Pink Ladders

Self Image, Body Image

2011-08-10T20:09:00.004-05:00

Now that summer has been in full swing, many of us have been sporting swim suits, shorts and tank tops - much to the chagrin of most American women who are taken aback when they look at their reflection. Many women are dissatisfied with their body image and this cuts into their self image.

"We do not develop our body image all on our own. The people around us and our culture strongly influence it. We get both positive and negative messages about our bodies from family and friends all the time — starting from when we’re very young. We also get messages about body image from television, magazines, films, and other media. Many of the beliefs we have about the way women and men should look come from the models and celebrities we see in the media. But models and celebrities do not look like most people. For example, on average, women who are models have very different builds. They weigh 23 percent less than women who are not models," according to Planned Parenthood.

If we look around us, bodies in the real world are all unique and diverse. Our life stages shape us from puberty to menopause. Many factors such as stress, age and disabilities affect our appearance.

Here are twenty ways to love your body from the National Eating Disorders Association:

1.Think of your body as the vehicle to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it.

2. Create a list of all the things your body lets you do. Read it and add to it often.

3. Become aware of what your body can do each day. Remember it is the instrument of your life, not just

an ornament.

4. Create a list of people you admire: people who have contributed to your life, your community, or the

world. Consider whether their appearance was important to their success and accomplishments.

5. Walk with your head held high, supported by pride and confidence in yourself as a person.

6. Don’t let your weight or shape keep you from activities that you enjoy.

7. Wear comfortable clothes that you like, that express your personal style, and that feel good to your

body.

8. Count your blessings, not your blemishes.

9. Think about all the things you could accomplish with the time and energy you currently spend

worrying about your body and appearance. Try one!

10. Be your body’s friend and supporter, not its enemy.

11. Consider this: your skin replaces itself once a month, your stomach lining every five days, your liver

every six weeks, and your skeleton every three months. Your body is extraordinary--begin to respect

and appreciate it.

12. Every morning when you wake up, thank your body for resting and rejuvenating itself so you can

enjoy the day.

13. Every evening when you go to bed, tell your body how much you appreciate what it has allowed you

to do throughout the day.

14. Find a method of exercise that you enjoy and do it regularly. Don’t exercise to lose weight or to fight

your body. Do it to make your body healthy and strong and because it makes you feel good. Exercise

for the Three F’s: Fun, Fitness, and Friendship.

15. Think back to a time in your life when you felt good about your body. Tell yourself you can feel like

that again, even in this body at this age.

16. Keep a list of 10 positive things about yourself--without mentioning your appearance. Add to it!

17. Put a sign on each of your mirrors saying, “I’m beautiful inside and out.”

18. Choose to find the beauty in the world and in yourself.

19. Start saying to yourself, “Life is too short to waste my time hating my body this way.”

20. Eat when you are hungry. Rest when you are tired. Surround yourself with people that remind you of

your inner strength and beauty.

"Don't weigh your self esteem, it is what's inside that counts."

Yoga for Life

2011-07-09T08:58:00.007-05:00

With its quiet, precise movements, Yoga draws your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and toward calm as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration, according to the Mayo Clinic.

This works.

I began my Yoga practice nearly two years ago when I met Pilar Redmond at the local farmers' market. Newly certified as a Yoga instructor, she was looking for a place to offer classes. I offered my home and gathered a few friends and neighbors to meet Friday afternoons to see what all this Yoga hoopla was all about. None of us had practiced Yoga.

Our age ranged from mid 40s to mid 60s and we were mainly women. We all varied in our fitness levels and we all attended with with our injuries and ailments. Pilar's manner was calming and accepting of our varied abilities. She was creative in weaving together poses or asanas into an artistic flow of movement.

We all began to look forward to our Friday afternoons with Yoga and Pilar. We started noticing how calm and relaxed we felt after class. A significant decrease in mind chatter was noted. The breathing exercises along with the movement pulled us into the moment, bringing focus to the present. This exercise opened space in our minds for just being.

Our shared Yoga experience has brought us through our own life experiences. Together in practice we live through cancer, divorce, death, injuries, losing a home, birth of children and grandchildren, unemployment, new employment, advanced degrees, authoring books and more.

Today, with newly developed strength, we are holding poses we did not know our bodies could. According to the Mayo Clinic, Yoga might help with a variety of health conditions, such as cancer, depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia, by helping with sleep problems, fatigue and mood. Yoga also can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure. As you learn and refine new poses, you may enjoy improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. And this means you're less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavors or in your daily activities.

Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured, says B.K.S. Iyengar.

See for yourself. Yoga Journal offers a plethora of information such podcasts and videos for all levels.

Memorial Day People

2011-05-29T08:01:00.020-05:00

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring soldiers who died in military service. This day is observed on the last Monday of May. Over 4600 American military men and women have died so far in the War on Terrorism in these two operations: 2001 Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). Of these fatalities, 2.4% were women who make up 16% of the department of defense force. Over 4500 deaths have been men who comprise 97.6% of the force.

These stats represent real people whose departure from this world has a heart wrenching impact on those close. Appreciation, gratitude and sadness is felt from people across the country for these men and women, on this day.

Memorial Day was initially known as Decoration Day to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the American Civil War. After World War I, this day commemorated all our fallen soldiers who have died in all wars. Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day in memory and honor of those who gave their lives fighting for a common cause. This total so far is over 340,000 people. Of this total is William Newman.

Airman William Newman

12/8/1983 - 6/7/2007

In remembrance of our son, William Newman, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He was only 23 years old when died serving as an Air Force EOD technician. William was part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team stationed at Hickman Air Force Base in Hawaii. He was killed while disarming an IED(improvised explosive device) in Balad, Iraq. One year later the Hickman Air Force Base EOD facility was dedicated and named in his honor. Thank you for your service and dedication to our great country. We miss you and love you so much.

Thank you to all the Veterans, for all those currently serving in our military, and for those who have lost their lives. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation. - Angela Newman, founder of Pink Ladders.

Mother's Day - a feminist idea

2011-05-01T18:03:00.017-05:00

When most of us think of celebrating Mother's Day, we think about reservations for brunch, bouquet of flowers, and cards. Oh, and of course, our mothers and grandmothers. We take stock of our relationship with them or lack thereof. We think of ourselves as mothers or step mothers or other mothers like aunts, friends or sisters. We tend to feel honored, sad or maybe indifferent on this day. In any case, this day is an opportunity to think bigger than ourselves, as mothers of our society.

Mother's Day in the United States was brought to discussion with the writing of the Mother's Day Proclamation by Julia Ward Howe, a feminist, in 1870. Julia also wrote the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Being a feminist meant that women had a "responsibility to shape their societies at a political level". The Mother's Day Proclamation was a response to the deaths and injuries of the sons as result of the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War.

This Mother's Day amid our plans for food and company, maybe we think about and talk about our roles as mothers of our society.

Mother's Day Proclamation

Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts,
Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly:

"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."
From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own.
It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God.
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

April, Poetry, Women

2011-04-16T17:48:00.002-05:00

"For poems are not, as people think, simply emotions (one has emotions early enough)—they are experiences."
—Rainer Maria Rilke

National Poetry Month is held every April to recognize poetry's imprint on American culture. Publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets acknowledge and celebrate poetry along with thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations.

Many women poets have exposed vignettes of experience through their poetry bringing about connection in social struggle, joy, fear, strength and heartache. Elizabeth Alexander is an American poet who was asked to read at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.

Blues
by Elizabeth Alexander

I am lazy, the laziest girl in the world. I sleep during the day when I want to, 'til my face is creased and swollen, 'til my lips are dry and hot. I eat as I please: cookies and milk after lunch, butter and sour cream on my baked potato, foods that slothful people eat, that turn yellow and opaque beneath the skin. Sometimes come dinnertime Sunday I am still in my nightgown, the one with the lace trim listing because I have not mended it. Many days I do not exercise, only consider it, then rub my curdy belly and lie down. Even my poems are lazy. I use syllabics instead of iambs, prefer slant to the gong of full rhyme, write briefly while others go for pages. And yesterday, for example, I did not work at all! I got in my car and I drove to factory outlet stores, purchased stockings and panties and socks with my father's money. To think, in childhood I missed only one day of school per year. I went to ballet class four days a week at four-forty-five and on Saturdays, beginning always with plie, ending with curtsy. To think, I knew only industry, the industry of my race and of immigrants, the radio tuned always to the station that said, Line up your summer job months in advance. Work hard and do not shame your family, who worked hard to give you what you have. There is no sin but sloth. Burn to a wick and keep moving. I avoided sleep for years, up at night replaying evening news stories about nearby jailbreaks, fat people who ate fried chicken and woke up dead. In sleep I am looking for poems in the shape of open V's of birds flying in formation, or open arms saying, I forgive you, all.

National Women's History Month

2011-03-26T15:25:00.008-05:00

Why is a month dedicated to Women's History?

This is because the accomplishments of women have been historically ignored.

Today we enjoy the fruits of the fight the women before us fought for so heroically. This is a time of year to recognize those women and reacquaint ourselves with what has been gained, what must be kept, and what is yet to be accomplished.

Imagine ourselves today without the right to vote, to own property or file for a divorce.

Throughout history, women have come together to change our society for the better whether it was gaining reforms in the early 1900's that gave us sewage systems and pasturization of milk or, more recently, reforms giving women rights to credit and home ownership, says Joan Wages, NWHM (National Women's History Museum) President & CEO.

Keep in mind women did not have the right to vote until 1920 when the Nineteenth Amendment was passed. "The American woman suffrage movement is recognized as officially starting in 1848, at the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention in New York. At the conference, women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott wrote and signed a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, outlining issues and goals of the emerging women's rights movement, such as increased education and employment opportunities, divorce and child custody laws, and the right to vote. The most radical and difficult goal to achieve turned out to be women's right to vote."

Women's contributions and accomplishments for the most part have been overlooked and consequently omitted from mainstream culture.

So, The National Women's History Museum is asking for support of legislation to build a permanent home for this museum in Washington D.C. On March 30th at 1:45 p.m. join with other women, friends and family on Capitol Hill as Representative Carolyn Maloney and Senator Susan Collins announce this legislation. Here is a petition to show support of this legislation.

Women's history isn't meant to rewrite history. The objective is to promote scholarship and expand our knowledge of American history.

Share an important woman in history who has effected the way we live today. Email her name and a quote to lorelei@pinkladders.com. We will recognize her on the Pink Ladders facebook page.

March 8th is International Women's Day. So what's the significance?

2011-02-27T06:49:00.006-06:00

March 8th is International Women's Day. How many of you knew this and have recognized International Women's Day in some fashion?

Most likely we may have heard about this historical day but we have not given it more than a nod. This is a day for women of the world to recognize the advances made in the struggle for equality, peace and development. This day is also an opportunity to network, unite and mobilize for meaningful change, according to the United Nations.

Now some us may be thinking blah, blah, blah.

Well, not all the battles have been won in the struggle for equality. Women are more visible and have certainly made advances. However, due to the cultural longevity of the oppression of women in subtle ways and blatant actions, awareness and movement for equality is a long term process that advances in daily actions. Cultural and societal change is the responsibility of today's women.

So, March 8th is a day to increase awareness of today's conditions. Women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women are still not present in equal numbers in business and politics. Globally, women have less access to education and choices for health, plus violence against women is still rampant in many parts of the world and experienced in our own communities.

This day and concept has been evolving since 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. The glaring oppression and blatant inequality compelled women to take action.

The United Nations began recognizing March 8th as International Women's Day during the International Women's Year in 1975. The General Assembly took this action to "recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security."

World wide thousands of events will be taking place to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more, according to the United Nations. Check out events in your region here.

When deciding how much weight to give this day, ask the question: If once the facts are known, is it ethical to ignore them?

Pink Ladders Climbs the Pink Ladder

2011-01-30T09:56:00.001-06:00

Pink Ladders celebrates climbing the Pink Ladder for two years this month. Featuring a Woman of Focus is an honor. Over 24 women have given us permission to share their story in climbing their pink ladder to success. Some of those women are you. Either you have been focused or you are waiting to share your story. You are ranchers, authors, CEOs, musicians, builders, lawyers and scientists.

We are all women climbing our pink ladder integrating our business and personal lives into a fully developed successful life. These shared stories present nuggets of wisdom garnered from experiences of homelessness to illness, from college to career shifting, from management to entrepreneurship.

We are presented with creative ways women cope to bring confidence and direction to their lives, steadily and firmly planting their feet on each rung of the pink ladder. Their stories and yours consistently confirm the power of goal setting and affirmation developing.

Pink Ladders is climbing the Pink Ladder in 2011 in continuing to share a Woman of Focus story every month, offering an iphone app that works with the Task Manager, or independently and outlining the 5 Rungs to Career Success in a book this year. Consider following us on facebook and Twitter to keep abreast of issues facing women worldwide and for tips on task management.

We would like the opportunity to hear from you. If you wish to share your story, please contact us. Consider sharing your tips to success in a few sentences. We will share them on facebook and Twitter mentioning your name and business.

I Didn't Know My Own Strength

2011-01-18T06:22:00.000-06:00

Lorrie Morgan, country singer and Grand Ole Opry star is Pink Ladder's Woman of Focus. I have always enjoyed listening to her music so it was very exciting to have her featured in our newsletter.

One of her very popular songs from years past is, 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength'. For many women including myself, the words to this song are quite powerful and speak to our own individual strength when we are faced with tough times in our life. "Until times got tough, I didn't know what I was made of" and "It's been an uphill fight but I'm going to be alright" are some of the lyrics of this song.

Having lived in an alcoholic, abusive marriage for years it was then I learned just how strong I really was even though I didn't necessarily feel strong at the time. I had to be strong for me and my children because they were counting on me. Giving up and quitting was not an option nor was giving in to that lifestyle. It was an uphill fight, but through the tough times and making tough choices along with inner strength - we are now 'alright'. No matter what you are facing today, don't give up because you are strong, you do have the strength to carry on even if you don't think you do. It might be deep down inside somewhere but you have it!

