsessive about having breakfast every day without fail. I like working out in the morning because I feel it sets me up better for the day; I’m more energized. I also like to write things down. I have two datebooks, a smaller personal one and a larger one to plan out the shoots, milestone meetings, and creative reviews. I have weekly and daily checklists to keep myself organized.”
Your role requires you to be across so many facets of the business—how do you manage your time effectively? What is your greatest productivity hack? How do you get it done?
“It can be challenging for sure! One of the great things about our office is that you can work anywhere. Sometimes in an open floorplan, it can be hard to concentrate, so I’ll work in the café or one of the couches we have around the 8th floor. I’ll also turn off my email for a few hours so I don’t get distracted. I also make priority lists for myself and I always ask business partners when something is needed by—they feel their needs are being met, but I’m not stressing to get everything done ASAP.”
Do you ever reach inbox zero? Do you believe in that? What is your inbox philosophy?
”To me, having an inbox at zero means that I have read and acknowledged everything in my inbox. If I need to reply, then I’ve done that or forwarded it on to someone else who can better answer someone’s question. Having my inbox at zero means those things have been checked off my list and I can move on to other tasks.”
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about your job?
“If you work in fashion, people tend to think it’s very glamorous and your days are spent with samples, on set, or around models. It is a ton of hard work that starts way before the actual photoshoot. It’s the pre-season planning, pulling inspiration, collaborating with styling, marketing and merchandising on stories, working with prop stylists and photographers on getting all the details nailed down, and much more. Once you get to the shoot days, hopefully, everything is ticked and tied and the day(s) will run very smoothly.”
If someone wanted your role specifically, what advice would you give them on how to land their dream job/your current job?
“Be a cultural sponge. Inspiration really comes from everywhere, so it’s not just about going to school and studying art direction. I’m constantly looking beyond fashion and in popular culture, art, music, books, current events, politics, sociology, and more to influence what I’m doing. I also think with the advent of social media, you don’t have to live in a large city to work in fashion or retail. Seek out local photographers or stylists where you live and do test shoots, or collaborate with your favorite local boutique on editorials. Many of them don’t have a huge budget and would love help with marketing or social media.”
“Be a cultural sponge. Inspiration really comes from everywhere.”
Have you seen a consistent standout quality or personality trait of successful people in this industry?
“Be someone who is constantly learning and willing to pivot. The industry is changing so rapidly and it’s the people and the brands that are evolving that will succeed.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
“The best piece of advice is ‘you are not your job.’ The interests I have outside of work keep me inspired and motivated when I’m in the office, and you need to carve out time for yourself to be with friends, family, travel, etc. You can’t work at your best if you’re burnt out. I don’t believe in the idea that you need to hide the real you at work. I’m a proud African-American woman, and the things I’ve experienced give me a unique viewpoint. As someone who never saw women like myself in fashion growing up, I want to make sure young people know that this is an option for them and you can be uniquely you while doing it.”
If there was one person you admire that you could power brunch with, who would it be?
“I would love to meet Shiona Turini. She started in PR at a high fashion brand and then segued into being a fashion editor and now a wardrobe stylist for television and movies. I’d love to pick her brain about that and also just talk fashion.”
In your mind, what’s a perfect interview outfit? Why? Explain?
“It really depends on your chosen field but at Banana Republic I think it’s something that shows your personality and creativity. It could be a fun midi skirt and leather jacket or sleek denim and a blazer. You should always dress up though and not be too casual, even in a ‘casual’ workplace.”
Visit the Banana Republic career page to learn more about their exciting job opportunities and career options.
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How Much Do You Make? Here's How to Tackle the Uncomfortable Questions
If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
“Do you mind if I ask… ?” These are six little words that almost always preface questions about money, especially among female friends. “Do you mind if I ask how much that cost?” “Do you mind if I ask how much your rent is?” “Do you mind if I ask how much you make?”
Women have traditionally shied away from discussing personal finances, instead choosing to tiptoe rather clumsily around these conversations. But like anything else, if we don’t talk about it, we won’t get good at it. From asking for a raise to investing in a 401(k), there is so much good advice to be gleaned from your friend group.
Keep reading to learn a few ways to broach money talk with friends.
TALK SALARY OPENLY AND HONESTLY
Have an honest conversation with your friends about what they are making and their financial goals. The second part of this is equally as important as the first. Talking salary with friends can boost your financial confidence, which in turn can have a positive impact on your career. It can also highlight if you should be making more.
If you know your friends are making more money than you, use it as motivation to achieve your financial goals. Journalist Moira Forbes once told me, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” See it, hear it, and share it—because the highest wave floats all boats.
ASK FOR ADVICE ABOUT RAISES
The raise conversation is a tricky one to have with colleagues because we don’t generally divulge our salary to our co-workers. If you’ve already had the salary talk with close friends, chatting over the realistic and unrealistic expectations of your raise will prove beneficial to all parties. However, because money is a sensitive topic, try to have the conversation with a friend who is paddling in a similar financial boat. Talking to a friend that makes significantly less than you could potentially strain the relationship. Talking to a friend that makes significantly more than you might have you reaching toward an unrealistic branch on the money tree.
Aim for the middle and be prepared to have a real talk about what you’re worth and why. A true friend will not only help prepare you for the convo, but will steer you in a realistic direction toward your goals. Understanding how to price yourself is paramount, and the more we understand the realities of others’ financial situations, the better we understand our own.
“Sharing salaries: if we don’t talk about it, we won’t get good at it.”
SHARE FINANCIAL MISSTEPS
Our relationship with money can sometimes feel like a bad marriage. We don’t talk about the things that bother us, instead choosing to sweep problems under the rug in the hopes that they might disappear. The great thing about true blue friendship is that you can talk about anything—especially when you’re not in the green.
Our friends are there to remind us that the idea of "keeping up" with others is one of the biggest illusions out there. If you thought you’d be making more, saving more, or wrapping up those student loans, it’s time to assess and call up a friend. Talking through missteps or how much you’re putting on your credit card every month will lend a little financial clarity.
MAKE A PACT TO BUDGET
Oh, the expensive inconvenience of convenience. Are you spending an absurd amount on apps like Uber and Postmates? It’s easy to push a button, but not so easy to stomach the end-of-month tally. If you have a habit of spending money on easy-come services, it’s time to sit down with friends and chat about how they save for their future. Make a pact with your BFF to delete apps like Postmates from your phone. You don’t need everything to be delivered to your doorstep, and doing it together makes it less painful.
BE AWARE OF OTHERS' FINANCIAL SITUATIONS
The friends who are married with kids. The single friend with a disposable income. The one who created an app and is rolling in dough. The reality is that most of your friends will be in very different financial situations. When you're the one trying to make ends meet, a simple dinner can be anxiety-inducing. Your friends may be buying bottles while you can barely afford a glass of the house red. A couple of things: If you know you can’t afford dinner, don’t go. The more transparent route is to make it known from the start of the meal that you can’t simply split the bill evenly. If they are truly your friends, they won’t care one little bit.
On the other hand, if it's your pockets that are heavy and you want to invite a friend to dinner, make sure to suggest a restaurant that you both can afford. What's better than Taco Tuesday? Be realistic and your friendship won’t become tense.
How do you talk about dollars with friends? Share below!
This post was originally published on December 22, 2017, and has since been updated.
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20 Successful People Share the Books That Transformed Their Business
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In this age of information, we have everything we need to start a new business, create a website, or set up a budget right at our fingertips—Google is a powerful tool. But sometimes you need a deep dive into the topic to truly understand the scope of what’s required from every angle—that’s when we turn to books. In our new series, Turning a Page, we ask successful people to share their go-to tomes that helped transform their business. Whether you listen to them or need to physically flip the pages (and write notes or underline the text like us!), there is so much power in self-educating. Ready to turn a page in your career? These books will help take you there.
Photo: Courtesy of Create & Cultivate
Even if you do go to school for an MBA, there really is no better education than the school of life. Even when you plan (and you should be prepared as much as possible) there comes a time when you just have to press go and figure it out along the way. Luckily, everything is figureoutable (thanks Marie Forleo) and making mistakes is all part of the process (in fact, some of the best learnings and improvements are made as a result of mishaps or missteps so don’t be afraid of failure).
While you’ll always have Google, we wanted to find out from people who’ve been down that road and read a few books along the way to share their favorites with us. So, turn a page and discover some of the best business books from 20 successful people and how it changed their business.
Amanda Greeley
Founder and designer, Thelma
The Book: The Diamond Cutter by Michael Roach
The Business Takeaway: “We are operating in a world where we are constantly made to feel that we need to push ourselves and others harder, that we need to fight or be loud to be heard, and that we should put the health of our business ahead of our own personal health. We seem to wear stress, exhaustion, and 'being busy' as a badge of honor. This book disproves all of it.
”This book proves that being generous and kind isn't only about feeling like a good person but it also leads to creativity, innovation, ultimately financial success. I don't think it's possible to start a business where absolutely everything goes as planned—and so, in those instances, how you respond and how you treat others is critical.”
Alyce Tran
Co-founder and creative director, The Daily Edited
The Book: The Dual Purpose Playbook by Julie Battliana, Anne-Claire Pache, Metin Sengul, and Marissa Kimsey
The Business Takeaway: “I am so inspired by the Veja (sneaker brand) business model and ethos and am working out how my business can play a better role in the community. It is changing the way I look at opportunities and issues in my business to ensure I am taking the most environmentally sustainable path possible in creating our product and getting that to our end users.”
Olivia Carr
Founder, SHHH SILK
The Book: The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
The Business Takeaway: “This is a book I read again and again as the messages within prove a constant reminder that crystal-clear thinking and focus (otherwise known as manifestation) has the unbelievable ability to change your world. This book changed our business! We use it as a daily tool to practice manifesting what we’re working on or the strategic goals we have for the business. This is definitely a book I would recommend for business owners.”
Kelly Barker
CEO and founder, Prep Your Skin
The Book: Essentialism: The Discipline Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown
The Business Takeaway: “I read Essentialism because the company was growing so fast that we could not take on any more collaborations, products or projects unless I changed how I was prioritizing our team, our resources and our time. This book taught me how ‘less is better,’ how to say no so I can focus on the big goals, and how to really prioritize decisions and tasks. Often, females are taught to say yes as if they are obligated to be socially accepted and not let others down. As a result, we all become over-committed and exhausted. This book is super easy to digest, and really helped me simplify the decision-making process.”
