Organizations working on raising awareness of inclusiveness and why it is essential for businesses to survive are well served by advocacy programming. This is very true as it relates to organizations that are working to increase gender diversity at the leadership levels. One of the most important differences between men and women at senior levels of organizations is the … [Read more...]
Navigate Your Path to Success
I have always traveled quite a bit for business, and before every trip I would diligently print out my airline ticket, the rental car information, and directions from the airport to my destination. Often this meant trying to read Mapquest directions while driving on a highway or in the dark. It never worked well and thank goodness I’m still alive after several close … [Read more...]
Resolution Solution: Shop Your Soul
If you ever watch the staging or interior re-design shows on HGTV, the designers always suggest “shopping your home” for accessories or furniture to move from one room to create a whole new look or feeling in another room of your home. What they seem to be suggesting is that you don’t have to go shopping beyond the confines of your house for what you need—it was always … [Read more...]
Living Without the “K” On Your “_eyboard”
In the last few days, the letter I mentioned above is no longer functioning on my computer. And it’s so annoying and frustrating!! It’s amazing how we don’t give a second thought to the things we use on a daily basis. Yet, when they are no longer available we find ourselves in a tizzy! If I need to use that letter in a word, which does become an issue when I need to spell my … [Read more...]
How To Find “Hidden” Federal Contracts: Network
Do you monitor fedbizopps.gov and other websites that track potential federal contracts? Congratulations: you’re doing a great job…of finding 20% of all federal contracts. Some 80% of government contracts are never put up for bid, and if a contract is under a certain dollar amount, government agencies are under no obligation to issue a bid notice. (This is particularly true … [Read more...]
Building Your Brand “Buddy the Elf” Style – Part 1
If you have seen the delightful holiday movie Elf, you are familiar with the endearing qualities of child-like hope and wonder “Buddy the Elf” exudes among believers and non-believers. How endearing is your brand to your customers? What do you your customers believe and understand about your brand? Let’s use “Buddy the Elf” as an example for the four steps to brand building. … [Read more...]
Do You Have Success Amnesia?
This week I am presenting at a wonderful conference- Linkage Women in Leadership. This event is held in San Francisco each year. It is a high energy event for women in all stages of career development. The event draws very powerful keynote speakers and excellent breakout presenters. Many many years ago I came to this conference to learn about the advancement of women . The … [Read more...]
The “Knots” of Conflict
I recently had a call from a coaching client, Diane, who was beyond annoyed. She thought she had “this conflict thing” handled, in the bag, never to upset her ever again. She had done so much work on constructive ways to respond to those who pressed her buttons. She loved being in the safe stress zone at work. That was until last week. “What a bummer” she repeated over and … [Read more...]
How Would You Feel if You Lost $500,000?
How would you feel if you lost $500,000? $500,000 can buy a lot. Visualize what $500,000 could mean for you. One half million dollars is more than enough to buy a house. It’s a nice chunk of change to squirrel away in a retirement account that will yield you even more money. $500,000 can mean financial independence and security. I am asking you how you feel about … [Read more...]
Getting Beyond Unconscious Bias
We are all guilty of bias. It is part of being human. One of the issues facing women in business is continued stereotyping , unconscious bias and the unintended consequences that result. This is one of the most difficult issues organizations face when they are working on culture shifts that must take place if women are to participate on an even playing field. The most … [Read more...]