TCS010: Girl Networking Power

TCS010: Girl Networking Power

TCS Podcast Episode 10Welcome to Episode #10 of the newly re-branded Corporate Sister Podcast! In this episode, we’re all about Girl Power Networking, or successful networking for busy working women! In a world where the perks of networking seem to be reserved to men, we as working women have to start claiming our spot in the room. It starts with leveraging the power of networking and successfully re-defining it in the context of our lives and work.

 

What you’ll learn/listen to/enjoy in this episode:

  • Why networking is the #1 unwritten rule of business
  • Why working women need to leverage networking
  • How to shift your mindset around networking
  • Tips to harness the power of networking as a working woman

Links:

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for tuning in and listening to this week’s episode! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please share it by using the social media at the bottom of this post!

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Thanks so much for your support!

 

Until next time,

The Corporate Sis.

Weekly News Roundup

Weekly News Roundup

Weekly News RoundupWelcome 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!

 

 

  • October 10th was World Mental Health Day. Evil Hr Lady advises us on how to work when depressed;
  • Want to start a singing career? Recruiting Blogs lists 6 steps to start;
  • Are you an introvert? So am I, and here are 7 tips to best network as an introvert;
  • Levo recounts an edifying account of microagressions from a Black woman in Finance;
  • Want to work less than 40 hours a week? Business Insider lists 16 high-paying jobs where you can just do that;
  • Forbes Woman shares 3 ways to differentiate yourself in your career;
  • Ellevate Network shares the side of female empowerment we’re not talking about;
  • A bad horrible workweek happens to all of us. Corporette tips us off on how to recover;
  • The Muse shares 4 inoffensive ways to say “No” at work;
  • This free Power Point template will help you ace every presentation, every time;
  • Negotiate much? Ellevate Network shares 5 negotiation mistakes that are tripping you up;
  • Making Sense of Cents shares 10 budget recipes and cheap easy meals you should try;
  • WhoWhatWear shares 22 gifts your co-workers will use;
  • Food 52 reveals the best time to drink coffee (and it’s not first thing in the am);

PS: Don’t forget to get your FREE list of 50 networking questions!

 

Cheers to the weekend!

 

RELAX.

Workwear: Cashmere Belted Sweater

Workwear: Cashmere Belted Sweater

Workwear: Cashmere Belted Sweater - Photo credit: anntaylor.com

Workwear: Cashmere Belted Sweater – Photo credit: anntaylor.com

Our Workwear feature presents various pieces of work-appropriate attire at different price ranges and sizes.

Ok, people, Fall is officially here and the chill in the air is here to remind us to get our sweaters ready. Hence our very Fall-ish workwear pick, this Ann Taylor cashmere belted sweater. The refined quality of this classic cashmere is perfectly paired with its very flattering silhouette. It’s available in yellow ochre and gold at Ann Taylor.

I also like this cashmere cold shoulder sweater, as well as this gorgeous wrap front number, also from Ann Taylor.

 

What pieces of workwear would you like us to feature? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!

This post contains affiliate links and The Corporate Sister may earn commissions for purchases through links in this post.  Thank you!

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sis.

7 Rules to Successfully Network as an Introvert

7 Rules to Successfully Network as an Introvert

7 Rules to Successfully Network as an IntrovertI’m an introvert. Which also means that the way I’m set up, crowded places filled with strangers and small talk don’t exactly agree with me. When it comes to networking, it seems the stage is open and reserved for extroverts. You know, those who can start small talk about just anything and look comfortable in pretty much any setting…Hence the reason why many introverts refrain from engaging in networking at all…

If you happen to be an introvert, and are not sure how to be more effective, and fulfilled when networking, here are 7 rules that will take your networking from blah to wow:

 

  1. Be clear about your why!

One of the biggest mistakes that I made was to network for the sake of networking. I wasn’t clear about my goals and why I really wanted to connect with a certain group of people. As it turns out, I wasn’t clear about my why!

Why are you attending this networking event? What are you hoping to get out of it? What connections are your hoping to make and why? What are you open to contributing to this event?

 

  1. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

Let’s be honest, I’ve had times when I failed to show up at networking events because I went to the wrong place. Or I would forget to bring my business cards, show up late, or spill wine on the host. With the exception of spilling wine on the host, some of these mistakes can easily be avoided with some advance planning.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare:

  • Locate where the networking event will be taking place (do a test drive to it if you can)
  • Make sure to bring your business cards and an extra name tag
  • Go over the list of attendees and tentatively pick at least 2 people you want to connect with
  • Brainstorm on a series of questions you can use in your conversations

 

  1. Start with women’s networking group

One of the things that really helped me when I decided to push my networking efforts forward was to attend women’s networking groups. Attending networking events with fellow working women can be more comfortable and feel more familiar at first. This is a good place to start practicing your networking skills and get over some of your initial fears. You’ll meet fellow working women like you who may be facing the same or similar obstacles you are.