Alexandra Baker
Founder, Féroce
The Book: Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
The Business Takeaway: “I decided to read Ray Dalio's book, Principles after a close friend recommended it to me. The book has enabled me to set up and implement guiding principles to live by personally and in my business. When running a company, especially a start-up, your personal and life principles are very much intertwined with your business outcomes. Egos, lack of decision-making experience, not wanting to disappoint anyone—these are just a few examples of how poor financial business decisions can be made.
“That being said, this book has helped me form principles for seeing and interpreting things as they are not as you would like them to be. Understanding this helps make the most precise educated decisions. I recommend this book to any entrepreneur, especially a start-up, as Ray Dalio has taken years of his own life and business experience and gone the extra mile by creating a method that anyone can replicate and apply.”
Kat Hantas
CEO and founder, 21 SEEDS
The Book: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
The Business Takeaway: "On the low hanging fruit side, he is a maniac about brand which I appreciate. But the bigger lessons have more to do with his honesty and his humility—a lot of these books tend to be brag-y and this book allows you to see the common denominators in yourself and this iconic brand builder—a real inspiration. In addition he does a great job of showing us how he weaved the power of relationship into the building, which is so important as you grow from project to company. Great beach read as you’re sipping on a 21seeds margarita this summer.”
Alix Peabody
Founder and CEO, Bev
The Book: Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
The Business Takeaway: “While the book itself is full of helpful guidelines in building and running your business, Ray's view on money is particularly helpful. Numbers are important, numbers are information but they are not objective. What is most important is the application of those numbers, the insights behind them and how (and when) you let them guide you.”
Simona Rozhko
Founder, Evna Media
The Book: Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t and Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
The Business Takeaway: "I loved it because Simon takes a digestible approach to business, leadership, and human behavior. He makes it easy but informative to understand why we do the things we do as a leader and how to be great, not just better. He’s a big believer in being a good, kind, and compassionate human and when I decided to start my business I felt the exact same way—that if I was leading people or consulting clients, it had to be mutually beneficial and feel good from the inside out. We spend most of our lives working and I want to live a life that’s fulfilling and positive emotionally, mentally, and physically.”
Mariah K. Lyons
Founder, ASTARA
The Book: The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
The Business Takeaway: “I find a fascinating dance between surrendering to the experiences and opportunities that organically show up in business, and setting goals and working diligently to manifest new opportunities and hit target goals.
“This is not a traditional business book, however, it is a really great book for helping business owners let go of stringent expectations of how things should be and build a business more intuitively. Michael Singer discusses how he built a billion-dollar public company by staying present, surrendering to a larger flow and allowing synchronicities to unfold into larger manifestations of great proportions.”
The Book: The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy : An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and the Politics of World Trade by Pietra Rivoli
The Business Takeaway: “I read this book in college and it was one of those books that greatly expanded my understanding of the global interconnectedness we all share. It fully shifted the way I look at the world, especially in regard to manufacturing, production, shared natural resources, and the global economy. It has stuck with me for many years and certain key concepts presented in this book were integral in launching my company ASTARA. It helped me understand the impact of my decisions from seemingly small decisions to larger ones such as production and manufacturing, to packaging, to materials to shipping.
“This book gives an insight into the complexities and politics of world trade. It is a great book for any business owner that manufactures, produces, or distributes physical goods in that it gives both a macro and micro view on the many levels of environmental, political and historical impacts of global trade. The author presents information and data on ‘free trade’ to inform the reader and gives space for the reader to develop their own opinion on the subject matter.”
Jodie Fried
Co-founder and director, Armadillo & Co
The Book: The Art of an Idea and How it Can Change Your Life by John Hunt
The Business Takeaway: “I was gifted a copy by a dear friend, and I was captivated not only by the concept of a book based on the power of an idea, but also the very poignant quotes, gorgeous paper, and beautiful illustrations. I could pick this book up any day of the week and read it with a different situation in mind. It taught me to trust my instincts and made me realize that you don’t always need to have all the answers—something I’ve applied creatively to my work as a designer, but also to our business and team.
“Every time I read this book I feel beyond inspired. It triggers me to open my mind to a new perspective. Over the years it has given me the courage to follow my own ideas and perhaps run a business in a non-conventional way, to take risks on change, and to challenge logic that often kills good ideas.
“The best advice I took away from it was: ‘When things are going well, taking no risks seems like a very smart strategy. When times are tough, though, you’ll notice expediency, which is meant to create all those happy, smiley faces, is suddenly wearing a smirk.’”
Sally Pottharst
Owner, Terrace Floors + Furnishings, and co-founder and director, Armadillo & Co
The Book: 12 Rules for Life: An Anecdote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
The Business Takeaway: “I read this book a couple of years ago when I was looking for some clarity in my life, and it resonated with me both personally and professionally. It imparts a set of practical and enduring principles that were easily applicable as our business has metamorphosed into a larger, more sustainable operation. I am a very practical person, so I valued the real-life anecdotes—they are also super entertaining to read. His old-school truths provide a great framework for us to live by and make decisions with.
“The biggest lesson I learned was, ‘compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today’—the perfect reminder for anyone who feels self-criticism. It has really helped me to view our business journey with great context and optimism for what I can bring to the table. As Armadillo & Co now celebrates its 10th anniversary, each of these rules has made me stop and think about how we can bring incremental improvements to the way we run our business.”
Shel Pink
Founder, Sparitual
The Book: Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming by Paul Hawken
The Business Takeaway: “The book is about the environmental movement and how great movements don’t have one charismatic leader they are led by a multitude of voices, of people who are passionate, resilient and disciplined about doing things daily to express their concerns and works towards change. I was inspired to read it to see how this concept could apply to the green beauty movement.
“Use your brand as a platform for change. That we all need to and can do something to do our part to contribute to the greater good. We are citizens of the world and we have a responsibility to live responsibly. Many people think that their single voice does not matter. It does. One voice, when joined with many others who are passionate about a particular issue, matters greatly. This is what defines a movement that can make a huge difference. This book is very exciting.”
Dr. Shuting Hu
CEO and co-founder, Acaderma
The Book: The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
The Business Takeaway: “It’s a book for entrepreneurs, and I learned a lot about how to develop and manage a startup business, which is quite different from a standard business. It reminds me of the importance of innovation, as a core value of our business. This book helped me look at Acaderma from a different perspective.
“Before, I would look at larger businesses as a model for how to build and operate my brand, but I now realize that we should focus on bringing disruptive technologies and products to market more efficiently and maximize our advantages in ingredient innovation which would eventually help to maximize my business financially. A lot of times we spend too much time looking at what we're doing wrong and trying to improve upon it, this book taught me to focus on what I'm doing well right now and strengthen that further.”
Mignonne “Maggie” Gavigan Smith
Founder, Mignonne Gavigan
The Book: The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You: Command an Audience and Sell Your Way to Success by Lydia Fenet
The Business Takeaway: “By reading this book, I’ve learned through Lydia’s personal situations, how to take hold of situations and make the most of them. Her book has helped me identify situations within the business that could be handled the best way possible. Women today are juggling so much— jobs, kids, life—and she enables the reader to know they can do all these things well.
“Lydia’s book has shown me that I’m not alone. She has given me the support to continue to run my business efficiently, be as creative as possible, organize my child and personal life and feel like I’m doing a good job. There are so many women out there in a similar situation as I am and they need her advice as well. She pushes you to keep going, to work harder, to maybe sleep a little less sometimes but to also take some time for yourself when you can. It’s an amazing book.”
Nancy Pellegrino
Owner, NP Aesthetics and co-founder, The Route Beauty
The Book: Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty by Nancy Etcoff
The Business Takeaway: “Survival of the Prettiest is not your typical business book but it impacted my views about the medical aesthetics industry, gave me a new understanding of patients and their cosmetic concerns and the clear notion that my business was not just about vanity but more about biology. We are hardwired to gravitate towards those who are deemed more attractive and we ourselves, in turn, want to be and look more attractive.
“This was the first time I learned that people who are attractive can more easily find mates, get better jobs and potentially live happier lives. My business—the business of making people look better—also makes people feel better about themselves. I have seen this over and over in my practice—unemployed patients will spend their last dime on Botox to help them feel more confident when going in for that interview. Older patients need that competitive edge—I could go on and on.
“It solidified my feeling that beauty is extremely important to my patients and is a serious business. To quote from the book: ‘Beauty influences our perceptions, attitudes, and behavior toward others.‘“
Nicci Green
Founder, Articolo
The Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
The Business Takeaway: “This book made me more mindful of how I make decisions and grow and form Articolo. It also made me realize that I've always been operating with a forward-thinking approach rather than a subconscious one.
“The biggest lesson I learned from the book was ‘sharpen the saw.’ This is all about looking after yourself and making sure you have a balance in significant areas of your life; emotional, physical (haven't managed this yet), mental and spiritual. It made me aware that downtime is as important as the ‘push.’”
Amanda Baldwin
President, Supergoop
The Book: Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
The Business Takeaway: “The president of Clinique gave me this book when I first started at the brand. The entire premise is why try to compete in ‘bloody red waters’ when you can find the ‘blue ocean’ aka be different, be unique, find your white space. I have always thought about this advice in every business I have worked on, and most especially at Supergoop!. When it comes to innovation, we like to say, if someone has done it before, why bother? It's a mantra that runs through everything we do, and you can't change the world by thinking any other way.
“I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention that I think it applies to a career too-—find what makes you stand out and harness that. The best career advice I ever got was to stop worrying about fixing what I wasn't good at and to start focusing on what I did uniquely well. Kind of like swimming in your own blue ocean.”
Yolanda Cooper
Founder, We Are Paradoxx
The Book: Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
The Business Takeaway: “I read this book as it's my goal to build a brand with creativity and innovation at its core so I wanted to learn how Pixar scaled the company to the heights it did whilst maintaining an inclusive, creative culture along the way. It didn’t so much ‘change my business’ rather it has helped me bear in mind some philosophies as we continue to grow.
“For example, Catmull believes that a company’s organizational structure should not mirror its communication structure and that true creativity and potential can come from everyone. So, there should be an open communication structure across the whole business to support ideation. The biggest piece of advice I took and would recommend to others is that the cost of preventing errors is more than the cost of fixing them so don’t be afraid to be bold and take risks as they just might pay off!”
Raisa Mirza
Founder, Rella Beauty
The Book: Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba.
