Category Archives: Professional Women

Your Elevator Pitch should be about the Value you Bring

“I’m new to town and looking for opportunities.”  Eek!  That opening line is bound to shut some new connections down before they even get to know you.  “I have 20 years of experience designing viewbooks for private schools and want to grow my network in the private school community.” This elevator pitch is a strongerContinue reading “Your Elevator Pitch should be about the Value you Bring”

Adding Value Every Day

If you would ever thank one of my favorite Creative Directors for his contributions, he would always reply, “Just adding value.” And it was true. Every big idea or quick insight was adding incredible value to the project and our clients. He certainly taught me the concept of adding value at every opportunity. That quipContinue reading “Adding Value Every Day”

Five People You Need in Your Network

There are five types of people you should have in your network.  These are people who will teach, connect, and support you.  Take a look at your current network and see if you have at least three people of each type in your network.  If not, be intentional to round out your network. Also, rememberContinue reading “Five People You Need in Your Network”

How much Freedom (or FU) Money do you have Saved?

Here you are, wanting to take a risk… …start a business …switch from full-time to freelance/gig employment …travel without employment …go back to school …prioritize family over work …or take a new career path. The best thing you can do for yourself today is to start saving up that Freedom Money. A pot of moneyContinue reading “How much Freedom (or FU) Money do you have Saved?”

Effective Communication while Networking

How can I help you? And how can you help me? Networking is a two-way street and having a great network should be a mutually beneficial relationship. It feels good to help others and it also feels good to receive support. When articulating how you can help others and the help you need, it’s bestContinue reading “Effective Communication while Networking”

Improved Communications Skills should be a Goal that lasts your entire Career

One of my current clients has a goal to improve her communication skills. I hear this goal from almost every one of my clients in every stage of their career. It demonstrates self-awareness that even professionals at the top of their game want to be better communicators. Being a better communicator can be broken downContinue reading “Improved Communications Skills should be a Goal that lasts your entire Career”

The Reciprocity of Empathy will improve your Professional Development

“Perception is Reality;” I was frustrated the first time I heard this quote. My manager was sitting down to talk to me about some negative feedback about my teamwork and attitude. It didn’t feel good because that negative feedback came from people that didn’t understand my intention. I have a strong work ethic, and IContinue reading “The Reciprocity of Empathy will improve your Professional Development”

Prioritize Your Purpose; Not Your Tasks

Since 2009, 24% of professionals spent some time working from home according to the US Department of Labor; thanks to our connectivity through smartphones and an increase in flexible work schedules.  This connectivity also has burnout on the rise. Sometimes your job can seem like a loop of mundane tasks.  To reduce the chance ofContinue reading “Prioritize Your Purpose; Not Your Tasks”

Align your Actions with your Leadership Aspirations

Who is that leader you emulate? What does your leadership style look like when you are at your best? Which adjectives would you use to express the leader you want to be? How would you want others to describe your leadership? Think big: Sheryl Sandberg, MLK Jr., Bill & Melinda Gates, your parents, a mentor,Continue reading “Align your Actions with your Leadership Aspirations”