Awareness and Women

2011-01-01T19:09:00.009-06:00

What does embarking on the New Year mean to women? As we write our list of resolutions, consider adding another dimension to our New Year.

Awareness.

Women work two thirds of the world's working hours. Women produce half the world's food.

Yet women only earn 10% of the world's income and own less than 1% of the world's property.

Women form the majority of the world's poorest people, according to the United Nations Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Women in the United States as a whole earn less than men, and more women live below the poverty level than men.

These global statistics show empowerment for women is still an upward climb in fighting through and eliminating gender inequality and discrimination in civil, cultural, economic, political and social arenas.

As women climbing our own Pink Ladder, consider women all over the globe attempting to reach their pink ladder to begin their climb. As we reach a hand up, let us also extend a hand down to assist other women in firmly planting a foot on the rung of the pink ladder.

Pink Ladders would be pleased to hear your story of a hand extended.

Coffee and Women

2010-12-02T06:52:00.005-06:00

Most of us slide out of bed in the morning and eventually make our way to the coffee maker. We scoop beans into a coffee grinder and press the button making a whirring sound that sends our pets scurrying to the corners of the room. The aroma of freshly ground coffee begins to liven our early morning senses. We scoop the grounds into the filter and press another button to start the brewing. We busy ourselves with our morning routine as the coffee grounds and water create their magic concoction. We pour the soothing morning brew into our favorite mug. Then we begin our day.

Other women begin their day as coffee farmers planting and harvesting to ultimately gather the beans that will eventually become our morning cup of fresh brew. The World Bank estimates that over 500 million people are dependent on the coffee industry, according to the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) Of the 25 million coffee farmers, the majority are women. These women work in coffee growing regions in areas of the world where it is difficult to establish political, social or economic power as women. Their voices strive to be heard within their family businesses and communities where the voices of men are only considered.

The IWCA began in 2003 by six women. The organization is a global network of women in coffee advocating for the reduction of barriers for these women in coffee producing countries by providing access to resources while creating a forum to connect with other women in the coffee chain from seed to cup.

While sipping your coffee some morning this week, take a moment and recognize the women coffee farmers of the world and send them appreciation in your thoughts. Perhaps take a moment to view the IWCA site for ways to contribute.

Richard Brooke's Vision Workshop - Amazing to Say the Least!

2010-11-21T08:58:00.000-06:00

I recently attended a Vision’s Workshop by Richard Brooke. This is what his website has to say about him. Through Richard's coaching, writings and seminars thousands of leaders have discovered new distinctions in listening, leadership, courage, relationships, team spirit and big-time fun. He is the author of Mailbox Money, Mach II With Your Hair On Fire and co-author of The New Entrepreneurs: Business Visionaries for the 21st Century.

He had the attendees do exercises that showed us how we see ourselves today, what shaped our thinking and why we may have made the choices we have throughout our adult lives. Then we moved onto where we want our lives to be, the person we want to become; in other words the vision of our lives even though we are not there yet. The exercise of writing down where we see ourselves in the future, the sights and sounds of those moments, the conversations taking place; simply the visualization of our life to be. It’s very powerful stuff.

If you’ve read other material I have written you will know that I am a huge proponent of affirmations and taking your affirmations and turning them into your vision statement. Then I encourage you to read it and visualize it at least twice daily. I highly recommend recording your vision statement on a tape recorder or downloading to your iPhone or iPod so it’s easily accessible. You’ll then be able to listen to it while you are on a plane sitting back relaxing, while getting ready for work in the morning, while walking at the park, running on the treadmill at the gym, lying in bed in the morning and at night or driving to work. The possibilities are endless.

If you do this, I promise you your life will change. If you learn to make these statements in the present tense as though they have occurred and you are already living it, your mind will begin believing it and the universe will start opening doors / opportunities that will just amaze you. But you must be ready to see them and take action. It’s a lot of fun to begin seeing your vision come together.

Mach II With Your Hair On Fire is a great book also available on audiobook that will help you understand the power of visions.

Champagne and Chicken

2010-11-03T19:32:00.010-05:00

We women cooked up food and ideas, as women all over the globe do. The Pink Ladders' staff, Angela the founder and Lorelei the editor, decided to test the recipe from Carla Snow, the Pink Ladders August Woman of Focus this year. The Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe was doubled to accommodate the family Halloween Party held outside in this year's temperate climate in Nashville. Carla's recipe specifically involved the drinking of champagne with the chicken. Sparkling Gruet Brut from New Mexico is her recommendation. This combination was intriguing and enticing. The night before we soaked the chicken in the buttermilk concoction for two hours then coated the chicken with the flour mixture.

After hours of frying the chicken, and many candy corn forages, the chicken was tasted. Yummy! And again with champagne eaten cold the next day.

We talked and worked in between food preparation on our laptops on the dining room table. We were dancing to the Pink Ladders music playlist and laughing at our ourselves.

We are women like all others who have experienced life's up's and down's, challenges and celebrations both personal and professional. We are also women who reach out for each other when our worlds are collapsing and when our lives need celebrating. This is what women do. We plan, we work, we talk, we dance, we cook, we comfort. We make life.

Raise a glass of champagne and a piece of chicken to the women of the world and the women in your world.

Climb Your Ladder and Increase Your Income

2010-10-05T06:55:00.000-05:00

Most women when asked if they would like to have more money to improve their quality of life would probably say yes. But then immediately following that response, would be something like, but I don't know how. Many women are working in jobs they really don't enjoy but it's a paycheck that puts food on the table and a roof over their heads and in many cases their children's and spouse's heads.

Believe me I understand that scenario more than you may know. I've been there - done that! As a young mother with young children, my main focus was making sure they had food, clothing and shelter. Although I didn't really have a direction to go with a career, I knew I wanted to make more money so my kids and I could live a better life; one without so much financial struggle. I started out working part-time as a materials coordinator about fifteen years ago and today my life is far more fulfilling both personally and professionally.

But it didn't happen over night with the snap of a finger and it's a good thing it didn't. As we climb each rung on our ladder, and walk (sometimes jog) along the path called life's journey - there is so much for us to experience and learn that will influence our decisions and thinking the rest of our lives; so we don't want to miss out on it. Part of the fun (and pain) is getting there, not just being there. Although, to be able to say, I've arrived when you finally reach a place in your life you want to be or a goal you have been working hard on achieving, is a very nice place to be as well! You can have your cake and eat it too.

I will show you how to climb the rungs on your career ladder successfully and increase your income with the 5 Rungs to Career Success CD. It will be available in November just in time for the holidays. It's a great gift to share with all the women in your life.

Women Taking Control of Their Lifestyle

2010-09-05T21:14:00.000-05:00

"Women have gone backwards since the 80's but where we are coming into our own is as business owners."

These are the words of Lynne Franks, a 62 year old woman in the UK who had an incredible PR career back in the 80's and is still running her own business today. She is currently working on opening up a women's business club in London's Covent Garden.

She says its been in the works for the last ten years of understanding how and where women like to work. Many women today are working from a virtual office and working for themselves in order to find life's balance.

After all, if you can work from the comfort of your home or library if you choose to, or the local coffee shop or the park on a nice day; why not? That compared to an office in the same place, same people, same temperature day after day sounds very appealing to many women. It also allows them the freedom to make their own schedules in order to balance work and family and socializing.

Many of the women I have personally met via the 'virtual world' do just this. They left the corporate world for more freedom, more flexibility and more balance in their lives. They are able to be home when the kids get off school, attend school activities without asking their boss for time off, meet a friend for lunch and take as long as they'd like. (just a few perks of virtual careers) All they need is a laptop,a wireless connection and of course their Pink Ladder's Task Manager and they are good to go from just about anywhere they choose. Women taking control of their lifestyle - I love it!

Crossing the Unethical Line

2010-08-18T06:42:00.003-05:00

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.

-Peter Drucker, economist, management guru, (1909-2005)

Most of us at some time in our careers will be faced with the question,"Is this crossing the unethical line?" When we ask ourselves this question we need to answer it honestly and do the research necessary to determine if what we just heard or what we are about to do is unethical or border line unethical. If it is then stop before proceeding.

For example, if someone in leadership has the authority to give you direction and asks you to perform a task that doesn't seem honest and ethical to you; it is your responsibility as the employee to clarify what you just heard. Repeat it back to the person so if you misinterpreted the message, than any possible damage could be stopped in its tracks immediately.

However, if you repeat it back stating, "I just want to make sure I understood correctly what you asking me to do" and if she/he confirms the unethical behavior, you have a decision as the employee to make. Doing something that you clearly feel is crossing the unethical line needs to be addressed. Some people will feel comfortable stating to their boss that it appears unethical and they are not willing to do it and others may not feel comfortable stating it to the person that asked them to do it.

If that's the case, go to your Human Resource department or call your company's compliance hotline as anonymous and let them know what just occurred. They will be a good resource to help you decipher if the request is truly crossing the ethics line. Sometimes, it may not be unethical and an explanation from someone more knowledge on the policy will help clarify that, but if it is unethical - take steps to do the 'right thing' which may not necessarily be the 'easy thing'.

"The Messenger" - You Don't Want to Encounter One

2010-08-06T05:52:00.000-05:00

Patty Mooney, a strong supporter of veterans and producer

of the documentary “The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans" recently wrote a blog about the movie The Messenger. As I read it, it brought back memories of a day I wish me and my family would never have experienced and hope very few others will.

It's the story about the messenger, the person who has to tell the families of those men and women who died while serving our country in a war, that their loved one is never coming home. Having dealt with that ourselves just over three years, reading Patty's reflection of the story hit home. I don't think I can watch this movie just yet; as the pain would be too real. But then again will there ever be a day when it wouldn't be? Probably not.

As painful as it is for the families to have 'the messenger' arrive at their door, it too is difficult for those delivering the message about their fellow soldier. For all the families who have had the unfortunate experience of encountering 'the messenger' my thoughts and prayers are with you and for those who must be 'the messenger' each and every day - stay strong, yet compassionate.

The Importance of Visions... Part Three

2010-08-02T06:22:00.000-05:00

See things as you would have them be instead of as they are. Robert Collier

This is the third and final blog on the importance of visions. Once you do the third step you will be good to go and on your way to achieving amazing things in your life. To refresh your memory on parts one and two I've summarized them below.

Part One: Write down your affirmations in a positive and present tense. Part Two: Write your affirmations in a story form and assemble a vision board.

Now that these are complete, it's extremely important that you don't forget about your affirmations and the vision for your future. Keeping your affirmations and vision close to your mind and your thoughts everyday will help you achieve your goals. You will begin to see amazing things happen if you practice these principals everyday.

Part Three of the Importance of Visualizations is the act of visualizing. There are several methods in which to do this so choose the one that fits you best or a combination of them as I do.

1) As you read your affirmations, close your eyes and visualize the entire experience. Try to feel what it would be like in that situation. For example, if your affirmation is to be a world renowned author you might visualize a crowd of people at the book store lined up to see you to purchase your book and have you autograph it.

2) Look at your vision board and as you read your vision statement, close your eyes and visualize the feelings, the excitement and the pleasure you feel in being in that moment. This helps embed your vision into your subconscious mind with what you want in life and where you want to be as though you are already there. Remember, our mind believes what we tell it whether positive or negative so why not make it positive and what we want?

3) Get a small recorder and record your affirmations or vision statement doing it with enthusiasm and excitement. Then when you awake in the morning and before you fall asleep, put your headphones in, turn it on and as you listen to yourself tell the story of your life - lay there and visualize what it all looks like, how it feels, and allow yourself to be in the moment. Do this daily. You can also do the same if you are driving to work everyday; plug your recorder into your car stereo, turn up the volume and visualize as you listen to it (but of course with your eyes open on this one).

As odd as it may seem if you have never done this before, just do it anyway even if it feels strange the first few times; because it works. Many great leaders and successful men and women have practiced the art of visualization for years to help them achieve success in their personal and professional lives.

The more you can read, hear and visualize your goals and affirmations throughout the day, the better. We want to embed those visions and feelings into our subconscious mind. If you continue to do it everyday - you will begin to see how the universe brings people and circumstances into your life just when you need them and when you're ready for them. It's an amazing, yet exciting and thrilling experience. And when it happens, you'll be in awe but yet you won't be surprised because you have already been visualizing and feeling what it's like to be in that moment and expecting it.

Energy and Money - Can You Use a Little More of Both?

2010-07-28T06:42:00.000-05:00

www.21ten.com/an

I was recently introduced to a business opportunity through a good friend of mine. It's focused on a single product, using a simple process and an emphasis on helping people improve their quality of life. As a matter of fact it only takes 5-10 hours a week to build a residual income of over $100K in four years or less. You may be saying, "Well, that sounds like a gimmick."

But trust me it is not. The company's CEO has been doing this for over 26 years successfully and has now launched a new start up using all of the techniques and methods he has learned over the years to help others achieve their goals. The company's official launch does not take place until November so now is a good time to get on board during the pre-launch phase.

Many of those already on board are clearly on their way to a six-figure income. It's personally rewarding for me to see how this wonderful product, Life Shotz, can change how people feel everyday as well as provide them with a better lifestyle than they previously had. Even for those of you who already make a six-figure income; well as you probably know having different sources of residual income is a good thing. This is yet another way to build your wealth and have fun doing it.

I've been involved in 21TEN for 5 weeks now and not only do I feel energized by taking my Life Shotz each day, I'm well on my way to an incredible residual income. You can probably tell how excited and thrilled I am to write about this business opportunity because being in the business I am in (one of inspiring women to climb their career ladder and to achieve success in their personal and professional lives) this level of residual income can certainly help contribute to one's overall success.

Even if you didn't have the desire to earn a six-figure income but just wanted a few extra thousand per month for vacations, children's college fund, retirement, helping out your favorite charitable organization or to help fund a business idea you've dreamed of - this opportunity can help you get there. After all, who can't use a little more energy the natural way and a little more money, the simple way?