The Business Takeaway: “At first, I was a little apprehensive to read this book because I felt like I had read a few female-focused entrepreneurial books that all sounded very similar to each other. I didn’t want to read something that was cheesily motivational. As I started reading, I realized that Cara hit on so many things that I often dwell on in my own mind—negative thoughts, fear of failure, female connections, competition, backhanded compliments, the list goes on. I read her book at a time where I was second-guessing myself, what did I get myself into?!. There were moments where I questioned our brand's beautiful mission: for every lipstick purchased, we give one to a woman in need. Cara blatantly says so many things that I needed to hear (and still need to hear).
“While some might be obvious, it affected me to hear it from someone who wasn’t my husband or my friend or my mom. I needed to hear from a fellow female entrepreneur that everything I think and feel is normal and it’s okay. So much of what she says pop up like little lit up billboards in my head when I’m veering down a path of self-doubt. There have been the weeks where I’ve sent hundreds of emails and gotten no response—those have been moments where I’ve wanted to throw my hands up. Cara says, ‘[female entrepreneurs] send that email. They make that phone call. They follow up a thousand times. They don’t take rejections to heart; in fact, it only makes them work harder… successful women don’t wait for an invitation. They invite themselves to the party.’
“I strive to be that woman, I want to carve out my success and reading this pushed me to believe that it’s okay if I send 100 emails and hear nothing, and it’s okay if I follow up 1000 times. I have nothing to lose, only to gain. As she says, if I persevere from a place of passion, failure won’t reach me—this keeps me going, every day. The idea of bringing the gift of beauty to women who don't have access to it excites and motivates me, I have to keep that passion alive.”
Sarah Belzer
President, Coconu
The Book: Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski.
The Business Takeaway: "Though I appreciate all the business and self-help books out there, I'm not talking about either. The book that changed my business is about the female experience of sex! Emily Nagoski wrote Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, and reading it really helped me understand the nature of and challenges to feminine sexuality. Even though I am a woman with my own experience, understanding the science behind it and the variety of experience was a game-changer for focusing on my customer and aligning my company's mission.
“The book informed our goal to empower women and make it easier for them to be self-directed in their intimate relationships. Coconu sells all-natural, safe and effective personal lubricants, but our business is really about helping women increase their confidence and capacity for connection, intimacy, and pleasure in all areas of life."
Amy Lacey
Founder, Cali'Flour Foods
The Book: Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller
The Business Takeaway: "This was a game-changer for Cali'flour Foods. I truly believe that when we made the conscious decision to make our customers the hero, our business boomed in e-commerce. This book focuses on building relationships that laid a strong foundation for us both internally and externally. We focused on the customer and our ‘why’ and the finances took care of themselves. We did exactly what the book said in regards to clarifying our message so that the customers will listen, and boy did they. Our sales skyrocketed in 2017 and have continued to grow ever since.”
Jordana Kier
Co-founder, LOLA
The Book: Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock
The Business Takeaway: “Laszlo Bock, the author of Work Rules!, previously ran Google's people organization and shares a lot of wisdom in this book. Bock provides actionable insights on how to build, develop, and maintain the culture of a company. He says, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’ and after building the team at LOLA for the past five years, I can't emphasize enough how true that is! The people you hire to help you grow your business should be smart and talented, but tantamount to those traits is the ability to live up to the company's core values and contribute in ways that go above and beyond a functional skillset. This book reaffirmed my aspiration to build our company deliberately and meaningfully and to prioritize and nurture our culture of community and empathy as we grow.”
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Job Hopping
Will it ruin your career?
Weigh the pros and cons of job-hopping to ensure you're always making a smart transition.
The concept of job-hopping—staying at a company for just one to two years before switching to the next—is a much-discussed topic. And people have a lot of opinions about it.
Many people believe that being labeled a job-hopper is a red flag to future employers. I’ve even heard that a pattern of job-hopping can ruin your career. Conversely, I’ve also heard many benefits of switching jobs.
And honestly? There’s truth in both arguments. To help you decide whether or not job-hopping is right for you, let’s analyze the pros and cons:
THE PROS OF JOB HOPPING IN YOUR CAREER
1. JOB SATISFACTION
One of the main benefits of switching jobs is finding one where you can learn, grow, and be happy. If you’re miserable at a job, should you stay for more than two years? Think about what you liked and disliked about the job and use it to guide your choices moving forward. Don’t choose a new job without proactively analyzing whether the job is right for you. This will increase your chances of job satisfaction and the likelihood that you’ll stay for at least two years.
Don’t choose a new job without proactively analyzing whether the job is right for you.
2. INCREASE YOUR SALARY
Another benefit of switching jobs is that you may make more money. According to a recent study, the median pay raise for 2014 was 3%. According to research from Wharton management professor, Matthew Bidwell, hiring managers will pay 10% to 20% more to hire people with a proven track record. If you negotiate your offer effectively, you could make significantly more at another company.
3. MOVE UP FASTER
There are a lot of companies that only offer reviews and promotions once or twice a year. This doesn’t allow for fast upward mobility. One way to increase your title (and your pay) is to get hired at a new company. In fact, Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of The Hired Group, and author of Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad, told Forbes that, “Job hopping is replacing the concept of climbing the corporate ladder.”
If there isn’t room for growth at your current company, switching jobs may be the best way to learn new skills, take on more responsibility, become a manager, and ultimately, advance your career.
THE CONS OF JOB HOPPING IN YOUR CAREER
1. DAMAGE YOUR REPUTATION
If you have a history of job-hopping, it is possible that future employers will think that you’ll be likely to leave quickly, if hired. They may not want to invest time and resources into training if they think you won’t stay for long.
Use your interview as a time to show that you’ll be committed to the company. Ask well-researched questions and offer statements like, “I’m really passionate about [the company’s] mission and the role, and would want to stay for a long time. What would advancement and growth look like for this position?” You’ll probably be asked why you left previous positions and why you are looking to leave your current one. Be prepared to tell your story and explain your reasoning.
2. LOSS OF SKILLS
If you like your job, you’re learning, and there is room for growth, why leave? According to a paper by Matthew Bidwell, it takes external hires two years to build relationships and learn how to be effective at the organization. Bidwell also notes that, “If you like where you are, stay there. Or at least understand how hard it can be to take your skills with you. You think you can go to another job and perform well, but it takes a long time to build up to the same effectiveness that you had in your previous organization. You need to be aware that often your skills are much less portable than you think they are.”
Bidwell also found that external hires have lower performance evaluations. “There is a much greater risk of being let go during those first few years, mainly because they may not develop the necessary skills and thus will not perform as well as expected. Then, too, they might decide to leave voluntarily.”
Before leaving a job at the two-year mark, consider the pros and cons. If you’re happy and learning, it may be worthwhile to stay. Advocate for yourself and try to get a promotion and raise internally. If you’re miserable or there is no room for growth, it’s okay to leave—just make sure to evaluate the new role and company to increase the chances that you’ll stay.
An original version of this article appeared on Career Contessa. Written by: Elana Lyn Gross
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How to Interrupt a Co-Worker the Polite Way
Just don't steal their lunch OK?
Written by: Casey Erin
The unfortunate phenomenon of men interrupting women has been getting a lot of press lately.
Whether it’s Senator Kamala Harris being interrupted twice on the congressional floor this past June, or the Facebook Live post that went viral and made #LetLizSpeak a rallying cry, or the recent New York Times article about this epidemic: the constant interruptions women face while trying to speak need to stop.
This concept is not new-- nor is it strictly political. Who can forget when Kanye stormed the stage and hijacked Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Awards? It was the “Imma let you finish” heard round the world. (Yes, that really was 8 years ago.)
As vocal coaches who help people create a deeper understanding of what effective communication really looks like (and train women to use their voice as a powerful tool for expression and connection), my co-founder Julie and I are confronted with this daily request from women, at Vital Voice:
“How do I avoid being interrupted - and how can I jump in when I need to?”
There is a lot of advice out there for women on how to use your voice (some good, some . . . not so good), so we’d like to offer our perspective as voice and communication coaches, honed through both our own experiences and our clients’. Here is our advice on how to manage interruptions to ensure they are not getting in the way of your career, development or even your emotional health.
We’ve broken it down into 3 distinct parts: 1- understanding your own situation better; 2- solid tactics for stopping the interruptions; 3- the added bonus of how to interrupt when it’s called for.
How to analyze the situation
It helps to try and understand where this interruption is coming from. Can you read the other person’s motive in interrupting you? Different styles require different reactions -- which is why, as a voice coach, I hate most “tips and tricks” articles or blanket statements about how women should talk. There is WAY too much nuance in communication for one-size-fits all solutions!
1) Status/Power - One of the ways in which actors analyze a theatrical scene is to look at the status differences between the characters. Who is in charge here? How do people interact with that person? Are the people in the meeting nervous or at ease? Perhaps feeling like they need to suck up? Are people interrupting others to display their own power or demonstrate dominance?
"There is WAY too much nuance in communication for one-size-fits all solutions!"
Tweet this.
2) Habit/Personality - Full disclosure: I myself am known as an interrupter. In my case, it mostly comes from growing up in an enthusiastic, talkative, extroverted family where interruptions and parenthetical comments and cross conversations are the norm. I have worked very hard to be more conscious of these habits, but I still mess up. (It’s nothing personal!) If you are dealing with a “benevolent/oblivious interrupter” like me, just keep plowing - or consider speaking with us in private to tell us how you feel. We'll get the hint, and likely be more embarrassed that we interrupted you than upset that you interrupted us back. And if you’re an interrupter, put some extra brain cells toward making sure YOU are not the elephant in the room!
3) Culture/Unconscious Bias - As has been repeatedly documented (such as in that NY Times piece), “manterrupting” is a very real and pervasive phenomenon. In addition, we’re dealing with a culture of impossible double-binds for women when they DO manage to get a word in: we’re often told “don’t be too aggressive but don’t be too soft either! Don’t be too emotional, but for heaven’s sake, no one likes an ice queen!” Kamala Harris was “hysterical.” Hillary Clinton was “shrill.” Elizabeth Warren was given a warning . . . you get the picture. We could unpack this stuff all day long, but it’s out there, and it affects both how you are seen and heard, and how people respond to you. We need an awareness of the possible consequences -- good and bad -- for standing up for yourself and others, and the bravery to handle it.
I do believe very strongly that the MORE women speak up, stand out, and call out interruptions, the easier it becomes for others to do so and the more we have to examine the cultural factors that cause this in the first place. We’re making unconscious bias conscious so that we can change it! So here are a few strategies to help you:
How to handle being interrupted:
1) The direct response: “I wasn't quite finished with my point - (dive back in).” How you deliver this depends on what kind of interrupter you are dealing with. If the interruption is coming from a place of enthusiasm or obliviousness, humor and pleasantness is your friend. (And ladies, I’m NOT telling you to smile, but here is where a genuine, unforced smile can actually go a long way.) However, if you are dealing with a bully who will only respond to an equal show of force, it’s time to marshal your inner badass and say it simply and directly.
