How to Draft: Sponsors, Mentors & Getting Ahead

How to Draft: Sponsors, Mentors & Getting Ahead

by Maureen Berkner Boyt

Women are mentoring one another to death, men are sponsoring one another to the top. That pretty much sums up what’s happening, based on the research on the topic and the observations many women have shared with me. It’s time to get ourselves some sponsors.



What’s In the Way?
Two big things- sex, or rather the implication of sex, and head trash.  Research shows that women think differently about having a sponsor than men do, somehow seeing it as cheating, or an unfair advantage. It’s time to take that trash out and understand that sponsorship is simply a part of the leadership path, and part of the way things work. A sponsor won’t even consider taking you under their wing unless they think you've got what it takes because of the risk to their personal brand, so you've got to have the goods first, and the sponsorship comes second.

The oft thought and rarely talked about barrier to sponsorship is the presumption that there’s an affair taking place when an older man takes interest in the career of a younger woman. Given the stats that men hold senior leadership position at a 10:1 ratio to women, the likelihood of an older man/younger woman sponsorship pairing is very high. Organizations need to take the lead on this one, and start an open dialogue on the topic and it’s impact on the availability of sponsor relationship for women. We need to make it safe for men and women to enter into a sponsor relationships, and that means talking about unwarranted perceptions.

What are sponsors looking for in a protege?

If someone is going to go out on a limb and sponsor you, they need to know you can deliver. They are hitching you to their wagon and their brand and want to see:
-A proven track record of results
-Growth potential
-Ambition & drive
-A strong personal brand
-Loyalty to the company & to them

In other words, a whole lot of moxie.

Resources to help you get started:

Sylvia Ann Hewlett has led the some great research on the impact of sponsorship on women’s careers and has just written a new book on the topic,  “Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor”. Among her finding are the ‘Sponsorship Effect’, which amounts to 30%- more pay, more promotions, more stretch assignments. The Mentoring Women’s Network has some great resources for individuals and organizations ready to tackle the sponsorship challenge for women.

I’d love to hear some success stories, so if you've had a great sponsor do tell! Likewise, are there other barriers you've encountered?

Maureen Berkner Boyt
www.moxieexchange.com  
Maureen@moxieexchange.com

4 Keys to Getting Women In To Leadership Positions

4 Keys to Getting Women In To Leadership Positions
by Maureen Berkner Boyt

In the Spring of 2013 Moxie Exchange Movement convened its inaugural Summit on “Women, Leadership and Corporate America” in response to a need expressed by corporate leadership, diversity and talent development experts to connect with like-minded influencers committed to women’s leadership development. Participants in this groundbreaking meeting were a select group of female executives from well-known corporations who make up the Moxie Board of Advisers.
We are pleased to share a report on the findings discovered during the Summit, and we believe the ideas and insights contained within have the potential to change the status of women in business and achieve gender parity in corporate leadership. The Moxie report contains four key findings and action steps that will provide a roadmap for women and corporations committed to increasing the number of women in high-ranking leadership positions.
Download a full copy of the Spring Summit Report at: MoxieExchange.com/SummitReport

The Four Findings

#1 Make Filling the Shoes Coveted The cultural norms and the daily experience of current leaders that women observe on a daily basis are key drivers in their decision to step into a leadership role, stay in place or leave altogether. She is watching what the leader’s daily experience is like and opting in or out based on what she sees.

#2 The Secret Sauce: The Role of the Respected Translator The respected translator is a woman in a leadership position who has the absolute respect of people at all levels in the organization and has deep credibility based on her experience and the understanding. She is also committed to the long-term health and financial stability of the organization. She is consistently translating the impact actions and decisions will have on the organization’s ability to successfully promote qualified women and on individual’s abilities to be prepared and positioned for promotions

#3 Don’t Let Her Pull the Plug: Offer Life Support Those companies that are proactive, and discuss both the emotional and practical implications of life events, and offer empathy and support solutions stand a much better chance of retaining their female talent. The best life-support solutions employed by Summit participant companies take into account the realities of balancing multiple priorities and ensure that women are not forced to make the choice; climb the leadership ladder or leave.

#4 Promise Little, Perform Much Efforts to get to gender-equity in leadership often start out as a business imperative, become a business strategy, and end up as a marketing strategy. Under-promising and over-delivering on commitments to investing in women’s leadership development strategies led to strong engagement of high-potential women.

Make Filling the Shoes Coveted
Seek feedback from a group of high potential women about the perception of what being a leader at your organization is like – the good, the bad and the ugly. Do something with what you learn.
As a leadership team, discuss the impression of leadership roles you are setting by your day-to-day activities (email, hours, flexibility of schedule etc.) Agree on norms and how you will communicate those norms in action and words.

The Secret Sauce: The Role of the Respected Translator
Identify women that are already serving as respected translators in your company. Discuss the purpose and the importance of the role with them. Thank them for playing a key function in women’s ability to successfully move into leadership roles at your company.
Add to the ranks. Gather a small group of women who fit the criteria of a respected translator and discuss the role and the importance it plays. Appoint several key, interested women to the role.
Connect new and existing respected translators to one another so they can discuss roadblocks, share ideas and solutions across the organization, and support one another in the role.

Don’t Let Her Pull the Plug: Offer Life Support
Be proactive. Have key life-event conversations with up-and-coming women, including “How I Did It” formal or informal lunches with senior women.
Map the typical leadership path in your organization, including travel and time commitments and timeframe for average advancement. Overlay the typical times at which major life events occur (marriage, children, care of aging parents) and note the intersection of those events and the leadership path. Use whatever methodology your company employs for business case problem solving, and design solutions that mitigate the risk of highly talented women exiting during the life-event intersection points.
Involve her family, especially spouses/partners in the conversation about her leadership path. Change the dynamic from ‘work vs. home’ with the woman caught in the middle to ‘we’re all in this together’ to help her succeed.