I love to encourage and inspire women as they go through their journey of reaching their goals and dreams and this is just another way to help them do that. I would be happy to tell you more about this phenomenal opportunity and how you too can reap the benefits so just feel free to email me.

The Importance of Visions... Part Two

2010-07-21T05:37:00.000-05:00

Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth. - Anonymous

I know you have all been waiting anxiously for Part Two of The Importance of Visions so here it is. Now that you have followed my advice in part one of writing down your affirmations (one liners) in a positive statement and present tense, you are ready for the next step to an incredible journey in life.

Take a few minutes when the kids are sleeping, the TV is off, the cell phone is silenced and grab a piece of paper and pen or if you prefer - log into your computer and pull up a blank Word document. Then read all of the affirmations you wrote down and put them in a story of how you see your life in the future and try to be as vivid as possible.

If one of your affirmations is to live in a beautiful house on the beach then you may want to say something along the lines of: "Here I am sitting on a lounge chair on my deck overlooking the beautiful Pacific ocean, watching the waves as they come crashing down on the sand and the birds frolicking about while trying to find food so early in the morning. It's so peaceful and quiet right now that I can actually hear the waves as they move about. I take a deep breath as I look around my beautiful home and surroundings recognizing how thankful I am for all the blessings in my life. I have a great life!"

Continue your story through your life the way you see it and want it. Once you have completed this step of writing down your vision, I recommend you either cut out pictures from magazines or copy and paste pictures from the Internet into a document that tells the picture of your vision. Assemble them into a collage and print and post in your office where you can see it throughout the day. If you cannot post in your office, I suggest you print and put it in your planner (Pink Ladders Task Manager) and throughout the day take a peek at it to remind you and your 'mind' what your vision is for your life. You have a week to complete it so have fun with it! It's a great exercise.

Check back on July 28th, one week from today for Part Three of The Importance of Visions.

The Importance of Visions... Part One

2010-07-07T07:04:00.002-05:00

Over the last month I've attended networking events, entrepreneur classes and have learned about a new business opportunity. What all of these have in common is the importance of 'visions'; visualizing where we want to be in our lives. This may not be familiar territory for you so I'll walk you through the process in three parts; this blog being part number one.

Visualization starts with writing down your affirmations (one liners). An affirmation is stating something positive and in the present tense that you want to become, want to have, or where you want to be. For example: "I am an amazing person" as opposed to " I wish I was an amazing person" or "I don't want to be a rude, negative person anymore."

You can write down as many one liners as you want. There is no limit; the only limit is your imagination and dreams of the kind of person you want to be and the kind of life you want to live. I'll never forget when I was first introduced to the concept of affirmations. I honestly thought it was the strangest exercise not to mention, I felt like I was lying about my reality.

I am the type of person who looks for logic in things which explains why I'm not a fan of sci-fi movies because it's so unrealistic to me. But if you are like me and are thinking, "but that's not my life right now so why say it is?" Here is where you just need to trust me and the many thousands and millions of people that do write down and say affirmations. It's important that you get over the fact that it may not be true to your life today looking at it logically, but we tell our minds what to believe for good or bad so you might as well tell it the good stuff.

How many stories play in your head throughout the day that are not necessarily true especially those that bring you down with negative energy? You need to turn those stories around in your head. Start by telling your mind what your ideal person, place and life is all about in the form of positive statements. So get busy; write down all your affirmations and check back with me on July 21st for part two on what to do next.

Remembering William Newman - Our Fallen Hero

2010-06-07T06:12:00.000-05:00

Today marks three years since our son, William Newman, died in Iraq (June 7, 2007). I will never forget this day when we first heard of this sad news. The Air Force representatives were waiting at our home when we arrived from work to tell us what had happened; our daughter Emily was at their side standing at the top of the driveway waiting for me and my husband and her siblings to arrive.

It was shock and disbelief that this could have happened - after all William had only one week left and then he would be returning home. He died while disarming a roadside bomb. It was his job as an EOD technician and he loved what he did but unfortunately his 200th mission was his last. He was loved by so many people because he was a genuinely nice person that cared for others. Losing William not only affected our lives forever, but many others as well.

We miss and love you William! Although you are no longer here with us in person, we know you are here in spirit watching over us each and every day.

Company Conferences and Your Career

2010-05-26T06:28:00.000-05:00

Companies hold annual conferences for their managers and/or clients and people either love them or hate them. If you are fortunate enough to work for an organization that puts on a conference that includes meaningful sessions that one can actually learn from mixed with fun, enjoyable activities than you most likely look forward to these annual meetings. But what good does it do for your career to attend these conferences other than maybe your boss telling you have to be present and therefore you do even if grudgingly?

Regardless of whether a company event is educational or fun, it's a chance to network with your peers, other clients and vendors that you may not otherwise have the chance to do. Expanding your contacts of people and getting to know them and how you might one day be able to help open doors for their career, they too may be able to do the same for you.

Now you may be thinking that this whole idea of 'networking' and talking to strangers or people you rarely see is not your cup of tea but I'm here to tell you that it can be if you are open to learning the skills for networking and step outside your comfort zone. I used to define 'networking' as the events that everyone just simply hands out cards and says hi for a few minutes. Those do exist but they are not for me and may not be for you either.

Networking in a setting that allows you to have a conversation and get to know one another can be a lot of fun. Show interest in the person you are talking to and don't make it all about you. If you do that and do it genuinely chances are they will be a friend or at least a contact for life. So, if you hate going to company conferences and view it as disrupting your daily routine or it's simply outside your comfort zone - take it from another angle by changing your attitude and outlook and seek opportunities to meet people and mingle. At the end of the conference, you'll be able to say what a great time you had and probably look forward to the next one.

Amazing Women Doing Their Part

2010-05-17T05:52:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Middle Tennessee experienced flooding in a way no one has seen it. Sure, we get a lot of rain in Tennessee and sometimes we need to watch the rivers to make sure they don't get too high to cause any damage. But this time, the rain came down hard and fast and steady with very little breaks in between.

People away from their homes were stranded in buildings because they simply could not drive their cars in the dangerous waters while others watched carefully as the water rose closer and closer to their front porch, hoping and praying it would stop soon. For some it did but for many others, it did not. So many families in Middle Tennessee have lost their homes or are displaced temporarily as they await the news from insurance companies as to what, if any, of the damage to their homes will be covered so they can start rebuilding their lives.

Many of the homeowners were not in a flood zone and therefore not required to carry flood insurance. They will need to rebuild their homes through the help of volunteers and monetary donations from various sources. Seeing the devastation first hand in my own community, I know just how much it has impacted their lives. It's been quite an amazing sight to see the volunteers both men and women, coming together to help people remove debris from their homes, bring food and water to volunteers and victims alike and clothing to replace what was lost to water and mud. So much work has already been done but so much more is needed.

Women of Middle Tennessee continue to lend a helping hand to the flood victims by raising money to give to charitable organizations. If you or your organization would like to get involved - I encourage you to attend or donate to one of these two fundraisers for flood victims - both led by women of Nashville. There are many other wonderful organizations that are accepting donations and are in need of volunteers so I encourage you to choose one and get involved today. The flood victims need your help and appreciate all you can do for them.

Flood Relief Cut-A-Thon

Flood of Fashion

Tips and Tricks from Successful Chicks

2010-04-29T05:56:00.001-05:00

I recently attended a networking event with Ladies Who Launch (LWL) in Nashville. The event was Tips and Tricks from Successful Chicks. It was held at a salon in an affluent area that opened up a year ago. The owners of J. Bang's Salon are mother and daughter. The daughter, Julie is a hair stylist who always dreamed of owning her own salon and her mother already a business owner, decided to partner with her to help make Julie's dream a reality.

Several women turned out for the event and shared their stories of success in their own line of business. There was great food, wine and women networking together and learning from one another. With all the standing on high heels all evening, it led to some very sore feet but it was all worth it.

Ladies Who Launch focuses on women interested in becoming an entrepreneur or those who have already launched a business and want to be connected with other women not only to learn from them but to teach and support others. I met the director of the Nashville chapter, Sheilah Griggs, several months ago and she is one incredible woman. A single mom, business owner and very dedicated to LWL and the women involved. There are many chapters throughout the country if you are interested in learning more or attending the local events. Check it out when you get a minute. You'll be glad you did.

Administrative Assistant's Day - Yesterday

2010-04-22T05:53:00.000-05:00

Administrative Assistant's day was yesterday and I did not have my gift in hand for my assistant. I felt terrible that I had to tell her I did not have anything for her. It wasn't because I forgot about it as I mark it on my calendar each year - it was simply bad timing. I ended up traveling for a couple of days and then asked my daughter to pick up the gift I wanted while she was out and about so I thought I was covered.

But unfortunately even though she attempted to do so, she was unable to which left me empty handed when I acknowledged this day to my assistant. Meredith does a wonderful job for me making my day easier by handling so many different tasks. She's organized, gets things done on time and does an outstanding job of the tasks assigned to her. She is an example of having great work ethic as she cares about her job, the output of her work and accomplishes a lot in her day.

She has just started climbing her pink ladder to success as she is a new graduate but with her skills, work ethic and professionalism - I can guarantee she will climb many rungs on her ladder. Thanks Meredith for all you do.

April – Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2010-04-20T06:07:00.000-05:00

Sexual violence according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to sexual activity where consent is not obtained or freely given. Both men and women unfortunately can become victims of sexual assault at some point throughout their lives. Although both sexes are victims, the majorities are women and the person responsible for the assault is usually someone they know. It can be a friend, family member or even a co-worker.

When we think of sexual violence most of us probably think of physical contact of some sort, but there are other types as well which include sexual harassment, threats or peeping. Susan Lee-Titus’ story (click here for March 2009) speaks to her own personal experience of sexual assault and what her healing process was and how she survived this horrific experience. “On a December night at 7pm, in an aerobic dance class, I was raped, beaten and held hostage at gunpoint for two hours.”

Signs Your Job May Be in Jeopardy

2010-04-19T03:57:00.000-05:00

With the unemployment rate so high this year and many workers losing their jobs finding it hard to land another one; you may be wondering if your job is secure and if your company will be around for years to come.

There are five signs to look for that may indicate your company is in trouble.

1) Lack of growth in the company – Sales are stagnant or down with very little interest from new customers

2) Dissatisfied customers – Current customers are more dissatisfied with the product than satisfied

3) Employees – People that have been there for a long time and are very connected with the inner workings of the company are starting to jump ship.

4) Layoffs – The company has had more than one layoff in the last twelve months

5) New Product Development – No new products on the horizon or very little time and money being invested into research and development

Even if you see these signs in your company – don’t panic and quit or stop doing the best job possible; instead be wise and plan for the possibility that you may lose your job in the future if things do not turn around. Update your resume and start looking at job postings that may be of interest to you and if asked to interview – then do so. It doesn’t hurt to interview to see what the job market is looking for and the salary associated with it. The last thing you want to do is find yourself ‘jobless’ and wishing you had done something to prepare for it even though the signs of a company in distress was evident.

Failure: Try to Please Everyone

2010-04-15T06:16:00.000-05:00

Holding a management position in a company naturally requires one to make decisions throughout the day, everyday; with some decisions easier and more routine than others. Unfortunately there will be people that will be disappointed with the answer they are given and may feel that the company or manager is not being fair or does not understand their view point on the subject.

Women more often than men, try to 'please' everyone most of the time. We want to make sure everyone's okay and happy with life or with us. For some women it's a struggle to get over that but it's necessary. You will never please everyone all the time so stop trying. It's not good for you or anyone else. This attitude is carried over to the workforce where 'no' is not something they want to say very often. This typically leads to becoming overworked and stressed out. However, there are times when 'no' must be the answer in the best interest of the company.

No one likes to hear 'no' when requesting something especially if they are passionate about it. But in order for you or a company to be successful - it is necessary to do even though it may not be well received. The reality is no matter what decisions you make, there will always be at least one person that does not agree with it because you simply cannot please everyone all the time. But keep in mind, the decisions you make should always be in the best interest of the company.

Words of wisdom from Herbert Bayard Swope, "I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure--which is: Try to please everybody."

Back in the USA

2010-04-14T05:54:00.000-05:00

It seems like it's been so long since I've written a blog which it has I suppose - a little over two weeks. I went on vacation to Italy and was hoping to write a blog several times and share with the Pink Ladder reader's information about the towns, people and experiences. However, little did I know that high speed Internet is not readily available in all the places we visited.

It was there I realized how we have become accustomed to and dependent on high speed internet to perform our job functions, to look up the weather or to research data for one thing or another. Even though internet was available in the hotel and villa - it was slow and you needed to pay for 30 minutes at a time. We stayed in one place that had an internet cafe' which was free wireless but it kept logging us off and never did send an email. In the larger cities in the modern hotels, you will find high speed internet, but we were mostly in the Tuscany area where Chianti Classico is served in every restaurant and winery in the region.

It is a beautiful country with so much to see and do. The picture above is a street in Siena, Italy during the evening hours. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Italy or wonder where to go on the next vacation - I highly recommend it. Now that I'm back in the U.S. and have high speed internet at my fingertips - I will be blogging once again several times a week.

Can't We Just All Get Along?

2010-03-26T06:19:00.000-05:00

Just because you work in the same building or in the same department with others and have to interact on a daily or weekly basis with one another does not mean it's a given that everyone will all get along and live happily ever after. It would be so "Polyanna...ish" to believe that is the case.

Even if up to this point you have always liked everyone you've dealt with in all the companies you've worked for and everyone's liked you (extreme Polyanna) - trust me there will come a day when you are tasked to work with someone on a project or on a team that may be a challenge to deal with. So, how do you handle a situation like that? Tempers are short, frustration is high and yet it is necessary to work with each other in some capacity. To begin with - when feeling frustrated stop and take a deep breath and relax your body and mind before saying or doing anything (I know easier said than done) and then decide how to best handle the situation to be most productive and professional for the company.

