Archive for Businesswomen Interviews
Work for a Jerk?
Posted by: | CommentsAt one point or another, we have all worked for a jerk. Trending analysis, client feedback and underground communication clearly indicate that mismanaged employees and boundary violations are on the rise. Managing through tough times and poor leaders is often time more difficult than the work itself. Poor leadership can range from an immediate supervisor to poor HR leadership. Noone is exempt.
Taking charge of your career and disengaging from negative forces, including a jerk of a boss is within your reach. As a Career Strategist with an organic and practiced track record of problem solving, I am focusing this weeks blog on the employee relations aspect of managing poor leadership, self preservation and maintaining your sanity.
5 Strategies to Activate NOW
#1 Document…Document…Document
Venting is short lived whereas documenting is soothing, has long range positive effects and will set you up for a chronicle of events if you need to take legal action.. Hand write your discontent in a strategy journal. This is a journal specifically dedicated to you, your work, your accomplishments and your discontent. Keep it is a safe place and use it daily. Date, time stamp and openly journal details of what is occurring. Always be sure to credit yourself for one or two accomplishments per writing. When leadership is lacking, you need to start truly leading yourself. This means crediting your daily accomplishments and cheering for yourself!
#2 Keep the Personal Out of Professional
Remind yourself that you accepted your position to offer professional skills in lieu of pay. That is it! Nothing more! While it is a bonus if you make a friend or two in the workplace, your primary focus must be on your skills and honing them. If you have a jerk as a boss or a leader who leads you to feel uncomfortable, steer clear. You are under no obligation to take part. If you think you can out maneuver the person…perhaps you can but you will be far better served if you develop a strategy focusing on your accomplishments and becoming successful than trying to “play the game”.
#3 Remove Fear from your Vocabulary
There is a reason the famous quote “there is nothing to fear but fear itself” has stood the test of time. Use it. Get out from behind your fears and exercise your courage. This does not mean randomly acting out, but rather, put a plan in place on making your move to either sustain the existing workplace dysfunction OR exit the company. Planning your work and working your plan is powerful. Have dedicated hobbies outside of work. This will give you something positive and productive to look forward to and feed your focus on you.
#4 Stop living above your means NOW
If you cannot quit your job due to financial restraints, start cutting back on your luxury spending and live beneath your means. Start paying yourself first by banking as much as you can. Make a game out of stashing away extra money. You will gain power over yourself which will bring a heightened sense of confidence into the workplace. Your boss may be curious about seeing a change in your however, never needs to know why the change. Remember Rule #2??? Keep personal to yourself.
#5 Take Action.
If you have been spoken to inappropriately, asked to divulge personal information, felt emotionally violated to the point of crying or coerced to conform in what may be perceived as a borderline “touchy feely, cultish” environment, stand your ground and exercise your voice. The EEOC is always available to file charges especially if on the job allegations are not being dealt with. Environmental harassment is NEVER ok. Once you speak up, you are protected by the law from any further wrongdoing. Get Moving!
For more information: www.eeoc.gov.
Finally Get on TV with the Right Pitch
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s 2010 – Stop Procrastinating and Kick Your PR Plans into High Gear this Year
Getting in TV is one of the best ways of generating publicity that increases your brand awareness, your creditability as an expert, get more clients, and increases sales.
Yet, it is not easy if you don’t know how to craft a pitch that is tailored perfectly to meet the needs of the show.
Many business owners make the mistake of drafting the same pitch to various TV shows; however, that’s a no-no because no two TV shows are the same. Each pitch has to be tailored to match what the TV producers are looking for.
Furthermore, a TV pitch letter is very different from a press release. A press release generally announces news or a story that is newsworthy and it is specific toward a field. Press releases are generally sent to print publications such as magazines, newspapers, and online publications.
To draft a pitch that brings results, follow these steps:
1. When drafting your pitch, don’t make it salesy. Make it informative and entertaining. Know the TV’s market. Tell the producers how you are going to be able to help their audience. Don’t bore them with how great you are. Watch a couple segments to see what type of topics are covered. Are they looking for health experts? Are they interested in interviewing financial professionals? Does the show only book celebrities?
2. Do research and find out the correct contact person. Log onto the show’s website to see if they suggest any tips for how you can get on the show. Some shows urge you to contact to a producer while others use booking agents. Make sure you get the correct spelling of the producer’s name too.
3. Keep your pitch informative and entertaining. Don’t oversell yourself and your brand. Keep it personal and friendly. Deliver your message clearly and concisely. Keep it to the point.