Promise Little, Perform Much
Make it real. There is consistent data about financial performance and gender diversity in leadership. Take that data and your company’s financial performance data and create a financial model showing financial performance with and without leadership gender parity. Add in the statistics about the impending labor shortage and war for talent to make the solid business case for gender parity being a business imperative.
 Make individuals and the organization accountable for results. Tie a name to a goal, a number and a deadline. What gets measured gets done.

More Information Available
Download a full copy of the Spring Summit Report at:
MoxieExchange.com/SummitReport

Giving: Rx for Better Health

Giving: Rx for Better Health
by Eli Davidson

“You have got to be out of your mind” was a sentence Isabella was getting used to hearing. Friend after friend rolled her eyes as she told them of her plans. Isabella was 80 years old, for God’s sake, and no amount of eye rolling was going to dissuade her. Even if her friends were moving into assisted living facilities, she was building a new home in Montecito and giving it to her favorite charity. No strings attached.

Although her friends told her that the move and overseeing the construction would be the death of her, Isabella out lived the friends that poo pooed her philanthropic adventure. She lived a happy, healthy life in her Monetico home for 10 years. Her vision, spirit and wish to remain an anonymous live on since her home is now used as a retreat center.

Volunteering is good for you. Science is beginning to discover that there are concrete physical, and emotional benefits to giving to others. Perhaps, you have a vague notion that volunteering is “good for the soul” but have little, if any, concrete evidence that philanthropy could be good for your health. In More Give to Live, Douglas Lawson cites research that shows how helping others leads to enhanced health and emotional well-being. Numerous studies report that those involved in ongoing volunteer programs have an enhanced immune system, improved cardiovascular circulation as well as better sleep patterns. Emotionally those involved in philanthropic work sense of control over one’s life and circumstances, increased ability to cope with crisis as well as stronger feelings of personal satisfaction, compassion and empathy.

The Helper’s High. You may have just had a brush with ‘Helper’s High’ yourself.
How do you feel when you finish a long run or a tough workout? Until the pain sinks in you probably feel fantastic. Strenuous exercise releases endorphins. That release creates an elated feeling known as the runners high. Have you ever left a day of working with your favorite good cause with more energy than you began with? That could be due to a similar endorphin response.

A charity in New York City recently conducted a survey of 3,300 volunteers. Many experienced feelings of euphoria while being involved in their service project. The volunteers compared the experience to the runner's high - when a person runs and exerts, but instead of feeling more stressed, one feels more relaxed and joyous.

Giving makes you feel better. It may be a key factor in living longer as well. Dr. Stephanie Brown and her colleagues at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan conducted an important study recently. Dr. Brown discovered and her team tracked 423 older couples over a 5 year period. The people who reported giving no support to others were more than twice as likely to die during the five years of the study as those who helped others. The simple act of giving to neighbors, a spouse, relative or friends gave people a 50% better chance of living longer. Her study gives clear evidence that giving is good for your health.

What If?

What If?
by Sharlene Jamison

Most unexpected events take place....of course when we don't expect it....

Do you have a plan in place?   Will you be able to maintain your standard of living?

Are you prepared for life's WHAT IF moments?

Preparing a plan can prepare you for the possible pitfalls that may affect your livelihood and, most of all, the way you enjoy living.

Sharlene Jamison, Financial Consultant, of the Meridian Financial Company can help you navigate your future...for the WHAT IF in life.

Scenario:

PLANNING FOR A FAMILY
Samantha and Jerry are getting married.   They have decided to start a family together.   They are both in their mid 30’s with successful careers.   Samantha is an executive director for her company.   She earns $80,000 annually.   Jerry earns 45,000 as a contractor for an electrical company.   They currently reside in a city apartment.

Their decision to start a family has helped them enforce priorities regarding finances and managing risk.   They have decided to protect their income so they could maintain their lifestyle in the event that life’s challenges step-in while planning for their future family.

They’ve decided to get a financial adviser to help create a financial plan to keep them on course, to fulfill their dreams and goals of preparing for their future family, and to protect their income.

Samantha and Jerry are considering raising their children in the suburbs.
Unfortunately, Samantha was terminated from her job one week prior to knowing she is pregnant.   While in her third month she has been informed by her doctor to have bed rest throughout the entirety of her pregnancy due to internal complications.

Concerns:
The ‘What If’ has taken place in their lives.
Did the couple stay on course to protect their income for their dreams?
Did the couple purchase disability income and life insurance protection?
Did the couple follow the advice of their financial adviser?
Can they still run the course of fulfilling their personal financial dreams with this unexpected event?
The ’WHAT IF’ has taken place in the life Samantha and Jerry.
WHAT IF this happened to you...After all, IF is the center of LIFE.

Sharlene Jamison, Financial Consultant, can help you navigate your future for the WHAT IF in life, She offers securities through Cadaret Grant & Co, Member FINRA/SIPC, and is affiliated with The Meridian Financial Company,

The Meridian Financial Company
"Navigating The Future"
90 Lawrence Ave, Smithtown, NY, 11787
T-631-656-8198 - C- 917-670-5994
www.sharlenejamison.com
sjamison@ae.cadaretgrant.com

How to Follow Up After the Interview

How to Follow Up After the Interview
Nancy Molloy, CompliStaff
 www.complistaff.com 

The first interview with a new company went well.  What to do next?
Without question, following an interview you should send an individually addressed thank you note to all whom you met.  Until recently, this formal soul would have suggested a hand written note and while I continue to think this is a charming touch, I have warmed to the idea of an email note of thanks.  In fact, email is perfectly agreeable.

