Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Ask Lynn”
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 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 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 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 …
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 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! – …
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 …
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. …
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 …