tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1 2008-05-12T22:58:33Z Movable Type 3.31 tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1090 2008-05-12T20:59:20Z 2008-05-12T22:58:33Z

Much has been written and said by pundits, columnists, and bloggers on-air, in print and online in the last two weeks about Hillary Clinton's failure to nab her party's nomination and Katie Couric's failure to stop the drop in...

Tory Johnson Much has been written and said by pundits, columnists, and bloggers on-air, in print and online in the last two weeks about Hillary Clinton's failure to nab her party's nomination and Katie Couric's failure to stop the drop in ratings for her evening news broadcast. Some say these two were doomed from the start because Americans simply refuse to accept women in powerful positions that have always been held by men. Others say the Clinton and Couric defeats mean the road will be much tougher for other women; since these two were rejected, others won't even bother trying or support for future attempts will be lukewarm (at best) since backers will fear similar fates. Then there's a whole other school of thought. Many people -- and they're by no means limited to those who've taken a dislike to either Clinton or Couric -- don't believe these two carry the torch for all women. They don't buy into the idea that our country is rejecting women. Rather, they believe Hillary and Katie haven't been as successful as each had hoped because of their own mistakes and shortcomings. Not because of a rebuke of their gender. No matter how you slice it, both women have gone where no others had been before. They plowed through uncharted territory and for that they ought to be commended. We believe their challenges and triumphs will make it easier for more women to move ahead in areas that have long been dominated by men. We want to know your take. Tell us where you stand in the dialogue on the advancement of women in light of the experiences of these two. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1089 2008-05-12T15:56:37Z 2008-05-12T15:59:28Z

With the present economy and high gas prices, I’m grateful that my office is located a short walk from my bedroom. Yes, my workplace is in my home. In the past I’ve weighed in on some of the drawbacks of...

Fulltime Freelancer With the present economy and high gas prices, I’m grateful that my office is located a short walk from my bedroom. Yes, my workplace is in my home. In the past I’ve weighed in on some of the drawbacks of being a fulltime freelancer, but due to the situation where gas is becoming the cost of a luxury item, those drawbacks are lessening. The New York Times, reporter Clifford Krauss writes about how that option is also becoming strained. I recall the years when I worked in Manhattan when the jostled, cramped commute from Long Island grew tiresome. It’s difficult to imagine that it would be even more jostled and cramped now, but with the gas crunch, that’s exactly what has happened. This does not mean I don’t need to travel for my work. For the most part, though, it is a matter of running local errands to the post office and bank. Yet, this summer I have been invited to be Director of a Summer Writing Program in Old Forge, New York that meets weekly for six weeks. I’m looking forward to it, even though it will be over a five-hour drive back and forth to and from the Adirondacks. I’ve decided this weekly trek will somehow have to serve as my summer vacation. This for me confirms once again, as a freelancer, flexibility is often the key to success, even in this financially challenging time. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1088 2008-05-09T15:08:03Z 2008-05-09T15:09:13Z

Last week, I went to the funeral of a 49-year-old man named Jon. He waged a valiant fight against lung cancer for 14 months. (By the way, he never smoked.) When he was diagnosed, he was already in Stage 4...

Planet Mom Last week, I went to the funeral of a 49-year-old man named Jon. He waged a valiant fight against lung cancer for 14 months. (By the way, he never smoked.) When he was diagnosed, he was already in Stage 4 of the disease. But, he was determined to fight it and to beat it, for the sake of his three children and his wife. Last week, I went to the funeral of a 49-year-old man named Jon.  He waged a valiant fight against lung cancer for 14 months.  (By the way, he never smoked.)  When he was diagnosed, he was already in Stage 4 of the disease.  But, he was determined to fight it and to beat it, for the sake of his three children and his wife.     There are so many lessons to be learned from Jon.  For one thing, he never complained.  He went through brutal rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and yet, there was no self-pity.  When I think of how many times A DAY I complain and yes, feel sorry for myself, it's downright embarassing.    Jon never gave up hope.  He was an eternal optimist.  The last time I saw him, which was about three weeks before he died, he looked emaciated and needed help to go up a flight of stairs.  The last thing he said to me was, "I'm going to beat this."   And, I believe he thought he would.  How many times do all of us "throw in the towel" when faced with the slightest challenge?  How many plans have we abandoned because we hit a bump in the road?   Jon lived life to the fullest.  To hear his friends and family speak at his funeral, one got the picture of a man whose energy knew no bounds.  He traveled, he was innovative in his profession, he made sure to get to all of his kids' ball games.  He always lived as if he were on borrowed time, and unbeknownst to him, he was.  Perhaps the most important lesson to learn from Jon is that life is too short, so make the most of it. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1087 2008-05-08T19:28:21Z 2008-05-08T20:22:05Z

You know that co-worker that always looks fabulous, even on “casual Friday”? Do you catch yourself saying “if only I had her figure, I’d look great every day too!”? Chances are she has just as many issues with her figure...

