by Solange Lopes | Nov 24, 2017 | Career
Weekly News Roundup
Welcome to our weekly career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving here in the US!
- It’s Black Friday! Corporette shares its amazing Black Friday Sale alert for workwear;
- Speaking of Black Friday, check out The Corporate Sister’s Black Friday Sale;
- Forbes Woman shares how Mogul makes it possible for HR departments to fight sexual harassment;
- Ellevate Network shares that New York City spends $1 billion with majority-owned women businesses (MWBE);
- Business Insider shares 11 psychological tricks to save and spend less on Black Friday;
- Forbes reminds us that the HPV vaccination immunity is still going strong 10 years later;
- Ellevate Network lists 7 steps to personal brand building for women;
- The Daily Muse shares 10 awesome companies hiring now;
- Recruiter shares 11 steps to become a Linked In power user;
- Inc shares 7 corporate gift ideas that will make you unforgettable;
- Year-end performance review is getting close! Here’s how to ask for a promotion (and actually get it);
- The Indeed blog shares the best retail companies to work for in 2017;
- Fashionista shares 150+ Cyber Monday sales to put on the radar;
- Got Thanksgiving leftovers? Serious Eats shares Thanksgiving leftovers.
Cheers,
The Coporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 23, 2017 | Career
“Networking is the #1 unwritten rule of success in business” – Sallie Krawcheck
In the words of Sallie Krawcheck, networking is crucial to any career or business. However, as working women, it can be challenging to leverage this powerful career and business tool. One of the reasons for this is that for the longest time, women were left out of powerful networking circles and groups, run by the “old boys’ club”. As a result, we’ve had less access to information and environments to help us further our careers and/or businesses.
As a working woman myself, and an introvert at that, I’ve struggled with successfully networking for years. The very thought of it would make me cringe, while I felt that I lacked the appropriate approach to leverage the power of networking. What I’ve learnt from my mistakes and from other successful women who have also shared their journey to successful networking can be summarized in the below 10 principles:
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Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Preparation is crucial to networking! Make sure to own your message by preparing your elevator pitch ahead of time. Additionally, prepare a laundry list of discussion topics you can have handy when you meet new people. Don’t forget to do your networking due diligence by checking the logistics, the list of attendees and bringing your business cards.
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Craft the perfect elevator pitch for you
Your elevator pitch is the best way to market yourself and tell others about you in networking settings. Make sure it defines your professional identity (not just your title), your expertise, as well as what makes you unique and valuable.
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Make networking a daily habit
Don’t restrict networking to specific events. Instead, turn networking into a daily practice! Whether it’s in the elevator, in the hallway, or even at your local supermarket, remember that networking is simply the practice of building relationships.
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Establish your power network
Working your network also means establishing your power network, or having access to the “Who’s Who” in your industry or business network. You don’t have to be at the top of the food line to establish relationships with these power players. You can get connected to them by seeking mentors, joining professional associations and groups, or even in your day-to-day interactions.
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Learn to successfully network as an introvert
Networking as an introvert can be challenging. I know, as an introvert, it’s been a process for me. However, by being clear about your why, preparing ahead of time, and starting with a buddy or in women’s networking groups, you can increase your chances of being a successful networker.
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Don’t neglect following up after each networking event
The most important part of networking is actually the follow-up. Make sure to collect business cards or information to get in touch with the people you meet. Even better, you should build a networking database, and periodically keep in touch with your network.
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Refresh your network periodically
Don’t let your network grow stale. Instead, keep it active and updated by keeping in touch, attending regular networking events, and using your connections’ networks, for instance.
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Adopt the new networking approach for professional women
As professional women, we network differently, because our lives, schedules and entire approach to networking is different than men’s. And that’s ok. Using every opportunity to network, starting in women’s groups, and not shying away from social settings, can help us leverage our networking efforts for success.
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Capitalize on the 360-degree approach to networking
Make networking fully effective all around by adopting a 360-degree approach. Capitalize on every opportunity to network, while being bold enough to initiate connections and leveraging your uniqueness.
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Avoid these mistakes when networking
As working women, we may tend to feel too comfortable in our own circles, many times foregoing the opportunity to expand our networks. Additionally, our tendency to not want to brag, and to hesitate to ask for what we need, can keep us back when it comes to networking.
