I was a bit of a late bloomer. I accepted my first "real job" five years after graduating from college. Sure, I made a living, but I bounced around jobs that, at least for my goals, were not career-track endeavors. Finally, I landed what I considered to be a “real job” – working for a law firm. Although I majored in advertising & marketing at Boston University, my lack … [Read more...]
5 Tips to Use the Power of ‘Why’ to Boost Employee Performance
What motivates you to work? While many leadership teams think the secret to boosting employee performance and job satisfaction is based solely on monetary rewards, team building events, training, awards, and a long list of other recognition tools, for most people, motivation lies in just one word -- why. Think of it this way. How many things do you do just because? You have … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why Changing Jobs For Better Earnings Is Not Wise
A typical professional life is incomplete without switching jobs. In fact, hopping from one job to another is rather common these days. Why? The reasons vary from one person to another. Some people want to get away from a nasty boss, some want to work on a better job profile, and then there are some who want to receive a fat paycheck by the end of the month. But do not … [Read more...]
3 Key Steps When Transitioning to Full Time Entrepreneur
Moving from a full-time job to becoming your own boss as an entrepreneur is both challenging and exciting. Here are three important things to keep in mind as you make the transition to ensure it's smooth and successful. 1. Soak up Information Corporate America has tons of information to offer. If you are working a 9 to 5 job with the intent to become an entrepreneur, be sure … [Read more...]
Ending Frustration At Work
There are a growing number of reasons why individuals can experience frustration at work. If you’re experiencing budget cuts, longer work hours, unclear organizational direction, or a cranky boss, you might find it difficult to stay positive. A lot of the situations you are facing have nothing to do with you, but you still are the recipient of the stress the situations are … [Read more...]
Set the Stage for Business Success in 2014
The second full workweek of 2014 is here, and if you haven’t put last year’s challenges behind you or taken the lead on 2013 to-do list holdovers (including past-due invoices), you’re f—d. Starting the new year in the red, mentally and financially, doesn’t necessarily spell failure, but it does conjure up feelings of being frustrated and frazzled—a frame of mind that … [Read more...]
Take your Small Business Back to School
I've always loved the Staples commercial in which a father runs through the aisles, filling his cart with school supplies; a scene set to the tune of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." This brilliant marketing is a great take on parenting, but also highlights the hate-to-love it excitement and promise of another academic year. As a kid, back to school season always … [Read more...]
Taking Pride in Your (small) Business
One of the things I cherish about womenonbusiness.com is the diverse group of women sharing information, insights and personal reflections. Many of you are running large companies, leading impactful initiatives, raising enormous amounts of money and creating innovative products and systems for doing business more effectively. Anyone visiting this site will quickly glean that … [Read more...]
Work or Play: Staying Motivated at the Office During Summer
Women who work from home have a different set of challenges than those who spend the hours of 9-5 (and then some) at the company office. Obviously, these women, too, have their own set of challenges, particularly if they have young children or are required to travel often for their jobs. Point being, it's often very hard for women to stay focused on the job under optimum … [Read more...]
Get Your (Business) Priorities Straight
Repeat after me: No. No. No. No. And no. Now, think about what your workweek would look like—and where your company might be today—if you'd used the word "no" a little more often. (Awkward silence.) I'm right there with you: The Ultimate Yes Woman. "Yes," because I have varied interests and a ridiculous amount of curiosity, and because I inherently like to be … [Read more...]