"The MORE women speak up, stand out, and call out interruptions, the easier it becomes for others to do so."
Tweet this.
2) The compliment and recover: 'Great point! Now (back to what you were saying)' This falls into the category of “gender judo” for me - people expect women to be pleasant and nurturing? Sure, you can give them a taste of that!
3) The team approach “Amy - it seems like you have more to say on that. (Ask related question)” If you are uncomfortable intervening on your own behalf, sometimes the best way to practice is to help someone else who is being interrupted! The women in Obama’s White House found this wing woman approach to be an effective tactic, both when being interrupted or when they needed to reinforce and amplify the point that a friend made in the room. Here’s how it works: When one woman made a good point, another woman would repeat it, and give credit to the originator. This technique -- which they dubbed “amplification” -- made an idea harder to ignore or steal. Recruit a partner in the room to do this for you, and do it for a colleague.
4) The empathetic approach - Here’s how it works: “I hear what you’re saying, Steve.” (Give some reiteration of his point - then finish your statement.) Sometimes the quickest way to turn an interrupter into an ally, or to disarm a bully, is to make them feel seen and heard.
5) The boss approach - “We'll get to that/your idea/your point in a second. (Continue yourself, or throw to the person who had been interrupted.)” This one is for when you are facilitating the meeting. Not only are you EXPECTED to be in control here, you can help create the kind of meeting culture that you want to see in the world!
How to interrupt if you must:
There are certain office cultures where you are expected to be a dynamic part of the conversation, and there are certain teams where the only way you'll get a word in is by diving in headfirst.
The most important part of ALL of the following scripts is physicality and breath: Practice letting yourself really sit in your chair. Our standard advice to clients is “let your butt be big” - seriously, it works. Make a deliberate postural shift to draw attention to yourself (in theater we call this “pulling focus”), take a full inhale (not the little catch breath we sometimes take when we want to jump in), and speak on the exhale with energy and confidence. It's less about volume than it is about a full connection with your body and breath, and the ability to land your words on the intended listener.
Here are some options:
1) “I'd like to jump in on that.”
2) “I've been doing some research and here's what I'm seeing.”
3) “What a great point Mark! My observation is that . . .”
The Last Word
Try these tips out next time you get Kanye'd; not only will you be using your voice to make an impact, but you’ll also be teaching the offenders that you won’t be silenced.
A final note: All of us -- interrupters and interruptees, men and women, introverts and extroverts alike -- can work to create a conscious meeting culture where voices and ideas get heard. Conversation is a dance: stay experimental, observe what works and feels right for YOU, and keep practicing!
Casey Erin Clark is a professional actress who, after 18 months on tour with Les Mis, read the book “Half the Sky” and got very fired up about issues facing women in the world today. The answer to “what can I do?” came out of her passion for the human voice. Casey co-founded Vital Voice Training, a voice and speech coaching company (whose public speaking clients include C&C keynote speaker Piera Gelardi!) on a mission to change the conversation about what women are “SUPPOSED” to sound like. Forget masks or imitation: this is your voice amplified -- not just louder. Casey sang her first solo at 4 and was branded “bossy” back in kindergarten — she can recommend the best breakfast in most major cities in the US — and is happy to demonstrate the Lafayette speed rap from Hamilton. @vital_voice
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The Trick to Avoiding Burnout Isn't Delegating or Meditating
This calls for a celebration.
photo credit: Memorandum
This whole business of building your dream career is not for the faint of heart; we know this.
Delegate! The productivity hackers command. Automate! The digital marketing experts implore. Meditate before meetings! Suggest the self-care gurus. And yes, a healthy mix of all of the above will go far in helping to grow and expand one’s professional empire. The problem is that in the quest to outperform, overdeliver and yes maybe even overachieve, we often miss out on a powerful, potentially easier way.
What if I told you there was a nearly foolproof, feel-good tactic available to you? Right now. Something basically guaranteed to activate a serious mood-boost, along with a burst of motivation, creativity and enthusiasm for yourself and your team? A strategy that will help to drive demand for your products and services, build extreme team loyalty and attract your right people and opportunities your way, like a magnet.
So what is this powerful career cocktail?
Professional recognition.
Employees who do not feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they’ll quit in the next year, which seems likely as a Gallup poll conducted in 2016 found that employees often feel their best efforts are routinely ignored. In fact, the number one reason Americans leave their jobs is that they don’t feel appreciated. And yet, the Aberdeen Group found that only 14% of organizations provide managers with the necessary tools for rewards and recognition.”
Seriously.
So how do we turn this around? Here are 3 ideas:
Seek out PR opportunities for your experts
The standard protocol is often to have the CEO act as the mouthpiece for a company, whether or not she is intimately involved in the subject matter at hand. Instead, make company PR a group effort. Encourage your team to seek out opportunities to write articles, contribute expert quotes, submit for career interviews, apply to speak on panels, heck, give a keynote speech. Share the spotlight with the experts who are helping you succeed and everyone wins. If you’re an employee, being opportunities like this to the table and argue your case.
Earmark budget (and-time) for awards and celebrations
Every cent matters, particularly in a startup environment. But take note of a World at Work study that found 46% of senior managers view recognition programs as an investment rather than an expense. From that perspective, consider putting money aside for external and internal recognition opportunities. Whether you apply for industry awards, incentivize an employee of the month program with a half day of paid-time-off, or host a quarterly peer-recognition love fest complete with seasonal snacks, ensure everyone knows these programs (and the core value of appreciation) are a company priority.
Write love letters
One of my career maxims is to ‘lead with generosity.’ This idea aligns well with one of my favorite quotes by the French philosopher Simone Weil, particularly apt in our multi-platform, multi-distraction world: “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” (It's also free.)
One of my favorite strategies to bust through my own burnout is to send out emails of appreciation. I send them to people I know and complete strangers, anyone whose work I am inspired by, anyone who has gone above and beyond for me in a meaningful way.
No matter where you are at in your career, you have every opportunity to build yourself up - and those around you - through a heartfelt note of appreciation.
By adopting formal-or even informal-recognition practices for yourself and your team, you’ll enjoy perks like an improvement in outside perception, an easier time attracting top talent, higher customer satisfaction, lower turnover, less frustration, a more highly engaged workforce and better business results overall.
Now that sounds like something worth celebrating.
Crosby Noricks is the founder and director of PR Couture, the sourcebook for fashion and lifestyle communicators. As part of the site’s own 10-year anniversary celebration, Crosby launched The Bespoke Communication Awards, a global online award program established to recognize excellence among agencies, in-house teams, individuals and brands. The BCAs include a free “Favorites Category” nomination form for 6 awards, including ‘Breakout Lifestyle Brand’ and ‘Favorite Industry News Source/Publication’ - submit your faves today!
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How 10 People Stay Successful at Success
We get by with a little help from our friends.
If you find yourself getting easily overwhelmed by emails, struggling to keep your eyes open at your desk, or constantly getting distracted by coworkers, chances are, your productivity level isn’t what it could be.
The secret to working more efficiently isn’t about working more or less, but smarter. Here, 12 successful people share how to do just that, compliments of their productivity hacks. Get ready to get focused:
1. Visualize
“I always envision myself crushing it at my job, working with pristine integrity and keeping a gold standard. I have always envisioned myself being the go-to girl, the leader in my space, the golden girl in the Wellness space. Make an effort to pinpoint your success, and focus on YOU leading the pack. Clear the noise, don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Focus on yourself, your work and keep the focus on doing your very best, nothing less.” —Candice Kumai, bestselling author of Clean Green Eats & Clean Green Drinks
2. Unplug
“I can’t begin to stress how important it was to limit digital distractions during my workday. The best thing I’ve ever done to improve my productivity was to check my inbox only three times a day. This allows me to really concentrate on whatever task I have at hand. Before I started doing this, I would constantly get interrupted and it would take me a while to get back to really focusing on what I was working on, which was a killer for my productivity. Sometimes I’ll catch myself cheating by checking my iPhone inbox, but putting it on silent helps stop the temptation!” —Jude Al-Khalil, founder and CEO of BIKYNI
3. Catch those ZZZs
“My #1 productivity hack is getting 7 hours of sleep each night. I turn off the TV and put away all my devices so I can clear my brain and sleep well! To have an energy-full day, I prioritize getting a good night’s sleep so I wake up rested and ready to go face the day’s challenges. I also really appreciate the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute’s principles that lead to being your personal best at work and at home: be physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and spiritually aware to achieve your mission.”—Janis Smith-Gomez, vice president, marketing for Ethicon, Inc.
4. Distance yourself
“Close the office door. I have an open door policy all the time. My office is open to every one of the 110 people who work for me. In fact, it’s unusual not to find at least one of my employees paying me a visit. However, when the rubber meets the road and I have to concentrate and get something done quickly, my office door gets closed. It has become a sign to everyone that when it’s closed, I am full steam on a project so I generally don’t get interrupted. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in an uninterrupted hour—or even a half hour.” —Linda Lightman, CEO and founder of Linda’s Stuff
5. Plan, organize, do
“I have a three-step mantra when it comes to being productive:
Plan it. I plan each day the night before and add them as actual tasks in my calendar. This gives you the creative space to do the work you need to do in the time required and ensures that you are realistic about what can be achieved. I prioritize the most important tasks and always allow time for inspiration and play—being creative means you need time to be inspired, read an article, blog or just be on the pulse of what’s happening.
Organize it. I try to keep to Inbox Zero. I rule the mail, it does not rule me. I check it only three times—morning, afternoon and at the end of the day. Being ruthless with emails means spending more time on the next step and less on organizing and sifting through endless emails. Honestly, if it’s really important, experience has taught me they either come and get you or pick up the phone.