Image Architect You know that co-worker that always looks fabulous, even on “casual Friday”? Do you catch yourself saying “if only I had her figure, I’d look great every day too!”? Chances are she has just as many issues with her figure as you do. The difference? She has learned somewhere in her life how to flatter and flaunt her figure rather than making it worse in an attempt to hide it. You know that co-worker that always looks fabulous, even on “casual Friday”? Do you catch yourself saying “if only I had her figure, I’d look great every day too!”? Chances are she has just as many issues with her figure as you do. The difference? She has learned somewhere in her life how to flatter and flaunt her figure rather than making it worse in an attempt to hide it. Some basic rules: 1. Never repeat a line that you consider a flaw. For example, if you have a “pointy” chin, avoid v-neck blouses or shirts. If you have a round face, avoid large round earrings or short necklaces that create a round circle. For long, thin faces, avoid long necklaces that produce an elongated line. With thin legs, avoid skirts with thin, vertical stripes, or even knife-pleat skirts. 2. Light colors stand out (look larger) and dark colors recede (look smaller). This basic premise can enable you to change the APPEARANCE of your body’s shape and size. For example, most women are larger on the bottom than on the top, so a black skirt worn with a white blouse or jacket will be more effective in creating a balanced figure than with the colors reversed. 3. A solid sweep of color elongates the body and slims it. The eye tends to take in the color in a sweep, without any distractions, and easily rests its gaze on the face. Whenever two different colors meet, the eye is drawn to investigate. Since the face is the focal point, the eye is usually drawn downward, so the sweeping effect is lost. Furthermore, you are cut in half, which inevitably makes you appear slightly less tall and less thin. 4. Big patterns imply big, but small patterns do not always suggest small. Simply put, large prints or patterns will give the impression that you are larger. However, depending upon your frame, a tiny floral print dress can suggest either a delicate frame or a delicate personality. The color and line of your garment may lend more weight than the size of the floral print. Generally speaking, petite women should stick to small patterns and prints, since large patterns can overwhelm; while large tiny patterns or prints may not be in keeping with a tall or large-framed woman. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1085 2008-05-07T14:35:27Z 2008-05-07T14:35:52Z

Why do we stay in bad situations? If you’re in a job where you are disgusted, angry or frustrated, then you know what I’m saying. Or maybe it hasn’t gotten that far yet. Perhaps you’re just tired, bored and feeling...

Career Changer Why do we stay in bad situations? If you’re in a job where you are disgusted, angry or frustrated, then you know what I’m saying. Or maybe it hasn’t gotten that far yet. Perhaps you’re just tired, bored and feeling like you could be doing something else with your life. Yes, I’ve been there plenty of times. There’s a point where you know you’re not happy, but you keep going through the motions because it’s easier than calling it quits. Why do we stay in bad situations? If you’re in a job where you are disgusted, angry or frustrated, then you know what I’m saying. Or maybe it hasn’t gotten that far yet. Perhaps you’re just tired, bored and feeling like you could be doing something else with your life. Yes, I’ve been there plenty of times. There’s a point where you know you’re not happy, but you keep going through the motions because it’s easier than calling it quits. We stay long past the time when we should’ve left, then we end up rationalizing why we’re staying. If we want to move on, then we have to prepare for it. In my last IT job I procrastinated about writing my resume. My new job was not going to just show up on my doorstep and knock on the door. I had to at least meet it halfway. Instead I tried to talk myself into staying because after all, it wasn’t that bad. I was getting paid. So what if the environment was negative and I felt stifled, was it really going to be different somewhere else? Sometimes we procrastinate because we aren’t ready to make a change. I had to let a few months pass before could complete my resume and start going on interviews. Even though I disliked by job, it was familiar. Strange how we can be unhappy with a situation and comfortable with it at the same time. I’ve done that enough to know that in the end, it’s not worth it. What I’ve learned (finally) is that it’s better to move towards something than to be running away from something. When you know when to leave, you get to decide where you are going. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1084 2008-05-06T17:10:31Z 2008-05-06T17:15:42Z

In October 2003, I got a call from my agent that Ladies Home Journal needed a makeup artist for a photo shoot in suburban Pennsylvania. I was very excited to get the call and readily said, “Yes”. I was so...