Teams are far more productive when everyone respects and enjoys working with one another, but when that isn't the case - try to use the experience as an opportunity to improve yourself and your attitude instead. If by doing so, it improves the overall working environment, then it's icing on the cake. In every situation we are faced with , we have a choice to make on how to act or what attitude to have but we cannot control or change that in anyone else. So even if your efforts do not change the other person's outlook or working relationship with you, at least you have had a better attitude and that's always a good thing.

Lead By Example

2010-03-25T06:21:00.000-05:00

Derek Jeter, Captain and Shortstop for the New York Yankees is loved by so many fans whether they like or dislike the Yankees baseball team. He grew up playing baseball and had his sights set on someday becoming a Yankees player, specifically the shortstop position. That was his goal and desire and he worked hard to get there. After being drafted, he has never been traded to any other team and remains the shortstop but also the captain of the team.

Being the captain of the team is another level of responsibility outside of just playing the game. Players look up to the captain for advice, for strength and for leadership. Jeter commented on his role as the captain in saying, "I think what makes a good captain is leading by example. It's not about telling your teammates how to act, it's about setting a good example and a standard in the clubhouse and the field."

Jeter does just that. He is a classy, professional individual, respected by many. As leaders in a company - we must remember that people are watching how we lead and handle various issues and responsibilities so it's important to stop and think before reacting or speaking. It's something we must all continue to improve on daily and throughout our careers to 'lead by example' not just words.

Arrivederci!

2010-03-24T05:40:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you've experienced it before or at the very least heard others make the comment after returning from a vacation how much work has piled up on their desk while they were out of town and was it really worthwhile going on vacation when they had to come back to such a huge workload and stress?

I am getting ready this week to go on vacation and have been preparing to get things done prior to leaving that would normally take place in those weeks. There are reports to write, data to analyze, updating employees on issues to cover in your absence, packing, cleaning, making sure all the flight and hotel reservations are in place, passports and books and apps to download for the trip and....

Then off I go for a little rest and relaxation having the time of my life. That's exactly what I intend to do and yes, it will all be worth it to me. To organize and complete tasks that need to be done prior to leaving and to come back to a stack of mail, hundreds of emails, voice mails and projects is all worth it. I enjoy taking time off to refresh my body and soul, to focus on something for a short period that takes me out of my normal routine and experience a part of the world and people I have yet to know.

The only work I will be doing while on vacation is writing a blog (hopefully daily provided I have no connection issues) and sharing with my readers a little about my trip and any experiences I think you may be interested in. So next Monday, I'll be writing from Rome. Arrivederci!

First Woman CEO of a Fortune 500 Company

2010-03-22T05:10:00.000-05:00

Katharine Meyer Graham was born in New York City on June 16, 1917, the fourth of five children. In 1933 her dad bought the Washington Post for $875,000 after he had retired. The reason he bought it was he wanted to have a voice in our country’s affairs. This paper became the capitol’s most influential paper. Katharine always had an interest in publishing as a student and worked on the student newspaper at Madeira and in the summers she worked for her dad at the Washington Post. A year after graduating she joined the editorial staff at the Post.

In 1940 she married Philip Graham, a Harvard Law graduate who later served in the Army during World War II. It was then she gave up her career of reporting and spent her time moving from base to base with Philip until he was sent overseas at which time she returned to the Post. In 1945 her husband began working at the post as an associate publisher and in 1948 Meyer entrusted the business to his son-in-law. Philip and Meyer built the business to success and acquired the Washington Times Herald in 1954 and Newsweek in 1961 for approximately $8-$15 million.

Then unfortunately in 1963 Philip shot himself and it was then that Katharine took over as president of the company. During her marriage to Philip she had devoted a lot of time to raising her daughter and 3 sons but always kept an interest in what was going on with the Post. But now she was taking over this incredible company ready or not. As she stated in her book, Personal History, "What I essentially did was to put one foot in front of the other, shut my eyes, and step off the edge".

Can you imagine being in her shoes? One day focusing primarily on your family having some knowledge of the business your husband ran and then the next taking over as president of the company in charge of everything? Certainly could be exciting and scary all at the same time. But having that courage to step into that role led her to becoming the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. When asked later about her success she said, "To love what you do and feel that it matters — how could anything be more fun?" She later died in 2001 from head injuries sustained from a fall on a sidewalk while attending a conference in Idaho.

A Good Laugh to Start Your Day

2010-03-19T05:52:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine was telling me about her interviewing experience yesterday and I was laughing so hard. I think you'll enjoy her story as well. It will be a good way to start your day.

She had been to this organization a couple of times already interviewing with who could potentially be her new boss and the head of human resources along with others. They were very impressed with her (as they should be) and wanted her to come back and interview with the CEO and some other head honchos. When the day came, she decided to meet her husband for lunch before heading over to her mid-afternoon appointment. Even with lunch, she was running early so they both stopped in an antique store and she found some beautiful earrings and decided to purchase them. Then hugs and kisses for the husband and she was off to the interview.

She arrived in the parking lot but it was still too early to head inside so she decided to put on her new earrings and remove the old. She quickly looked into the rear view mirror to see how lovely they looked and called it a day. She proceeded to the building and was greeted once again by the receptionist, spent some time with the VP, met with a few others along the way and then interviewed with the CEO. After completing her interviews she left the building and headed home.

It wasn't until after spending over three hours talking to several people, that she was able to look into the mirror and noticed something was dangling from one of the earrings. Much to her surprise or horror, she realized the paper tag with the price for the earrings was prominently displayed next to the beautiful earring for all to see. And you may be asking, "What's the big deal if her hair covers most of the earring anyway?" Well, she has short hair with none available to cover. So, here she was with earrings and a price tag displayed for hours and not one person said anything - not even a "You have a string hanging next to your earring." Despite it all - I'm happy to say she was offered the job in the end and after mentioning it the VP and receptionist later - it made for a good laugh.

Bessie Coleman "Queen Bess"

2010-03-18T05:07:00.000-05:00

Bessie Coleman earned her pilot's degree in 1921 in France. She was the world's first African American woman pilot. She grew up in Texas and was the 10th child of 13 in her family. She became interested in aviation through reading about it as a child. After graduating from high school she went to Chicago where two philanthropists both of African American descent mentored her.

She was denied admission to the American aviation schools because of her gender and race but she didn't give up and quit. She found another way to realize her dream of becoming a pilot. She learned French and then moved to France where she earned her international pilot's license in 1921 from a well respected organization called the Federation Aeronautique International.

She decided to come back to the U.S. and spent the next five years touring the states, giving exhibition flights and parachuting at airports. She refused to participate in any segregated events and hoped to someday open an aviation school for African Americans and teach them to fly. Unfortunately, she was not able to see that dream come to fruition. On April 30, 1926 during an exhibition flight she fell from the plane and died immediately. Today Queen Bess is honored annually by other African American pilots as they drop wreaths from the skies over her gravesite.

It's wonderful to read and learn about women who have accomplished goals and dreams and the challenges they faced in their era. Although many of the same challenges are no longer a roadblock for women today, we do continue to face numerous challenges in other areas with the hope that someday women will truly be 'equal' to men in opportunity and pay and to be seen as equals by their peers and managers.

Ellen Swallow Richards

2010-03-16T05:36:00.000-05:00

Researching women as the 'first's' for Women's History Month has been fascinating. There are so many wonderful women that have contributed to our world in some many areas and have led the way for women worldwide. Ellen Swallow Richards is one of these women. She was the 'first' in so many areas.

She was born in 1842 and died in 1911.

Pioneered the field of Home Economics
First woman admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
First female instructor at the Institute
First woman in American accepted to any school of science and technology
First woman to earn a degree in chemistry

Her highest degree achieved was a Master of Arts from Vassar for a thesis on the chemical analysis of iron ore. From there she continued her studies for a doctoral degree at MIT, but the institution would not give this degree to a woman.

Ellen and Marion Talbot became the first initial "founding mothers" of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Their idea was to have an organization in which women college graduates could come together for a common cause - opening doors for higher education and training to other women. Today there are over 100,000 members. This association has become an advocate for education and equity for all women and girls.

As I was reading about Ellen and all the studying she did and the thesis she wrote to be able to obtain her doctoral degree and then not be awarded the satisfaction of achievement must have been very disappointing to say the least. Could you imagine juggling all the responsibilities of today's working woman in hopes to receive a doctoral degree only to find out in the end you will not because of your gender? Thank goodness this would not take place today in 2010 but it's because of women like Ellen Swallow Richards that made sure progress was made for women's equality.

"You're Fired"

2010-03-15T05:33:00.000-05:00

Whether you watch the 'Apprentice' or not, you've probably heard Donald Trump speak the words, "You're Fired" to the contestants on his show. Last night was the first episode of the new season which included some very interesting people to say the least.

After the task was completed (men v. women) - they were all called into the boardroom to see which team brought in the most money and a member of the losing team would hear the words "You're Fired!". Unfortunately the women lost so one of them would be fired. Donald Trump proceeded to ask each of them who on their team should be fired and the women could/would not say. Each of them stated what a great job the team did in their task and could not pinpoint one person that would deserve to be fired.

Although Trump is a very outspoken person, he seemed to really be on one last night as he poked and prodded for an answer. You could tell he was getting a little irritated that no one would dare say there was a weak link in the group. The women repeatedly said everyone was trying hard to do a good job and therefore it was difficult to make that call. He responded that in life and business there are times when it just doesn't seem fair but a decision must be made.

I can certainly relate as many of you probably can when a tough decision must be made about letting someone go on your team. It's easier, not easy, when someone doesn't carry their own weight and doesn't try to do their best, but when someone tries their hardest and it still isn't enough, that's when it's most difficult to say goodbye. It's times like this as a manager when you feel life isn't fair because you like the individual as a person and you know they're probably doing their best, but unfortunately their best is still bringing the team down and not meeting the needs of the customer. Those times are tough times as a manager and last night the women were faced with that challenge and decision.

23 More Days...

2010-03-12T05:21:00.000-06:00

Just 23 more days until opening season for baseball! I can't wait. A few years ago I had the opportunity to go to a spring training game in Orlando, Florida and watched the Yankees beat the Braves. It was very hot outside and the stadium was packed. People were sitting on towels and chairs on the grassy hill and lined up along the walkway behind the seats. Even though it was the Braves spring training field, the majority of fans were there to see the New York Yankees, just as I was. One of my favorite players is Derek Jeter as seen in the picture I snapped while at the game.

The crowd was cheering and fans everywhere were wearing their team's jersey. It was a packed house and the excitement of the fans for their team and for baseball to begin was exhilarating. This year I will not be attending any spring training games, but I hope to plan a trip with my best friend to see a game in the new Yankees stadium. For several years we were visiting a different ball park every year but we haven't for the last two so we are determined to start up our tradition again this year.

It's important to take time out for yourself, to relax and have some fun without thinking about work and family responsibilities. It allows your mind to refresh and your body to relax. I've always encouraged my employees over the years to take a vacation because I believe that everyone needs a break from the routine of work and our busy lives; it does wonders for the mind and soul. Whatever you enjoy whether baseball, beach or hiking - plan a trip this year to do something that you truly love. You'll be glad you did.

"Where There's a Will, There's a Way"

2010-03-09T05:28:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way". I remember growing up hearing it as a young girl from my parents and I too have told my own children the same and still do today. When they tell me something cannot be done or they don't have time to do X or they don't have money to do Y - I remind them where there's a will, there's a way.

Such a simple saying but yet so powerful. It's easy to give up getting or doing something in life you want by saying it can't be done or coming up with a million excuses or reasons that would make it difficult to accomplish. Really what is being said is it's too hard to do it and I don't want it bad enough to figure out a way to make it happen. Vince Lombardi, the greatest football coach of all time said, "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

He's exactly right. The successful person has the will to make things happen regardless of the obstacles ahead of them. Unfortunately so many give up before they get started because 'the will' takes work and self discipline and they are not willing to go through all that trouble. But don't be that person, be the person that reminds them self, "Where there is a will, there's a way."

Founder of Girl Scouts of America

2010-03-08T05:16:00.000-06:00

Today I am highlighting the founder of Girl Scouts of America in honor of Women's History Month. Juliette Gordon Low officially started the organization in 1915 and held the title of president.

She was born in 1860 in Savannah, Georgia and was called "Daisy" by her friends and family. She was one of six children and during her teen years she attended boarding school in Virginia. After graduating she spent a great deal of her time traveling throughout the US and Europe.

In 1886 she married William Mackay Low, a wealthy Englishman and moved to England dividing her time in both England and the United States. After her husband died in 1905 she spent several years trying to figure out what she wanted to do in life. Then in 1911 she met the founder of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides and became very intrigued and involved in the new youth movement.

A year later she made a call to a friend and told them of her wonderful idea for all girls across the US and started the Girl Scouts of America; first known as the American Girl Guides. She signed up 18 girls in March of 1912. She brought girls of all backgrounds together to learn arts, business, out door activities and homemaking. The original 18 members has grown to 3.7 million.

Juliette died of breast cancer in her home in 1927 in Savannah, Georgia. Since her death she has had a stamp in her honor, a World War II ship named after her, two schools named after her, inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and a federal building also named after her. She certainly was an incredible woman and it's nice to see that she has been honored and recognized for her work over the years.

In Memory of Ed Magee

2010-03-05T05:54:00.000-06:00

It is with great sadness that I write my blog in memory of my friend Ed Magee. Yesterday afternoon I was informed of his death on Wednesday. When I was told the news, I just couldn't believe it as it was so sudden and so unexpected. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, his family and all the many friends he has.

Ed was such a caring, thoughtful person - very devoted to his wife and to the organization he volunteered for - Operation Never Forget. It was through this non-profit that I met Ed a couple of years ago. This organization works with local cities to raise money for a bronze bust of a fallen soldier. The bust is presented to the family with the community support and placed in a library, city hall or school in their memory to teach and remind others now and for years to come, the sacrifices these men and women made for our country and freedom.

