Get real-world advice on your toughest questions
I’m entering my 30s, and I’m starting to feel the pressure to have children. My husband wants kids – soon – and I don’t know how long I’m going to keep putting it off. I want children, but I just don’t feel ready yet. Help! – Heather in Sherman Oaks, CA Answer: All big decisions should be approached with care, …
We have a long-term relationship with a well-known firm. Our sales representative does a great job, and the overall product and service quality are excellent. The problem is invoicing. We cannot get our invoices in a timely manner. We have complained about this issue and had meetings about it, and yet our invoices still show up months after the order …
While I was away on maternity leave, my replacement did an excellent job and everybody I work with loves her as a colleague. I’m worried I may be at risk of losing my job to her. Should I be concerned? Who should I talk to about my job security following maternity leave? – Rocio in Allentown, Pennsylvania Answer: How great …
My husband wants us to take a vacation without our young children. I’m having a hard time with this – I can’t imagine leaving my kids behind while we travel somewhere exciting. My parents always took us kids with them, and some of my happiest memories are of our family vacations. My friends are all encouraging me to do it, …
I haven’t talked to a prospect in several months and think I may have dropped the ball. What should I do? How can I pick up my fumble? – Maddie in Ponca City, Oklahoma Answer: Pick up the fumble and run with it. Reach out and check in with your client. Don’t apologize; just initiate your conversation where you left …
I’ve been job hunting for many months now, but so many of the jobs I’m interested in I’m not quite qualified for. There are always a few qualifications or experiences I don’t have. Should I apply for these jobs anyway? How can I stand out even though I’m under-qualified? – Fabiola in Vancouver, BC Answer: Fabiola, first, you should absolutely …
My mom is struggling to make decisions since my father died. Do I make the decisions for her, or should I focus on giving her emotional support? – Ricki in Kirkland, Washington Answer: Lynn: Ricki, I am going through the same situation right now, so I totally get your dilemma. In my case, it may be a bit easier as …
My client has a new boss that has a relationship with a competing company. I don’t want to lose this client. How can I get in front of this and save my client from turning to the competitors? – Laura in Columbia, Missouri Answer: We all know how important client retention is for maintaining our sales and fostering strong business. …
I am interested in a position at a company where a friend of mine works. How should I initially reach out to my friend on the inside for some help to be considered for the role? Can I get my friend’s job referral? – Vanessa in San Mateo, California Answer: Amanda: Vanessa, how I would approach my friend depends on …
I am surrounded by critical and negative people. Friends and family alike. How do I say “no” and break down the barriers to find a happier place? – Gabriella in Milford, Connecticut Answer: Gabriella, do your friends and family seem negative because they are venting? Are you their safe sounding board? That may be one thing to consider. And while …
I’m struggling to receive returned calls. I follow up over and over. Calls, emails, and inmail on LinkedIn – nothing works. What am I missing? How do I get a call back? – Johanna in Brandon, Manitoba Answer: How do sales people improve the likelihood of receiving a returned call from their prospects? This is the million-dollar question. Seasoned professionals, …
I am considering branching out on my own. What unique obstacles do women starting their own business face? What should I know before getting started? – Nanea in Wailuku, Hawaii Answer: Nanea, fear and financing are the two of the biggest obstacles women face when starting their own business. While these may not appear unique, they are. Financing is pre-loaded …
I am so tired of hearing my friends say, “We should get together sometime,” and then they never call. How do I deal with these empty promises? – Felicia in Fort Smith, Arkansas Answer: Felicia, call them and set a date. There is no reason to be passive and wait for someone else to make the first move. Look at …
My clients never give me referrals. I’m doing great business with them with outstanding performance reviews. Why won’t they voluntarily recommend me? – Blessing in Huntsville, Alabama Answer: Blessing, this is a great question. As with asking for the sale, you must ask for the referral. This is a simple answer, but there is an art to asking for referrals. …
I was recently asked to work longer hours at my job despite the fact that I need to leave on time every day to pick up my kids from school. I feel like my company is trying to push me out as a working mom. How do I explain to my manager that I simply can’t stay longer than we …
My toddler loves music, and has been obsessed with the Dora the Explorer soundtrack for months now. I’m happy she likes it, but this children’s music is driving me up the wall! What are some kid-friendly music options I can introduce my young daughter to? How can introduce her to new music that she and I will both enjoy? – …
I am a female entrepreneur. What factors are important to consider when moving to a new city? – Martha in Port Orford, Oregon Answer: Martha, this is a complex question and deserves a comprehensive guide for consideration. However, I will touch on key components to review. The number one factor is the fit for your business. Does the city have …
The ink is barely dry from my mom’s divorce and she’s already started dating. I am worried that she needs a break and time to regain her balance and focus on her life. Should my mom be dating right after divorce? Am I just projecting my fears or are these real concerns I should discuss with her? – Marcie in …
What can you say to someone who is 63+ and not able to secure a new role in doing what I do best – supporting execs. I’ve worked for 2 consulting firms 30+ years of experience and have been unemployed since October 2017. I get a few interviews, but none have turned into an offer. Am I on the secret …
Lynn, how have sales changed with #MeToo? What should I do differently? – Aimee in Owings Mills, Maryland Answer: Best practices for sales professionals have not changed with #MeToo. Sales is about serving your customers in an ethical and responsible way, and there is no room for inappropriate and egregious behavior in a sales person’s repertoire. Successful sales people build …