Get real-world advice on your toughest questions
“I’m feeling incredibly stressed right now. I am afraid of me or my family getting or spreading COVID-19. I’m following all the guidelines to stay healthy and keep others safe, but what can I do to reduce stress and anxiety?” – Hayley, Lake Charles, Louisiana Answer: Truth be told, many of us have seen our stress and anxiety mount over …
We have a tight sales budget, but there are times when a client requests we donate our products for a cause they are supporting. How do I approach management for approval of these donation requests? – Patty in Bethesda, MD Answer: Every business has a responsibility to be a good partner in the community. This responsibility is demonstrated by actions, …
“As a young woman focused on my career, is it important for me to find a mentor? And if so, should the mentor be a woman?” – Nora in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Answer: Do you feel that mentoring is crucial to career success? I do. My career has been enhanced and advanced thanks to the mentoring I received. Developing new …
My mother has the most obnoxious barking dog. The dog barks nonstop at a high pitch. It’s impossible to have a conversation with her in person or on the phone. I know she loves the dog, but what can I do? I want to have my mom talks back! – Leesa in Bar Harbor, Maine Answer: Throughout our lives we …
I am constantly invited to client events or ballgames after work and on weekends. How do I gracefully decline these event invites? – Tara in Denver, CO Answer: Building rapport with clients requires time, attention, and genuine interest. Receiving an invitation from a customer is a compliment, and it speaks to the relationship you have fostered. It’s important to view …
“I’m excited to be offered a new position at my company, but am concerned that I won’t be paid as much as the men in the same roles. What are things I can do to ensure equal pay?” – Claire in Melbourne, Australia Answer: You are a smart, capable, ambitious, and energized woman. Be forewarned: if you don’t get your …
I’m having a hard time managing all the things I want and need to do every day. How can I juggle a full-time job, keeping my home clean, regular exercise, making myself some healthy meals, and the hobbies I’m passionate about, all while maintaining relationships with my friends? There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day! – …
Is the sales letter dead? My manager is old-school and wants me to send out letters snail mail to my prospects. Your thoughts? – Debbie in Boston, MA Answer: When creating your sales strategy optimization plan, an old tactic not only continues to out-perform, but draws attention with retro chic. The sales letter is alive and well, and it is …
What is the best way to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn? – Arina in Mahwah, NJ Answer: LinkedIn is a powerful platform that can connect people and lead to valuable career advancements. Recruiters will often reach out to people on LinkedIn whom they believe would be a good fit for a certain job opening or organization. But remember: …
I’m new to the area and therefore my apartment building. I’m nervous about meeting my neighbors. How do I break the ice? – Connie in Palmer, AK Answer: Lots of people feel nervous about meeting new people. Neighbors, co-workers, gym members, or anyone who participates in a shared activity are all waiting for the other person to make the first …
I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds, and I’m having a hard time figuring out how to dress for them. My older clients seem to feel more comfortable when I’m wearing a suit because I look professional and competent. Younger representatives, however, find such clothing stuffy and impersonal, and prefer a trendier and more casual look. I often …
I feel like the networking events I go to are superficial. People swap business cards and never hear from one another. What am I missing? How can I get past the superficial networking and make valuable connections? – Melissa in Davenport, Iowa Answer: When you hold a preconceived notion about a situation, it’s far more likely to be fulfilled. You’ve …
I recently moved to a new area where I don’t know anyone. I’ve always been shy, but I want to make some new friends. How and where can I meet new people? How do I develop friendships now that I’m out of school? – Riley in Tucson, AZ Answer: Moving to a new area is packed with emotions, from excitement …
My company made a big mistake on the pricing of an order for a new client. Now I must go back and renegotiate the pricing. What is the best approach so I don’t lose the order and client? – Eleanor in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania Answer: We all know mistakes happen. They are a great opportunity to strengthen your relationships when …
How do I create a 5-year career plan? In this day and age, with people getting into careers in a very roundabout way, is this still a good thing to do? – Erin in Dayton, OH Answer: A 5-year career plan should come from within. What I mean by that is tapping into your inner self, deepest desires, and values …
I feel bad admitting it, but I’m jealous of my friends’ lives. It seems that everyone I know is getting their dream job, traveling to a dazzling country, getting married, or otherwise living an exciting, happy life. I feel like I don’t measure up. How can I get over my envy and be happy with what I do have? – …
Our company distributes the leads that come in to the sales reps. A disturbing pattern has emerged. Our sales manager gives the best leads – multi-million-dollar opportunities – to the male sales reps. The women reps get the leftover one-offs. Do I point this out to our manager or go right to HR? How should I handle this uneven distribution …
I have a co-worker who seems to have a problem with me. She tells me the work I do is bad, doesn’t include me in conversations, and keeps saying I’m in the wrong field. I’ve told my supervisor, but he just tells me to ignore her. I’m still having a very hard time working with her and her negative attitude. …
The holidays are just around the corner, and I’m stressed about the political conversations that will certainly come up. My family has very strong political opinions, and they’re very different from my own. I hate engaging in these conversations and would rather avoid them altogether. How can I politely tune my family out when politics come up? – Andi in …
My sales job requires a lot of extra hours, at night and on weekends. I can’t keep up without overworking. I feel like I’m doing all the work. How do I approach management to get some balance back in my life? – Martina in Corpus Christi, Texas Answer: Finding balance by integrating our work and personal lives is crucial to …