The tone of your thank you note should be professional.  The note (this is different from a letter, yes?) should be three and not more than four paragraphs.

You might begin with an expression of thanks for the time and the shared information.  Perhaps there was something unique you wish to address about the meeting or, you may even add a short paragraph if with reflection, you had more to say.  Did I say a short paragraph?  Yes, not more than four lines, please.
May I suggest that in the last paragraph you state your level of interest and ask about next steps.  You might write something such as “I continue to have an interest in xyz company and in the role we discussed.  I look forward to learning about next steps.”

As a closing salutation, you might consider:  Kindest regards, Best regards, With sincere thanks.  And for heaven’s sake, please sign off with your full name.  I might even be so bold as to include a contact phone number under my name to make contacting me easy.

Finally, please, please, please, spell check before you send.

Repeat after each round of interviews.

Please stay tuned to Gayle’s List as next month I will write about how to resign from your job and what’s up with counter offers.

Nancy Molloy
www.complistaff.com

Lessons Learned from a Brain Tumor

Lessons Learned from a Brain Tumor
by Karen Perry-Weinstat

In April 2012 I was as my desk working after having gone for an MRI due to chronic headaches I was experiencing.  It was the neurologist.  When he told me the test revealed that I had a large brain tumor, I laughed.  My first thought was, how ridiculous!  I don’t have time for this!  I’d recently been through two other major ordeals.  This was just too much!

I laughed all the way to his office the next morning for a pre-hours consultation accompanied by my husband.  Two days later, after the herculean efforts and incredible connections of my sister landed me an appointment with the top neurosurgeon for that type of tumor.  Two days after that, I had emergency surgery to relieve pressure in my brain due to blockage caused by the tumor.  Three weeks later, I submitted to an 8 hour procedure to remove the tumor, followed by weeks of in-patient rehab and home-based physical therapy tapering to office based physical therapy.  

The tumor, THANKFULLY, was benign.  It wasn’t exactly the type of tumor they’d diagnosed before the surgery.  My hospitalization and recovery were painful, humbling and slow.  NEVER be a patient unless it’s unavoidable!  

About 11 weeks post-surgery, for no apparent reason, my body stopped producing red blood cells.  So anemic that I fell over, banged my head and couldn’t move, I was taken by ambulance to the ER where they literally saved my life with emergency transfusions.  We think the episode was caused by surgical medication, but we were never really sure.  Five days later, I was released from the hospital to resume my tumor recovery.

Now, I am not a Pollyanna kind of person.  While my emotions run deep, I tend to present a formidable exterior that can be off-putting to some.  From previous life challenges, I’ve already been forced to learn, grow and to toughen up.  I’ve gone through many programs, workshops and seminars and have read many books to reinforce my resolve that life isn’t about what happens to you; it’s about who you are no matter what happens.

That said, from day one of the diagnosis, I tackled the problem head-on.  I went to the best surgeon at the best hospital in a top city where they were experienced with complicated surgeries.  I put my affairs in order and bravely donned my hospital gown and ridiculous shower-cap like headgear.  I did not focus on what was beyond my control.  I knew that after the surgery, it would be up to me to make the most of it, regardless what “it” was.  I firmly believed that I had too much at stake to expect or accept anything other than a full recovery.  Of course, I had no idea of whether or not this was reasonable.  But, being reasonable is not a good strategy when facing the unknown.  That type of thinking creates a smaller range of possibilities than does being unreasonable, or determined to achieve the outcome you desire.  My desire was to get my life back.  I love my life.  I've worked hard to get wherever it is that I am.  I was not willing to let that go.

My 25 year old daughter tells me that I was obnoxious in the in-patient rehab when they cheered me on for small accomplishments like putting a peg in a color-coded pegboard hole.  When I made it up and down the therapeutic stairs (a set of 6 steps with a handrail and traction flooring), they applauded.  I grimaced.  If that was “good,” I was screwed!  No, while I was pleased to note such accomplishments, they were just steps back to myself.  I made it clear to the therapists that I am a high functioning, active business owner and full-tilt person.  “Good” to me would be taking the NYC subway or hustling to and from meetings.  I wasn’t there to rest… I asked them to challenge me and I worked very hard to master each challenge.  My daughter said, “Do you think that they’ve never before had a high functioning person” in the neurological rehab unit of a major NYC hospital?  I responded… “I’m sure they have.  But I just want them to know that I have high expectations – for them and for me.”  How else would I be sure that I got the most from the rehab experience?

My story goes on and it’s now more than a year since my diagnosis.  I’m almost all the way back.  I do have some permanent nerve damage and pain on my right side.  This is under treatment and I live on medication that relieves it to some degree.  I’d rate my recovery at a 90-95% to-date.  I cannot yet do everything I could before the surgery, but I remain determined.  

Throughout the year people showed up for me in the most moving of ways.  

• My daughter dropped everything in her complicated life, returned to NY and attended to my every need in the hospital and later too.  She is me and I am she.  Our bond is resolute.

• My husband of 3+ years was by my side and a strong shoulder to lean on both around the surgery and every day for the past year plus.  I am so fortunate to have found him the second time around!

