Get real-world advice on your toughest questions
I’m having a hard time getting to know my co-workers. They all have known each other for a long time and it’s hard to feel included in casual conversations. How do I get to know them better? – Mona in Tuscaloosa, AL Answer: Getting to know your co-workers follows the same path of forging any new relationship. You start with …
I’ve started my own business, try to keep a healthy lifestyle, and now want to start a family with kids. How does one balance all this out? How do you ensure you spend enough time with your kids while running a successful business? – Marina in Pawtucket, RI Answer: Marina, it’s wonderful that you’re so ambitious and have love to …
Moving to the front of the boardroom, classroom, auditorium, etc., to give a presentation – the nightmare. Your hands are shaking, you’ve got cotton mouth, and you’re strangely pale. The words stick in your throat, you stutter, you forget your place. The audience is staring, waiting for you to make your point, and you just wish the floor would open …
How do I address mistakes in the workplace? Whether I was the one who made a mistake or a co-worker is the one in error, how do we resolve them and move forward professionally? – Fernanda in San Diego, CA Answer: Maya Angelou said, “People may not remember exactly what you did or said, but they will always remember how …
Many job applications require me to include links to my social media profiles, including Facebook and Twitter. I’m not very active on either one anymore. What are they looking for on there, and should I start posting more often, or more of a certain kind of content? Should I be worried about them seeing my wedding photos or political articles …
I’ve been building up a relationship with a potential client for months. We have really great conversations, but she hasn’t made a commitment. I’m getting impatient to make the sale, but I don’t want to harm the relationship I’ve worked so hard for. How can I get this client to actually buy – soon – without alienating her? – Coleen …
I often need to attend business dinners and lunches, and often do not have a say in the choice of restaurant. I’m vegan, and many restaurants do not have food options that I can eat. How can I participate in these professional meals without going hungry or looking impolite? – Danielle in Lancaster, CA Answer: Everyone with a dietary restriction, …
My company hired two people for one sales position, and we have a six-month trial period. Whichever of us is more successful will get the position permanently. It’s been a couple of months, and my co-worker is getting more sales than me. How can I boost my performance and not let the stress get to me? I really like this …
I work for our city business development commission. What advice would you give to a city looking to attract more woman business owners? – Maggie in Big Bear Lake, California Answer: Female business ownership is an important component of working towards gender equality. Owning a business is a huge investment and opportunity for financial growth, but only 36 percent of …
I’ve only worked in retail before, but I’m interested in pursuing sales as a career. Does my floor experience transfer well into sales? What more do I need to learn? – Courtney in Knoxville, TN Answer: Careers in sales open up a world of opportunities. From any starting point, such as customer facing retail, you have the ability to learn …
There is someone I work with who is a bottleneck and I need to work with her daily. I’ve tried talking with her and have done everything I can think of to get what I need from her. I’m so frustrated. I’m dependent upon her so I can complete my work. What can I do to get her moving? – …
“I have allergies to perfume and other fragrances. How can I navigate this scented world and escape the fragrance?” – Connie from Federicton, New Brunswick Answer: For those of us with allergies, many scents can trigger a reaction: perfume, incense, and candles, to name a few. We live in a very social world and it is difficult to carry a …
Getting rejected on a cold call can throw me for a loop. I’ve come to realize that this response is very common for cold calls, but it still makes me not want to make another cold call, and I have to spend time revving myself up again. How can I bounce back faster from a negative answer on a cold …
I’m currently expecting a child, but not showing yet. I told my manager the news and mentioned that I don’t want anyone in our office to know until I’m ready to tell them myself. However, my manager soon let it slip and now everybody knows about my pregnancy. How do I explain to my manager that this hurt me and …
I am struggling to find a social life outside of work, especially with the social distancing going on. Where do I start? – Allysen in Chapel Hill, SC Answer: Now more than ever, we need to come together and re-frame how we interact. Social distancing is here to stay for a while, so staying social and connected requires creative thinking, …
I just found out one of my best clients gave a major project to a competitor. The worst part is that I never had an opportunity to even bid on it. How do I diplomatically address this with the client? – Cayce in Aurora, CO Answer: Business decisions require a thick skin. They are not personal. When a business decision …
I’ve started my own business, try to keep a healthy lifestyle, and now want to start a family and raise children. How does one balance all this out? How do you ensure you spend enough time with your kids while running a successful business? – Clara in Locust Valley, NY Answer: Yes, you can have it all. You can have …
“Hey Lynn, I’ve seen in your recent post, and in the newsletters, that you have been coping with the COVID-19 pandemic by making masks. Would you share how this is helping with the associated stress? And maybe some tips on how to make the masks?” – Izzy in Milpitas, California Answer: Doing something constructive and taking action always improves my …
I am new to my firm and concerned about providing all of my client information in their CRM system. Am I just being overly nervous or suspicious? – Melinda in Tarzana, CA Answer: Understanding how and why we feel about something is a vital part of our internal processes and external actions. This is true in our day-to-day lives, in …
“I hate the job I have, but I can’t afford to quit… at least not until I find another one. How can I make time for job interviews I may have without it interrupting my current work or my employer finding out? How can I interview discreetly… but effectively?” – Anna in Three Forks, MT Answer: Finding a new job …