Magic Hands Ladies Home Journal needed a makeup artist for a photo shoot in suburban Pennsylvania. I was very excited to get the call and readily said, “Yes”. I was so excited to get a job for a major magazine. When I asked her what the shoot was going to be about, she told me it was for three widows of men who died in the 9/11 attacks. ]]> Ladies Home Journal needed a makeup artist for a photo shoot in suburban Pennsylvania. I was very excited to get the call and readily said, “Yes”. I was so excited to get a job for a major magazine. When I asked her what the shoot was going to be about, she told me it was for three widows of men who died in the 9/11 attacks. Immediately, all my joy of working for Ladies Home Journal left my heart. The women were building a memorial garden in Bucks County, Pa. and the article featured their stories, as well as the garden. Usually, when I go to a shoot, it’s a very happy occasion, and it’s fun and exciting. I knew there would be none of that this time. How could I get myself psyched to do makeup on these women, when all I could think about was 9/11 and the loss of life? The drive down to Pennsylvania took about an hour and a ½. I cried the entire drive down to Pennsylvania. I cried for these women. I cried for 9/11. I cried for New York and I cried for the state of the world. When I arrived, I gathered myself and tried to think positive thoughts. Upon meeting the 3 women, I noticed they were happy, gracious, and calm. Ok, so why was I the only one on the brink of tears? How did they remain so calm with a smile on their face as they were about to tell their 9/11 stories once again? Two years have passed, and my wounds were still bleeding, so their strength was unbelievable. As I did their hair and makeup, the writer was interviewing them. They never shed a tear and yet my glasses were fogging up. We went out to the future site of the garden, and it already felt like sacred ground. It was the hardest job I loved doing. I would have done it for free, just to be in their presence and learn how to cope with this tragedy. If they could do it, I surely could! Calm is the only word I can think of to describe the flow of the day. If they were crying, I know I would have easily broken down right along with them. They gave me such hope that it is possible to keep living in the face of despair. They were all examples of grace under fire, and that was a big lesson I needed to learn at the time. I never thought they would be my teachers. I’m sure they don’t remember me and never think of me, but I think of them all the time. Out of all the spa and makeup jobs I have done, the celebrities and T.V. shows, the job that will forever stand out to me, is 3 women standing in the middle of an empty field in Pennsylvania. I cried all the way home, but these were very different tears than the ones I cried driving to the shoot. These women are the faces of strength. These women are the faces of triumph. These women are the faces of America. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1083 2008-05-02T15:26:49Z 2008-05-02T15:27:39Z

I used to love watching Steffi Graf play tennis. She had an impeccable shot, a winner every time. The inside-out-forehand is hard to describe but essentially it's a fantastic shot in tennis. The opponent doesn't really see it coming and...

Vivacious Vicki I used to love watching Steffi Graf play tennis. She had an impeccable shot, a winner every time. The inside-out-forehand is hard to describe but essentially it's a fantastic shot in tennis. The opponent doesn't really see it coming and if you play your cards and positioning right to deliver the angled shot, well, you may just end up with a cross-court winner. As I interviewed sources for a piece last week on outsource-proofing your career I came upon an inside-out shot, a secret power play if you will, and simply have to share. I used to love watching Steffi Graf play tennis. She had an impeccable shot, a winner every time. The inside-out-forehand is hard to describe but essentially it's a fantastic shot in tennis. The opponent doesn't really see it coming and if you play your cards and positioning right to deliver the angled shot, well, you may just end up with a cross-court winner. As I interviewed sources for a piece last week on outsource-proofing your career I came upon an inside-out shot, a secret power play if you will, and simply have to share. I talked to a variety of people such as professors, career counselors, and people who have been there done that as to what to avoid and what to do to bolster your employmentability (ok, this is so not a word - my bad!). Let's go with job security instead. Sure, they gave me the obvious: network to make yourself more valuable. Earn another degree. Become indispensible by working with other departments and volunteering for task forces. Sure, we know at the end of the day we're all replaceable but we don't know is by bolstering our own shots we can pull them out of our pocket at any time. On our turf so it's going to be played to our advantage, not our "opponents" (insert word for employer here). Like the one source who, interestingly enough, was downsized THREE times. Despite this harsh fact and the uplifting way he said every opportunity after the downsizing ended up being better than his previous job, I wanted to find a hidden angle, an even better inspirational silver lining, an encouraging parting thought. Here's the kicker: he made himself so valuable that despite his job losses, people sought him out. He became so indispensible to himself instead of the fleeting employer. By attending industry events and becoming an expert in a niche field, well, he technically insourced himself. As the tables turned he noticed companies were outsourcing departments and hiring him as an expert. He started his own consulting biz and realized the knowledge just goes with you when you leave jobs and start new projects. The connections only build and get bigger and your reputation and referrals are priceless. As he mentioned jobs have been created for him all as a result of knowing people, it became crystal clear: while we aim for job security we need to always think of the bigger picture. By outsource-proofing our jobs to the best of our ability by becoming more recognizable, visible, and knowledgeable in our current jobs, essentially like Steffi's kickin' shot down the line, you become your best asset. Honing and practicing, working and networking, well, you can ultimately own it and turn the tables inside out. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1080 2008-05-01T15:56:46Z 2008-05-01T21:22:50Z