Do it. I get focused. I’m not distracted, I don’t check my email and I get in the zone to complete the tasks for the day. I often have post-it notes with each task on my desk and physically tick them off once a task is done. There is great satisfaction in actually completing something. Visually seeing these is also a great way to remain focused.” —Resh Sidhu, creative director of Framestore’s VR Studio
6. Check-In times
“Email is both a blessing and a curse—a curse in that it often becomes a seemingly endless task. Each day, I set a time to check my email and address as much as I can. But I always set an end time, and stick to it. Of course, email is a blessing in that it keeps me on track. And I sort my inbox by subject, to be as efficient as possible (though I try to keep this trick a secret!).” —Julie Lee, managing director, Maxus Chicago
7. Google Hangouts
“While this may seem counter-intuitive as a productivity hack, I’m in a creative business so talking through ideas needs the nuance of conversation and ideally seeing each other’s face. Hangouts helps our teams get together and have meaningful discussions rather than spinning in the nuance of how we phrased something in an email. ‘ —Jane Delworth, managing director at mono
8. and 9. Meditation
“Headspace—20 minutes meditation a day every day makes all the difference to my productivity.” —Charlotte Smith, partner at Liberty Blue
“Even if it’s just 10 to 15 minutes a day. It centers me, keeps me focused on what matters right now, and helps me to stay calm under stress—which ultimately makes me more productive. Walking meditation is my favorite type of meditation.” —Justine Bloome, EVP, strategy and innovation at Carat USA
10. Podcasts
“My favorite podcast is Ted Radio Hour. I love the diversity of interviews and content matter, which always expands my thinking in new and surprising ways.” —Olivia Fay, CEO and creative director of Rallier
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From Boring to Beneficial: How to Handle a Slow Day at Work
When everyday feels like Monday.
Written by: De'Osha Randolph
We’ve all been there.
Some days in the office that are so hectic and fast-paced, it feels like you blink and it’s time to leave. There are others that go by so slowly you feel as if you’ll barely make it out alive. All of your deadlines are met, your inbox is organized and you’ve even gotten ahead on a few projects but there are still six hours left in on the clock. It’s going to be a long day.
The truth is, no matter how fun and engaging your job may be, no one is exempt from the occasional boring work day.
Instead of falling into the black hole of endless Instagram scrolling, catching up on Netflix shows, online shopping or checking the clock every five minutes -- a slow day in the office is the prime time to get ahead on some major career goals.
A boring work day doesn't mean you can't get anything productive done, so I’ve laid out a few tips and tricks to help you successfully cross the finish line of a slow day.
Work on your side hustle
We all have one! And since your workload is light, what better time than while you’re already up and active. A boring work day is the ideal time to finish your business plan, brainstorm new ideas or create content for your your passion project. Use the down time to research industry-specific news and trends, and hone in your your goals! You’ll thank yourself for using your time wisely.
Listen to Podcasts or an Audiobook
Podcasts are my new favorite thing, and there are so many to choose from that cater to your interests. Whether you like news and politics, murder mysteries, or even if you just want to learn something new; there’s a podcast to meet your desires.
The WorkParty podcast will arrive in August 2018! Hosted by Create & Cultivate CEO and author of WorkParty™, Jaclyn Johnson, this weekly podcast will break down the business of being a modern working woman. Be sure to tune in!
Audiobooks are growing in popularity and are another fantastic way to stay mentally engaged during a slow day. Audiobooks are awesome because they allow you to multitask while listening to a story, and is a lot faster than reading a regular book. A great narrator will enthrall you into the story and bring the characters to life. Listening to good audiobook will definitely help a boring day fly by.
Budget
Admittedly, this is probably not the first thing you want to do when it comes to making a boring day more entertaining, but it’s a good idea if you want to take control of your cash! Creating a monthly or weekly budget will help you understand your cash flow and see what’s coming in and leaving your accounts, and will help you save more and spend less. A great way to feel like you're really adulting.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
Updating your resume isn't just for when you're looking for a new job. In fact, according to CareerCast, keeping your resume current is part of a smart long-term career management strategy. It’s recommended that working professionals update their resumes several times throughout the year.
Did you just complete a major project? Earn a certificate? Learn a new skill? Add it to your resume and LinkedIn Profile.
You may not be looking for a new job, but someone could be looking for you. LinkedIn is one of the most popular networking platforms, and whether you're in the market for a new job or not, it’s always advantageous to keep your career profiles updated. It’s a great way to show potential employers and business partners what you're made of.
Network
Remember the person you said you wanted to schedule a coffee meeting with, but never got around to doing it? Do it now! Networking is essential and there is never a bad time to reach out. Use a slow work day to look through your contacts and schedule meetings or phone calls to expand your network. You never know what new doors can open after a friendly interaction.
It’s hard to predict the ebbs and flows of work life. But when things in the office slow down, that doesn't mean you don't have to. Let’s keep pushing, we’ve got this!
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Seven Questions to Ask Yourself When You Need Courage to Say Yes to Life
What if we fail vs. what if we fly?
Written By: Enuma Okoro
We’ve all been there. Faced with an exciting decision that could alter our daily and professional lives in a big way but daunted by what saying YES could mean. We wanted it sure but not right NOW! Are we really up for the task? Is it biting off more than we can chew? What if we fail? But then again, as the saying goes, “What if we fly?”
Courage isn’t just required in dangerous situations. Saying yes to big potentially amazing life experiences also require courage. And it’s perfectly normal to be afraid in the face of even big decisions that could help you move towards your goals. Change can be scary, even beautiful change. But once we acknowledge that it’s alright to be scared we have to keep moving from there and make the best decisions towards living our best lives. We have to find the courage to say yes in the face of our fears.
WHAT IF WE FAIL? WHAT IF WE FLY?
When an opportunity comes along that could take us to the next level in our career or in our personal lives it will usually require facing down those fears and having to release something in our lives to make room for what’s being offered. When I find myself with a major life opportunity in front of me it can be tempting to spin into over analyzing and worry about whether or not to step out of my comfort zone and into this new space full of so much potential but also so much of the unknown. So I’m learning to ask myself some key questions to help me make the best decision and to move forward towards what I imagine could be my best life. I start by getting to the heart of anything that could keep me from saying yes to my life.
What am I afraid of?
When I really ask myself this question and have to answer aloud I usually find that my fears, if I can even articulate them, are sort of irrational. They don’t make sense when spoken aloud. And as a result, they are forced to diminish in size. If I am able to articulate fears that make sense then I try turning the fear around to see what’s on the other side. I often think that our fears offer us clues to what we really want.
I often think that our fears offer us clues to what we really want.
How is saying “yes” to this invitation in line with the kind of life I want to live?
It’s basically another way of asking if this option on front of you is in sync with your sense of purpose and the intention for your life. Asking this question forces me to reassert my values, the non-negotiables, what I believe my overall purpose is (which can play out in different ways over the course of my life,) and the life I want. It’s always powerful to speak aloud the particular things I desire and need for the particular season of my life. If, for instance, I know I’m ready to channel my love for storytelling through travel writing then I also know I need and desire the freedom to travel and curate travel stories. I’d have to keep that in mind when trying to make a big life shifting decision.
Three years from now what would I regret if I turned this invitation down?
I use 3 years because I’ve found in my own life experiences that it takes about that long for a major life decision to show its seasoned fruits. Taking a new job, moving to a new city or country or starting a business or venture.
Is there anyone in relation to this decision that I’m trying to please or that I’m afraid of disappointing?
This can be a tough question to ask because often the answer is yes. Very few of us, especially women, are raised to do things solely for our own benefit or desire. We’ve been falsely taught that is selfish and bad. We subconsciously carry other people along with us and make decisions based on their potential responses to us. Whether it’s a parent or partner or even strangers we think we have to compete with or impress. We owe it to ourselves (and to all those waiting for the amazing things we’ll do when we live from our grounded honest selves) to make the best decisions for ourselves regardless of what anyone else thinks.
We owe it to ourselves to make the best decisions for ourselves regardless of what anyone else thinks.
What added advantages or opportunities could come from saying yes?
Sometimes we forget that life is not static. Every decision we make sets in motion a slew of other things in our lives. One of my favorite quotes about decision-making is from the book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. “Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision." One yes can lead to a million other beautiful yeses.
What could I learn from this new opportunity?
If we’re not learning in life we’re not growing. I think every big invitation in life that I say yes to should not just be an opportunity for me to shine and flourish but also for me to learn and grow.
And finally I ask myself, “Will I be happy?”
Could I wake up every morning and be content and happy about saying yes and going forward with this choice and this change? Life is too short and full of too many other possibilities for anything else.
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The Weinstein Company Went Bankrupt
Here's what we learned.
As expected, the Weinstein Company, went belly-up bankrupt. Smell ya later perpetrators.
Reported first by Variety, the outlet states, "The Weinstein Co. announced Monday that it had filed for bankruptcy, finding itself unable to survive the allegations of sexual abuse leveled against co-founder Harvey Weinstein last fall.
The company may yet be able to reorganize and continue to produce TV shows and films under new ownership. Lantern Capital put in a 'stalking horse' bid, which provides a floor for a bankruptcy auction."
But what does filing for bankruptcy really mean? And what on earth is a stalking horse bid? Does the headless horseman ride him into your town? Sadly, no. (Childhood dream, smashed.)
So we're breaking down some familiar and unfamiliar terms.
BANKRUPTCY: WHAT EVEN IS IT?
As a young woman I first started to dig into the concept of bankruptcy in 2010. That's right. The first year R&B superstar Toni Braxton claimed $50,000,000 in debt and chapter 7'd her life. Un-break her heart. But then she filed for bankruptcy a second time. 6 months after that second filing in 2014, Braxton purchased a $3 million dollar home in "The Oaks" neighborhood of LA. How does that work? It's confusing that most people who file bankruptcy emerge in one piece.
Contrary to popular belief, many folks think that filing bankruptcy wipes out all debt obligations. That's not exactly true. You still have to pay off at least some of your debt, and what kind of bankruptcy you file will determine how that works.
So, let's break down the two most common types of bankruptcy.
You've likely heard of a Chapter 7 filing and a Chapter 13 filing (there are also chapter 11 and 12 filings-- the latter of which is only for farmers and fisherman, which is sexy), but for most of us who aren't 50 million in debt, we don't know the difference.
According to FindLaw.com, "Chapter 13 bankruptcies generally fall under the reorganization category, meaning that you will probably be able to keep your property, but you must submit and stick to a plan that will allow you to repay some or all of your debts within three to five years."
Chapter 7 bankruptcies normally fall in the liquidation category, meaning your property could be sold in order to pay back your debts. Property in this case could mean a car of second home. To file Chapter 7 you have to meet certain financial eligibility requirements-- your income being the most important factor.
So does the Weinstein Company filing bankruptcy mean it's going down for good? No. Will it ruin their credit? Didn't Harvey already do that?
For more light reading on the subject of bankruptcy click here.
WTF IS A STALKING HORSE
Since I don't spend my days perusing bankruptcy webbies, I had never heard this term. (Horse terms I do know include: "Get off your high horse," "Eat like a horse," and my fave "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.")
