How do I jump-start my social media strategy to gain a board of directors seat this year? I get this question a lot, and recently, many people have been asking me for ideas that would help them get a better focus for a social media plan. Here are a few tips to help you get started: 1. Start your social media self-promotion plan in phases. Align your marketing to these four … [Read more...]
2 Pivotal Steps Women Must Take to Get Ahead in the Business World
While conducting a seminar for a major defense contractor in the 1980s (in a conference room connected to the executive dining room), I asked one of the executives, “Where is the ladies’ restroom?” “Uhh…there isn’t one,” he replied. Fast forward 30 years, and while I’m sure that company’s restroom situation has changed, the challenges women in the business world face are … [Read more...]
Queen Bees in the Workplace
There is no denying that there is a lack of women in the workplace, especially in industries such as IT, finance, construction and engineering. The stats vary from country to country, but nevertheless, the issue exists worldwide. This has an effect far greater than just on women’s careers. It affects men, women, businesses, and the economy because research shows that a more … [Read more...]
The Importance of Asking Questions Before You Join a Board
As a board consultant, I have heard a number of stories from first-time directors who gained a board seat only to discover troubling issues ‘after’ accepting the board position. The single most important task before you join a board is due diligence. Instead of merely examining the rewards of board service, a board candidate needs to explore both the risks and rewards. … [Read more...]
3 Ways For Women To Sound Like Leaders
I have been a voice expert helping professionals sound like leaders for 19 years. During that time, I have seen many well-intentioned articles, blog posts, books, television commentators, and radio hosts tackle the issue of the best way women should speak in the workplace. Let us stop for a moment of silence in praise of the women who have tried to follow all this advice. … [Read more...]
3 Critical Areas to Focus on Before Your First Board Meeting
Starting a new directorship means you may be confronted with a range of challenges. They might include getting to know a group of new people or an unknown culture. Since new directors lack a window to see into how a particular board works, here are few areas of focus to help create early success: Know the People Learn each director’s background and ask about their … [Read more...]
No Progress for Women in Business Says 2013 Census of Fortune 500
The results of the Catalyst 2013 Census of Fortune 500 Women Board Directors and 2013 Census of Fortune 500 Women Executive Officers and Top Earners were released this month along with a clear but disturbing message, "Still no progress after years of no progress." Ilene H. Lang, President and CEO of Catalyst, responded to the findings saying, “It’s hard to believe that at … [Read more...]
3 Advantages Women Supervisors Have Over Their Male Counterparts
Man vs. woman – it is an epic debate for the ages, and one that almost always sparks controversy and conversation. While it may seem sexist and even immature to state that all women are better company directors than all males, there is research to suggest that females do possess some traits and characteristics that make many of them more suitable for jobs in … [Read more...]
Lead by Numbers
I used to be petrified of failure, but being an entrepreneur cured me of that. I used to think that business owners knew some magical formula for success, but being an entrepreneur cured me of that too. The secret is in knowing that separation breeds indifference. When you aren’t close to your customers, you don’t care how they are treated. Or if you do care, you care too late … [Read more...]
Senator Urges SEC to Increase Diversity on Corporate Boards
In a letter sent today to Mary Jo White, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) urged the SEC to take steps to address the lack of representation of women and minorities on corporate boards. In his letter, Senator Casey cited several statistics from a recent Alliance Board for Diversity report to support his message, … [Read more...]