I just got hired at a global company and have been meeting many new people over the past month. I am getting invited to BBQ's,happy hours,and charity events. Normally I don't engage in these social work activities but I have learned over the years that the best way to get close to your co-workers is to be active in your company,even if it means on a social level. Bonding with your co-workers is great because let's face it, we work with these people everyday,and it is a good idea to establish a relationship on some level,especially if you are the newbie at your job.
Continue reading "Bond With Your Coworkers
Avoid Office Gossip." »
I was out with GG reader, Laura, last night. As entrepreneurs, we were talking about various ideas, along with a new concept brewing in my head that you'll find out about eventually. Towards the end of the night, Laura asked me about a new idea she had and whether or not she should invest the time and money to pursue it. Initially, I told her, and still agree, that pursuing what you enjoy is the most important. As I put more thought to her question this morning, I realized that many people that became successful in businesses didn't necessarily pursue the passion - they pursued the money.
Continue reading "When You Launch an Idea
Should It Match Your Passion?" »
A little more than a year ago, I reluctantly changed out of the sweatpants that I’d worn to class and got dressed in my only suit for my first post-college job interview. When I arrived at the office, I was greeted by a guy in a hoodie and flip flops. This “guy” is now one of my bosses and though our relationship has changed, the office dress code has not. Which is to say that there is no dress code and he still occasionally comes to work in sandals.
At first I was extremely enthused about the possibility of wearing whatever I wanted to work. But on the first Monday that I had to dress myself I realized that this was going to be much more complicated than I had imagined in my fantasies of coming to work in my pajamas. In addition to the anxiety about whether or not I could do the job well enough to not get fired before lunch, I now had to worry about whether or not I was dressed appropriately – and I had only the little bit of time I’d spent with them during my job interview to help me determine what “appropriate” was.
Perhaps some of you ladies find yourselves in a similar position. Your office has gone casual or has no dress code. Maybe (like me) you're the only woman in the office and have no one to look to as an example. Or maybe it's your first job and you're afraid that Casual Friday is a set-up for a Joan Rivers on the red carpet style judgment fest. In any case, I'd like to share a few tips for the casual office environment.
Continue reading "The Casual Office: What To Do When They Don't Tell You What to Wear" »
I often get asked, 'Do you sleep'? I also get asked, 'What motivates you?' On a sunny Saturday spring day in Chicago, I thought I'd answer these questions for you.
First, I do sleep. I get 6-7 hours a day and am up at 7 (including weekends), no matter what time I go to bed the night before. Back when I was working in corporate America, I'd be up at 6. I do watch TV, but do this moreso to rest my eyes. Even reading a book burns my eyes sometimes.
What motivates me? A whole heckuva lot, but the most important thing that motivates me is the wish to create my own path when it comes to work, family and enjoying life. What motivates you?
Continue reading "Putting in the Extra Hours When It's Nice Out
Pursuing Your Passion Takes Hard Work" »
Your truly and some other STELLAR women include our very own, Laura Roeder, will be speaking on various panel chats about online marketing. For starting your site, to the tools YOU need to use to push things along, this seminar is up your alley.