[side bar: comment your favorite horse idioms in the comments below and let's be internet neiiighbors.] Back to biz.
According to The Cut, "The sale of TWC to an investor group lead by former Obama administration cabinet member Maria Contreras-Sweet and billionaire Ron Burkle fell through earlier this month. On Monday, the Weinstein Company released a statement expressing hopefulness about a new investor, Lantern Capital Partners, who submitted a 'stalking horse' bid to purchase the company in advance of a potential bankruptcy auction. 'The Board selected Lantern in part due to Lantern’s commitment to maintain the assets and employees as a going concern,' TWC said in the statement. 'The Company hopes that this orderly sale process under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court will allow it to maximize the value of the Company’s assets for the benefit of its creditors and other stakeholders.'"
A Stalking Horse offer or bid is as follows: A stalking horse offer, agreement, or bid is an attempt by a bankrupt debtor to test the market for the debtor's assets in advance of an auction of them. The intent is to maximize the value of its assets or avoid low bids, as part of (or before) a court auction.
Does the stalking horse ride off in the sunset with the company assets? Again, this shit is complicated and there are pros and cons to this approach. National Real Estate Investor does a good job breaking down the pros and cons in language that makes sense.
Did this help or are you more lost than ever?
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4 Important Ways To Tell If You Have Analysis Paralysis
Help. Totally stuck.
photo credit: Becki Smith House Photo
If you're anything like 99% of the working world, you're likely suffering from something dubbed analysis paralysis.
Analysis paralysis or paralysis by analysis is the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome.
*Plays Stuck in the Middle with You on repeat while staring at computer.*
Do you have it? Here is are four simple questions to ask yourself and get out of your analysis rut.
1. How much do you rely on Google?
Diamonds may have been a girl's best friend at some point, but Google has swiftly pulled into the lead. But be careful: over-Googling is akin to hoarding. If you're stuck in a hole searching for answers to questions that even the world wide web can't answer, you might be hoarding answers.
And let's face it: you will always find a counter-point to an argument online. That's half of what the internet is for. So stop Googling and start with the search bar within.
"Stop Googling and start with the search bar within."
Tweet this.
2. When is the last time you made a decision and stuck to it?
It's natural to second guess yourself, especially when you consider the speed at which everything moves. From tech to content we're working at seriously rapid paces. But if you're constantly playing teeter-totter with your decisions, it's not only hindering your productivity, but it's also hurting your brand. Sticktuitiveness doesn't only apply to toughing it out and seeing a project though. It also applies to making up your mind and sticking to a tough decision.
Leaders make decisions. Period.
3. How much of your day is spent receiving and managing information vs. doing your job?
Email has presented a bit of a paradox. Sure, it makes getting sh*t done easier than ever, but it also means managing your inbox is a full time job. In order to move the needle, there must be a point during the day when you don't check your email and you simply do the work. And if you need help figuring out how to do that-- check out how these 5 bosses handle their inboxes.
4. Are you always in search of a *better* solution?
This is tricky because on the surface, better is "better." But sometimes the "best" solution is the available one. Some people are forever in search for other, so-deemed better alternatives. But if the hunt for "better" prevents you from nailing down a solution, it's no solution at all. And *perhaps most importantly* studies have shown that this kind of behavior can lead to depression, perfectionism and regret.
Do you feel paralyzed? Chime in below and let us know. We'll respond with helpful tips. (We think.)
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Professional Ghosting: Why Is It So Horrible
Are you there colleauge? It's me Margaret.
Urban Dictionary defines ghosting as “The act of suddenly ceasing all communication with someone,” and while the term originated in the dating world, it seems to be slithering itself into the workplace too.
Professional ghosting isn’t just horrible when you’re on the receiving end, but it can be disastrous for your reputation of you’re the one doing the ghosting. The average worker spends an estimated 28% of the workweek managing e-mails, so chances are that if you’re the recipient, you’ve at least seen the email come through. According to a study done at USC, more than 90% of replies happen within a day of receiving the message, so if you haven’t received a reply in a day or two, there’s a very high chance that you won’t receive a reply at all.
TWO DAYS?!
GETTING GHOSTED
Obviously no one likes being on the receiving end of professional ghosting. It can hurt your self-esteem, and lead to internal questions about what you could have done differently. “Did I say something wrong?” “Could I have approached this differently?”
The important thing to remember if you’re being professionally ghosted is to take the high road. Learn from your experience and don’t ghost others. If you come across the person who ghosted you at a later time, keep your cool and act professional. While it’s okay to mention that you sent them an email (or many) without a response a while back, it’s important to show that you have taken the high road and aren’t holding a grudge. Internal feelings are fine, but keeping outward presentation pleasant is what will help you professionally. No one likes someone who holds grudges, especially at work. And while it doesn’t make it okay, you never know what came up or why that person never responded.
BEING THE GHOSTER
It may seem easy to just brush off an email and not respond, but on top of being extremely rude, if you professionally ghost someone, you are being unprofessional and hurting your reputation. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and as long as you voice that opinion respectfully and appropriately, there is nothing wrong with that.
Have you decided that you don’t want to work with someone or that a project isn’t the right fit? Totally your choice, but take action and tell your potential partners what’s going on. There’s nothing worse than negotiating with someone only to all of the sudden not receive any responses. If you’ve gone with another option, that’s okay, but communicate and don’t burn your bridges.
By ghosting someone, you are showing that you:
- Don’t care enough or respect the other party enough to respond
- You lack professionalism
- You cannot take accountability for your decisions
Do you want to represent that in your career? Hopefully not. Try the touch it once rule-- it helps keep you on your best email grind.
What do you do if you’ve ghosted someone and want to fix it?
Responding late is better than never. It’s still rude to wait a long time to respond to someone, but if you have and want to remedy the situation, the best way to handle it is to take responsibility.
A great way to respond is something like this:
“Hi ___, So sorry for the delayed response. This email should have gotten out to you sooner. Unfortunately we’ve decided to go with another option, but we appreciate your hard work, and would love to keep in touch about future opportunities. Best of luck on your endeavors!”
This response shows contrition (or email guilt), gives you accountability for your actions, and lays out the situation clearly. All you can do is take responsibility, learn from your mistakes, and move forward. A simple email saying “Thank you, but we’re not interested at this time” or something of that nature takes seconds to craft, and shows the recipient that you care enough to take the time to respond. No one can hold it against you if you’ve gone a different direction as long as you’ve been clear with your communication.
______
Is one email response really worth ruining your reputation and potentially your career? Chime in below.
In the time it takes to write a quick email, you will be able to help your professional reputation, give someone piece of mind, and ensure that you’re not burning any bridges.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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Blogger Ali Edwards Shares the One Word You Need in 2018
This might change your year.
How do you think about yourself? And how do you think about others?
The words we think, write and speak have so much influence on our daily lives. If we wake up and start the morning off with a smile and a proclamation “I’m going to be happy,”-- it may not set the course of the day in stone, but it definitely makes a lasting impression.
Words are so much more powerful than we give them credit for. They are able to directly influence our day, so we have to be sure we’re speaking life into our surroundings.
It’s something blogger Ali Edwards knows a lot about. Says Edwards, “In 2006 I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January-- a word to focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life.” Her words have included: play, peace, thrive, and whole. They are now embedded into who she is. She shares, “They’ve helped me to breathe deeper, to see clearer to navigate challenges, and to grow.”
One Little Word® Inspiration Card set.
HEAD INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH ONE LITTLE WORD
Imagine directing the entire year of 2018 with just one word. How would you choose it and what would it mean to you? What do you want out of the next year? Claim it, speak it, go for it.
Think about your one word for 2018, one word that you want to define your progression for this next year. It can seem like just a little word, but it can have a big meaning and an even bigger effect over the course of this next year. When we put intention and clear direction behind our actions, it can be transformational.
If your word for 2018 is Joy, imagine taking everyday of 2018 with a joyful spirit and filling your work with energy and happiness. Could your word be Intention? That way every decision you make in 2018 is directed and focused. What if you pick Love and everyone you meet is affected by your word within their first impression of you.
With One Little Word®, Ali, with the help of Inked Brands, wants you to set the tone of your year.
Join us and them, and take control over your next year.
So what’s your word? Share in the comments below.
To find out more about Ali Edwards and the One Little Word® project click here. & be sure to use the code CULTIVATE5OFF at checkout.*
*Offer valid till 11:59pm ET on 01/01/18. Offer valid on purchase with minimum subtotal of $35. Promo code can not be used with another promo code. One time use only. Must enter promo code at checkout. Not responsible for forgotten or misused promo codes. Not valid on subscriptions or preorder items. Some additional exclusions may apply. Offer subject to change.
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You Should Def Think Twice Before Doing This On Social Media
Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
It’s estimated that 81% of Americans are on social media, (up 5% from last year) so it’s more than likely that you’ll come across professional contacts on various social media platforms. While it might be second nature to connect with those in your professional network, it’s important to think twice before adding a professional contact on social media and make a conscious decision about whether or not connecting is the right move. There are a few extremely important things to consider first.
Nothing is private
One of the reasons why you should think twice before adding a professional contact on a social platform is because nothing is private. This goes for anything you put on the internet, but it becomes even more important when you’re dealing with your career. Regardless of privacy settings, it’s important to remember that everything you put out there can be seen by those in your network.
The first thing that comes to mind may be party pictures, but it’s important to think about the other factors of social media that others see. Are you posting pictures of a relaxing mental health day? Or did one of your friends post a funny meme that your boss might not like? Just remember that when you connect with someone on social media, you are giving them a window into your personal life. If you’re someone that likes to keep your work life separate from your private life, it’s best not to connect with professional contacts on social media.
You’re putting yourself in the line of judgement
It’s human nature to judge others, but when you add a professional contact on social media, you’re opening yourself up to a new line of judgement. Think about it this way: If someone sends you an email and you don’t respond, but you’re actively posting on social media, it sends the message that you don’t care enough to respond to your professional contact, or that you are spending more time on social media than handling your professional obligations.
This can negatively affect you and cause others to judge your work ethic and level of respect. Similarly, if you’re sneakily (or not so sneakily) on social media at work, others will be able to see it. Depending on the office culture and social media rules, this may or may not be allowed, so you’ll want to make sure that you consider this when you’re posting.
If you’re someone who often posts social updates and pictures, you might want to think twice before adding a professional contact on a social platform so it doesn’t affect your reputation at work. If you are going to make a social post, be conscious of who will see it and what they will think.