• My recently widowed 80 year old father moved from PA to NY to spend nearly three months as my caregiver, meal preparer and driver while I was incapacitated.  He is a unique man whose commitment to family is unparalleled.

• My sisters were there both physically and emotionally despite their busy lives.  I have the best sisters a woman could have.

• My friends visited, brought food, comfort and made me laugh both initially and in the longer haul.  I am moved by their loyalty.

• My staff resolved to keep our small business afloat and keep me insulated from any concerns.  I am so touched and proud of them.

My list goes on to doctors, therapists, colleagues, extended family and more.  I learned lessons of patience, humility, mortality, determination, loyalty, resolve, and so much more.

Through it all, however, I came through clear on who I am and how I choose to be.  Believe me, I had moments when I complained, cried, was grouchy and impatient.  But through it all, the unassailable “me” remained intact.  That, perhaps, has been my proudest accomplishment.  

Is Putting Others First Making You Fat?

Is Putting Others First Making You Fat?
by Eli Davidson

A woman in her twenties pulled me aside after I finished a speech for a corporate client. Lizelle was newly married and was nervous that with her demanding job she wouldn’t have the energy to have a child. Wait a minute here. She’s 26 years old and she is so tired she doesn’t know if she can have a baby? Startled by her own misplaced values, she knew that she needed to examine her choices.

Is your life a blur of activity? Are you on auto pilot saying “yes” to anyone that asks for a favor? A schedule that has you running from sun up to sundown puts you in a pressure cooker. You are zapping your zest if you forget to build in some you-time everyday. Remember, you are the Mayor of You-ville as I tell my coaching clients. Within your skin you are the only person who chooses what goes on inside you.

I am a cheerleader for contribution. There is nothing more fulfilling than sharing the connection of loving between You-ville, Me-ville and Us-ville. But, you need to take care of yourself before you can help take care of others. Healthy intimacy is a mix of giving and receiving. Remember, there no brownie points for neglecting your needs. “No” is not a cuss word. Even to the people you cherish. Before you bake brownies for someone else, have you fixed dinner for yourself? And hey, while you’re baking those brownies, make sure you put some aside for yourself.

Fab Not Flab

If health won’t make you take a bit of time for yourself, maybe vanity will. Stress makes you fat. Dr. Pamela Peeke says “Your body reads stress as time to be on alert, so it leaps into action. Your hypothalamus alerts your pituitary gland to send an ACTH molecule to the adrenal glands that releases cortisol, and other damaging stress-driven hormones. Your adrenal glands produce epinephrine, which increases your blood pressure and blood rushes to your arms and legs. These small triangular glands sitting above your kidneys are the ones in charge of stress. They are so important that you have two . . . just in case one backfires. When you experience a stressor, your adrenal glands pump your body with adrenaline, which increases your blood pressure, increases water retention, sends oxygen and glucose to your brain, heart, and arms and legs, and cause a host of other changes known as the fight-or-flight response.
Years of chronic activation of your fight-or-flight response wears that great body of yours down. And if your body thinks your internal energy refrigerator is empty, it is going to want some food to fill it up. Pronto. Dr. Peeke says that trying to replenish your adrenal reserves triggers mood swings and overeating. If you aren’t including some comfort time, overeating may become your quick fix.

What is the antidote?

1. Give yourself a few more minutes of slumber. Studies are showing that less than 8 hours of sleep contributes to weight gain and a slew of other problems.

2. Take a few little breaks during the day. Set a timer on your computer or phone that reminds you to take a break.  (And then take that break.)

3. No…is not a cuss word. Practice saying no 3 times a day.

4. Agree to call a friend before you agree to take on any other projects.

5. By giving yourself healthy boundaries you lessen your need for emotional eating.
Be fabulous,
Eli

Power Moves

Power Moves
by Maureen Berkner Boyt

Issue 3, bullets of Chapter 3 - Power Moves

1. Keep an accomplishments list or portfolio of your work that you can easily access to remind yourself what you are capable of.


2. If you’re in a position to hire or select vendors, understand that qualified women may not be stepping up. Seek out women you believe are qualified and ask them to consider applying or pursuing the work. Sometimes a nudge is all it takes.


3. Change your mindset from ‘already performing’ to ‘able to grow into’ when looking at potential opportunities.


4. Take requirements as suggestions. Go for that big client, pursue the promotion, ask for the stretch assignment.


5. Catch yourself when you find yourself short-­‐changing your abilities and questioning your qualifications and change your internal dialogue to, “I’m ready and I’m qualified.” If that’s not enough, think of a person you know that you are most shocked to find out has been very successful (I have a few stoners I knew in high school I think about in these situations) and remind yourself that if they can do it, you sure as hell can, too. Do the same for other women if you hear them down-­‐playing their work or abilities.

WHAT IF?

WHAT IF?
 by Sharlene Jamison

Most unexpected events take place....of course when we don't expect it....
What if you are experiencing a divorce in your late 50’s and early 60’s
Do you have a plan in place? Will you be able to maintain your standard of living?
Are you prepared for life's WHAT IF moments?

Preparing a plan can prepare you for the possible pitfalls that may affect your livelihood, the way you enjoy living.

Sharlene Jamison, Financial Consultant, of the Meridian Financial Company can help you navigate your future...for the WHAT IF in life.

Scenario:

STARTING ALL OVER IN THEIR PRIME YEARS

Maryann and Bobby are experiencing a divorce after thirty-five years of marriage.
Maryann never dreamed that she would be starting all over at age 57 after being married for 35 years to her husband Bobby age 59. They both decided to go their separate ways due to irreconcilable differences. They’re both seeking a new love, retirement strategy and wondering how to pick up the pieces in their lives without each other.