Here they come. Faster than you can say Pomp and Circumstance they will be teeming out of the hallowed academic halls of our nation's colleges and universities. It’s the class of 2008! They are fresh from commencement services, capped, gowned,...

Work in Progress Here they come. Faster than you can say Pomp and Circumstance they will be teeming out of the hallowed academic halls of our nation's colleges and universities. It’s the class of 2008! They are fresh from commencement services, capped, gowned, and tasseled, diplomas in hand and ready to face the real world. Unfortunately the real world seems to have a higher quotient of real as of late. As in REALLY scary economic forecast. As in “What am I REALLY supposed to do with my concentration in Medieval and Renaissance Literature?” As in “I guess I don’t REALLY mind moving back home with my parents.”]]> Here they come. Faster than you can say Pomp and Circumstance they will be teeming out of the hallowed academic halls of our nation's colleges and universities. It’s the class of 2008! They are fresh from commencement services, capped, gowned, and tasseled, diplomas in hand and ready to face the real world. Unfortunately the real world seems to have a higher quotient of real as of late. As in REALLY scary economic forecast. As in “What am I REALLY supposed to do with my concentration in Medieval and Renaissance Literature?” As in “I guess I don’t REALLY mind moving back home with my parents.” This year the usual springtime fare of graduation stories in the media about the hottest gifts for grads have been replaced with topics a bit less frivolous (bad news for the fountain pen industry and the publishers of Oh the Places You’ll Go) such as a little problem called...um... finding a job. Today the first item on the WSJ’s Career Journal homepage is entitled “Help Unwanted” about the drop in employment ads, and a few weeks ago they there was “For Class of '08, Scramble for Jobs.” When I read these headlines it is, as Yogi Berra put it, “like “déjà vu all over again.” As it was not so long ago(although now a little bit longer ago than I wish to admit) that I was a fresh faced grad armed only with an English degree heading out into an economy that was struggling and an unemployment rate that was soaring. And now dear reader, may I point your attention to Exhibit A. This picture of myself and two good friends was taken one night in the spring semester of our senior year of college. At that juncture not one of us had concrete post-college plans: an English major, a History major, and an Art History major. We are a veritable triumvirate of unemployability. I don’t know if you can tell(as I have shrunk the picture to minimize the glare off the very blond highlights I was sporting at the time), but the newspaper we are crouching in front of has a main headline that reads “College Graduates Will Face Dim Job Prospects.” Two things strike me when I look at this picture. 1. I really had no idea what I was in for at that point. 2. I wish someone had pointed out to me that as long as my eyebrows were black, my hair should not be blond. The truth was our prospects were less than stellar. Following graduation I lived at home. I did temp jobs. I got my heart set on positions that I didn’t get. And I drove my extremely patient parents nearly insane. I’ll never forget hitting send to apply to one job with an annual salary that I could never have afforded to live on only to immediately get an automatic reply from the employer that they had already received over 1,000 applicants for the job and would soon be in touch if they were interested. Needless to say, I didn’t hold my breath. Eventually I found that job searching requires striking a balance between focusing in on what you want and keeping an open mind about what you will consider . I knew I wanted to do marketing. And I ended up doing marketing… in the healthcare industry, not an area in which I was particularly interested. But, just the same I got the knowledge and acquired the skills(and the corresponding bullet points on my resume) that I needed so that I eventually I found a job marketing in an industry that did interest me. And in the reverse situation, I had a friend who took a marketing job at a company she liked even though she had an inkling she really wanted to do graphic design. She took classes at night and built her portfolio while meanwhile doing a great job at her day job as a marketer. And when a design position became available within the company, she applied and got it. My initial instinct was that I should get a safe job within a big company that had a midtown address and a name everyone would recognize at cocktail parties and family gatherings. But in the end I went with a smaller, younger company than I envisioned. And it was the best decision I could have made. I didn’t make a copy or get anyone but myself a single cup of coffee in my first year. But I did get great experience and plenty of opportunity to learn all sorts of new things. In her article on job hopping for the Boston Globe, Penelope Strunk suggests a similar strategy of taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves as a path to the job you want. She writes: “Tech is hot. Healthcare is hot. And you don't need to be a software developer or changer of bed pans. In fact, any tech company or healthcare company needs sales people and marketing people, and accountants, and all the other types of people who could, possibly, get stuck in an underperforming company, but clearly have the ability to change sectors without dumping their expertise.” She also addresses the idea that what you think is the ideal job for you, might not actually be. So, while I know from my experience that job hunting in a troubled economy is certainly no picnic, I also know that the '08ers are up to the challenge. It’s not likely that anyone is going to hand over a dream job to go along with that diploma in a good or bad economy. But I found, as I am sure these graduates will find that what you think is your dream job and what it actually turns out to be might be quite different, and you’ll never know unless you try. Or as our favorite Dr. put it: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1079 2008-04-30T14:52:47Z 2008-04-30T15:47:44Z