3. In order to get booked on TV, you need to have the right marketing materials. You need to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Tell the TV producers why they should book you for a segment over someone else. Make yourself valuable.
4. When drafting a pitch, you must have an interesting hook or angle. You have to capture the producers’ attention with whatever you are trying to sell. Consider why people should listen to you over someone else. What can you offer that someone else can’t offer?
5. Tie your pitch into something that is current from the news.
6. Keep each pitch to one page. If you are the President of a financial company and you are interested getting on Bloomberg TV, CNBC, or CNN, your pitch should include a description of your company’s growth strategy and financial performance over the last twelve months as well as your strategy for economic survival in 2009. If you are the owner of a women’s clothing line or the Editor in Chief of a woman’s fashion publication and you are interested in getting on The Early Show to discuss spring and summer fashion trends, tailor your pitch to meet the news of that specific audience – (educated, sophisticated, female oriented).
7. Media etiquette is just as important as the pitch. You should feel comfortable talking with an interviewer in front of the camera. You have to be able to deliver your lines concisely with a flare of your personality.
National TV exposure can bring in huge sales and increase your creditability three-fold.
Essentially, drafting a TV pitch is similar to an audition, the more things you have in place, the more likely the producer will say yes to book you on the show. When you get on TV, most people will view you as an expert, or better a celebrity.
If you need assistance drafting your TV pitch, send an email to km@marquet-communications.com.
Healthcare and Women
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One of the most well-run and informative meetings I went to last year was the HBA conference in San Francisco. The Healthcare Businesswomen Association is a class act.
What impressed me was the juggling act done to show the strong side of women in a mostly male dominated industry, as well as the feminine side that we, as women, need to maintain for our own sanity.
The women who represented the major pharmaceutical and biotech companies were key players, with long resumes down to the newbies just starting out. There was a sense of “we’re all in it together”, a desire to mentor and an equal desire to learn from the “elders’.
At one point, I stood on the side watching the buffet lunch line take shape and loved the musical sounds of people connecting with each other. The male manager of the hotel happened to stop next to me and we had a brief conversation. I was curious, so I asked what was it like to be surrounded by 800 women? His answer was telling. He said there was something different than many past meetings he had witnessed. He was not sure he could name the difference. I urged him to give it a shot.
“Well, for one thing” he began tentatively, “these women seem to really like each other”. He stopped to analyze his statement. I prodded with “How can you tell?” and he continued, almost in a stream of consciousness, “not sure….I always see women as one upping each other…..looking at what they are wearing and talking about that or where they got the dress or shoes….these women…..they seem focused on wanting to make a difference ….I don’t mean to listen in, yet can’t help hearing them…..they are talking about not just healthcare in general…..they are really talking about how to make their work settings better for everyone…. I even stopped in yesterday morning and there was session about how to develop trust at work…. They were in small groups and they were really working the issue, not just giving it lip service….I thought about it last night, women are really making a difference in the workplace and somehow, I just saw the power of what they, you, all can bring to the table from a deeper perspective.”
He stopped, embarrassed and excused himself to check on the wait staff. I saw him later and he waved, still embarrassed by the amount of self disclosure. He made sure not to get too near, for I might ask another open-ended question that would get him going again.
I thought about this male perspective in a women’s conference. There were a few men in attendance, certainly no more than a dozen at most, and I hoped they had a similar experience. We have come a long way and we certainly are on the road for bringing trust into the work setting as well as compassion and a sense of camaraderie. As women, we excel at relationships and mentoring and we can be partners to help our male colleagues pay attention to and benefit from our natural abilities.
Leadership Partnership and Business Possibilities
Posted by: | CommentsClearing out the old to make way for the new is a wonderful practice as we enter a new year. This time, as we graduate into a new decade, the teen years of the century, we have an amazing opportunity to find a better balance and create a different kind of partnership between men and women.
I believe that female leaders in the work world can lead the way in positive and exciting ways. It struck me, and with pride, I acknowledged our successes to date. While we have a rocky road ahead, any transformation worth its weight means twists and turns and boulders to be confronted. Yet, if we stay centered with our eyes on the goal of male/female partnership, we can and will change the world for the better.
Here is what happened as I dove into some dusty, old boxes. I found a journal, like really old. One my daughter wrote as a teenager. I did call and ask permission to read before I sent it to her in San Francisco. I remember learning my lesson about snooping a long time ago!