Maryann is a school teacher who planned to retire in two years, prior to this unexpected life event.  Bobby is a self employed carpenter, who has never contributed to a retirement plan, due to infrequent business dealings and no concerns for his financial future.

The couple never had children or owned property. They’ve been renting their apartment for years. Bobby maintained the up keep of their residence while looking for odd jobs to use his carpentry skills. They never purchased their own home due the lack of income Bobby brought in from his side jobs. They mainly lived on MaryAnn’s income over the years.  Bobby’s inconsistent income was considered bonus money for the couple who traveled occasionally during summer months.

The cost for the divorce proceedings placed Maryann in a position where she was forced to borrow against her 403B retirement fund to pay the attorney fees. They didn’t have a large savings account. MaryAnn soon to be ex-husband Bobby didn’t come to agreeable divorce terms. Even though there are no marital assets to split other than her 403B retirement account and her possible obligation to pay alimony to Bobby.

CONCERNS:

The ’WHAT IF’ has taken place in Maryann and Bobby’s world in their latter earning years!
Maryann plans to retire in two years has been disturbed…..
The ‘IF’ in life has taken place.

Can MaryAnn and Bobby get on track with their separate lives?

Will they be able to live apart with the reduced retirement account that has been split amongst both of them?
Will they outlive their financial resources? Do they have alternatives?
Can they find a solution to their problem to pick-up the pieces of their lives? Will they be able to retire?

The WHAT IF has taken place in their lives? WHAT IF this happened to you...After all IF is the center of LIFE.

Sharlene Jamison, Financial Consultant, can help you navigate your future...for the WHAT IF in life, She offers securities through Cadaret Grant & Co, Member FINRA/SIPC, and is affiliated with The Meridian Financial Company,
The Meridian Financial Company
"Navigating The Future"
90 Lawrence Ave, Smithtown, NY, 11787
T-631-656-8198 - C- 917-670-5994
www.sharlenejamison.com
sjamison@ae.cadaretgrant.com

Sharlene Jamison

Nonprofit Board Participation & Your Personal Brand by Karen Perry Weinstat

Nonprofit Board Participation & Your Personal Brand
by Karen Perry Weinstat

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, once said “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” That was his definition of personal branding: it’s how people perceive you. As with most things in life, it’s up to you to choose whether or not to take the bull by the horns and turn it in a direction to take you where you want to go.

The first step in this process is to define where that is.  Give some thought to who you really are – deep inside.  What do you stand for?  Care about?  What makes you unique?

Second, determine or clarify what you wish to achieve.  Strong family relationships?  Career success? Contributing to the greater good? Having a great social life?  Big or small, your wishes are your own.  There is no “right” or “wrong.”

Finally, the third step is to take action: position yourself realize your goals.  Engage in activities that show your intentions.  Remember – action speaks louder than words.  When you act with purpose, you create your path… Move forward with the end goal in mind.

There are many opportunities for purposeful action.  Nonprofits, in particular, offer many outlets to volunteer, and thus, do something useful while cultivating your brand.  These organizations intentionally recruit individuals with high level skills and a commitment to help guide their activities.

As you contribute, remember the first step in your self-branding process – determining who you really are.   When you surround yourself with like-minded people and take on a role to help move forward an important social cause or community service, your values and unique qualities are showcased.

You live your brand.  What do people say or think about you when you leave the room?  Responsible participation on a nonprofit board generates comments like:  “She is a great leader.”  “He helped us raise the funds we need to accomplish ….” “He is so committed!”  “She’s the type of (lawyer, banker, marketer, etc.) I’d hire.”  “I’d really like to get to know him/her better!”

That’s the kind of buzz that propels you forward.  Your personal brand is clear.  And your path to your goals is wide open, as well.

7 Collateral Marketing Items Every Small Business Needs

7 Collateral Marketing Items Every Small Business Needs
by Jacqueline Lawson

A lot of preparation time goes into a trip to a conference or trade show: business cards, check; brochures, check; updated bios, check; and more. Even a local networking event requires taking stock of your marketing collateral.  It is important that you give the best first impression; because, as the saying goes, the first impression is the lasting impression.

Additionally, there may come a time that you have to communicate information about your company to lots of different people, including employees, investors, existing and potential clients and the media. The success level of your company may depend in part upon how well you present that information.  Which is why it is important to have, current, accurate and fresh marketing collateral that best represents your company.

Every business should always have the following seven items on hand, ready to distribute either as hard copy handouts, or electronic copies.

1. Company fact sheet. Potential investors or employees, analysts and media people should be able to learn important facts about your business with a quick look at your fact sheet. A company fact sheet should include the following information:

• Date the company was founded
• Where it is headquartered and has affiliate offices
• Names and brief backgrounds of founders and upper-level management
• Contact information
• Brief mission statement

Download a Product Fact Sheet Template

2. Product fact sheets. Keep a fact sheet on file for each of your products or services. A product fact sheet should include the following:

• The product's function
• Distinctive features
• Comparison to similar products on the market
• Quality level
• Reliability
• Cost

Download a Company  Fact Sheet Template

3. Bios on founders and senior management. Make sure you have a bio on hand for each founding member of the company, every senior manager and each member of the board of directors. Bios should include the person's education, relevant experience, awards or honors, and publications that featured the team member or the team member's work.

Read How to Create a Bio

4. Mission statement. A mission statement can motivate and direct employees, subcontractors, and give new hires an idea of how your company works. You can also show the statement to potential investors, lenders or members of the media.