Recently, my business partner and I were invited to be part of a women's conference at our alma mater. We were on the panel for the discussion called "Discover your Inner Entrepreneur." It was a nice surprise to discover that...

Planet Mom Recently, my business partner and I were invited to be part of a women's conference at our alma mater. We were on the panel for the discussion called "Discover your Inner Entrepreneur." It was a nice surprise to discover that 1. I haven't completely lost my memory, as I recognized a lot of alumni in the audience and 2. that there are many women out there who are thinking about starting their own businesses. New York Times about a woman who was starting a t-shirt business geared toward moms (sound familiar?). She started out by having 1,200 shirts made to sell via her Web site. That's one way to get started-- dive in, head first. But that takes a certain amount of capital. Here's what my partner and I did, and it certainly limited our financial risk. We first came up with half a dozen lines to embroider on t-shirts for moms: "I need a playdate", "Trophy Wife", "Secretary of Transportation", "Nanny Deprived", "Chicken Nuggets or Pizza?" and "Whine? No. Wine? Yes." Next, we had 12 prototypes made-- six shirts for each of us. Then, we started wearing the shirts around our towns: at soccer games, book club, and out to dinner, in order to gauge the reaction. In other words, we used our communities as focus groups. The response was amazing. Even strangers would stop us to comment on our shirts and share a laugh about it. We then amassed a small inventory-- 150 shirts-- and sold them out of the backs of our cars. In a month's time, we had run out of shirts! (And also began feeling a little too much like Willy Loman.) Inspired by the quick sales and great reaction, we decided to create a Web site, www.PlanetMomTShirts.com , in order to sell our apparel. At first, we had the shirts embroidered to order, instead of stocking up on a big inventory. Although we knew that locally our shirts were well received, we didn't know about the rest of the country. As we received more and more publicity, word got out, and the orders kept coming. It was only then that we invested the money we had already made in an inventory. There's an important reason why you should limit your financial risk when starting a business. According to that New York Times article, 80 percent of start-up businesses fail within the first two years. Happily, Planet Mom turned 3 years old last week. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1078 2008-04-28T22:33:04Z 2008-04-28T23:04:23Z

Smoke Screening In 21 states, not hiring people who smoke is perfectly legal. At Whirlpool Corp. in Evansville, Ind., 39 factory workers, all who had claimed they were non-smokers to get a $500 discount on their company health insurance, were...