Sometimes it’s best to keep your work and personal life separate
An industry-wide study of over 2,500 people found that 55% of workers would take less pay to have more fun at work. With that in mind, fun at work is still different than fun outside of work, and it’s important to note the difference. Regardless of your company culture or how relaxed your office is, it’s still important to remember that work is work, and you need to uphold your professionalism.
Remember that you can’t un-see something. If someone sees a picture of you hanging out at the beach in a bathing suit, they will remember that at the office. If you’re comfortable with your office contacts seeing you in that setting, there’s no problem, but it just depends on what you’re comfortable with. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make.
This goes back to the judgement issue, but one of the reasons why you should think twice before adding a professional contact on a social platform is because you don’t want your personal life, outside hobbies, or personal opinions to have an impact on your work. In a perfect world these issues would not affect one another, but it’s human nature to take everything into consideration. With that said, it would be a shame if a personal opinion or weekend activity affected how someone viewed your work or your professional reputation.
_______________
In a society where we’re all connected and plugged into various social platforms, it’s important to think twice before adding a professional contact on social media. Ultimately it comes down to what you’re comfortable with and what you want to share with others. Social platforms are a window into our personal lives, so when you’re considering adding a professional contact, consider if your personal life outside of the office is something you’re willing to share, or if it’s something that you want to keep private.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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4 Steps to Do Away With That Pesky Five-Year Plan
Let's focus on the next five minutes, shall we?
Photo credit: Vibe Tribe
As the bartender made his way over with four birthday shots in hand my girlfriend looked at me and said, “Chels, I don’t want to turn 26.”
At first I thought it was a bad attempt at making a joke but the look in her eyes told me she was actually being serious. I gave her the biggest hug as I tried to wash away the confused feeling in my chest. Despite having a passionate budding career under her belt, a loving man by her side and the greatest friends behind her, she still felt that she wasn’t exactly where she “needed” to be. As we raised our glasses in honor of the birthday girl I found myself distracted by the elephant in the room that apparently now comes with turning a year older. Instead of celebrating it with arms wide open, society has cast a spell over us saying if we don’t have x, y, and z by the time we blow out a certain amount of candles then we must be doing something wrong. We than proceed to beat ourselves up and never take a moment to stop and realize that possibly, we are doing everything right.
Let me ask you this, have you ever thought that you could actually plan out your entire life?
Half of you are currently laughing at me while the other half know exactly what I’m talking about. If you fall into the latter category, you aren’t alone. I am completely guilty of being the college senior who sat at her desk and wrote out a 5-year plan. I put my heart and soul into that color coded timeline so it may come as a surprise when I say that I am forever thankful that the plan on that piece of paper never became my reality. The person I loved, the city I wanted to call home and the job I strived to land were all meant for the girl who I was then, not the woman I am now.
Here are a few steps you can take to say goodbye to the 5 Year Plan:
1. DON'T DRAFT A TIMELINE BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S
As cliché as it may sound, playing the comparison game will only lead you to a dead end. Comparisons can either make you feel superior or inferior and neither of those feelings serve a useful purpose. Write your own story, learn from your own experiences and live your life through your eyes.
"Playing the comparison game will only lead you to a dead end."
Tweet this.
2. EVALUATE YOUR GOALS
Saying goodbye to the 5-year plan does not mean you should wash away your goals, no ma’am! Instead, use this as a chance to check-in with your personal and professional goals and know that it is absolutely OK to tweak them if you see fit to do so!
3. BE NICE TO YOURSELF
When you are your own best friend, you don’t seek out validation from others because you realize that the only approval you need is your own. This is your life, your journey and once you recognize the value to that then no one, not even a ‘plan’, can get in the way of your happiness.
"The only approval you need is your own."
Tweet this.
4. WELCOME NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Since life doesn’t always go according to plan being able to welcome new opportunities with open arms is key. How silly would it be to close the door on an opportunity just because it wasn’t color coded on a piece of paper you drafted up three years ago? Don’t sell yourself short out of fear of not sticking to your 5-year plan, learn to ride the wave of life with a smile on your face and motivation in your heart.
Life is going to take a different path for every single one of us so constantly comparing your journey to someone else’s will only hinder you from making the moves that are meant for your life. Just because your best friend is engaged, your roommate landed her dream job or your younger sister purchased a house with the white picket fence all before you did does not mean that you are screwing up. With each new day and each year that you are lucky enough to blow out an added candle know that this is your life to live and your journey is uniquely beautiful.
Keep dreaming, keep loving and as always, just keep swimming.
Living on my own terms,
Chels
Chelsea Briche runs the popular blog The Millennial Miss. A platform for young women surviving their twenties with grace and a lot of humility. The platform is Chelsea's "pledge to you, the ones who haven’t quite figured it all out yet. That we, together, will immerse ourselves in every single thing possible; explore, love a lot, love a little, and never touch the ground."
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5 Crucial Tips for Conducting a Phone Interview
Listening is a good start.
Scoring the interview is a major coup. Nailing the interview is a whole different story.
People have started to rely on email Q&A (guilty::raises hand) but it never makes for the same kind of piece. When and if it makes sense, hop on the phone. You will always get better material from your subject, even if they push back a little. We're all out of practice on the phone and it can be intimidating.
It doesn't need to be.
Here are tips for conducting a phone interview that will get you the unique content you want.
FIRST THINGS, FIRST
Get your recording equipment set up and ready to go. Yes, you need to record the interview. Everyone has their own style and preference when it comes to programs, but don't rely on transcribing as the subject speaks.
Know that the fear that tech is going to fail you (this even happens to seasoned journalist Moira Forbes who told us that the “angst of losing an interview” is so real) and that you’re going to hop off the phone and have zero percent of the convo.Some people take notes as they go to counter that anxiety but if you’re too busy typing, it also means that you’re also busy not listening.
Do a bit of both. Hit record and listen for the golden nuggets. Typing while the person is talking can be a bit distracting to both parties, so opt to write notes by hand. Whether it's specific lines or taking note of a time of some great, jaw-dropping sound bite. Time stamping specific parts will help you when you're trying to piece together the story, or find the meat of the interview.
Trust your gut and know that you probably picked up on the guts and glory of the story as it was happening.
RIGHT, RIGHT, RIGHT?
You’re going to feel compelled to say something. For me, this is “right.” It’s part habit, part tick, but it’s also a tiny word that let’s the person on the other end know that you’re alive and paying attention.
In person this can often be achieved with a head nod. On the phone you need to fine tune this because you don’t want to throw the interviewee off track. A well-placed “right,” is sometimes the encouragement the subject needs to keep talking, however if you overuse the word or interject in the wrong place it will throw your subject off. If you’re only saying “right,” to make yourself feel relevant on the call, it’s not the correct time to say it. A good phone interview is both about leading and being lead. If the person is comfortable speaking without being prompted, allow them the space to speak. Use this as an opportunity to dig in a little deeper, jotting quick hand-written notes on pars of the convo that you want to ask follow-up questions about.
NOTES, NOTES, NOTES//LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN
Don’t let yourself get distracted. When you’re on the phone it’s easier to check your email, respond to a colleague's question, scroll social media (tsk, don’t) -- the “rudies” that you would never do during an in person interview. However accidentally, getting distracted on a long phone call, happens.
A great way to stop it from happening is to take the aforementioned notes. This solves two problems: one, if for some reason your recording device fails, you still have some content. And two, it helps you give your subject your undivided attention.
Remember that? From grammar school? Undivided is what you gave your teacher and it’s what you should give the interview. If you don’t, you WILL miss specific words and pauses and cues that allow you to ask more intricate and finely tuned questions. People are almost always willing to talk about themselves, but you have to know when to ask.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE
One key piece of advice I heard early on is this: listen for the question not being answered. What does that mean?
Interview advice: Listen for the question not being answered.
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Within any given answer is a question you’re not asking-- one that you haven’t thought to ask or one that you didn’t know to ask. It’s when someone reveals something about themselves that feeds into (what might be) the most important question (or set of questions) you will ask during the entire interview: the one that’s not scripted.
IF YOU HAVE TO SEND OVER QUESTIONS BEFOREHAND
It’s common to have to send questions prior to a phoner so that the subject has the chance to review. Most people don’t like going into interviews blind (though, it certainly makes for a better, unrehearsed piece.) If you have to do this, don’t simply read from the scrip while you're on the phone. Listen for pauses and cues where you have the opportunity to ask something off the cuff. Make it a conversation and you will be rewarded when writing the piece.
This brings up something else that’s crucial: use the internet to do your research, not to write your questions. Do the research, commit the person’s story to mind, and then write and craft questions at a different point in time. That way you let their story soak into your brain a bit. This allows you to create questions not solely based off of information that already exists.
When it comes time to pick up the phone, do so with confidence and an understanding of your subject and their business. An unprepared interviewer is the worst.
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The Female CEO Who Turned Sophia Bush Down
And the actress' rad response.
Sophia Bush, actress and activist, keynoted our Style Summit at the Simon Mall Houston Galleria this past weekend, and we're still on a high from the knowledge she intentionally slammed, forget dropped-- this wasn't casual, on stage.
If you missed out, we're sharing 6 of our favorite moments to keep you motivated through your work week.
On being a tender-hearted softie who takes no shit.
I’ve had to learn, sometimes, how to scream and swear at the phone and then not send it. You know, write the draft of the response to the person who deserves it, but then channel Michelle Obama, ‘when they go low, I go high,’ and I delete it. But still I am really learning the art of a good clapback and I deserve that. Simply because I exist in public does not make me a receptacle for people’s garbage.
It’s taken me 15 years, but I think I’m sort of an expert.
"I am really learning the art of a good clapback and I deserve that."
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On activism being a huge part of her story and advice to women
You have to find the thing that lights you up and that can be in a good way, or a bad way. What sets you on fire? What makes you so angry? I read a lot about what’s happening in the world today and I’m pissed, I’m so pissed all of the time, and that FIRE that it calls up in the gut of my gut, I’m like, this is why I can’t be quiet. It’s really easy to turn off the news. And look, today is Saturday. My best friend and I laid in bed all morning and ate french fries and drank iced coffee and watched Fixer Upper-- I needed a day. But we have to pay attention and I think the first and foremost step to becoming a more engaged more active member of society, is to pay attention.
On the internet life.
I would encourage everyone here to make the easiest free investment ever. For the next week, please every day, leave a really lovely compliment on at least one of the accounts of women you follow. Please once a day. Because most of the people who take the time to leave comments are assholes. The really nice together people, are scrolling and liking, but we’re busy. So we can really tilt the conversation by leading it with positivity.
