by Solange Lopes | Jan 2, 2014 | Career |
Photo: wenb.org.uk
We wrote earlier about our 360 degree approach to networking, and right after hitting the “Publish” button, started asking ourselves why, despite all our emotional intelligence and social skills, women’s networks are still lagging behind…And this is especially true when it comes to Black and minority women’s networks. Although there certainly is an array of historical, as well as socio-economic reasons for this, there are also some popular myths and realities alike put there as to why women are less effective at networking than… their male counterparts, or just about everybody else for that matter:
- As women, we tend feel comfortable in our own circles. Hence, the “clicky” reputation we often have in the workplace, whether justified or not. Many of us are creatures of habit who thrive in familiar contexts. Yet, we also know how to rise to the challenge when needed, and although this popular view of women may be justified in some cases, in many others all that is needed is some unfamiliar, challenging situation coupled with a strong desire to produce results, and we may feel perfectly at ease in the most foreign of settings;
- As women, we don’t like to ask favors! Especially for us Black and minority women, in part due to our innate resilience born from a history of struggles, it can be hard to reach across the table and ask for assistance. It is well-known that “the worse a Black woman is doing, the better she looks.” And it is precisely because of this ingrown resilience and tough skin we’ve learned to live in, that we project this image that we have to admit, we also tend to live up to more often than not…just sayin’….
- As women, we are not too big on talking about ourselves! As much as we achieve in all the various areas of our lives, one particular area that we are not particularly good at displaying is the ability to talk about ourselves…in big, bold, bright terms, that is! Whether out of excessive humility, or out of sheer lack of appreciation for our own achievements, many times it comes easier to you to downplay our successes rather than showcasing our strengths and talents. And since a big part of networking is basically selling yourself (without looking like you are selling yourself), it often appears that we actually may be selling ourselves pretty short on this one….
Would you agree that women are perceived as being less effective at networking, and is this perception accurate?
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 2, 2014 | Career |
OPI Nail lacquer in Samoan Sand – Photo: opi.com
Nothing worse than a bad manicure to make you self-conscious and uncomfortable…Ever looked at another corporate sister, and wondered how in the world she keeps her manicure on point all the time? So for those days when you missed your nail appointment, or just would like a clean, sophisticated yet easy manicure, we’ve found THE perfect nail polish shade! It’s from OPI, is called Samoan Sand, and has one of the most impeccable finish and color! Many of us have tried it, and it matches a wide range of skin tones and shades as well! That’s our pick of the day, and it’s available for about $8 at most drugstores. Simple and classy…it’s the little things, right?
Seen a great product you’d like to share? Please email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
by Solange Lopes | Jan 2, 2014 | Career
Black woman networking – Photo: madamenoire.com
Our dear reader “The Girl” asked us about networking tips for the corporate sister, and in response to her question and just in time for a new year hopefully filled with great networking prospects, we’ve concocted our very own 360 degree approach to networking for the corporate sister. As corporate sisters faced with some unique challenges we encounter on a day-to-day basis, we’ve found that we also do need a tailored approach to networking. Not that the general networking wisdom is not enough, but we do believe that a little twist to conventional wisdom does not hurt…If anything, it might actually give us a competitive advantage by helping us capitalize on what makes us unique and building effective, long-lasting connections with our network:
- Every opportunity is a network opportunity! This is one of the most valuable lessons taught to us by many a corporate sister out there. Don’t wait for the right time, opportunity or setting to network. While the corporate jungle may be a hostile setting at times, it also rewards those who seize the moment! Stuck in an elevator with the big boss? Accidentally bumped into the CEO at the office holiday party? Or even in the process of washing your hands in the ladies’ room alongside the District Manager? Seize the opportunity and introduce yourself, right then and there. Forget about hierarchy, “political correctedness” or the fact that you’re having a not-so-good hair day. You don’t know when such an opportunity to network with someone who could potentially be influential to your career will present itself again, so just go for it!