Read the Essentials for a Good Mission Statement

5. Company background. Whereas the company fact sheet essentially is just that--a list of facts--this document is written in paragraph form and should include more detail.

Company Profile Template

7. Press kit. When you open your business or launch a new product, consider sending out a press kit. Press kits also can come in handy if you decide to pitch your business at a trade show. Your kit should include the following elements:

• Folder with your company's logo
• Personalized letter pitching your company, product or service
• Company fact sheet
• Product fact sheet
• Press release
• Articles written about your company
• Business card
• Company background

Keeping an electronic copy saves from having to pay re-printing costs as company information changes.
Press Kit Template

8. Clip file.  Get into the habit of collecting and maintaining any articles written about your and your company, interviews, business profiles, and images you or someone else has taken at events.

Note: If you are thinking about mounting a PR blitz, here is a free Press Release service that has social media and monitoring tools.

For sending FREE Press Releases.

"Be Smarter than Your Phone!" Take a 1 question survey to tell us what you wish your iPad or Smartphone could do! ht.ly/mciQE

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Jacqueline Lawson is an African American expert, speaker and consultant for leveraging technology related to online collaboration tools, Samsung Galaxy, iPad, iPhone, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, business branding, web site and mobile application development.

Personal Media Consultant
Jacqueline Lawson
www.hotandmobile.com

jacquelie@hotandmobile.com
503.403.9157

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How to Prepare for an Interview

How to Prepare for an Interview
by Nancy Molloy

To make the best impression possible – and to reduce your own stress – research the company, the people you will be meeting and the job before your first interview. Knowing about the company will make you seem more interested in the job and increase your confidence. Use the company’s website and Google the company, hiring manager or any other topic likely to come up, based upon the job description.

Find out as much information as you can about the interviewer via the internet or LinkedIn. If you are meeting with human resources, you may anticipate questions about your career history to date, and other more general questions as to how and why you are at the crossroads you are.  If you are meeting with the hiring manager, the interview questions are likely to be more technical in nature and more process oriented.  To that end, you might quantify your successes as results will matter to the hiring manager. 

Thoroughly review the job description to ensure that you understand the qualifications and skills you will need to be successful on the job. Ask questions such as why the position is open and what the short and/or long-term goals of the position may be. This allows the hiring manager to speak towards results and provide insight as to her/his needs. Once you understand how you and the job fit into the plan, then you can talk about how your past experiences can help you to contribute to those goals.

Be authentic, and speak only about what you know.  It is okay to say, "I do not know but can research that and get back to you."  Then pause.  Please to not talk if you have nothing to add.  Some of us get nervous and even uncomfortable during silences in interviews.  It takes time to digest the conversation so hit pause and let the interviewer lead the interview.  Be sure to make eye contact and smile when appropriate, this will make you and the interviewer more at ease.

Dress for the occasion.  Be polite to everyone you encounter including the receptionist.  After the interview, write a good old-fashioned hand written thank you note; an email may work just the same, oh well.

Stay tuned to Gayle's List, Women to Be Heard, as next month I will write about how to follow up after the interview.

Business Networking through Nonprofit Committee Participation

by Karen Perry-Weinstat, Event Journal, Inc.

Business networking comes in many styles and formats.  Its goal is to establish a community of business colleagues with whom to share leads and contacts.  We’ve all heard the expression that  “people buy from people they trust.”  When you receive a warm referral from a trusted colleague or vendor, potential clients are much more receptive to doing business with you.

In the old days, people of privilege belonged to private and country clubs, exclusionary places where they mixed amongst themselves. In the 1990’s, upwardly mobile white collar professionals saw the merit of being well-connected and formed less restrictive groups.  The networking “boom” was born.  Lead generating, industry-protected groups blossomed.  Activities of business trade organizations proliferated.  Golfing on public courses became an outlet for those who didn’t or couldn’t join in the private club circuit.

Today, designated “networking” groups create new opportunities, emphasizing attendance at frequent meetings and regular appointments between formal group meetings.  Participants are encouraged to build relationships that go beyond the surface.  They form a business “family,” that often leads to opportunities to expand their circles and do business.  Despite the more open environment these groups offer, they are often restrictive in available openings, lead expectations and referral requirements.

Participation in trade organizations offers an opportunity to meet others in the same industry or profession.  This is a great outlet for professional development and networking with others of similar interests.  It’s also a perfect backdrop to make connections for future job opportunities.  What’s lacking, however, is the diversity of people with different skill sets and introductions to those with whom you might conduct business.

Volunteering as a committee member to support a charity for a fundraising event or a community initiative can be extremely meaningful.  An unexpected benefit is that you often get back far more than you give.  This can include both personal satisfaction and business opportunities.  Participants in such groups bond over shared goals, a commitment to a cause or enjoyment of the activity.  Relationships form over time and in a more natural environment than in designated networking groups or industry-specific organizations.

Participation on a committee can provide you with opportunities to grow and expand your leadership skills.  Committee sub-chairs and chair people emerge from the pool of volunteers.  For many, this offers a first chance at a leadership role and can provide the chance to build skills required for professional advancement.

The best kind of networking creates genuine relationships that endure over time and space.  Participation on a committee is a natural way to meet and work with others.  The qualities that people bring to a committee are the same as they bring to their business.  Reliable, knowledgeable and trustworthy people are most likely to be recommended.  For those who do not deliver on commitments or behave with integrity, committee participation can show their true colors and actually hurt their business.

Helping a charity by getting involved provides a warm network of like-minded individuals for business referrals and introductions.  Step up and give of your time and expertise without condition!  You’ll never regret it.

