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.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 31, 2013 | Career |
Photo: anntaylor.com
After rounding up our best career articles for 2013, now is the turn of our best fashion articles for 2013. Here is a roundup of the pieces we wrote that also inspired you, made you smile, or prompted some of your comments:
Thank you for reading us, and happy New Year!
by Solange Lopes | Dec 31, 2013 | Career |
In response to our reader Udeme’s comment about natural hairstyles for corporate sisters out there, we wanted to show a few of our favorite natural hairstyles for work (please also check out our post on the CURLS line). So here is a roundup of our best natural hairstyles for work (and sometimes even play) for 2013:
Wash-and-go
The Wash-and-Go: This is the easiest natural hairstyle by far, and if done well, can result in a beautiful, frizz-free style that can last for up to a week! Actually, to ensure that the style lasts, we like to add gel to the hair individual section by section. Our favorite gel is the Goddess Curls from the Curls line (available at Target for $7.99).
The Twist Out: This is the more sophisticated version of the wash-and-go, which involves braiding your hair in individual twists. While this may require a little more work than the wash-and-go, it also may look more “put-together” and less voluminous than its counterpart. Although I admit that I am too lazy to twist my hair out most of the time, I also have to say that when I actually take the time to do it, the result is pretty, practical and also can last me up to a a week! For some, it may require some practice to get the perfect twist-out, but in the end, it’s well worth it!
Loose curly ponytail – Photo: Hairstylesweekly.com
The Curly Ponytail: We love this version of the elegant ponytail! It’s classy and sassy all at once, and still allows for a great natural hairstyle. It’s also a great protective style, when the weather gets rainy or snowy outside, or when we just run out of styling options. For a sleek look, we recommend slicking your edges down with Curls’ passion fruit control paste (available at Target for $7.99).
The TWA – Photo: madamenoire.com
The TWA (or teeny weeny afro): For those who are transitioning to natural hair, have just had their “big chop”, or just decide to sport this short do because they can, it’s a great option for the most confident among corporate sisters. It’s definitely a distinctive look that will set you apart in a positive way, and will make your features and personality stand out. For an elegant and sophisticated look at work, keep your cut well maintained, accessorize with delicate yet pretty earrings, and statement necklaces. This cut will also allow you to showcase your face, so if you enjoy beautiful, yet tasteful, make-up, now is the time to get your brushes out! CEO of Xerox Ursula Burns (whom we featured on an earlier post) sports this natural style with such grace and authority that we just may give it a try this year…
Natural hairstyle – Photo: mahoganycurls.com
The Elegant Low Bun: Last but not least, the low bun is the ultimate, most protective and somewhat easy styling option for natural sisters. In the boardroom, meeting room, or at the work holiday party, the low bun stands out with its simplicity and classic elegance. It can be accessorized with nice clips or barrettes for an evening out, or just left alone for a serious yet sophisticated appearance. And needless to say, when you have about 5 minutes and a half to dedicate to your hair before that big Monday morning staff meeting, all you need is a couple of pins and elastics, and voila!
Do you have any suggestions of natural hairstyles for corporate sisters? Please post a comment, or email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 31, 2013 | Career |
Curly Hair Custom Cocktail it – Photo: curls.biz.com
We’ve been getting a lot of questions around natural hairstyles in the workplace in response to our article on why your natural hair may actually give your career a boost. In addition to our recommendation of the Carol’s Daughter haircare line for natural corporate sisters, we also are big fans of the Curls natural haircare line,! So much so that we use it for all our professional and casual hairstyles alike.
We particularly recommend the combo Curls Custom Cocktail Kit. It’s is not only great for your curly hair, but also allows for well-shaped, professional-looking curls without the messy frizz and “poofiness”. The great and fun thing about this custom it is that you can actually make it up yourself on the Curls website based on your curl type and hair needs. You can have your pick between the mimosa, martini, or colada selections for your unique curl type, and voila! Priced at $61.20, it’s a reasonable alternative to your weekly blowout, and a great investment in your natural hair. Plus you can save on all the products included in this kit, without having to pay for each product separately and individually. Pair this kit with the Curls Passion Fruit Control Paste for impeccable edges (available at Target for $7.99) and flawless hair styles year round!
Examples of hairstyles that come out great with this kit include easy wash-and-go’s, twist-outs, classy ponytails and elegant low buns. All these styles are great for work, and if like us, you don’t exactly have very much time to devote to your hair, these are purr-fect!
Check it out and let us know your thoughts…
Seen a great hair product for professional-looking, great hair? Please email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Dec 31, 2013 | Career |
Photo: www.theheartlinknetwork.com
Happy New Year! As we get ready to enter 2014, we would like to thank each and everyone of you for giving us a chance, and taking the time to stop by The Corporate Sister and read us. So we’ve rounded up our best career articles of 2013 for your reading pleasure:
Which were your favorite articles of 2013? Please share your thoughts with us….
The Corporate Sister.