Tory Johnson Smoke Screening In 21 states, not hiring people who smoke is perfectly legal. At Whirlpool Corp. in Evansville, Ind., 39 factory workers, all who had claimed they were non-smokers to get a $500 discount on their company health insurance, were suspended without pay after they were seen smoking outside their factory. Corporations say this is all about stopping the bleeding, since health care costs are soaring at twice the rate of inflation. But this kind of corporate interference in personal lives is raising all kinds of questions about how much information your employer has the right to know. Critics say this kind of personal interference has gone too far. They question what’s next: If you skip the sunscreen, should you be held responsible for paying the bills if you develop skin cancer? If you eat gooey candy, should you be held responsible for the dental bill when your teeth need work? On the contrary, supporters say everyone must pay the price for rising health care costs. Those with habits or lifestyles that contribute to poor health should be required to pay more. We want you to weigh in. Well, not literally. (Though don’t be surprised if your employer requires you to hop on the scale.) Tell us your thoughts on an employer’s right to know what happens outside of work. IS IT PAYBACK TIME FOR EMPLOYERS? Lilly Ledbetter was a supervisor at a Goodyear Tire plant in Gadsden, Ala., for almost 20 years. When she neared retirement, she got an anonymous letters listing the salaries of men with the same job. While she was making $3,727 a month, the lowest paid man was getting $4,286. Goodyear declined Ledbetter’s offer to settle for the difference between her earnings and that lowest-paid man’s — about $60,000. A jury awarded her $223,776 in back pay and more than $3 million in punitive damages. Goodyear appealed and the Supreme Court ruled 5-to-4 against Ledbetter, saying that she should have filed her suit within 180 days of receiving her first paycheck in which Goodyear discriminated against her. Problem was she didn’t know the information at that time. A bill before the Senate last week stipulated that every time a woman like Ledbetter got a check that was lower than those of the men doing the same job, it would trigger a new 180-day deadline. Sponsors needed 60 votes to get it passed, but they only got 56. “I would never have believed this in the United States of America,” said Ledbetter, 70, who watched from the Senate gallery. Opponents claim such a law would bring too many claims against employers, which would flood the courts. Some supporters wonder if the fear of such suits would prompt equal pay for equal work regardless of gender. Share your take. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1077 2008-04-28T14:39:36Z 2008-04-30T18:34:49Z

Today guest blogger Amanda Donikowski weighs in on Dainica Patrick's recent landmark racing victory: Sunday, April 20th marked a huge success for women in sports. Danica Patrick, Indy-car's competitive racing front woman, made history when she became the first woman...

News Today guest blogger Amanda Donikowski weighs in on Dainica Patrick's recent landmark racing victory: Sunday, April 20th marked a huge success for women in sports. Danica Patrick, Indy-car's competitive racing front woman, made history when she became the first woman to win an Indy-car race. Patrick has been fighting the male-dominated world of racing for over three years now. She's been taking the heat for not being victorious after coming so close to winning many races. Her "fellow" racers feel that auto racing is a man's sport. Dealing with these kinds of sexist remarks has become part of her every day life, but she doesn't let it affect her. Instead she uses the comments to fuel her desire to win and challenge her to make it happen. Sunday, April 20th marked a huge success for women in sports. Danica Patrick, Indy-car's competitive racing front woman, made history when she became the first woman to win an Indy-car race. Patrick has been fighting the male-dominated world of racing for over three years now. She's been taking the heat for not being victorious after coming so close to winning many races. Her "fellow" racers feel that auto racing is a man's sport. Dealing with these kinds of sexist remarks has become part of her every day life, but she doesn't let it affect her. Instead she uses the comments to fuel her desire to win and challenge her to make it happen. Richard Petty once stated in an interview, "I just don't think it's a sport for women, and so far, it's proved out. It's really not. It's good for them to come in. It gives us a lot of publicity, it gives them publicity. But as far as being a real true racer, making a living out of it, it's kind of tough." She proved him wrong and the rest of the world when she showed she had what it takes by winning the Indy Japan 300. This is not only a long awaited victory for her, but for women everywhere. "Dreams really do come true. You just have to be persistent enough," Patrick said. "This was a long time coming. I can only say I'm just glad it's over. I'm not going to lie. I was getting frustrated. I believed in myself. It was just a matter of when it was going to happen. I've been asked so many times when I'm going to win my first race -- finally no more of those questions." Very few sports even offer women the chance to compete against men. It was an accomplishment when women were finally allowed to race with the men and now a triumph that we've won. She's an inspiration to never give up on your dreams. "It's going to be one of those things that's remembered. It's a first and firsts are always in history books. I've definitely thought about that before, and I've always hoped and wanted to be that person," Patrick said. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1076 2008-04-23T16:43:21Z 2008-04-23T16:45:19Z

Sometimes we continue to dress from habit and never realize that we have moved on and become a far more sophisticated or successful person. Unfortunately, we are judged by the way we look, and many women continue to wear the...