My stepson died in Iraq in June of 2007 and I was working with Ed and this organization to have a bronze bust made of William. It was then Ed told me of his desire to have the soldiers name engraved on an outdoor memorial for all who died in Iraq or Afghanistan near the Tennessee State Capitol along side the memorials from past wars. Me, Ed and others were on a committee meeting with representatives to discuss the feasibility and plan a fundraiser to see his and others dream of honoring these fallen Tennessee soldiers come to fruition.

Thank you Ed for all you did for so many people and all the lives you touched in such a wonderful way including mine. I will miss you as will so many. You are now with our military men and women that you so deeply cared for even though you never knew them.

First Woman to Appear Before the Supreme Court

2010-03-03T07:50:00.000-06:00

With March being Women's History Month, I will highlight women throughout the month that have been part of our history and who have helped pave the way for the rest of us.

Belva Lockwood was the first woman admitted to appear before the Supreme Court in 1873. She was born in Niagara County, New York. She started teaching at the age of fifteen and married at nineteen. Soon after her husband died and she was left to support herself and her daughter.

She later moved to Washington, D.C. and remarried but it wasn't until she was almost forty years old that she decided to go to law school. Once she found a school that would accept her they were still reluctant to give the deserved diploma until she demanded that action be taken.

After five years of working on getting a bill through Congress, finally in 1879 Belva became the first women to practice law before the US Supreme Court. Her first case was a divorce that she won and not only did she win but it included the first case in history where the husband had to pay alimony.

Always do more...

2010-03-02T04:49:00.000-06:00

"Always do more than you're paid to do, it ensures your future”

Coach Carter

I noticed this quote last night on the bottom of someone's email that was sent to me. There was a movie made about Coach Carter's life several years ago. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it.

I've always been a believer that you should do more than what's expected of you. If you do, you'll stay ahead of the game, be productive and bring value to your organization. But it's not just in your career climbing that this applies to. It applies to everything you do in life.

You can also substitute the 'paid to do' for 'expected to do'. For example if you're a teenager and go to the neighbors to babysit and you're getting paid to watch the kids and put them to bed - don't stop there. Do what's expected of you and more. If there are dishes to do, go ahead and do them, if there are toys to put away then put them away, if there is trash to take out then do it.

Having an attitude of doing more than what’s expected of you and to teach your kids the same will instill great habits and work ethic. It will follow them the rest of their lives not only throughout their career when the lesson of 'doing more than what you're paid to do' will literally pay off in more ways than money itself.

March is Women's History Month

2010-03-01T06:27:00.000-06:00

In 1987 Congress, at the request of the National Women's History Project, expanded National Women's Week to National Women's Month. The purpose behind this is to increase awareness and educate everyone on women's history; to take a moment to remember the contributions of not just notable women but ordinary women and what they have contributed to our country.

Some of my blogs throughout the month of March will recognize these women for their achievements so you too can learn more about them and share that knowledge with those around you. After all, that is the purpose of Women's History month; to learn more about incredible women and what they faced, overcame and how it contributed to history.

The Law of...

2010-02-26T05:35:00.000-06:00

When cleaning out some papers from a desk, my husband found a one sheet document with many laws listed on it describing what each of them are. He can't remember where or who he received it from but it sounds like a Brian Tracy teaching.

One of those listed is the Law of Expectations. It says 'Whatever you expect with confidence will have a tendency to materialize in your life'. If you think about it this is so true both from a negative and positive viewpoint.

There are those that have an upbeat, optimistic attitude about life in general and typically have written goals they want to achieve, and through their hard work, belief, visualization and affirmations their goals materialize. They expect them to come true because they believe it with all of their heart and soul and do what it takes to get there.

Then there are those that complain about everything; their job, their kids, their spouse, their boss, their coworkers, their cats, dogs, weather - just life in general. You know the type, "Woe is me because nothing ever goes my way". In other words, the "Debbie Downers' or the "Nick Negatives". And guess what? Most of the time things in their lives remain pretty much the same which they too complain about. Why? Because that's what they expect and therefore that's what they get.

Compartmentalizing 'Singlemomship'

2010-02-25T06:02:00.002-06:00

Being a single mom is not easy to say the least. Juggling time to be at work, spending time with the kids and having some 'me' time can be quite a challenge. As any mom knows kids can be very demanding of our time and by the end of the day, we are exhausted.

Being a mom is a job of constant teaching and giving if you think about it. From the moment they wake up in the morning, we’re helping them get dressed or picking out clothes, fixing breakfast, dealing with the "I don't want to go to school" while they drag their little butts around the house verging on making everyone late for work and school. Did they remember to grab their lunch and their homework? Okay, everyone in the car and buckle up! No, you can't play video games on the way to school..... Even though it may seem so routine, moms are constantly teaching. How the mom reacts to each situation is teaching the kids something.

I know it's a lot of responsibility and that's what being a single mom is all about. And it’s not just getting them off to school or getting ready for bed, it's the baseball practices, it’s juggling how to get them to and from while you're at work, it’s the finances or finding time to clean the house or simply take a warm bath. Just finding time to take a bubble bath and enjoy a glass of wine without the kids knocking at the bathroom door is difficult to do. But it's a must for single moms to find time in their week for a little 'me' time. If you don't make time to take care of yourself and refresh your own body and soul, it will be more difficult to take care of everyone that is depending on you.

Is it easy to juggle all these things? No, but it can be done. I recently gave a young single mom of two the following advice about putting the responsibilities of ‘singlemomship’ into compartments and dealing with each compartment differently.

Compartment One:

When the kids get up in the morning and everyone is getting ready for work and school, focus on this. Do not get on the phone with friends and try to juggle calls and getting ready. Stay focused on the tasks at hand. Make sure you get up early enough to allow time for you to get ready before the kids wake up, then helping them get ready will be less stressful in the morning.

Compartment Two:

Kids are either in day care or school for the majority of the day and you are at work. So, this is a long period of time that mom and kids are separated from one another (and hopefully a good break for both). Enjoy it!

Compartment Three:

Next comes the after school / after work time. If you pick up kids and are driving home with them, don't get on the cell phone or text message, instead talk to the kids. Ask them how their day was; after all you haven't seen them for probably nine hours. They want their mom's undivided attention. Take this time to interact with them. Once you get home, it can be a little hectic with homework, getting the kids in the bath and fixing dinner but focus only on these things. The time you have each night between work and bedtime is probably about 2-4 hours so make the best of it. Don't let email, text messaging, TV or phone calls be a part of this time with the kids.

Compartment Four:

Once the kids are all tucked away in bed, it's now 'me' time and getting ready for the next day. Prepare the kids lunches the night before, iron the clothes, do some laundry or return calls/emails and then take your bubble bath and enjoy a glass of wine in peace and quiet.

Organizing your tasks throughout your day will make things run much smoother; you'll feel less stressed and frazzled and you will have juggled all the things a single mom must do. You are amazing!

Visualizing the Course

2010-02-23T06:26:00.000-06:00

Many life coaches, sport coaches and motivational speakers encourage their clients to visualize their dreams and goals to help them achieve success. I've been watching the Olympics whenever I get a chance because they inspire me to say the least. Here are people that have devoted so much of their time, talent and money just to have a chance to compete in the games and give it their all day day after day.

One thing I noticed the other day in the Super G skiing competition with both men and women - several were visualizing the course and the outcome of the race, I'm sure. They were able to look at the course prior to the race but they could not ski the course so many were visualizing themselves skiing down the mountain.

Their eyes were closed and their bodies moving in motion as though they were on their skis making their way to the finish line. There's a lot to be said about visualization. If we visualize our goals and dreams and really feel the excitement of being there, then when we actually arrive there it will feel so normal as though we’ve been here before; a feeling of comfort one might say.

Politicking v. Networking

2010-02-22T06:11:00.000-06:00

Politics in the workplace: some people live for it and others can't stand it. I've always been the type of person that doesn't enjoy dealing with company politics although it is necessary at times. I've worked by the belief that if you do your job well, work hard, be a team player and bring value to the organization then chances are you will climb your career ladder to greater heights.

Now granted, bringing value to the organization does require informing your boss of the projects you are working on that do bring value, or letting her know about the deal you just closed that saved or made the company X dollars. However, there is the other side of the coin that says 'politicking' in the office is a must for advancement. I've seen both methods become successful for individuals.

We've all seen the people that walk the "C" suite area peeking their head into the offices waving hi. I think this is a risky notion because depending on how the "C" suite looks at this - it can benefit you or backfire especially if you do not typically need to interact with them. For example: If they see Jane walking through a few times a day just to say hi or to say something of insignificance that clearly sends a message she just wanted to make an appearance - she may be seen as an annoying office politicker or someone that doesn't have enough work to do. On the other hand, the executive may admire those qualities in Jane and each time she stops by and does the parade wave - it reminds them who she is and how they may advance her in the future.

You decide what's best in your organization and for your career in regards to politicking v. networking. Regardless of which your preference is, networking with your peers and management team when given the opportunity is something I recommend you do. Networking within the organization and outside of an organization is important. It gives you the opportunity to get to know those you work with and for you to get to know them. This is different than playing a political game for advancement.

Networking: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

Politicking: to engage in often partisan political discussion or activity

Partisan: a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person; one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance

Don't Tell Me About Your Problems

2010-02-19T05:42:00.000-06:00

Interviewing for a position within a company regardless of whether you know the person or not from a previous life does not mean that you should be less professional, less prepared or too relaxed. Having an opportunity to interview for a job especially in this economy should be taken seriously knowing you have some tough competition. You want the interviewer when she compares her notes to other interviewees, think of you as the strongest and most professional and skilled candidate. Take the opportunity seriously and be your professional best.

Do's and Don'ts When Being Interviewed:

Do come prepared with a fresh copy(s) of your resume. You never know if there will be more than one person you'll be interviewing with.
Do give eye contact although it's fine to look away once in awhile as you think about the answer to a question.
Do give clear and succinct answers.
Do point out all your accomplishments that will tell the interviewer you are qualified for the job.
Do appear enthusiastic about the prospect of the challenges the job faces without being over the top.
Do your research on the company, the management team and any recent news.
Don't speak in a monotone voice. You don't want to put others to sleep or give the impression you are boring.
Don't talk about your personal problems and how this job will help solve them.
Don't assume you have the job or are the best candidate just because you know the person.
Don't talk about all the numerous other interviews you have/had and how well they are going.

Are You Thinking About the Customer?

2010-02-17T05:54:00.004-06:00

No matter where we go or what company we work for - chances are customer service is on our mind. If we are the customer we are focusing on how we are being treated when we walk in the door of a store or a restaurant observing if the clerk is going to acknowledge us or if the waitress is prompt in taking our order and making sure our experience is a pleasant one. Or we are focusing on how we can drive more customers to our website; increase sales through existing or new customers or how to best serve them in order to retain them long term. So, the concept of excellent customer service is not foreign to us.

Companies need to be careful when putting together policies and procedures that may make their employees lives easier, faster, and more efficient but yet leave the customer out of the loop. What I mean by that is - sometimes the focus can be so much on the efficiency or streamlining of a process that we forget to take the customer into account and how the process may impact them.

If the new process increases the work/time for the customer instead of making their experience more pleasant such as requiring them to make additional calls to get answers or being transferred to numerous departments and people, than it's probably not the ideal change.

If the customer is not discussed as part of the new process and how it may impact their experience with the company, then chances are they will experience dissatisfaction and may go elsewhere. So, don't forget to include how the customer will be impacted by your decisions; after all we expect excellent customer service in our everyday interactions and your business customers should not expect any less.

How to Ace a Job Interview in 7 Seconds

2010-02-16T06:11:00.000-06:00

Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D. submitted an article to Pink Ladders titled, "How to Ace a Job Interview in 7 Seconds". With so many women looking for work right now due to a slow economy - it's important when interviewing for a position that you stand out over your competition. As Carol points out in her article you cannot say everything about your skills in 7 seconds, but within the first 7 seconds of meeting those interviewing you, they will have sized you up based on your body language.

She says, "According to research at New York University, you’ve got just seven seconds to make a lasting first impression. While you can't stop people from making snap decisions - the human brain is hardwired in this way - you can understand how to make those decisions work in your favor. Obviously, you won’t impress anyone by what you say in seven short seconds. In fact, it’s all about what you don’t say. Your body language."

Carol lists 7 powerful ways to make a positive first impression. You can read more under Essentials to Career Climbing in her article. They're great tips for anyone interviewing.

Execs Doing the Dirty Jobs

2010-02-15T06:14:00.000-06:00

Last week I watched a new show called "Undercover Boss". When I first saw the previews I thought it sounded interesting so I decided after the Super Bowl game was over to watch it and see what it was all about.

Much to my surprise, it was entertaining and thought provoking. The company featured was Waste Management, a large organization located throughout the country. The COO decided to go undercover as a new employee in several different job functions (all entry level) in cities throughout the US and work with a supervisor for a day while being filmed. As he visited each of these facilities it was an eye opening experience for him about his company's own policies and procedures as well as those that local managers implemented without company approval.

He was very touched by their personal life struggles, their amazing work ethic and attitude for performing tasks such as cleaning out and scrubbing down outhouses; truly a nasty job from most of our perspectives. In the end he brought them all back to the Waste Management office, revealed his identity and told them what he learned from each of them and the areas he would now focus on for improvement.

The moral of the story: As a manager/leader of any department or company, spend time with the people actually doing the job you write policies and procedures for or the very least include them in the decision making process when possible. Not only will the P&P be more successful to roll out and utilize on a daily basis, the employees will appreciate the effort made in making sure their voice was heard; not to mention it will make your company a better place to work.

Coming Soon - 2010 Winter Olympics

2010-02-11T07:07:00.000-06:00

Just one more day until the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics begin. I love watching the Olympics and seeing all the competitors work so hard to get the gold medal - to be the winner of the event and stand so proud for their country.

While many of us will be enjoying the games from the comfort of our homes, over 25,000 people will be on site helping the athletes and visitors to ensure all goes well for each event. And this is the number for volunteers only. Can you imagine organizing 25,000 volunteers? Just think about the majority of our own community's volunteers that are needed for fundraising events on a much smaller scale and how difficult that can be to get people to sign up to participate and commit. Wow - what a task this must have been for the head of volunteers, but how rewarding it will be to see it all come together very soon.