For more tips on networking like a girl, get my “Networking Like a Girl: How to Successfully Navigate the World of Networking as a Career and Business Woman”
What other tips would you add to this list?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 23, 2017 | Career
Asking for a promotion is a normal part of your career path. Unless you’re looking to progress in your career, you’re setting yourself back. However, asking for a promotion, whether at review time or at a time you deem most opportune, can be tricky.
I personally always dreaded the prospect of having to “do the ask”, as I used to call it. How do you introduce the topic? How do you ask without sounding overly greedy or ambitious? How do you hit the right note with your manager and actually score a win?
Here are a few tips to help you ask for a promotion (and actually get it):
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Craft your ask first!
Stepping into the negotiation room, any negotiation room, unprepared, is a surefire way to fail! Take the time to think about and craft your ask first. Why do you want this promotion? What have you done in the past year to actually deserve this promotion? Have you performed above and beyond what is expected of you? Have you demonstrated that you are actually ready to take on new responsibilities?
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Pick the right time
Picking the right time for a promotion request is as important as the ask itself. While there’s no perfect time to ask for a promotion, some times are better than others. Most people will ask for a promotion at the time of their annual performance review, as it is a normal time to discuss career advancement.
In addition, you also want to keep abreast of what’s going on within your company, team or department. When people are moving up the ranks or leaving the company, or in cases of mergers or company restructuring, there may be an opportunity to discuss opportunities to move up in your career.
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Negotiate well!
Part of asking for a promotion is also being ready to negotiate the salary you want. However, you shouldn’t discuss a salary number until you’ve been offered the promotion. When the topic arises, make sure to know your numbers and what salary is applicable to your new position.
Most women don’t negotiate their salary, at least not as much as men. Remember not to sell yourself short though. You can actually start at the top of the range applicable for you, as the negotiation process will even things out. Sources to help you with this include Payscale.com, and Glassdoor.com.
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Brag but don’t forget to give your boss some of the credit too
This is not the time to downplay your achievements. Don’t be afraid to list your accomplishments and even brag. However, be careful to strike a balanced note by attributing the credit to your manager for their leadership and guidance. A little flattery goes a long way, and is a smart way to channel your accomplishments.
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Make it about them
Don’t just make your request for a promotion about yourself and your needs. Yes, you need the money, the perks and the opportunities that come with the next level in your career. However, you want to make sure that you portray your promotion as something that will further the interests of your manager, team and department. How is your promotion is going to benefit your manager? What more will you bring to the team or department?
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Define your competitive advantage
Why should the promotion go to you and not somebody else? It’s important to define and outline your competitive advantage when requesting a promotion. What makes you so special and unique? In other words, what’s your superpower?
It doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering. It just has to be something that distinguishes you from the pool of other candidates. It may be a certain expertise or certification you have, some particular connections you have within and outside of the company, or even a project or vision you want to carry to fruition.
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Reiterate your commitment
Don’t forget to reiterate your commitment to the team and company as a whole. Your promotion is not all about you, it’s also about giving something back to your team and department. Always make sure to outline how committed you are to the growth and performance of your team.
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Have a strong close
Your request for a promotion has to leave your manager with something to think about and carefully ponder. Make sure to have a strong close, and summarize the main points of your ask. Repeat the benefits you can bring to the team, thank your manager for all their support and finish by outlining what makes you unique and the most qualified candidate.
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Follow up
If you get offered the promotion, great! However, if you don’t, make sure to follow up afterwards. Before leaving the meeting, even if you feel like it hasn’t been successful, ask your manager when is a good time to revisit the topic. Inquire about how you can improve your performance or acquire needed skills to get promoted in the future.
What other tips would you add to this list?
To your success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 22, 2017 | Make More Money
The holidays rhyme with parties and social gatherings, which also require the wardrobe to go with. For many of us, this means having to think of what to wear to this party, that event and that other social gathering. Which may or may not end up in yet another trip to the mall, spending non-budgeted money on non-planned expenses for fashion we may only use once, or twice, at best.