She is now married with two children. After balancing work and kids, she made the decision to close her business and be a stay-at-home mom till they were “launched”. That meant two years at home and I believe it was in part a reaction to the fact that I never stopped my career when she and her sister were little.
She is now ready to re-enter the work force and is keeping all options open. That means changes on the home front. I have watched as she and her husband have negotiated the unavoidable – the car pools, doctor’s visits, and yes, even folding the laundry. It will get more intense, and so what!
Now back to her journal. What struck me was the tone of her teen writing. I was surprised that there was so much of the old model from my own adolescence. There was still a quality of letting the male take the lead, of waiting for the phone to ring, of obsessing over the extra few pounds.
That was twenty plus years ago. I asked her what has changed. She seems much more willing to say her piece, to stand her ground. Here is what she said, “The great things you and your female colleagues did to stand up against “second class citizenship” for women both at home and at work really did rub off. I don’t worry about my daughter growing up with limited choices. I do also want her to see parents who talk about what is fair. That is what was missing from your generation”.
I agree. We are entering a time when one key is adaptation. New models of what it means to be a female and what it means to be a male are emerging. How are we going to create the dialogues that will lead to integrated ways of working and playing together? Can football and beer survive? Can frilly clothing and spa days survive?
The other side of adaptation is resistance. How many Dr. Laura’s will be needed to beat down the intended changes? How must the media rethink its role in selling the old stereotypes? We need some educated discussions about “Mad Men” and what we can learn from those days. What my daughter said is what the world needs now, enhanced discussions about fairness and partnership as we all walk the rocky, winding road of this teen decade.
Interview with Prominent Skin care Expert and Make up Artist, Tayelor Kennedy
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Kristin: Tayelor: What is your line of business? What services do you offer? Where are you located?
Tayelor: I am a make-up artist and stylist. I service, Connecticut, New York, and Boston. I offer make-up application for brides, custom eyebrow shaping, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, custom blend foundation, and, powder, make-up bag makeover, and, cosmetic and fashion personal shopping. I currently work specifically with brides, bridesmaids, and with the mother of the bride and groom. I work with my clients to choose the right gown and make-up style that really reflects her core personality.
Kristin: Tayelor, working as a solopreneur is very interesting, especially working as a makeup artist. Why don’t you tell us about how you got involved in that line of work?
Tayelor: My interest of beauty began at home. My mother was the ultimate classic beauty. She was very adamant about skin and body care. She started me on the daily and nightly ritual of, cleansing, toning and moisturizing when I was about 10. And, I would sit and watch her dress for her nights out, watching with fascination as she applied her make-up with precision, which led me to attend Christin Valmy International in NYC to become an aesthetician. There were make-up classes included but, by then I was self taught and freelancing for various cosmetic lines.
Kristin: The female beauty market is saturated. What are you primary markets and how did you select them?
Tayelor: My primary market is brides. I choose to niche my business within the bridal industry because it’s fun, and I absolutely love dress-up! And this, is the ultimate dress-up. Seriously, being apart of making a woman look and feel like the queen she is on the most important, magical day of her life is just joyful.
Kristin: What marketing strategies have been most effective?
Tayelor: Thus far, the most effective strategies have been, word of mouth, social networking, blogging about wedding make-up and fashion trends, and being listed online where brides are seeking services.
Kristin: Being a small business owner is a very difficult, especially in this economy. How are you surviving?
Tayelor: I have a business plan and I follow it. Research the industry of interest, as well as the local and global competition. The next step is to implement the plan. Taking consistent daily action is key. What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs, especially those that are interested in working in the beauty industry? Attend the best school possible, take workshops, read, and continue to hone your craft. The beauty industry is very fast paced as consumers demand and expect artist to be well trained, highly skilled, and, very knowledgeable about not just choosing the best look and colors, consumers want to know about the products being applied to their face. They want to know what ingredients are in the products as well.
Kristin: What is your top goal for 2010?
Tayelor: To become known as the authority on bridal make-up, and, bridal fashion consulting.
Thank you so much for joining me Tayelor and best of luck in 2010.
Tayelor Kennnedy is an experienced skin care expert and make up artist in the Tri State area as well as Boston. She has written for various magazines and websites on all beauty related areas. Her areas of expertise are custom blends for brides and bridal parties, eye lash extensions and custom eye brown shaping. For more information, visit www.theeverythingbridalgirl.onsugar.com. Tayelor can be contacted at tayelorkennedy@yahoo.com.