Good luck to all the athletes and thank you volunteers for donating your time and talent so everyone else can enjoy the Winter Olympics.

"That Organizer is Stunning"

2010-02-10T06:37:00.000-06:00

I have spent so much time and thought in designing the perfect planner for women. We launched the Pink Ladders Task Manager in August of 2009. The method for use is based on my own process over the years for managing all the tasks, projects and goals I have going on to ensure nothing gets missed.

It's printed on a 100% recycled paper with quotes from women that have contributed to Pink Ladders through their stories. It's also available in a smooth black leather binder or a pink croc style; all designed specifically for Pink Ladders. Because I know there was a lot of thought and consideration given to the filler and the binder, it's always a pleasure to hear what others have to say about it as well.

Yesterday I received an email from a woman who had purchased the pink croc Task Manager several months ago. Here's what she said, "I was flying to Florida two weeks ago and had the organizer on my pull down tray. A women sitting next to me commented "That organizer is stunning" (of course it is ...it's your pink one). I thanked her and gave her a little background info on Pink Ladders and told her to check out your website."

Thank you for sharing your story and passing the Pink Ladders website along to her. You can get more information about the Task Manager by visiting the website above or the Pink Ladders site.

Slipping and Sliding

2010-02-09T06:58:00.000-06:00

Snow, ice, snow, ice and it keeps on coming! It's not often we get snow where I live so when we do get it it's pretty exciting. We aren't really equipped for it other than spreading salt on the roads in hopes that it will melt it so we can all drive to work and school.

This year alone we have had several days of either snow or rain that turns into ice during the night because of the low temperatures. Unfortunately, because of the location of where my home sits, the ice and snow prevents me from leaving. Once in awhile it's kind of nice to just work from home and hang out in my PJ's but this has been occurring often lately so I am unable to leave our property whenever I want.

I know many people work from home everyday and I do enjoy it; in fact I think I get more done from home than at the office simply due to having no disruptions. But I also enjoy the face to face interaction with those I work with and want to be able to hit the gym afterwards. If I could have the snow without the freezing wet temps during the night, it would be perfect. But, thank goodness for the internet and conference calls so we can all be productive regardless of our physical location.

If I listened to everyone who said....

2010-02-08T05:59:00.000-06:00

Saturday night I watched the movie, Amelia, the story about Amelia Earhart. There was a scene where she was having a conversation with a young lady who wanted to be a pilot just like her hero, Amelia. Her advice to this young lady was, "If I listened to everyone who said it was impossible, I'd never be flying. Don't let anyone turn you around."

I had to quickly pause and write down what she said because all of us have dreams and aspirations of what we want to do, places we want to go, the person we want to be and the goals we want to achieve. There will always be people who will tell us what we want to accomplish is impossible or ridiculous and if we listen to them, we will never know if we could have done it or not because we would have quit.

If you have a dream or a goal, then go after it regardless of what others tell you. Amelia did and she broke many records of 'the first woman who..." She has been an inspiration to many for her courage, her vision and her achievements both in aviation and for women around the world.

Volunteering in Style

2010-02-05T06:02:00.000-06:00

As a proud mother of a wonderful daughter, I'm going to brag about her in my blog this morning. A couple of weeks ago she volunteered her time and talent for a hair makeover. Two women in the Nashville, Tennessee area won a contest for a free makeover which included a new hair style.

My daughter volunteered as one of the two stylists where she works; Salon FX. Yesterday in The Tennessean (Nashville's newspaper) a story was written about these two women and their makeover at Salon FX which included the picture of my daughter Crystal (above) taking a look at the winner's hair before getting started. So if you are here in town or ever visiting, stop by and see her.

A reminder that today is National Wear Red Day so when you're getting ready for work today - be sure to wear something red as a reminder to raise awareness in fighting heart disease in women.

Helping a Co-worker In Need

2010-02-04T05:31:00.000-06:00

Going to work is more than just walking in the door at 8am and sitting down at our desk staring at our computer all day with some meetings thrown in the mix. It's about the people we work with and interact with each and everyday. In fact many long term friendships start at work. We become friends with those we interact with so when their lives are touched by tragedy or triumph we experience a little bit of that with them.

A former co-worker of mine from several years ago was recently diagnosed with cancer and has been going through several chemo treatments while waiting for a donor for a bone marrow transplant. It's been very difficult on his young family as he is the sole provider. Last week a collection by his current co-workers was taken up to help ease the stress a little bit while he is unable to work. So, thank you to all who put this together and for everyone who donated monetarily and for your thoughts and prayers.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2010-02-03T05:41:00.000-06:00

Everyday we are making decisions about what we're going to wear to work, what to cook for dinner, what projects we should work on that are of highest priority, what meetings to attend and who to go to lunch with at the office. Many of the decisions we make throughout the day are simply a part of our routine and do not require a whole lot of thought or mental drain. But every once in awhile you are faced at work with a task that requires you to analyze, to think, to re-analyze and re-think, to analyze again and re-think again before making a decision on what will be best for the company now and strategically.

And as a result of the final decision, all parties will not necessarily be happy with the choice because unfortunately not everyone will come out in the end as a 'winner' in a negotiation or deal. But if you can walk away regardless of what side of the table you were sitting on knowing you offered the best deal you could or made the decision based on what was in the best interest of the organization, then you've done well.

It's About Attitude!

2010-02-02T05:18:00.000-06:00

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson

I love this quote from Thomas Jefferson because we all know people with both of these attitudes. There's the woman that's determined to achieve her goal no matter what; regardless of what the naysayers are telling her. It's all about believing you can achieve your goal and doing everything you can to make sure it happens; working hard, staying focused and being patient and persistent.

I remember years ago talking to a CEO friend of mine and we were discussing his competition in the market. I had recently heard something negative that was being said about his business and hesitated to share it with him. He reassured me it was fine because it wasn't going to hurt his feelings or change his motivation to make his company successful in the market. Then he said you have to be able to hear what your competition and others are saying about your company and deal with it if necessary. But I've learned you also must have thick skin because there are people out there that will want to tear you down and say everything negative about you and your company and if you let them get to you it will destroy you. You have to believe in yourself and what you are doing.

On the other hand, if one chooses to have a wrong mental attitude nothing can help them. It's up to us as individuals to change the way we look at things and how we live our life. If we choose negativity and believe that nothing ever goes right in our life, well guess what? That's probably true.

Prepare for February 5th Today

2010-02-01T05:44:00.000-06:00

February celebrates American Heart Month and February 5th celebrates National Wear Red Day. National Wear Red Day is the awareness and focus on wiping out heart disease in women.

The color red and the red dress symbolize the ability all women have to improve their heart health which in turn will lead to living a longer and stronger life. I realize it's not February 5th yet but rather February 1st. However, I wanted to share this day of awareness with you today so you can start planning what red dress or outfit you are going to wear on Friday, February 5th.

I know many businesses have casual Friday so you're probably not going to give that up for wearing a dress, but even if you do wear jeans support Go Red for Women by wearing a red shirt or sweater. If your line of work requires wearing a uniform like a police officer does, then wear a red pin or watch band; anything with the color red to support the cause.

For so many years, as the Go Red for Women site notes, heart disease has had the perception that it's a man's disease and yet many women are affected by it. So put it on your calendar today to wear red on Friday, make an appointment to visit your doctor for a physical and visit the Go Red for Women website for tips and recipes on living a heart healthy lifestyle. I know - lots to do, but it's all good for you.

Productivity Is Not About Managing Time but Managing Tasks

2010-01-28T21:17:00.000-06:00

For so long we've heard about the importance of 'time management' but if you think about it, it's not really about time as much as it is about 'task management'.

Throughout the day we have numerous tasks to complete whether it's doing an analysis for a project at work, finishing up a PowerPoint for a meeting, writing a blog, going to the grocery store, picking up the kids from daycare or going to a networking event. All of these are a 'task' of some sort.

Focusing on the tasks that need to be completed and prioritizing them will increase your productivity at work and that is sure to please your boss and help you climb your pink ladder to success.

And of course I must give a plug for the Pink Ladders Task Manager which is a great tool to help you do that.

Tuscany Here I Come!

2010-01-27T05:53:00.000-06:00

Beautiful Tuscany in Italy! I can't wait to visit in March. I have been planning this trip for several months now and it's finally all coming together. We'll be starting our vacation in Rome for a few days visiting Vatican City and other points of interest. Then off to the Tuscany area in the heart of the Chianti region where much of the Chianti Classico wine is produced.

I can't wait to see this beautiful country, drink the wine and enjoy the local cuisine of the Italian people in quaint restaurants across the valley. Then before heading home, we'll stop in Delphi and Athens, Greece for a few days and explore the sights and cuisine of this region.

I'm telling you about my upcoming trip because no matter how much you have going on in your life with work, charity events, kids, families and other projects, you also need to take time to relax and reenergize. My weeks are very full with work, Pink Ladders, Nashville RBI, kids, working out and family events just like many of yours. I love to wake up early and start my day before anyone else gets up so I can review my goals, affirmations, write my blog and read and respond to email.

After that my day is non-stop with projects and meetings so life in general is busy but good. Sometimes people equate 'busy' with stress or a bad day, but it's not. It's what you make of it and even though you are busy, if you love what you're doing at work or home, then life is good. Just remember to take sometime out once in awhile to go on vacation even if you just stay home and visit sites and parks in your area as we all need a little downtime to refresh our minds and bodies.

What's an SLA?

2010-01-26T05:57:00.000-06:00

If you deal with suppliers or vendors in your business, you most definitely want to have a good working relationship with them. Inevitably, something will go wrong over the course of the contract. It may be a product defect, a delivery that didn't show up when it needed to be or an unexpected backorder. Any of these scenarios when a customer is depending on the supplier to come through and doesn't, can angry or disappoint the customer; and if it happens too often the customer may terminate the agreement.

To prevent this from happening it's a good idea to discuss expectations up front before the agreement is signed, sealed and delivered. Ask the vendor what they need from you as a company to make the partnership a success and tell the vendor what you need from them to ensure the agreement and service levels meet your needs.

Once the expectations for both parties are noted and approved, then write up a Service Level Agreement (SLA) - a one page document noting what you have agreed upon. List the vendor's requirements for a successful partnership and yours as the customer. Then sign it but don't stop there, be sure to share the document with your team so everyone is on the same page. I recommend keeping track of issues that come up and then at quarterly meetings with the vendor, review the issues, ask what they have done as a company to prevent this from happening in the future and track to determine if the plan has worked or not.

Team Work: On the Field and At the Office

2010-01-25T05:38:00.000-06:00

What a great day of football it was yesterday. We watched the two playoff games to see which teams would meet up in the Super Bowl on February 7th. I think both games were very good and intense. You could see that all four teams were motivated to succeed. I was hoping for the Vikings and the Colts to win as I admire both Manning and Favre as quarterbacks and team players.

Even though Manning from the Colts was the only one to secure a spot in the Super Bowl, Brett Favre played hard even though injured the last half of the game and gave it his all. I love watching team sports because so much is relevant to team work in the office. In sports, the objective is to win the game; simple and yet as complicated as that. You can see when the members are pushing hard for that win, when the pressure gets to them and mistakes are made that are not typically seen otherwise, players frustrated with other players/coaches or the slap on the helmet or a hug of acknowledgment for a job well done and appreciated.

At the office, we are a member of a team with each of us playing a different position on the field and relying on the player next to us to do their part. Each member's position is there for a purpose and is necessary for the company's success and win. The company relies on all the team players to do their part each and every day just as a coach on a football team relies on its players to work together and strive for a win at every game.

"My Hair.... Please Fix It"

2010-01-21T06:04:00.000-06:00

I was recently told a story about a woman who walked into a chic downtown salon to have her hair done and asked the stylist who she had never seen or been to before to "fix her hair". When the stylist asked her what she had in mind, the woman explained to her that just yesterday she was at another salon and had her hair cut and colored but was not satisfied with the results and needed it to be fixed.

The stylist noticed the woman's concerns with the cut and color and told her she could certainly improve it for her but if she wanted to save a little in her pocketbook, she may want to consider letting it take its course for a few weeks; after all it wasn't a hack job by any means. She told the stylist "Thanks for being concerned about the money I would spend, but I'd rather have it fixed."

Once her new cut and color was finished - the salon and stylist had a satisfied customer that was ready to book her next appointment. When she asked what the recommended time should be, the stylist told her to book in about 6-8 weeks for a new haircut and color. The woman stared at her in amazement which surprised the stylist so she asked if everything was okay. The already satisfied customer was once again delighted to learn that she did not need to return in 4 weeks but could realistically wait longer and save a little money.

Not only did the stylist satisfy the customer's immediate need by fixing her hair, she also delighted the customer by giving her information that left an impression of honesty and caring. The woman booked her next appointment and the stylist now has a new reoccurring client because of the service level she provided.

Being Picky Is A Good Thing

2010-01-20T06:20:00.000-06:00

Call it picky, call it detailed but I prefer to call it 'taking pride in the work you do'. I am always pleased to see people take pride in the work they perform and the documents they write. You might think it's a given, assuming the majority of people do care about the output of their work and want to do their very best but unfortunately it is not true. I wish it was because it would make every manager's job so much easier and company's more successful overall.

Looking over a document a few times and making edits if need be before turning it in to your boss or using the material as handouts in a meeting will serve you well. There is nothing more frustrating than to have work turned in that clearly indicates the person has not taken the time to edit it themselves and check for mistakes or simply has not followed instructions and turned something in that's very different than what was asked of them; now it must be re-done. That's not to say it will always be perfect even after editing and reviewing because things can get missed, but taking pride in the work you do will certainly improve the outcome of the tasks asked of you.

Rework is a waste of time so focus on doing it right the first time. And by all means, pay attention to what is asked of you before working on the project and ask questions for clarification; otherwise you may find yourself doing rework and leaving your boss unimpressed. "Take pride in the work you do".

A Second Chance for a First Impression - Is That Even Possible?