Image Architect Sometimes we continue to dress from habit and never realize that we have moved on and become a far more sophisticated or successful person. Unfortunately, we are judged by the way we look, and many women continue to wear the staid blazer jackets and white shirts they wore at university. This collegiate look shouts that you are an inexperienced greenhorn, and you are likely to be treated as if you are not very high-placed nor informed in the working environment. Sometimes we continue to dress from habit and never realize that we have moved on and become a far more sophisticated or successful person. Unfortunately, we are judged by the way we look, and many women continue to wear the staid blazer jackets and white shirts they wore at university. This collegiate look shouts that you are an inexperienced greenhorn, and you are likely to be treated as if you are not very high-placed nor informed in the working environment. The way you look announces the outcome other people can expect from you. You may be highly talented and capable, but if your image doesn’t shout this to the world, you could be dismissed by others before they get to discover how dynamic you are. When you change your image to conform to the person you are deep inside, you CAN change your life! The problem is most people’s True Self is buried under years of habit. Think you know what looks good on you? What makes you look dynamic or successful? Think again! My thirty years’ experience suggests that most people choose colors and styles from the “heart and soul” and not from the results in the mirror. Ultimately, we can remain very objective about others, but it is nearly impossible to be objective about ourselves. Changing your image is like changing countries. There’s some culture shock involved. When you’ve been used to hearing your own language and speaking it quite easily, it is disconcerting to have to pay very keen attention in order to understand what others are saying. It’s the same with image. We are used to the same old face in the mirror, and when serious changes are made, it is sometimes disconcerting. Most of the people in my group image workshops think that everyone else looks fabulous with their new look, but that they do not. The new colors are not for them, the lipstick is too bright, or they like the new ties that are suggested but are reluctant to toss out the “powerless” ones. Change of any kind requires repetition. This is as true for learning a new habit or task as it is for image changes. In most cases, it takes about a week to get used to a new hairdo, new makeup, new colors or new clothing styles. However, it only takes a day to get used to compliments. And, ultimately, that is what convinces most people to stick with it. It is all too easy to go back to our comfort zone, but unsolicited compliments from strangers as well as friends eases the discomfort of facing that stranger in the mirror. In a sense your image is a Power Predictor. It announces whether or not you have authority, credibility or success. If you are ready to make a big change with your image, seek advice from an expert or from a trusted friend. When you change your image, you can change your life! tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1075 2008-04-21T14:32:30Z 2008-04-21T14:34:20Z

In this recession you may read the headlines and not be shocked to learn the housing market's in a slump. Recession this, layoffs that. What really needs to be underscored in these blight times is the ability to up your...

Vivacious Vicki In this recession you may read the headlines and not be shocked to learn the housing market's in a slump. Recession this, layoffs that. What really needs to be underscored in these blight times is the ability to up your own game. Instead of the negative, let's talk positive shall we? How about getting your game on? Rising your own personal stock. If an employer isn't going to, well then you take the bull by the horns and run, baby run. I'm talking about your brain power, your mojo, your moxie. In this recession you may read the headlines and not be shocked to learn the housing market's in a slump. Recession this, layoffs that. What really needs to be underscored in these blight times is the ability to up your own game. Instead of the negative, let's talk positive shall we? How about getting your game on? Rising your own personal stock. If an employer isn't going to, well then you take the bull by the horns and run, baby run. I'm talking about your brain power, your mojo, your moxie. As I attended the annual conference of the American Society of Journalist and Authors this past weekend it actually felt good paying out of my own pocket. There's ownership, empowerment, and something kind of uplifting about flexing brain muscles during the weekend. As a recruiter I've noticed candidates can potentially gain a lot from networking through professional organizations and even though I was there wearing my writer's hat, I can't emphasize this enough. You're networking with people immersed in the profession and sometimes it helps to look around and know you're not in it alone. I felt in a way like the various seminars were brain food. As I attended a few panels, listened to the keynote speakers, worked the room and exchanged business cards, all of the nuggets of wisdom were being digested in small bites. Case in point: during one panel, full-time freelancer/part-time hours, each panelist had a different way of organizing their day like one writer who has her own efficient system by interviewing sources on the west coast if she's working on deadline here in the east. Well, bits and pieces of information just adds more hardware to your toolbox of smarts. Plus, you're surrounded by people who -- let's assume they're similar to you -- passionate about their profession. They, like you, are there to learn. Regardless of your profession if you are unable to attend an annual conference my suggestion is to at least join a professional organization. Most have members-only benefits like online job boards, message boards, and some may even post slides or presentations from various seminars at the annual conference. Be sure to check out the online resources and references which will get your motor running. And most of all, get in the game. As a footnote, one of the biggest take-aways from the conference was a lesson learned which can really apply to any job in any industry: work smarter, not harder. Don't be a perfectionist. If you have done the work to the best of your ability, simply recognize it and move on. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1074 2008-04-18T16:48:06Z 2008-04-18T16:49:33Z

