Network as Broadly as Possible In my programs on networking, I stress the importance of diversifying your professional network. This includes expanding your network beyond your current industry. The first step in assembling your CHAMP network, after all, is to build a relationship with your customer. And customers almost always work in a different industry.…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. There are 7 billion altruistic reasons to be a mentor: one for each person on the planet. In case you’re not motivated by do-gooderism, I’ve compiled more than a dozen completely selfish reasons to sign up to be a mentor. Why Be a Mentor?…
Do You Aspire to Be a Leader? If you aspire to be a leader, you’re not alone. So many corporate employees aspire to leadership roles in their organizations. They seek out high-profile projects, promotions, and executive sponsors. To really stand out in a company, though, you need to stand for something other than your own…
Just last week, I announced that Lead at Any Level LLC has achieved national and regional recognition as a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). [blog post contains link to press release] This week, I’m pleased to be recognized by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) as a Certified Diverse Supplier / LGBT Business Enterprise®. I’ve…
I recently connected with Executive Coach Andre Boykin of Capital Idea. The first question he asked me was, “What are you creating in the world?” I loved the way he phrased the question. And I hope he doesn’t mind that I will be using it in the future. Later that day, I had an equally…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. In previous posts, I have explained the nature of unconscious bias and tips for breaking out of default thinking patterns. There is so much more you can do to change your perspective. If you’re ready for a new challenge, focus on changing your…
The old question for success was “What do you know?” In the information age, though, we all have access to Google. Knowledge has become a commodity and is taken for granted. What you should be asking yourself instead is “What can you do, and who do you know?” (Yes, I know it should be whom, but…
Age discrimination is gaining more attention in the media, as Baby Boomers’ influence in the workplace is dwindling. Millennials now comprise the largest segment of the workforce. Ask anyone over 50: it’s tough to compete with tech-savvy, confident 20-somethings who know how negotiate wages, benefits, and company culture. During several recent conversations within and around…
Follow these résumé tips if you want to: take on additional responsibility at work; compete for a promotion; apply to your first management job; change careers, companies, or industries; or
enter the job market for the first time or after an extended leave
Editor’s note: In an earlier post, I asserted that an internal customer is not really a customer. One of my readers, Emeka Nwonu, took issue with my statement, so I invited him to add his perspective for the blog. The article he submitted in response appears in its entirety below. On a personal note, I…