On personal style.
When we look at the ways we express ourselves and the ways each of us still might be feeling like maybe today’s version of expression was a risk? Support each other. Whether that’s girls who tend to dress in menswear or girls who love to show off their bodies or girls who are fully covered and wearing a hijab. Love on women. Love on them and tell them they are beautiful. Tell them that their style is sick, even if it’s different from your own. I can’t wait to be eighty and be like Iris Apfel meets Georgia O'Keeffe. I’m gonna be such a silver-haired old lady wearing crazy shit out in the desert collecting bones and painting them.
Her advice to her 20-year-old self.
I was so nervous about letting people down. I didn’t know that when I was 21 and started working in television that I didn’t have to answer every question journalists asked me to be polite. What is polite anyway? Figure out what’s important to you and you don’t have to open up your life in ways you don’t want to. You don’t have to please other people before you please yourself. You don’t have to stay in a job that makes you unhappy. You don’t have to stay in a relationship that makes you unhappy. If you’re pretty sure that guy you’re dating is lying to you, he is. Let it go. I learned that one the hard way.
"You don’t have to please other people before you please yourself."
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I really wish I could look at her and say ‘you already know, stop worrying about what other people know or think or want from you more than you worry about how you feel in the root of the root of yourself.’
On putting yourself out there.
Women are often so reductive about ourselves. Men don’t say I think. Women say I think. You might write an email and say I just think it would be so wonderful to know you. No you know it would be wonderful to get to know that person. That CEO who you idolize or whoever that person is, say: "It would be such an honor for me to spend a morning with you. I have a couple of questions that I know your expertise would be so valuable." Stop saying I think I could benefit, I think I would like to-- no you know what you’d like. You know what you can do. Just go for it. I’ve done that. Last year, I sent an email to an incredible female CEO who I admire so much basically asking the same question. She was so lovely in response and said I’m incredibly strapped for time as it is and what free time I have goes to my kids but thank you so much for writing this email to me, the compliment that you paid me really means the world, and I do hope that in some point when we’re in the same city we both have some free time and we’ll get together. I was like I’m so sad but you’re so classy. It made me feel so good to know that I made her feel good.
Photo credit: Smith House Photo
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The One Skill This Owner Says All Small-Biz Employees Need
Read this if you work on a small team.
Maybe you’re employee #4 at a brand-spankin’-new startup. Or you’ve launched your own thing, made a couple hires (go you!), and are looking to gently coax the most productivity out of your team. Even if you can count the number of employees at your company on one hand, small teams can be mighty.
The small-team dynamic is singular. You’re agile and energized. Communication flows easily. Ideas blossom, are seen to fruition, and are celebrated (or mourned if they fail, which—let’s be real—can happen!). You feel true ownership in the company and its outcome. Not to mention that coworkers frequently become as close as family, easily trading sibling-esque banter that can make work feel like play. But certain things that fly at big companies (like flying under the radar), are a no-go on small teams. Employees’ contributions are obvious, which means pulling your weight and then some, and also learning skills that don’t always align with your background or, frankly, job description (not necessarily a bad thing!).
One woman who knows this better than most is Alice Rossiter, the Boston-based 27-year-old founder of Alice’s Table, a new company that throws chic flower-arranging events in cool venues around the country, and also teaches people how to host their own workshops so they can launch a creative career or side hustle. (And you know we love a side hustle.) They just graduated from Techstars, have thrown events in half of the states in the U.S., have onboarded nearly 100 event Execs, and frequently collaborate with companies like Good Housekeeping and Country Living.
And they have 6 employees.
So we reached out to pick her brain for some advice on how to achieve small-team success.
What are the benefits of a small team?
With a small team communicate is much easier. We’re all on the same page about projects. In fact we all sit in the same room! We all rely on each other's work so much that each person feels accountable to get their job done. Also a small team is great for building strong relationships.
What are some ways an employee on a small team can excel?
Being a team player is key! There are always projects that don’t clearly fall in anyone’s lap so over-performers pick up those balls and run with them. It’s also important for you to be constantly learning. You might not come in knowing anything about Facebook ads, for example, but if your company decides to give them a go, you’ll be willing to figure them out and try to make them as successful as possible.
“I am a true believe that grit is the key to success.”
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How has your team stepped up in the past?
On a small team it’s inevitable that unexpected tasks will come up. For us it happens every week—that's the nature of an event-focused business! My team has gone above and beyond countless times, from working through customer-care complications on the weekend, to rushing to an event after work to take photos for an exciting press opportunity that we would have otherwise missed. We’ve had to problem-solve flower deliveries going missing in the middle of the country and hurricanes canceling our flower orders. Above all, working for a small company takes agility and passion.
What’s your take on work quality vs speed?
We all have endless task lists—even more so on a small team—so time-management is extremely important. I can be a master procrastinator, so I feel the pain! I encourage my team to set aside time each day to work on tasks that are easy to complete, in addition to dedicating blocks of time to bigger think projects. When you strategically plan out your work, it automatically sets a time limit and typically that focus produces a higher quality result. The best small-team employees don’t labor indefinitely on a single task—they just can’t! There’s not enough time! You have to make sure that ‘great’ doesn’t get in the way of ‘done.’
What’s more important: Talent or motivation?
Motivation, always! The number one skill I always look for is work ethic; someone willing to go the extra mile to find the right answer. Anyone can learn a skill if they have the drive! When I started dreaming about Alice’s Table, I didn’t know much about flowers and now I can whip up a professional arrangement in under five minutes! I am a true believe that grit is the key to success.
Would you recommend that employees learn other parts of the business?
Completely! When I launched Alice’s Table I was CEO (of myself), chief bucket washer, trash collector, customer-care agent—you name it! Understanding each team member's role (and how your roles intersect) usually unlocks ideas for ways you can help each other out.
Should employees push for regular brainstorming sessions?
“I’ve always had the mindset that many heads are better than one. We all bring different perspectives to the table, and those contributions help keep our ideas fresh and propel our business forward. We have multiple strategy sessions as a team each week.”
What is the one skill you’d recommend all small-team employees possess?
“Everyone needs Excel skills! Tracking your data is key and as a small business you usually can’t afford all the fancy tools, but Excel always does the trick!”
On the other hand, what’s one thing that someone on a small team should never do?
Never be afraid to ask questions. For example, we just closed our first round of fundraising. I encouraged everyone to ask questions because it was important to me that everyone on my team knew what was going on, and why we were making certain decisions as a company. We would never grow if we never asked questions, even the silly ones.
“You have to make sure that ‘great’ does not get in the way of ‘done.’”
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How do soft skills come into play?
As a team of six, we work extremely closely—five feet apart to be exact! Strong communication and interpersonal skills allow our team to challenge each other, but also to take time to celebrate our successes!
Startups are often encouraged to fail fast and pivot, since they usually don’t have the resources to keep a failing idea afloat. When should someone be able to realize that a certain strategy might not be working?
I always tell my team, ‘If something seems to be heading south, speak up!’ We’re all about process-building, but if a process isn’t working and is causing more mental exhaustion than progress, it’s either time to revisit, or move on all together. Since we’re constantly growing and trying out new systems, I try to remain flexible when setting timelines. Our team checks in weekly on a variety of projects to make sure we feel confident in the direction they’re heading. Identifying a roadblock is the most important step to fixing the issue and pushing the business forward!
How do the best small-team members handle failure?
Failures feel like sh*t—it’s just a fact of life. Every startup has good days and bad days (or, as we like to say, good hours and bad hours). On a small team we thrive off of each other’s energy, so, even when faced with a loss, it's important to keep our heads up, reflect, and move forward. I’m also working harder to celebrate our victories (big and small), because taking time to enjoy the wins puts the hard times into perspective. Plus, we all need to pop a little bubbly now and again!
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We’re Sharing Our Best Advice: How to Keep Calm During Stressful Situations.
Presentations can be the pits. Especially if you stink at it.
Picture this: you’ve got the biggest presentation of your career. Or your career icon has agreed to a meeting and you get to pitch them your big idea. What?! (Yes, it happens. See: Whitney Wolfe meeting Tim Cook last week.) OR maybe it’s the first time you’re going to stand up in front of your colleagues at your new job.
No matter your professional stage, nerves happen. And when nerves happen, so does sweat (stress sweat actually smells worse than exercise or heat sweat!). Since your pits should be the last thing on your mind during stressful situations, we’re rounding up the best ways to keep your cool, your calm, and your armpits fresh.
MEMORIZE TO FORGET
One of the best pieces of advice we ever received was to memorize the info so you can forget the script. If that sounds like conflicting advice, you’re not wrong. But it still works.
Here’s the gist: know your info inside and out. No matter what, you need to prepare and then prepare again. But you should know the info so well, that you can go OFF script. It’s info so deeply embedded in your brain that you don’t have to think about it. That way, when someone interrupts or asks you a question, you’re not knocked off your A-game.
DON’T BE LATE, BUT DON’T BE TOO EARLY
Time is a double-edge sword. If you’re rushing about and running late, you’re going to start the moment on a stressful note. However, if you show up too early, you might spend that time twiddling your thumbs and stressing over last-minute details.
Give yourself a 15-minute buffer. It’s just the right amount of time. Not too late, not too early— but rather, the right amount of time to chat with co-worker, hit the bathroom for a last minute mirror pep talk, and walk into the room with your shoulders back and held high.
EXERCISE THE MORNING OF
Fast Company reports that, “the positive stress of exercise prepares cells and structures and pathways within the brain so that they’re more equipped to handle stress in other forms.” Hit up an AM yoga class, dance it out, or pound the pavement with some new Taylor Swift in your headphones.
When you release serotonin, you boost both your confidence and happiness, which will fill you with those positive vibes you want pre-presentation. Jogging > jitters. Remember that.
But don’t sweat it out, without doing this first:
SPRAY-N-GO
Secret has been keeping women calm in stressful situations for 60 years. The first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, Secret has been on the forefront of women’s lives, leading with innovation designed to provide superior odor and wetness protection. Their new Invisible Spray has four scent offerings with proprietary sweat-activated technology to keep you feeling fresh. It also offers patented Fade Resistant Scent Technology to combat nose-blindness.
Perfect for an on-the-go application that allows hustling entrepreneurs to freshen up with ease, no matter the circumstance. It may be invisible, but your confidence will be on full display.
So in this case: Spray it before you say it. Your presentation will thank you.
This post was sponsored by Secret Deodorant.