At what point are we stretched too thin professionally and personally? I’ve always been one to have my hands in a few different projects at one time. Some people see it as someone who is talented and able to juggle...

Magic Hands At what point are we stretched too thin professionally and personally? I’ve always been one to have my hands in a few different projects at one time. Some people see it as someone who is talented and able to juggle many different talents. Others see it as someone who is not focused and jumps from one project to another. So how do I know if I am really unfocused or actually capable of multi-tasking? At what point are we stretched too thin professionally and personally? I’ve always been one to have my hands in a few different projects at one time. Some people see it as someone who is talented and able to juggle many different talents. Others see it as someone who is not focused and jumps from one project to another. So how do I know if I am really unfocused or actually capable of multi-tasking? Personally, I have no husband or kids, so I am free to do anything I want. Vocationally, I own a small skin care studio that I am trying to build and make a decent living in, 5 days a week. I was thinking of working an extra 2-4 days a month at a store in NY that would help to promote one of my major spa skills. I would make a few dollars, but it’s really about promoting myself, and my skills, on a larger stage. I know this can be a lot to handle because my days off are usually filled with sleep and errands for the business. Aren’t very successful people usually working on many different projects at one time? I’m feel like I’m trying to build myself as a brand, and promote my skills as much as possible in order to get ahead. I can’t image Trump making one casino successful and then being satisfied with that. Obviously, I’m no Trump, and my one spa is not as successful as his casino, but I don’t think I should stop with one project. I feel like you never know where your success in life is going to come from, so I’m really afraid to limit my possibilities. Tell me what you think? When is enough, enough? Should I start working on other projects, if the first project is not at full throttle success yet? tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2008://1.1073 2008-04-12T23:28:46Z 2008-04-12T23:29:30Z

Recently I had the opportunity to be on a panel of alumni entrepreneurs sponsored by my university’s career services office. There were five of us, three men and two women. As we all introduced ourselves, I realized that the oldest...

Career Changer Recently I had the opportunity to be on a panel of alumni entrepreneurs sponsored by my university’s career services office. There were five of us, three men and two women. As we all introduced ourselves, I realized that the oldest man on the panel had been born the year I graduated from college Recently I had the opportunity to be on a panel of alumni entrepreneurs sponsored by my university’s career services office. There were five of us, three men and two women. As we all introduced ourselves, I realized that the oldest man on the panel had been born the year I graduated from college. In an instant I wondered if I should mention the year I graduated. Would this room full of undergrad and grad school students dismiss me as too old to have anything to say to them? I shook off the fear and told them my graduation year. Except for one pair of raised eyebrows, it wasn’t a problem. The students were attentive and asked lots of questions. I totally enjoyed myself and afterwards had conversations with a few of them. What did I learn? My fear of being considered “too old” was in my head, not theirs. Unless, of course I look at all the advertising telling me that I should be worried about it. Can’t I just be who I am instead of fitting into some classification? Yes, I’m older, but that’s not a bad thing, especially if one considers the alternative. From time to time I hear my friends mention how they’re afraid no one will hire them after 45 or 50. When I was unemployed a few years ago, I went to a job training session. A gentleman in his early 60’s said that if he walked into an interview and the interviewer looked to be in their 30’s, he’d just walk right out. In a society that values youth, it’s easy to believe that you’ll be rejected if you have wrinkles or are not “youthful” enough. A friend of mine is the only person over 50 in her department. Everyone else who was older was let go in the last downsizing. So yes, it is a factor, but age and experience are not old school, they are valuable and needed. Especially with people living longer, we have to be willing to define ourselves – in spite of what society tries to fit us into.