2010-01-19T06:22:00.000-06:00

Anytime we meet someone for the first time, we have a chance to make a good first impression. This impression can be given in several ways; by the way we dress, our friendly or not so friendly attitude, our smile and body language or how we give a presentation to a customer. These impressions we leave on someone can many times make or break a relationship or at the very least determine how it will start out whether smooth or rocky.

This is true whether you are meeting someone for the first time in a social or professional setting. It also holds true for a company collectively when they are presenting product or service information to a management team in hopes for a sale. This is their opportunity to leave a good first impression about themselves, their company and their product so every 't' should be crossed and every 'i' dotted and every detail thought through in print material and presentation.

So what if the company blotches the presentation and left their potential clients unimpressed or you had a bad day when you met someone at a party and your not so friendly attitude was their first impression of you? Do we get a second chance to make a first impression if we blow it initially?

Call it 'redeem ourselves' or a 'second chance to make a first impression' but I do think there are times we are given another opportunity to change the opinion of a not so good first impression. But before you can do that, you need to be aware that the first time around wasn't so hot and therefore be cognizant of what you are doing the second time around.

If you are oblivious to what happened with the first bad impression then you probably won't know you have a second chance to make it better so it won't matter. But if you are given an second chance to really shine in a situation knowing that the first time around wasn't so great, then it's even more important to do everything you can to impress your audience. If you blow it again by being unprepared and unfriendly, the chances of doing business with your client, getting hired for a position or starting a friendship with someone is slim to none.

Coincidence - The Universe - Or Just Plain Strange?

2010-01-18T05:36:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had a goal that you set out to accomplish and even though you weren't sure how it would all come to fruition - you just knew that some day it would because you believed it would and were taking steps to get there?

It's those times when you think about a goal you're working on but your not sure of the next steps or who to contact or how to go about something and then suddenly someone you talked to sparked an idea, gave you advice, or suggested next steps. It might have been a stranger, a co-worker, an old friend that called you out of the blue and you realize later, there was a reason for it.

Some people call this a coincidence or just a strange occurrence while others see it as the universe being in tune with your thoughts and your subconscious that brings people and situations together at the right time. It's so amazing to see in my life and others the people and opportunities that arise when least expected that help you reach the next level of your goal. You could not even have predicted if you tried that it would have happened that way.

Saying your affirmations, reading and visualizing your goals, and believing you will achieve them opens doors that you could never have imagined. I love to watch how the universe brings people and situations together. I recently had one of these "universe' moments when I received an email from someone that may be able to help me with one of my goals that I would never had dreamed or thought of to ask.

"WOMAN" - Never Give Up

2010-01-15T21:43:00.000-06:00

The fifth and final essential step to success in climbing your pink ladder is Never Give Up! Even though it is the last step it is not any less important than the others. In fact, having a never give up attitude is critical in achieving success.

Just think about it; there are so many things that can get us down in our lives or obstacles we may encounter on each rung of the ladder we climb and if we gave up, we'd never reach our goal to the top. And that is not for you and not for me!

So, regardless of what you may face be it unemployment, health issues, or family responsibilities that may seem like they get in the way of career success - these are part of our everyday lives that need to be dealt with. There will be days when you feel like you are really making progress with your goals and others when you wonder if you'll ever make it.

This is normal but remember -never give up no matter what. Climb your pink ladder as high as you want to go; it's entirely up to you. And don't forget the five essential steps to help you get there.

W work ethic

O optimistic attitude

M managing tasks and setting goals

A affirmations

N never give up

"WOMAN" - Affirmations

2010-01-14T06:29:00.000-06:00

The fourth essential step to success in climbing your pink ladder is writing down and saying daily Affirmations. Affirmations are statements said that are positive and based on the present tense as though it has already occurred even though it has not.

By doing so, it reinforces to your subconscious that it is so. Remember the saying, ''If you believe it, you can achieve it"? Saying affirmations out loud and frequently reminds you and tells your subconscious that you can achieve it and before long you will start believing it even if you didn't to begin with.

Saving affirmations out loud is a great technique because you will hear yourself repeat and reinforce your beliefs and goals. But if you have a chance at work to pull out your list of affirmations and read them, even if quietly to yourself, then do so. It will keep you believing in yourself and reminding you that you have the ability to succeed.

Examples of affirmations (personal and professional) are:

"I am the top sales rep in the company"

"I weigh 120 pounds"

"I finish all my projects on time"

"I am a valued employee"

You get the point so start writing down your affirmations, review them daily and say them as many times throughout the day as you possibly can. You'll be amazed on how much it helps in achieving your goals and becoming the person you want to be. And of course the Task Manager has a place for you to write them down and be able to review wherever you are.

W work ethic

O optimistic attitude

M managing tasks and setting goals

A affirmations

N never give up

"WOMAN" - Managing Tasks and Setting Goals

2010-01-13T06:38:00.000-06:00

The third essential step to success in climbing your pink ladder is Managing Tasks and Setting Goals. Everyday whether its work related or personal, we have many tasks to accomplish and each goal we set has several tasks within it before the goal is complete.

I use the Pink Ladders Task Manager to write down my personal and work related tasks. It is nearly impossible to remember all the things that must get done so having a system to keep you focused on track is essential. There is nothing worse than forgetting about a critical deadline for a project.

In addition to managing your daily tasks, writing down your goals whether work related or personal will keep them in front of you and not be forgotten. The majority of people do not write down their goals but instead make New Years resolutions that stick for a few weeks and then are revisited the following New Year with more determination to see it through (well at least that's the intent).

If you really want to reach success in your career, write down your goals and all the tasks required to get there and start working on them. Review them daily as a reminder that " Hey, that's what I wanted to do this year" and then do something to work towards it. Some days you may only have time to read the goal or do research on the internet but the important thing is to set them and manage them. Before you know it, you will be checking the goal off the list of something to be proud of.

W work ethic

O optimistic attitude

M managing tasks and setting goals

A affirmations

N never give up

'WOMAN' - Optimistic Attitude

2010-01-12T05:47:00.000-06:00

The second of the five essential steps in climbing your career ladder to success is an Optimistic Attitude. Looking at the bright side of things and having a 'can do' attitude is so important as you interact with your peers, your boss and employees.

Attitudes are contagious and we have a choice everyday to have an optimistic or pessimistic one. I'm sure you have experienced both many times in the workplace. The optimistic person is the one that says, "I'm not sure how we will accomplish that, but I'll find a way. I know it's never been done before but I'll take on the challenge to make it work and be successful."

The pessimistic person says, "That will never work. They're crazy if they think we can do that. No one else has ever done that before. My boss doesn't know what he's doing or anyone else in this company for that matter."

When I arrive at work and throughout the day, I will greet people and ask how they are doing and listen for their response. I'm sure you've heard them yourself many times. The optimist will say, "I'm doing great. It's busy but things are going well." The pessimist will say, "Well, it's a Monday, just looking forward to Friday. There's so much to do around here; they just expect too much out of us but thank goodness for weekends."

What is your general attitude? Make sure it's a positive, optimistic one as attitude will play a big part in your climb up the pink ladder. Managers will be less than enthusiastic to promote someone that complains, always sees the glass half empty and focuses on the problems not the solutions.

W work ethic

O optimistic attitude

M manage tasks and set goals

A affirmations

N never give up

"WOMAN" - Work Ethic

2010-01-11T06:32:00.000-06:00

In Friday's blog, I talked about the five essential steps for success while climbing your career ladder. Each step is spelled out in the word 'Woman'. Today I will discuss the first step and a very important one, 'work ethic'.

Work ethic is so important to the success of your career but unfortunately not at the top of everyone's list. Having high work ethic is simply how you do your job. It's about being self directed, taking pride in the output of the work you submit, doing what needs to be done without complaining and looking out for the company's best interest in all the decisions you make on its behalf.

Everyday I see both high and low work ethic in the workplace. Those with high standards want to do their job to the best of their ability and it shows through their work habits. They pay attention to what is required of them and make sure they take the necessary steps to understand the project or task at hand and then follow through to ensure it is done satisfactorily.

They do more than what is expected of them to meet or exceed their manager's request, they finish projects they start and the output is that of pride and accomplishment - leaving very little redos' or none at all and try to anticipate what the company or the manager may need or want.

W work ethic

O optimistic attitude

M manage tasks and set goals

A affirmations

N never give up

"WOMAN' - Steps to Success

2010-01-08T06:14:00.000-06:00

When you hear the word 'success', what do you think of? Some people define it in terms of financial success; making a certain amount of money or what their net worth is. For others success is being happy in their career and personal life; enjoying what they do for a living, having family and friends that contribute to their life's happiness, making a difference in the lives they touch or all of the above.

But regardless of your definition, when you climb your 'pink ladder' there are five essential steps I recommend you take that will help you achieve success in your career. These steps can also be applied to your personal life. I have spelled them out in an easy format for all women to remember.

W   Work Ethic
O    Optimistic Attitude
M   Manage Tasks and Set Goals
A    Affirmations
N    Never Give Up

Over the next five blogs I will touch on each step individually and the importance of each one and how it will help you achieve success in your life.

Trying to Wear You Down But It Doesn't Make For a Good Relationship

2010-01-07T06:17:00.000-06:00

In speaking with a friend of mine who has a Supply Chain background as I do, we were discussing the various approaches a vendor (sales rep) might take in trying to get your business. In a Supply Chain management role, many times it requires negotiating contracts with suppliers to ensure the company gets the quality of product one is looking for at the best possible price; but in healthcare you also have to make sure the product works both clinically and operationally. It's very different than purchasing a widget at a discount.

Having a good partnership and relationship with vendors is important to the success of the product or service in the organization, but some sales reps try the approach of wearing you down in hopes for a sale. Unfortunately, that approach is not the best because most likely you are - well, let's say 'getting on our nerves' and that is not the makings of a good relationship.

They think if they call on you numerous times and strongly push their products (directly with you or through others in the organization) that you will wear down and give in and buy the product. For them its success because they have made the sale and if that's all they are looking for I guess they have succeeded. But there's a lot to be said about a good working relationship between vendor and customer and this approach is not the way to do it. Try being informative about your product and check in once a month to see if there is any interest or if you can answer any additional questions or present a better offer than previously and then let the customer think on it - that will go a long way over the 'wearing down' approach.

The Great Ones Chose Discipline Over Pleasure

2010-01-06T06:32:00.000-06:00

Steve Siebold is an expert in the field of peak performance and mental toughness. For twenty years he has studied what it takes to be a champion in business and athletics and one of the key characteristics he has found is that the great ones chose discipline over pleasure.

It doesn't surprise me to hear this because as I look at the successful people I know and have known in my life, they are disciplined individuals. Whether or not they 'feel' like doing something or not doesn't matter; what matters is if it needs to be or should be done, they do it anyway.

I have learned a lot over the years from watching and reading about successful people and have applied many of the same principals in my own life. Had I not, I would not have climbed my career ladder to where I am today or started my own business, Pink Ladders, or be writing a book. So in order to accomplish success and complete your goals, more often than not it will require discipline over pleasure. I have learned that first hand and know it to be true. So which will you choose? Discipline or Pleasure?

Discipline: getting up at 4:30am to write a blog, answer email, work on new ideas for Pink Ladders website, book, speaking engagements, etc

Pleasure: sleeping in a warm cozy bed when it's 10 degrees outside and getting up when I'm ready to start my day

Check Out The New Look for Pink Ladders

2010-01-05T06:17:00.000-06:00

We get so many compliments on the Pink Ladders website that it has a clean, un-cluttered look and feel. The beautiful flowers with butterflies gliding over the page is so soothing and makes the site a pleasure to peruse. I would have to agree with all of you. I love the simplicity and beauty of the site. But of course I would right? After all it is my site and I worked with the web designer on the pages.

However, as we have grown over the last year, we've added additional information like the Pink Ladders Task Manager, the Blog and the monthly newsletter with literally no easy access to these additions.

But thanks to Eyecandy Creation - the site is still beautiful as ever, but far more functional than before. You'll find it easier to navigate through the site with all the pages at your fingertips.

You'll be able to sign up to receive our newsletter and blog and no longer have to click on several pages to try and find something. For example, if you want to read stories about successful women, its easy to do now - just click on Women's Stories from any page.

Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.

A Winner vs. Loser Attitude

2010-01-04T05:48:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine shared with me several years ago a poem of sorts 'Winners vs. Losers'. It has left an impression on me over the years because it points out a winner vs. loser attitude and what it takes to win in life. If we have goals to accomplish and want to live a happy, fulfilled life then having a negative outlook on things will not help us get there.

It takes a winning attitude just like it does in the game of sports. As I was watching football this weekend, you can clearly see the effort and work each of the players put into winning the game. Now granted, one team will win the game and one must lose the game, but having a winning attitude and working hard until the last play and never giving up regardless of the obstacles in front of them is so important. If they give up and have a defeated attitude from the get go, they have already lost the game before it even started.

The winner says, "It may be difficult but it's possible"
The loser says, "It may be possible but it's too difficult"

Looking Forward To A Prosperous and Healthy 2010!

2010-01-01T08:30:00.000-06:00

New Years Eve was celebrated all around the country in so many ways. Some celebrated quietly with close friends and family while others went out on the town all dressed up and ready to party, ringing in 2010 with music and drinks.

Regardless of how we celebrated the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 - January 1, 2010 is here. Looking back on 2009 - it was a great year for me personally and for Pink Ladders. We spent much of the first half of the year designing the look and feel of the Pink Ladders Task Manager, a planner designed specifically for women. Then came the day in August 2009, when we launched our product and start marketing it. What an exciting day that was.

I am looking forward to even a better year with Pink Ladders as we continue to grow our readership and bring value and inspiration to so many women around the world through our newsletter, blog, website and Task Manager.

I hope you enjoy your first day of the New Year and have a prosperous and healthy 2010!

Three Kinds of People - Which One Are You?

2009-12-31T06:38:00.000-06:00

I had dinner with a good friend of mine the other night and we were talking about goal setting and employees we have had over the years and how they are so different from one another. Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't want everyone's personalities to be exactly the same because if they were, the world wouldn't be quite as interesting.

