Get real-world advice on your toughest questions
Is it true that new college graduates are likely to have more employers during their careers than our parents did? And if so, how long should I stay in a job to look like a good bet for future employers before jumping to a new gig for an improvement in pay or opportunity? – Gemma in Joplin, Missouri Answer: The …
I’ve had a really bad start to the new year. My car died, I missed the company New Year’s party because of food poisoning, and my nemesis won a coveted position. I feel defeated and bummed out, like I already need a second chance or do-over. How do I get my mojo back? – Nina in Frederiksted, Virgin Islands Answer: …
I love the sales webinars you provide, and think they would work well for our own sales strategy. BTW, what is the technology platform you use for your sales webinars? Tips to execute? – Calen in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Answer: Calen, webinars are an excellent content strategy to reach your prospects. We currently use GoToMeeting for our webinars. We …
What should I be doing to stay aware of new job opportunities, and how can that be done without upsetting my current employer? What about posting to job sites? How do I tell my boss I am open to something else without alarming her? – Shannon in Toms River, New Jersey Answer: Shannon, starting with your own company, make it …
Today I was in a bike accident. I was riding my bicycle in the city where I live, and a car hit me. I brushed if off at the time, but I’m bruised and have a warped bike. Lynn, what do you do if you forgot to get a person’s insurance information after they hit you with their car? Is this …
Our sales funnel does not provide enough qualified prospects. Do I go out and find them on my own, or should I address this through management? – Yamila in Cheyenne, Wyoming Answer: Yamila, how are you defining “qualified prospects”? Are you defining “qualified” as giving you an immediate response? Today, in many industries, the sales cycle is longer than ever. …
I recently found out that a male co-worker in the same position makes considerably more than I do. What should I do? Talk to my boss? Talk to HR? Do I just shut up? What are the rules? – Michelle in Hopkinton, New Hampshire Answer: To receive equal pay, you need to tap into your power and then leverage it …
In the last few years since I moved out, I feel like my relationship with my mother has become strained. We don’t talk like we used to, and it feels like I’m always the one reaching out to her. I miss how close we used to be. How can we rekindle our relationship? – Louise in Calgary, Alberta Answer: Our …
One of my colleagues told me I come across as a flirt. I was horrified. She’s a real pro and I respect her. Still, our styles are very different. I have numerous male clients. How do I act friendly without being flirty when building rapport? – Becky in Smyrna, Delaware Answer: It’s all about the signals you give off. There’s …
I just started my first job after graduating with my degree. What are the biggest mistakes or misconceptions I should avoid when managing this first position? – Harmony in Springdale, Newfoundland Answer: Harmony, what a great question. Here is my take on the top three mistakes or misconceptions you want to avoid. These three pitfalls are common in first jobs. …
Yesterday I struck up a casual conversation with another person in the checkout line. Somehow the conversation turned to an ugly anti-feminist rant by this hostile stranger. I kept my mouth shut, but I was filled with rage. I noticed she paid with a credit card, which women could not even have until feminists fought for and won the right …
We never have enough marketing materials for the different industries and business units. We have a generic brochure and presentation, but neither addresses the unique needs of our market segments. How do I approach management to convince them to give us better materials? –McKenzi in Boise, Idaho Answer: Preparation and participation are primary components for success in any endeavor. Schedule …
How can I conquer my fears of public speaking, either in front of a group or at company and industry events? – Corina in Terre Haute, Indiana Answer: Start small. Do not expect to wake up tomorrow and be transformed. You will achieve your goals of public speaking with confidence when you establish incremental objectives. I would like to share …
“I’ve been out of work for over a year now. I’ve tried volunteering for various organizations to gain experience and make connections. I’m fortunate that my husband makes a good income and is completely supportive. While I don’t need to work, I feel uncomfortable and bad when people ask what I do. I wish I could find a purpose so …
There are far too many non-selling tasks at my firm. I’m working all kinds of extra hours to complete these tasks. How do I get out from under this and back to selling? – Priya in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Answer: Priya, this is a loaded question, and on first glance, it appears difficult to answer. Without knowledge of your firm, …