Working With Troubled Youths—Raising a VOICE of Hope for Others

By Angelica Harris Founder Excalibur Reading Program

      Rage is a horrible thing!  I am Human Activist/Author and Advocate Angelica Harris.  I am the survivor of domestic and sexual abuse.  A theatre and history major, I became addicted to legal amphetamines to lose weight. Due to being molested and nearly killed by my mentally ill mother, rage, anger and self-doubt ballooned me horribly.  Coming off the speed was hard and I sought out the illegal kind…Black Beauties and Street Reds—God only knows how I never was caught. It took a great high school teacher and his kindness to wean me off the drug   Writing poetry silenced the pain, as well as acting on a show called “Dark Shadows” and Off Broadway.

      Years later I was raped, I felt worthless. I married and had my own family and dealt with a seriously ill spouse and a son with special needs. I too have a daughter who thank God is not affected by disorders.  I began to realize through social workers and therapists, the impact that my abusers had because I always felt inadequate as a mother, wife, and person.

      During these years I began to write again, a gift lost in the mud of life, published 5 times and opened a non-for profit Excalibur Reading Program-a literacy and arts program, after my Excalibur book series. Later I wrote my memoir “Living With Rage-A Quest for Solace” my personal story.  I began networking and was invited to speak to organizations, and have been interviewed on radio and television.

      Through my Unicorn Project-Raven’s Hope I work, for the Queens District Attorney’s Second Chance program, I mentor youth offenders and with HOUR Children youths whose parents are incarcerated. . Within my center I tell them they are worth everything, and that I believe in them.

Rage is a horrible thing, but if we believe in the future of our youths, we can quell it and give hope and healing to others to go on to higher grounds.

The only thing more powerful than rage is…..a VOICE!

     

Most unexpected events take place- What IF?

by Sharlene Jamison

Most unexpected events take place....of course when we don't expect it....

What if you are a single parent, the only source of income in your household, and your raising three young Middle School kids

Do you have a plan in place to help send them to go to college? How are you protecting your dreams, in the event there is a job loss? Will you be able to maintain your standard of living?

Are you prepared for life's WHAT IF moments?

Preparing a plan can prepare you for the possible pitfalls that may affect your entire family way of living.

Sharlene Jamison, Financial Consultant, of the Meridian Financial Company can help you navigate your future...for the WHAT IF in life.

Scenario #1

Making Financial Plans During Our Glory Days…

Barbara has high hopes for her children. Although she didn’t attend college, she dreams about sending her children to college.

She was raised in a low income neighborhood and made some poor choices based on her environment. Nevertheless, she has always been a visionary for change. She owns her home and at age 45 a top producer in sales career, earning a high six figure income.

She has been employed by her company for a number of years. Unfortunately, the company has decided to downsize, firing a few employees and Barbara a single mother of three has been selected. Even though her performance and earning are at their peak this is an unexpected event.

Financial Concerns…

Did Barbara have a backup plan?

Did she save during her high income earning years?

Did she contribute to a college saving plan for her kids?

Did Barbara have a plan for this what If moment?

The WHAT IF has taken place in her life? WHAT IF that happened to you...After all IF is the center of LIFE.

Sharlene Jamison, Financial Consultant, can help you navigate your future...for the WHAT IF in life, She offers securities through Cadaret Grant & Co, Member FINRA/SIPC, and is affiliated with The Meridian Financial Company,

Are you practicing proper business etiquette?

by Jacqueline Lawson

Here are Five Proper Business Etiquette Tips:

1. Returning Phones Calls - Zig Zigler the motivational speaker said it best. “Isn’t it amazing on how much stuff we get done the day before vacation”. We all do the things we want to do and put off the things we do not want to do. Bottom line is this…..it is simply rude not to return a call. There are too many ways to make a telephone connection not to return a phone a call (Skype, Land Line, smartphone, flip phone, text message, VOIP).

2. Responding to Emails - Promptness is a must. I’m someone who gets an email and responds as soon as I am able to. I may even send a text message, just to acknowledge receipt and a timeframe of when I can respond in more detail. An excellent timeframe to respond is 12, no more than 24 hours from when you first looked at the emai

3. Respect Time - Respect your own time by being realistic in your plans for the day, week, month, and year. If you unintentionally don’t honor someone’s time, apologize profusely and work to amend the situation. When someone wants to meet or talk with you, make them give you a solid time and date. Do not allow people to pressure you to do something because they have an “emergency” or want to do something today.

4. Be One Time – It is good idea to plan your meeting time days before.  Know the travel route time, either by car or public transportation. Make sure you have gas in your car so you don’t have stop to make a purchase which takes from your travel time. Call or email the day before to confirm that the meeting is still on.  Lay out your outfit the night before, and try it on to make sure it fits!

5. Keep Promises – your reputation is your business, and your business is your reputation.  Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t make promises you know you can not keep. Give them what you promised what ever it is, you need to give them what they need, or there is no point in the promise.

Why ‘Baby Boomer’ Women Can’t Afford to Retire… Tips To Bounce Back and Bounce Better

by Eli Davidson

A shocking report in the Los Angeles Times showed that single Baby Boomer women are at the greatest risk of living in poverty. Why? This is due because of lower wages, more spending and only bringing in a single paycheck. Many of us Baby Boomer women have to dramatically downsize our lives as we grow older. Instead of basking in retirement, many of us cannot even mutter the word ‘retirement’ let alone think of it. Instead, many of us have to work three jobs to stay afloat. But why?