However, when you are running a department or a company you really want to have "A" people working with you and I don't mean "Type A" personalities. I mean people who are sharp, have good work ethic, want to produce outstanding results and care about what they do and how they do it with a focus on doing things right the first time.

During our discussion, my friend said, "You know, I've always said there are three kinds of people in this world". I was curious to know what they were and here's what he told me.

People that watch things happen
People that make things happen
People that wonder what just happened

If you think about it, there's a lot of truth to this. Probably everyone we know including ourselves would fit in one of these three categories. Which category do you fit into and is that where you want to be? If it isn't, tomorrow is the beginning of the New Year so why not set some goals for yourself to become the person, the employee, the business owner that you want to be? You'll be glad you did.

Goal Setting for 2010 - Excited or Dreading It?

2009-12-30T06:56:00.000-06:00

This is the time of the year when people reflect on the current year looking at what goals they accomplished and what goals they didn't accomplish and how 2009 was in general. Was it better or worse than they anticipated?

Then we put the year behind us and start focusing on the New Year ahead of us. How do I want 2010 to be? What are the goals I want to set both personally and professionally? How can I reach my goals and stay on track and not lose focus?

The gyms will be crowded in January and start fading out in February because people make "New Years Resolutions" to lose weight, to find a new job, to get a promotion, to have a better year than the year before but the New Years resolution is many times short lived. Why? Because the majority of people do not write down their goals, review them often or say affirmations. All of these steps are so important in being able to accomplish your goals.

If you write down your goals, review them often and say your affirmations you will be reminding yourself daily what it is you want to accomplish and what you need to do to make it happen. The Pink Ladders Task Manager can help you stay on track and focused throughout the year. Then when you reflect on 2010 before moving into 2011 - you can open your Task Manager and see all the progress you've made and the goals you've completed. What a great feeling of accomplishment that will be.

For more information on the Task Manager visit http://www.pinkladderstaskmanager.com/.

Is It Worth All The Worry?

2009-12-29T06:02:00.000-06:00

I was recently talking to an older woman who has been at her job in retail for four years. For the past three years she has been a department manager working on average 60 hours per week which leaves very little time for her to really enjoy life especially in her later years. She loves to garden and read but rarely gets enough time to think about the pleasure it would bring, let alone actually find time to do it and enjoy it.

Her company was bought out several months ago and management at the corporate office is making changes and announced that come January there will be some re-organization of the stores and job responsibilities. She is very nervous that a) she will lose her job completely and then would have a difficult time finding another one at the age of almost 70 or b) will be asked to step down as manager even though she is a great employee.

She fears both scenarios and is constantly trying to anticipate what the changes will be, how they will affect her, worrying about finding another job, how will she make ends meet, will they cut her pay or lay her off? As with anyone who knows changes are coming that could affect their livelihood - she worries and frets about it, but is she worrying too much about something she has no control over?

There is nothing she can do to change the outcome of a re-organization of a company nor her age, but she can continue to do her best at the job she currently has as she patiently or impatiently awaits the news. Once the news is received that she will either be laid off or will no longer be a manager but a sales clerk in the store - then and only then will she be able to accept (maybe at first with anger followed by more worry) the changes and make the necessary adjustments in her life to deal with her new situation.

"My Assistant - It's Almost Worth Not Having One"

2009-12-28T06:37:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I watched the movie, Julie and Julia, the story about Julia Child's life and how she became a chef and household name in the US and a woman named Julie who decided to blog while making all of Julia Child's recipes in her book. There was one part of the movie in the beginning where four female friends were having lunch and one of them was on the phone with her assistant giving her instructions on what to do while she was out of the office. After hanging up she said, "My assistant - it's almost worth not having one".

I have to admit I did laugh at her comment because I can certainly relate. A good assistant can make your life so much easier and an incompetent one can be very frustrating. When they anticipate your needs, follow instructions, get things done on time and correctly , need very little direction and can think on their own and be proactive - then they are a godsend. After all, isn't that what their job is - to assist? Webster's dictionary defines 'assistant' as a person who assists - helper.

I have been fortunate to have wonderful assistants that made my life easier and really did 'assist' me and made things run smoother. On the other hand, I have had assistants where it really was 'almost worth not having one'. I end up re-doing their work because no matter how many times I may explain how a project should look or be handled, they do not follow instructions, do not anticipate my needs and only do the bare minimum. So, I end of doing it myself because I know it will get done right and with less frustration. Of course these assistants do not remain my assistant for too long. A good assistant on the other hand is invaluable but not easily found. If you have a good assistant - hang on to him/her and show your appreciation for what they do. Trust me, they are not a dime a dozen.

customrags to hard.wear

2009-12-06T11:32:00.000-06:00

I recently had dinner and wine (of course) with a friend of mine that I had not seen for almost a year. It was great getting together and catching up on our personal and professional lives and talking about how business was going for one another. Debe Dohrer owns and operates a custom clothier business with clients primarily consisting of CEO's, attorney's, executives and NFL players and coaches. She is an extremely talented woman and is sought after by many people. But for the first time in the history of her company, customrags, although doing very well has seen some customers cut back on their purchases of custom clothing.

So instead of sitting back and doing nothing or just waiting for business to pick up on its own, she decided to take a class on jewelry making and started selling her unique designs in boutique stores and to individuals. The business has taken off and not only is she doing well with customrags, but also with hard.wear jewelry. All the jewelry is hand-made and finished with Debe's personal touch of creativity. One of her many unique creations is seen in the picture below.

We all have a choice to make everyday; to be optimistic and make opportunities for ourselves or have a negative attitude and complain about how things are going. In today's economy with so many people out of a job and business slowing because people aren't spending as much - it would be so easy to just complain about it and wait for the economy to pick up. Or we can accept the fact that things are slow right now and make opportunities for ourselves that will bring in new business, new ideas, and a new adventure in our lives just as Debe did.

If you would like to see more of her designs - you may contact Debe through her customrags website. She would love to hear from you.

Remembering William Newman - Our Fallen Soldier

2009-11-12T20:43:00.000-06:00

November 11th was Veteran's Day - the day to remember all those who have served our country in the military. Thank you for your service, sacrifice and commitment.

Our son, William Newman, was killed in Iraq on June 7,2007 while disarming a roadside bomb in order to save the lives of others.

We miss you and love you!

A Girlfriend's Baseball Weekend - A Must for Every Woman!

2009-11-01T19:51:00.000-06:00

Watching the World Series especially if your team is the one playing in it makes October and November a very special time of year. As you can see, October was a good month for me as a New York Yankee's fan and November is off to a good start. Just a couple more and I can celebrate their victory!

Even more than having my team play in the World Series are the memories and experiences of sharing a baseball weekend with my best friend. Tamara and I started this tradition several years ago with our first game in Atlanta, Georgia. We went to two games, had a nice dinner in town and took in all the smells and sights of the ballpark. We cheered our teams, drank some margaritas and got some autographs and photographs.

After getting our pictures developed, we were able to re-live the experience again, laughing and reminiscing all the while. We had such a great time we decided to try to visit a ballpark each year even if our favorite team wasn't playing. We have since visited several and every time we go, we are so glad we did.

It doesn't matter if you love baseball or know nothing about the game; what's important is spending time with your friends, laughing, making memories, visiting cities you may not otherwise visit and above all having a great time.

As career focused, hard working women we need a break from time to time for a little relaxation and fun. Why not spend it at a baseball game? I guarantee you'll have fun!

Angela Newman
Founder, Pink Ladders

Women Do Totes - Men Do Briefcases!

2009-10-24T19:46:00.013-05:00

When you're walking through the airport, do you see women rolling behind them a black computer case just like the man walking next to them? So many women are dressed for success but still carrying or rolling along a briefcase instead of a stylish laptop tote.

As a business owner and career focused woman, I want to look good, feel good and portray confidence when dealing with vendors, meeting with customers, attending conferences or board meetings.

For years I have used a briefcase to carry my laptop and important papers when traveling or visiting with clients or vendors. It has always consisted of the typical black briefcase look which is very similar to what a lot of men use so nothing really distinguished mine from theirs and it certainly didn't look feminine but it served the purpose.

But then I discovered laptop totes through Careerbags.com that are designed especially for career women that added a touch of class to my attire. Not only does it hold everything I need such as my laptop, documents, PDA and glasses, but it holds my Pink Ladders Task Manager, which fits perfectly in the tote and I couldn't be happier.

No more briefcases for me, only totes!

Angela Newman

CEO/Founder, PinkLadders.com

Employees Climbing Their Career Ladder

2009-05-31T12:41:00.002-05:00

Over the course of my career, I have managed several employees and have mentored them by teaching them the skills and giving them the tools to be successful in their job. I have high expectations for the value that I expect them to bring to the organization regardless of their job title.

My employees know that I expect a lot from them but I also expect a lot from myself. I expect deadlines to be met on time unless of course there was something clearly out of their control and the work they turn in to meet or exceed my expectations. If it doesn’t they are asked to go back and fix it to be presentable, accurate and something they would be proud of for others to view.

After spending several months/years with employees watching them grow as individuals in their work skills and responsibilities, it is always such a joy to see them move one more rung up their career ladder even if that means losing them in their current position or at the company.

Of course, to have a wonderful employee that wants to work hard, exceed expectations, take the initiative to improve processes and needs very little follow up from me; I hope to give them the opportunity when it arises to advance within the company so the company can continue to benefit from the value they bring. However, sometimes, the opportunity isn’t there and they move onto another company. Nonetheless, the satisfaction and joy to see them advance is rewarding! To see their excitement to learn something new, to increase their pay and to excel in their new position is truly a lot of fun as a manager.

If anyone is in a position at their job that is either bored with it, doesn’t like it or you have the desire to learn more and advance – my advice to you is to make sure whatever job you have now that you do it well regardless of whether it is satisfying or not. Ask for opportunities to get involved in other areas or with other departments within the company such as sitting in and being part of a committee which will give you a little more exposure to the company and the bigger picture of its goals and strategy. This will not only help you become more valuable to the company but allow you to see where other opportunities may lie for you in the future.

And be sure to tell your boss (if you have an open communication with her/she) that you are interested in learning new skills and hope to advance within the company someday. If you do, chances are they will consider you first and help you prepare for it. Remember, it’s up to you and you alone to manage your own career and climb the next rung up the ladder or start climbing the next size ladder.

What’s your experience been as a manager or employee?

“Time Management Should Not Consume Your Time”

2009-04-03T23:37:00.004-05:00

By Angela Newman, CEO
Pink Ladders, LLC

For years, I have been asked by so many people, “How do you accomplish more in your day than most do in a week?” I’m sure that is an exaggeration when they ask me that but none the less, I do and can accomplish a lot of tasks in a day. Is it something I learned or is it just the way my brain is wired? Probably a little bit of both.

I have been managing people for numerous years and have had very productive employees that know how to manage their time and tasks very well. Others have struggled with keeping their projects organized and completed on time. I’ve watched them struggle and stumble with trying to figure out how to get and stay organized and keep things in check while hoping nothing slips through the cracks. Each time I observe this I think to myself, “It doesn’t have to be that complicated or consume that much time.”

But with our lives so entrenched with tasks for both our personal and professional lives, it is easy to allow things to slip through the cracks if we do not have a method to help us with managing our time and projects. Personal tasks of remembering when to send a birthday card to a friend or to clean out the garage before your guests arrive for dinner; professional tasks such as turning in a monthly report to your boss or negotiating a contract with a vendor; these are all important but can easily be forgotten if not managed properly.

I have used a simple, easy technique for years to manage my tasks and projects as well as my goals. It has helped me to stay on top of my responsibilities while making it seem almost effortless to others. I am now publishing my time proven technique for staying organized and getting tasks and projects completed. The Pink Ladders Task Manager© will be available for purchase in the Summer of 2009. You can visit the site to receive a 10% off promo code when the Pink Ladders Task Manager© becomes available. www.pinkladderstaskmanager.com

New Stories Posted for February

2009-02-24T05:36:00.004-06:00

I have posted new Women Success stories on the website. These incredible women have varied career paths and have achieved their success from different avenues. When I received their stories and others, I was touched and inspired. Some of these women went to college after high school and some did not, but they have all acheived success in their careers whether climbing a corporate ladder or starting and running their own business.

I hope these women's stories posted in the "Your Story" section of the website will inspire you as they have me. Thank you all for submitting your story and allowing Pink Ladders to post for other women to read. If you are moved by any of their stories, please email me at angela@pinkladders.com or post a comment on the blog.

If anyone reading this blog would like to have their own success story considered for the website please email me. Thank for visiting Pink Ladder's site and blog. Check back often for more stories and articles on women and careers.

First Official Blog for Pink Ladders

2008-12-31T06:24:00.003-06:00

Today, December 31, 2008 marks the end of the year and tonight at midnight will mark the start of a New Year, 2009. It’s been a fun and exciting year for me as I have worked on the Pink Ladders website design with Patrick Brown (web developer) to make sure the look and feel of it portrays my personality and image and is easy to navigate. In addition, it’s been a year of writing articles to post on the site and to include in the Pink Ladders Book to be published in the future.

This website was created out of my desire to inspire, motivate and encourage women from all walks of life to achieve success in their careers and to live a fulfilled life. Success is not defined solely by financial status but by what one has accomplished in life and for some that may also include monetary rewards.

Incredible and gracious women have been so kind to submit their success stories of climbing their career ladder and some of the challenges they have overcome. Excerpts of some stories are posted in the “Your Story” section of the website under “Of the Essence”. You can read more about them in the book to come. If anyone has a story they would like to submit to be shared with others that may be used in the book or website, there is a place you can do that and I’d love to hear from you. You can post it in the “Your Story” section or email it to me at angela@pinkladders.com.

I would love to hear your comments on my blog about Pink Ladders and anything else you may want to share.

From my heart to yours – I wish all of you, who read my first official blog, a healthy and prosperous 2009 and a Happy New Year!