Posted by Beverly on
November 25, 2011
Say No Without Feeling Guilty
Special Guest Post by Janice Russell, Productivity Strategist
Many people tell me that they don’t have enough time each day to complete the tasks they “need” to finish. While we all have 24 hours each day and there isn’t anything we can do to increase the number of hours, there are some techniques and tips which can help you increase the amount of usable time each day. One of the most underutilized techniques is using the word “no” effectively.
Do you frequently get asked to volunteer your time? Do friends and family continuously hound you for favors and to run errands? Take back your time and learn to say “no” without feeling guilty.
To get started, ask yourself if there are some activities which you “volunteered for” which you no longer enjoy. If the answer is “yes” then you have several options.
- First, plan an exit strategy for a current activity you wish to relinquish by deciding who to delegate it to and the date by which it will be delegated.
- Second, do not accept a new task unless you “delete” a current activity.
- Third and most important, next time someone asks you to do something say, “I need to check with my calendar/spouse, etc. Can I get back to you in a couple of days?” If they say “no”, state, “I am unable to give you an answer without consulting my schedule, so my answer is ‘no’.” Otherwise, check your calendar, family, and your own desires. If the answer is “no”, inform the person nicely but firmly, “I am unable to take on a new activity at this time, I wish you success in your endeavor.” Do not make excuses because it may give the other person an “in” to convince you to change your mind.
You will need to find words that work for you. But if you have statements ready when someone asks for your time, saying “no” will feel more natural.
Empower yourself to take control of your time!
Posted by Beverly on
November 7, 2011
Boomer Women on the Move and Making a Difference
Nearly 40 years after women first started pouring into the labor force–and trying to be more like men in every way, from wearing power suits to picking up golf clubs–new research is showing that men ought to be the ones doing more of the imitating. In fact, after years of analyzing what makes leaders most effective and figuring out who’s got the right stuff, management gurus now know how to boost the odds of getting a great executive: Hire a female.
That’s the essential finding of a growing number of comprehensive management studies conducted by consultants across the country for companies ranging from high-tech to manufacturing to consumer services. By and large, the studies show that women executives, when rated by their peers, underlings, and bosses, score higher than their male counterparts on a wide variety of measures–from producing high-quality work to goal-setting to
mentoring employees. Using elaborate performance evaluations of execs, researchers found that women got higher ratings than men on almost every skill measured.
But if women are so great, why aren’t more of them running the big companies? Thousands of talented women now graduate from business schools and hold substantive middle-management jobs at major corporations–that’s because most women get stuck in jobs that involve human resources or public relations–posts that rarely lead to the top. At the same time, female managers’ strengths have long been undervalued, and their contributions in the workplace have gone largely unnoticed and unrewarded. Companies are now saying they want the skills women typically bring to the job, but such rhetoric doesn’t always translate into reality. Some businesses view women only as workhorses, well-suited for demanding careers in middle management but not for prime jobs.
We here at Boomer Diva Nation recognize the obstacles women face—especially as she ages–and that’s why we have banded together to pool our resources and talents and support each other in our endeavors. We are women on the move and making a difference. Won’t you join us? Join BDN
Posted by Beverly on
December 14, 2010
Business Mentors Benefit Men More than Women
A mentor is good to have if you’re in business. But a new study suggests that a good business advocate is more likely to help men advance than women.
Overall, Catalyst researchers found, women in general are not “scaling the corporate ladder” in greater numbers. As whole, they’re stuck in a rut, so to speak.
The 2010 Catalyst census of women in business leadership roles found that women held only 15 percent of board seats and 14 percent of executive officer jobs.
Two years ago, a Catalyst survey of more than 4,000 full-time-employed men and women showed that women are paid $4,600 less in their first post-MBA jobs, occupy lower-level management positions, and have significantly less career satisfaction than their male counterparts with the same education. That’s also the case when we take into account factors such as their industry, prior work experience, aspirations, and whether they have children.
Ironically, more women than men reported having mentors. If that’s the case then how does one explain why aren’t they moving into higher management positions?
Posted by Beverly on
August 25, 2010
Networking Etiquette
Many new business owners are not certain of how to network at a social event not specifically designed for their businesses. The reality is every single event, social or otherwise, presents you with an opportunity to connect. This does not mean you should constantly be asking, “What can this person do for me?.” Instead, you should be looking for creative ways to connect and share for the mutual benefit of those around you. Try these tips to network at your friend’s party without appearing to be a “saleswoman.”
Acknowledge the Host
If this is not your party, don’t act as if it were. Whenever you meet someone new, always acknowledge your connection to the host and compliment the host for having you. This is a sign of humility and hospitality on your part. It is also a sign you did not attend this party with the sole intent of networking. Take time to enjoy food and friendship with everyone, including those you already know as friends, in addition to seeking new contacts.
Keep Business off the Table
Even when you are at a business dinner, it is only appropriate to start conversing about your business priorities after the main course has been served. During meals is not an appropriate time to attempt to network. Instead, save business conversation for cocktail hours or after meals have been served.
Ask Questions First
If you want to make a good impression on someone, ask about him or her instead of sharing too much about yourself. By asking questions, you are telling the person you find what he or she has to say of value. This is an immediate sign of respect to the other person, and founding a relationship on respect can get you off on the right foot. Once you ask questions, you may also open doors to unique parts of the individual’s interests, business or skills that can be an asset to your business. If you begin to talk about your business prior to learning if this individual has reason to be interested, you will both waste your time and turn off the other person. Instead, first learn if there is potential for networking.
Slow Down the Pitch
Once you make a connection with a prospective interested individual, the initial reaction may be to start unloading about the issue. The steps you took to build a conversation by asking questions can be quickly washed away if you begin to talk too much about your business and yourself. Instead, think about those points where you connected with the individual. Highlight your similarities on these key points, remembering to continue asking questions. If appropriate, even write down names or key information the individual continues to supply. This shows you are genuinely interested instead of just making conversation at a party.
Leave behind Information
The best way to network at a party is, as mentioned previously, to keep the business talking to a minimum. Find a few key points of interest to connect on that will spark future conversation between you and the individual you are networking with. This conversation can be had later with more time in a more appropriate setting. The key is to make sure you arrange to meet the individual at that time and place. This is where your business card, pamphlet or website address will be critical. Leave behind a means for the individual to find out more about you. At the same time, make sure you get contact information as well. Once the party is over, you are free to contact the individual you met in order to arrange a future meeting. At that point, neither the host of the party nor other party guests will feel you are choosing to do business at a social event.