Interview with Greeting Card and Accessory Designer, Part 2
Posted by: | CommentsPart 2, Interview with Karen Justice
Kristin: What inspired you to write your book “Barracuda in Bunny slippers”?
Karen: I wanted to help other people develop the courage to start over as I had experienced it myself, with building my company with impossible odds. We hear so many platitudes about positive thinking that they simply become annoying. I felt I had insight that could make positive thinking easier for others.
I’m happy to say I have received letters from people who’ve told me that I have helped them have the courage to make their dreams come true and that is very gratifying.
Kristin: Wild Jungle Chick designs are so playful and colorful. Where did this concept come from?
Karen: I evolved into a cartoonist while creating designs for Tigre Lis. My designs involved a cast of animal characters who developed personalities over time. What really caught my attention is that I received two separate letters from two health care workers who worked with Autistic patients and both reported that my characters got patients communicating. They wanted to know what my characters were thinking because they felt my work had a unique ability to communicate feelings.
This is when we hear our “angels” talking. I’ve learned to pay attention to these little nudges. Those letters really got me to look at how much I loved cartooning. It was what I really wanted to do with my life.
I live on a small barrier island on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. Florida is a unique place. It’s a great place for a cartoonist. You see every character in the world here. If they don’t live here, they’re here on vacation. The Florida Keys attracts them all. They have beach bars and gypsy chickens running down Duval Street. I decided to locate my card line here. The tropics are full of vibrant color, happiness, and sunshine
My main character is the Wild Jungle Chicken. She’s a middle aged, hormonally altered chicken with an attitude. She’s not going to take it any more - and by the way is not aging gracefully. Flashy Frog has reached the top of her” to do” list. He has all the pick up lines and is sure green goes with everything. One of his side kicks - a pig called Pudgy Pants, is also one of the public’s favorite margarita swilling swine. She’s a little plump and not in anyway apologetic. In fact, she knows she’s hot!
People are looking for gentle humor. There’s a lot of abrasive humor out there but my niche is those who are looking for a more loving approach.
“The lower the latitude the better the attitude… Laughter is an instant vacation and the shortest distance between two people is a smile. I like to pass them on” are my life’s mantras.
What do you consider to the hardest part of working for yourself? If you could go back and change one thing and one thing only, what would it be?
Navigating the current economy. There are a lot of small businesses in trouble out there. I’m lucky because my line uplifts the atmosphere and it’s what people look for in a down economy.
The one thing I would change would be to have started on this path a little sooner, but then maybe I wouldn’t have had the insights that make my characters funny.
Kristin: The road to successful self employment is long and bumpy, but so rewarding when you finally reach each goal. How did you keep your focus when things got bleak?
Karen: I didn’t have a choice. I’m not married. I haven’t really had any support structure.
What keeps me focused is an honest belief that anyone can do anything if you have tenacity - If you don’t let life beat you down. The success common denominator is the ability to keep on going on a given course when things get rough. And they will. That’s how we grow in life. We learn to overcome our obstacles.
I live on the beach. Walking on the beach keeps me focused. It’s hard to get too down if the waves are lapping at your toes. People might say, well that’s ok for you, you live at the beach, but I would reply – you can create your life the way you want it to be. I don’t live in an expensive place but it’s a colorful place. I chose to come here. I worked to come up with a life that would support that choice.
Kristin: What do define as success? What do you define as happiness?
Karen: Right livelihood comes from doing something that you believe in. A successful life can be a simple one but I feel it should include having the courage to take risks and go for what matters.
Happiness is being grateful for the good things that are a part of everyone’s life and taking the time to acknowledge that gratitude daily. It also includes stepping out of ourselves and with love in our hearts, taking the time to be of service to others. We can all be of service in some way. Just taking the time to smile at an old person at Wal-Mart can brighten that person’s day. It’s easy if we stop looking inwardly at our own problems and enjoy the world around us. They say all the world’s a stage. Instead of getting too wrapped up in the drama, I choose to smile at the comedy.
Kristin: Where do you see Wild Jungle Chick in 5 years? Other than Wild Jungle Chick, what else do you have planned?
Karen: I would like to be one of the top 5 greeting card companies. I’d also like to have my own cartoon strip. I’ve started writing some children’s books and a funny self help manual I’m calling “Channeling the Chicken.”
I’d also love to have one of the children’s books made into an animated piece. I’d like to have enough money and influence to have a significant impact on animal rights and conservation.
I hope to continue being a small part of making life a little happier.
For more information on the Wild Jungle Chick line, visit www.wildjunglechick.com