I know the feeling…As a career woman, and one who has a slight addiction to fashion (don’t judge me), I’ve found myself in this predicament one too many times. Here I was, roaming the get-together and oh, that New Year’s Eve bash too. Result: Christmas gifts budget expanded before said Christmas gifts bought. Which also translates in serious financial discussion with the hubby, and elaborate accounting schemes to cover the dire facts.
A few years ago though, on a fateful holiday season during which the family funds were being monitored more closely than usual (husbands do get smarter with time), I resigned myself to re-purposing my workwear into affordable, yet stylish holiday wear. Not only did I save some serious bucks (which I later re-purposed in after-holiday vintage shoe sales), but I also found some of the most elegant picks for holiday fashion.
Here are a few ways you can shop your own closet and re-purpose your workwear for the holidays:
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Re-engineer your LBD
Maggy Lace Crepe Sheath Dress – Photo credit: nordstrom.com
That LBD that feels like a second skin and looks like a fitting, elegant yet appropriate glove on you? It’s the perfect alternative when you have nothing to wear for the holiday party. All you have to do is merchandise with some serious bling, upgrade your make-up to fabulous levels, and add a show-stopping pair of heels, and voila! You now have a classy and chic party dress for any holiday occasion.
For instance, I like this Maggy London lace detail crepe sheath from Nordstrom, perfect for the office to the party.
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Use those work blazers
Rose-print Jacquard Blazer – Photo credit: whitehouseblackmarket.com
Don’t despise those work blazers aimlessly hanging in your closet! They’re the perfect companion to a fabulous party dress or skirt, and will add a classy touch to any party pants. Add a sparkly brooch and dazzling chandelier earrings for a perfect holiday look!
This rose-print jacquard blazer from White House Black Market is a powerful addition to any holiday outfit.
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Add some sexy to your black suit
That black suit you’ve worn to your best interviews? Dust it off and take it out on the town for the holidays. Pair it with a sexy yet chic silk camisole, some show-stopping jewelry, and a sleek pair of pointy heels, and you’ll be in holiday business in no time!
I love this simple yet chic tropical wool suit from Ann Taylor, that can be re-purposed over and over from work to party.
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Pull out that black pencil skirt
ASOS high-waisted pencil skirt – Photo credit: asos.com
Your classic black pencil skirt is begging to be recycled and paraded around town, so please oblige! Pair it with a silky blouse or delicate cashmere top for instant sophistication. Don’t forget to throw in some original tights, an original purse, and can we say fabulous!
I like this ASOS high-waisted thigh list pencil for its elegance mixed with a hint of sassiness.
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Put your black slacks to work
Nothing to wear? Think again…Those black slacks that are so comfortable can be comfortable and holiday-ready too. How about adding in a delicate lace top, some striking pumps and make it the supporting act of a fantastic holiday style?
These Alfani tummy-control slim leg pants from Macy’s are a great fashion choice for the holidays!
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Recycle that classic black pump
Kristin Cavallari Gisele pumps – Photo credit: zappos.com
Black pumps are the little secret of perfect holiday outfits. You can pair them with just about anything, from your favorite party dress to that holiday jumpsuit. No need to go shopping for expensive shoes you’ll only wear once (and will most likely murder your toes), when you can pull out those classic, chic work black pumps.
For instance, these Kristin Cavallari Gisele suede pumps from Zappos are both work and holiday-appropriate!
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Re-use your understated work jewelry
If you plan on increasing the bling factor in your holiday wardrobe, consider recycling your work jewelry. Nothing like elegant pearls or understated studs to offset a sparkly dress or top.
How else can you repurpose your workwear for the holidays?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 22, 2017 | Find Your Purpose |
What will people think? This question has single-handedly stopped many a destiny, aborted many a dream and reduced the lives of most to an existence well below their potential. For the longest time, it was also the crutch I kept leaning on to remain in my comfort zone. Caring about what people think, this disease that’s been passed on from generation to generation, especially among women, has destroyed careers, halted businesses and instilled doubts in the most promising futures. For the longest time, it was also the crutch I kept leaning on to remain in my comfort zone.