- Every person is a networking opportunity! Gone are the days when you tried to get close to the bosses to work your way up the corporate ladder. In the era of lateral moves, corporate reorganizations and non-traditional careers (even within corporations), an increasing number of people within the organization may prove to be influential in your career. While these may certainly include your direct supervisors and managers, they also can (and should) include people in lateral departments of the organization who can provide information on other career avenues, place a word in for us, or even be informal mentors to our careers. Even outside of the organization, giant networks such as Linked In for instance also offer the opportunity to connect with a wide array of professionals in a wide array of fields and disciplines, each of which could possibly be an invaluable resource in our careers.
- What makes you YOU? I once asked a dear big corporate sister of mine what the REAL secret of successful networking is. When she responded “YOU”, I smiled and asked again “Seriously, what is it?”. Turns out, she was correct…Through our years in corporate, we start learning that cultivating yourself and your own unique talents is really what sets us apart from the crowd. It’s our competitive advantage! Whether it’s your ability to provide solutions to existing problems, or your talents at managing projects under pressure, or even the precious gift of bringing people and ideas together, one of the first questions to ask yourself when ready to network is this: “What makes me ME?”, and capitalize on your strengths to build strong connections.
- Reach out and build a connection! As we found out through our careers, professional networking is not easy! Neither is it for the faint of hearts. As profitable and even enjoyable as the process may turn out to be, it also requires quite a bit of time, investment and willingness to reach out and build our own networks. You will find that as some connections occur naturally throughout your career, others have to be initiated, worked on, and maintained with a certain amount of effort and consistency. And it’s up to us to reach across the table many a times, find some common ground and build up from there.
- Run with it! Last but not least, successful networking requires ongoing upkeep. It’s one thing to build a solid network, it’s another one to maintain it. Networks such as Linked In allow us to do so by being connected most of the time. Other more informal, traditional networks require more follow-up effort, and a genuine commitment to cultivate professional relationships in and outside of the corporate environment. So whether it is through a yearly holiday card, an occasional check-in email, or even just frequently updating your Linked In profile, once you’ve put out the time and effort to build these professional connections, run with it and keep them for life! You never know when you might receive a call for a great position or opportunity just because your holiday card reminded someone of how great a professional you are…
What are you thoughts on networking?
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 1, 2014 | Career
Photo: relationshipplaybook.com
Happy New Year! It’s the New Year, and our pre-holiday stress is slowly turning into a full-blown post-holiday rut. As if the entire weight of the year’s pressures, challenges, failures, and even victories were pressing harder and harder on us. And as much as we are all looking for a new start in 2014, both professionally and personally, there is this profound sense of much-needed change from the already established course of life we so need to get away from… Unless, of course, it involves some lavish lifestyle of vacations and farniente somewhere on a yacht in the Greek Islands…which for many of us, it doesn’t…So when the going gets tough and the tough have to get going, how do we manage to get out of this mental rut so we can start the New Year on a positive, uplifted and encouraging note?
Let Go of the Old…As comfortable as your old routine may be, and as long as you may have been doing the same thing over and over and over again, it can feel like clinging to the old is just so much easier. And indeed it is…Why explore other professional opportunities when your old, dead-end 9-to-5 is as comfortable as your favorite old pair of slippers? Why enroll in continuing education classes when you can just keep the same position and barely keep afloat? Yet if it only remotely starts to feel like the familiar is no longer enough, that your’re bored out of your brain cells, or that you’re no longer motivated or challenged, then it may be time to consider a new pair of slippers, or just letting go….
Let In The New…It could be as simple as changing your hair, writing your statement of purpose for the year, or even taking a different route to work in the morning! Allow for new elements in your daily routine, or change your daily routine altogether. The more you challenge yourself to do things differently, the more you will see things differently, and be motivated to make a change for the better. And even if this is just temporary, at least it would revv up your mental engines for a bit…
You have the right to put yourself first! Last but not least, this is the year to be selfish! Yes, it sounds bad, and no, it will not make you more popular with your friends. But it will save your sanity, give you more time to actually build a successful career, and help you avoid a skin breakout or two…So whether it’s making it to that kickboxing class you bought a Groupon for (I’m speaking for myself), or freeing up some time to take that certification, or even just spending some quality time with your partner while enjoying “Scandal”, you need to start prioritizing yourself! Not just so you can achieve more, but so you can just be all you can be…
Are you ready to get out of your post-holiday rut?
The Corporate Sister.