Boomers Spend, Baby, Spend

‘The American Dream’ portrays the idea that having more is equated with being more. The bigger the house, the bigger the car and the bigger the shoe collection is correlated with being higher on the socio-economic ladder.

Breadwinning Women?

In the past, many ‘Baby Boomer’ women in their relationships had no direct control of their finances. I know that I fell victim indirectly to this same feat. It was not that we did not care; we were just not educated in managing and budgeting our capitol. Many of us feel and act uncomfortable around the topic of money. We (and I found myself guilty of this in the past) wish that there was a man to come to the rescue and save the day.

What Rainy Day?

Hmmmm. What to do? Do you buy a new pair of Cheetah print Sling-backs or put an extra $100 in savings?  (My closet has the tell tale signs of my shoe addiction.) Instead of saving for retirement, Boomers have spent their lives ‘living in the now’. Unfortunately, many of us have not saved enough to support our lifestyle leaving us in debt.

Bounce Back and Bounce Better

Regardless of your age or situation, the time to take action is today! It’s NEVER too late. It has been gratifying to see that even if you have had a rocky financial road, you can make a change anytime you decide. Trust me, I know. I had $88,000 of corporate credit card debt as the result of losing my marriage and business the same year. In four years I paid off my debt and moved from a pool house to a lovely home.

As a mentor to women entrepreneurs, I encourage women to stand in their value.  It has been extremely rewarding to me to see women in their 60’s make successful career changes. You are never too old to take control of your life!

Tips:

* Get Real

If your financial goals and needs are fuzzy, you will never be able to get ahead. Take a month and track all of your expenses and your income. If credit cards have been a problem, take a month and just use cash for your expenses. It is astonishing how cash will wake you up. When it’s gone it’s gone. I have found it helpful to put cash in separate envelopes. Groceries, gas, entertainment, medical, etc.

* Write Down Your Goals

Seeing is believing. When you write down your goals, you are first acknowledging the situation, the first step to a turnaround. By putting your goals on paper, you are creating your plan of action and that you will achieve.

* Do Not Let Fear or Shame Stop You

Many women feel ashamed of being in tight financial situations. Remember there is strength in numbers, so take refuge with a friend. Many times, money problems are more strenuous and difficult to talk about than relationship problems. Step up and get out, seek the help you need. Just speaking to another woman can help you get back to enjoying your life.

* Get Help

Seeking financial assistance will help to alleviate the problem. By speaking to experts who are trained in this field of expertise, they will be able to give you hands on information and support to steer you in the right direction. As you reach out  will learn there are other ‘Boomers’ just like you dealing with the same issues.


You can bounce back!

Wonder Woman Is A Fraud

by Maureen Berkner Boyt

1.  Learn to be an effective delegator. This means setting everyone up for success. You need to be explicit about expectations of results, timelines, and levels of decision-making authority. Know that your team may do something differently than you would have, but that the end result is what is important.


2.  Share with your team that you have set a goal to be a better delegator and create a stronger team. Ask them to call you on it when they see you acting like Wonder Woman. Add an item to your team meeting agenda where the team will quickly grade your delegation effectiveness and give you suggestions for improvement.

3.  Use the power of questions to elicit the best from your team and family. Here are some good questions to start with: What do you think we should do? What ideas do you have? What do you think the next step should be? How would you handle it?


4.  Ask for help in your personal life. You should not be the only one taking care of the house, shopping etc. If your family is unwilling or inconsistently stepping up, get a new family. Joking! Pay someone. Your time is far too valuable to spend cleaning toilets. If you’re worried about the money, ask that this be the gift you get for your birthday and the holidays.

5.  Be kind to yourself. Guilt is self-limiting. There is always going  to be someone that you think ‘has it all together’ who is bringing a 3-tiered cake to your kid’s soccer game when you brought the pre-made Rice Krispie treats. You are doing the best you can, and it is enough. You’re the only one who compares and cares.

Temporary Staff, the Main Stream Alternative

by Nancy Molloy, Managing Director, CompliStaff, Inc.

Changing health insurance law effecting small businesses with just fifty employees is forcing hiring managers to seek taffing solutions that make sense in order to ensure peak productivity, growth and profits.

Temporary staffing, sometimes referred to as contingent staffing or contracting, is designed so that a manager can have more hands on deck whenever needed, with no expense or obligation beyond the term of the engagement.

Skilled temporary personnel are professionals just like you and me.  And today’s temps do everything from packing crates to running businesses; they are doctors and lawyers, they are CCO's and COO's as well as analysts and paralegals and auditors.

Temporary staffing offers flexibility for a line item that has traditionally been a fixed expense - personnel.  In the temporary staffing model you pay a fixed hourly rate excluding lunch hour and other time off and gain the skills and talent needed for only as long as needed, with no long-term commitment. And, you can staff up or staff down depending upon workload demand.

The staffing company is the employer of record and assumes all obligations with respect to payroll taxes including unemployment, worker’s compensation and healthcare, as required by law.

The opportunity to engage the skills you need, when you need, with no long-term commitment, is flexibility where it counts!  If you are not employing temporary staff as a staffing strategy, please do not delay or you risk losing an important competitive advantage.

Gayle’s List Shaking up the Way Women Do Business

Gayle’s List Shaking up the Way Women Do Business - Gayle's List is comprised of Women to Be Heard!  They are smart and will share important information needed for everyday life, business and personal.

Are you smart and want to be heard?   Contact me to find out how.  Be part of Gayle's List.....are you ready? 

gayle@gaylenaftaly.com for more information and to find out how to be included, what it takes and why!