While you may not want to limit yourself to women’s networking groups, these are a great start if you’re an introvert or just want to hone your networking skills. Organizations like Ellevate Network are great places to begin as well.

 

  1. Start with a buddy

It’s normal to dread stepping into unfamiliar territory, especially as an introvert. However, taking a buddy with you can relieve some of the pressure and make the whole experience fun!
Can you find a buddy or girlfriend who can tag along with you at networking events?

 

  1. Tap into your listening skills

Introverts have a natural ability to listen. When it comes to networking, it’s an invaluable skill. Learn to tap into your listening skills to learn as much as possible about the new connections you’re making and building a relationship with them.

 

  1. Take time out

As introverts, we can only handle a certain amount of socializing  time before we need to replenish our mental resources by spending some time alone. Don’t hesitate to take some time out during networking events, so you don’t end up drained and depleted.

This may be stepping out for a minute, or taking a short break to grab a drink.

 

  1. Challenge yourself

Challenge yourself to take your networking efforts to the next level. If you’ve attended one networking event this month, why not take it up a notch and attend two next month? Why not join that organization that you’ve been dreaming to be a part of?

The more you challenge yourself, the better you get!

What other tips would you add to this list?

 

To Your Success,

 

The Corporate Sis.

Workwear: Plaid Flounce Dress

Workwear: Plaid Flounce Dress

Workwear: Plaid Flounce Dress - Photo credit: loft.com

Workwear: Plaid Flounce Dress – Photo credit: loft.com

Our Workwear feature presents various pieces of work-appropriate attire at different price ranges and sizes.

Fall is the perfect season for plaid! I love this sweet and smart plaid knit flounce dress from Loft. The easy fit and flattering silhouette are perfect for work and beyond. It’s available in Black, and in sizes XXS to XXL at Loft. It’s $79.50 with an extra 30% off!

In a similar style, I also like this Vine flounce dress, also from Loft.

Plaid Flounce Dress.

What pieces of workwear would you like us to feature? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!

This post contains affiliate links and The Corporate Sister may earn commissions for purchases through links in this post.  Thank you!

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sis.

This app lets working women network safely

This app lets working women network safely

This app lets working women network safelyAs a working woman, how would you like to have a secure space for yourself and other fellow women to discuss your careers? What if you could bypass the rampant sexism, discrimination and good ol’ “Old Boys Club” that still very much exists in our businesses and organizations? What if you could call the shots when it comes to your network, and by extension, your career?

This is the simple, yet powerfully effective premise of Bumble’s latest app, Bumble Bizz. The Bumble app started as a dating platform geared at women, with a social networking side called Bumble BFF focused on female friendships. The product has now evolved into Bumble Bizz, a modernized take on professional networking for women. The concept is the same as the original dating app, whereby women are the ones to make the first move and initiate a professional connection. With over 20 million users, the app makes it easy and empowering for women to establish connections.

This app lets working women network safely

Bumble Bizz app - Photo credit: thebeehive.bumblebee.com

Bumble Bizz app – Photo credit: thebeehive.bumblebee.com

The Bumble Bizz app includes a safe photo verification device to confirm people’s identity. When you register on it, you will be able to set up your digital resume, as well as fill out your skills section and even provide work samples. It’s free and has been available in the US, Canada, France and the UK since the beginning of October 2017. It will be available on Google Play on October 18, 2017.

I personally love the concept, as it may very well help bring down many of the barriers and obstacles women face when it comes to networking. Society has unfortunately excluded many women from traditional networking avenues, which has definitely impacted our ability to grow and progress in our careers. With such apps as Bumble Bizz, working women can get re-acquainted and grow more comfortable with networking.

While I salute this innovative app, I also recognize that we mustn’t limit ourselves to networking solely among women. It’s important to also grow and extend our network as much as possible, while still reserving our right to nurture our own “Old Girls Club”.

 

What is your take on this? Do you agree that this is a great initiative?

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sis.

Weekly News Roundup

Weekly News Roundup

Weekly News RoundupWelcome 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!

 

 

RELAX.

 

Cheers to the weekend!

The Corporate Sis.