Get real-world advice on your toughest questions
My co-worker sent me an email I found disrespectful, but when I pointed that out, he said I was being too sensitive. I have to work with him on a daily basis. How do I navigate this situation? – Leslie in Jackson, MS Answer: There are two parts to tackle here: the email communication and a crucial conversation. First we …
We are a small business and send out a regular monthly newsletter to our clients and prospects. We have seeded our list with several team members’ personal and professional email addresses. However, we find that our company newsletters end up in our team members’ spam folders – both the personal and professional email addresses. We are worried this is impacting …
I’ve always loved pets, and have a cat and dog. My boyfriend of 2 years wants to move in with me… but he’s allergic to animals. I can’t imagine giving up my furry babies. How can we live together despite his allergies? – Janie in Norfolk, NE Answer: Janie, I’m so glad to hear your commitment to your pets loud …
I was recently hired for a sales position at a company I’ve always wanted to work for. I hope that this job can eventually lead to other positions within this company. The problem is, I’m not sure how well suited I am for sales. I’m very shy and naturally introverted, and the thought of selling to various clients terrifies me. …
Can an introvert be an effective leader? – Leslie in Grants Pass, OR Answer: Yes, of course introverts can be and are effective leaders. Personality types do not define capable leaders. Compelling leadership is born out of our beliefs, behaviors, and actions. There are four core components I believe are essential to be an effective leader: the ability to create …
My job is mundane and I’m struggling to find purpose in my life. What are your ideas? – Roberta in Loveland, CO Answer: I know that having a mundane job can really seem soul-crushing and cause you to feel lost. Sometimes, your job may feel so mundane that you can’t think of anything that would make it more interesting. Other …
What do I do if I have a potential buyer who keeps asking the same questions? It seems like every time we speak, he repeats the same questions, and I give him the best answers I can. I don’t know whether he just can’t remember or what, but I’m at my wit’s end – he has all the literature, and …
My boss is wrong but thinks he’s right. How do I tackle this? – Johnnita in Norfolk, VA Answer: Before you tackle this dilemma, you’ll first need to evaluate the situation. Is your boss actually wrong, or is it a matter of perspective? Let’s start by examining whether your boss is truly incorrect, or if there’s something you haven’t yet …
I’m single – and happily so – but it seems that no one else can understand how I’m content without a partner. Family members are constantly asking when I’ll get a boyfriend, and friends try to set me up on dates or get me to use dating apps. How can I make it clear to my family and friends that …
What are some of the most successful marketing strategies that you have used to generate liquidation sales? I’m so stuck and my boss has me feeling some type of way as if hiring me was a mistake. I want to excel, I know I am great at recruiting potential customers, and my customer service skills are pretty good, too. I …
Your article on negativity and naysayers helped me recently when confronted with a tough case at work. Thank you! I’m curious how you developed the pause, frame, and affirm technique. – Kathie in Alexandria, Virginia Answer: Kathie, I’m so glad to hear the article made a difference for your work situation. Declaring your independence from negativity and naysayers is based …
I’ve been dating my boyfriend for almost a year, and I’m ready for him to meet my family. The problem is, my boyfriend works in construction, and I’m in a family of lawyers and doctors. I worry they’ll look down on him, or worse, won’t think we should even be together. How should I handle this so everyone gets along …
I just learned I have a co-worker who is calling on one of my clients. How do I confront this situation of apparent client poaching? – Trish in Honolulu, HI Answer: First thing – don’t assume the worst. How did you learn about this? Was it from a trusted resource in a position to have first-hand knowledge, from an office …
I need ideas for my team to have some creative fun at work. Have you used anything in the past that worked well? – Tegan in Costa Mesa, California Answer: There is nothing like adding an element of creative fun to your work schedule to build teamwork, reframe your mindset, get your bodies moving, and re-energize. We all know the …
Ever since I graduated from college, I’ve felt less and less certain about what I’m doing with my life. I don’t know what kind of career I want, what kind of relationship I should be in, or how I want to live my life. It feels like a quarter-life crisis. How can I figure out who I am and what …
Our company sends out monthly email campaigns. Although they seem to be well received, our subscribers continue to drop off, and there does not appear to be any real sales benefit. What should we consider to improve the impact? – Jarvina in Las Cruces, NM Answer: Jarvina, there are three core steps you need to take regarding your email campaigns: …
Hi, I have been in dilemma for a year. I am from India and have been in a government job for 6 years. A long while back, I started realizing that there is no growth in this job – specifically, where learning is concerned. I have a passion for doing something different and of worth. I want to resign from …
When should I move in with my significant other? – Erin in King of Prussia, PA Answer: Erin, major life decisions should be made, whenever possible, from a position of tranquility. This means that you’ve had time to consider all of the things that will result and be impacted by the decision, and how your life could potentially change based …
I’ve had several clients ask to become friends on my personal social channels. While I use resources such as LinkedIn for client connections, I am concerned about blending my personal social media channels with work. My sales customers are my livelihood. Where should I draw the line? – Toni in Baltimore, Maryland Answer: Toni, building and maintaining relationships through social …
I’d really like some advice. As a young woman who is interested in pursuing what we used to think of as male pursuits – like STEM- what can enable me to do so? – Nanjala in Safford, Arizona Answer: Lynn: This is a great question and one of our team members was an ideal resource to tap. F. Malmstrom: I …