I grew up in Senegal, West Africa. Where I come from, you don’t just act how you want to act. You think about others, about the community first. It was that way back in the days because the community came first, before personal interests. As time went by though, this concern for the communal slowly turned into excessive care about appearances. And that’s the way it has become pretty much anywhere around the world, especially with the predominance of social media. It’s all about the way our lives, our work, our families, the arch of your brows or the shine of your highlighting powder, is going to appear to the world. What they’re going to think about you eating lobster on a Thursday night, or jet-setting in St Tropez on your last dime. How many likes or comments you’ll get, as a reflection of your own self-worth and validation.
At the age of social media, rented private jets and made up scenery for Instagram pics, not caring about what people think is close to achieving miracles. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve created countless memes and images around being free to do what we want and living life on our own terms. Yet, we seek approval on these same memes we post day in and day out. So what is one to do, to disentangle oneself from the prison of others’ opinions, without drifting into exile or shunning social media forever?
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Cultivate the fierce art of loving yourself
In a world where selfishness is being masked as loving ourselves, we’ve lost the art of real self-love. The ability to unconditionally hold ourselves in high esteem, without doubting our divine worth, assignment and purpose. Instead, we tend to allow the wind of circumstances and events to dictate who we are at any moment.
Stop second-guessing yourself, and start appreciating yourself, even as you make mistakes and are not as successful as you think you should be. Let your sense of worth dictate how you allow others to treat you, and the path you take in this life. And don’t let anyone else convince you otherwise.
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Practice going against the grain
Care is a muscle. The more you exert pressure on it, the stronger it will be. Practice going against others’ opinions to strengthen your resolve to stop caring about what people think. This is not about disagreeing with everyone about everything, but rather having the courage of your own convictions in a world that constantly demands that you conform.
Be your own person. Stand alone if you have to. Let go of the need to say yes, the urge to please and agree with others so you can be accepted. The more you have to seek acceptance within yourself, the more likely you will stop caring what people think of you.
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Spend time alone
The noise of other people’s opinions very often clouds our judgment. Energy is contagious, so are behaviors and opinions. By removing yourself from the noise around, it’s easier to make space for your own opinions and convictions.
Don’t be afraid to spend time alone. If anything, welcome it as an opportunity to explore your innermost thoughts and desires. The more grounded you get in who you truly are, the less likely it will be for you to succumb to others’ opinions.
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Detach yourself from the need to be liked
I used to have what I’d call the “disease to please”, this urge to be appreciated by everyone around me. In turn, I would jump through hoops and desperately try to cater to the needs, desires and whims of people around. While it wouldn’t make me happy, I’d still do it for the fleeting comfort of being liked.
Not everyone has to like you. As a matter of fact, many, if not most people, you meet, may not like you at all. And that’s ok. You have neither the time, nor the energy to cater to a gazillion friendships and other relationships. Take it as a blessing, which frees you up to build strong relationships with those who are meant to be in your life.
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Open yourself up to criticism
Unless you’re ready to be talked about and criticized, you’re not ready to be successful. What stands in the way of many people who can’t seem to achieve the success they crave is their refusal to be criticized. Unless you do absolutely nothing, you will be talked about, most of the time in rather unflattering terms. Which also means that you’re doing something that’s making people talk.
Don’t fear criticism. As a matter of fact, you should welcome and celebrate it as a sign that you’re making a difference. Keep in mind that not all criticism is negative. Learn from some of the most constructive remarks you get along the way, and use them as tools to continuously improve.
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Learn to master your emotions
The more you tend to care about what other people think, the more you maybe tempted to react emotionally in response. Having control over your emotions allows you to step away from the pressure of others’ opinions, and be able to look at yourself in a more objective way.
Understand that while your emotions are valid, they’re also fleeting. Emotions may be great indicators of where we stand at the moment, but they shouldn’t be trusted to be acted upon. Practice distancing yourself from your emotions, and not reacting to them, while still allowing yourself to feel.
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Be compassionate
Last but not least, having compassion for others is a great way not to feel threatened by their opinions about you. Understanding that most people don’t even like or appreciate themselves, and as such are incapable of liking you, helps put some perspective in this. Everyone is faced with their own journey, and has to tackle many a challenge to get there.
Be compassionate with the people who may judge you. They’re probably also judging themselves. What people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.
What other tips do you have to stop caring about what people think about you?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis
