Blog - 1
Whitney - 0
I jumped straight into the "must have a blog" bandwagon. The idea was really exciting, my 7th grade English teacher said I was a good writer, and occasionally I have a thing or two to say. A recipe for success, right? If you've seen my empty blanket of posts the past few months, that would a negative.
However, I'm thinking my mishap lies in blogging before I really looked at blogs.
Don't get my wrong...I've seen my fair share of Perez Hilton. But until recently, I was not clued into the regular Joes making a go of it in the blogging world. You know, the kind of person I'm trying to be.
In the time I've been reading marketing blogs on a daily basis, there have been some awesome takeaways:
1) A blog post can be short & sweet
2) A blog doesn't have to change the world
3) You lose me as a reader if you don't update on a regular basis
I liked that I jumped into blogging. I don't like that I didn't simultaneously seek out others in the blogging world as benchmarks, virtual teachers, and commiseraters. (Is that a word? I wonder what Seth Godin would say about making up words...)
Are you a new blogger? What are some takeaways you've gained since spilling your ideas onto the Internet?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Intimidation Be Damned!
I know...this puppy has been sitting idle for much too long. I got busy with work, life...yadda, yadda, yadda. And truth be told, I ran out of steam. Turns out fun, creative, inspiring ideas don't come on demand. And just so I'm brutally honest, it got a little intimidating out in the blogging world. Turns out I'm not the funnest, most creative, awe-inspiring writer out there. *insert gasp of shock*
Blogging is a vulnerable act. Putting your personal thoughts on paper...err, computer screen...and sending them out into the Internet world for all to see is like signing up for Judgment Day - and continuing to do so with every entry. (Ok, that's a very dramatic statement, but you get my drift.)
But I'm thinking even the tried-and-true (and most followed) bloggers may have had similar feelings of inadequacy at some point. But they just went for it. Why can't I? What's the worst that can happen? Being ridiculed for my ideas, of course...but hey, I would say the most important gurus in history have faced the same fate, yet forged ahead. (I know, I'm getting dramatic again.)
So here's my vow: the next time I'm feeling fun and/or creative and/or inspired, I'll take the plunge. Intimidation be damned!
"If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think." ~ Timothy Ferriss
Blogging is a vulnerable act. Putting your personal thoughts on paper...err, computer screen...and sending them out into the Internet world for all to see is like signing up for Judgment Day - and continuing to do so with every entry. (Ok, that's a very dramatic statement, but you get my drift.)
But I'm thinking even the tried-and-true (and most followed) bloggers may have had similar feelings of inadequacy at some point. But they just went for it. Why can't I? What's the worst that can happen? Being ridiculed for my ideas, of course...but hey, I would say the most important gurus in history have faced the same fate, yet forged ahead. (I know, I'm getting dramatic again.)
So here's my vow: the next time I'm feeling fun and/or creative and/or inspired, I'll take the plunge. Intimidation be damned!
"If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think." ~ Timothy Ferriss
Friday, June 18, 2010
Book Review: The Great Game of Networking
So if you’re looking for a simple, straight-forward book on this topic, I would recommend The Great Game of Networking by Dr. Burt Smith – affectionately known as Dr. Burt. I received Dr. Burt’s book when I joined the Oklahoma City chapter of the American Marketing Association, of which Dr. Burt is an active member. (Disclaimer: I have met Dr. Burt, but it was only after reading the book and establishing my positive review. My review is unbias!)
Although I received a free copy with my AMA membership, I’d glady spend the $12.95 on this book. Here’s why I think it’s worthwhile and why I think you will too:
1. It’s an easy read at 110 pages.
2. It convinces you it is important to network.
3. It covers everything from appearance to follow-up.
4. It offers practical exercises to apply at your next networking event.
Even if this book isn’t for you, I encourage you to find a few that suit your needs and reading style. Reading about your industry, researching hot topics, and brushing up your professionalism skills are important ingredients to creating career magic.
Sorry FGs – studying didn’t end when you picked up that diploma. So let’s get to it!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Gossip - amongst Professionals? Yep.
“God, what is that hair? Soooo yesterday.”
Those aren’t the words of a 15 year old teeny bopper but of Carly Fiorina, California’s GOP Senate candidate. She was recently caught on a live mike trashing the hairdo of her political rival. Apparently we never really grow out of high school slandering.
This made me think of gossip in the work place, because I know Ms. Fiorina isn’t alone in offering up an office trash talk or two. Whispers can be heard at large firms and small start-ups, amongst young professionals and top management – and large political figures. Chatter can center on bosses and coworkers, policy agenda and company culture. It can be one snarky comment or a weekly conversation amongst colleagues.
But why is gossip – amongst grown adults in the professional world – such a staple?
From my experience, gossip seems to build a sort of camaraderie. I’ve seen coworker bonds grow closer over the dislike of a particular person or policy. After all, what’s better than someone else validating your point of view? Sometimes it’s just as simple as wanting to make a catty comment. Have you ever had a situation irk you so much you just had to relay the experience to someone else so they could feel your pain?
However, not partaking in office gossip can seemingly backfire too. I have a friend that once overheard office gossip about herself, in which the group was gossiping about the fact she didn’t gossip. (Sounds very Seinfeld-esque to me.) It seemed the group felt my friend wasn’t a group ally because she didn’t partake in their daily boss bashings. She was excommunicated from group lunches because of it.
So are you damned if you do and damned if you don’t? Building relationships and bonds under the guise of gossip seems to characterize yourself as a colleague that can’t be trusted. Rising above the gossip and refusing to participate could paint you as a corrupter of group cohesion.
As a young professional establishing a reputation, I believe it’s best to risk the latter. Though bonds with gossiping coworkers may be established in the short-term, your long-term career goals could suffer. Would you want to hire someone known for a flaming tongue? Yeah, I don’t think any future employers would either.
Of course, in the heat of the conversation, your anti-gossiping skills will be tested. Stay strong, Future Gurus. We’ve got our reputations to uphold! I bet Ms. Fiorina would agree.
What are some of your experiences with office gossip? What outcomes have you seen?
Those aren’t the words of a 15 year old teeny bopper but of Carly Fiorina, California’s GOP Senate candidate. She was recently caught on a live mike trashing the hairdo of her political rival. Apparently we never really grow out of high school slandering.
This made me think of gossip in the work place, because I know Ms. Fiorina isn’t alone in offering up an office trash talk or two. Whispers can be heard at large firms and small start-ups, amongst young professionals and top management – and large political figures. Chatter can center on bosses and coworkers, policy agenda and company culture. It can be one snarky comment or a weekly conversation amongst colleagues.
But why is gossip – amongst grown adults in the professional world – such a staple?
From my experience, gossip seems to build a sort of camaraderie. I’ve seen coworker bonds grow closer over the dislike of a particular person or policy. After all, what’s better than someone else validating your point of view? Sometimes it’s just as simple as wanting to make a catty comment. Have you ever had a situation irk you so much you just had to relay the experience to someone else so they could feel your pain?
However, not partaking in office gossip can seemingly backfire too. I have a friend that once overheard office gossip about herself, in which the group was gossiping about the fact she didn’t gossip. (Sounds very Seinfeld-esque to me.) It seemed the group felt my friend wasn’t a group ally because she didn’t partake in their daily boss bashings. She was excommunicated from group lunches because of it.
So are you damned if you do and damned if you don’t? Building relationships and bonds under the guise of gossip seems to characterize yourself as a colleague that can’t be trusted. Rising above the gossip and refusing to participate could paint you as a corrupter of group cohesion.
As a young professional establishing a reputation, I believe it’s best to risk the latter. Though bonds with gossiping coworkers may be established in the short-term, your long-term career goals could suffer. Would you want to hire someone known for a flaming tongue? Yeah, I don’t think any future employers would either.
Of course, in the heat of the conversation, your anti-gossiping skills will be tested. Stay strong, Future Gurus. We’ve got our reputations to uphold! I bet Ms. Fiorina would agree.
What are some of your experiences with office gossip? What outcomes have you seen?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Debate: Renaissance Man versus Niche Expert
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, becoming a Renaissance Man is embracing all knowledge and developing capabilities as much as possible. A niche is a specialized market.
I mention these definitions because I recently overheard a debate on which is best in the professional world: being a Jack of All Trades or being the Go-To Gal for one particular skill set.
On the surface, being great at a lot of things is a no-brainer. However, I wonder if you can be truly great at multiple things when attention is spread so thin among those interests. “Jack of all Trades, Master of None,” anyone? It seems that giving attention to one area of expertise would create a bigger bang, make a stronger impact.
Then there’s the indispensable factor: would an employer be more likely to keep and promote a person with a general knowledge of advertising, business development, office administration, and accounting or a person who could repeat the Sarbanes-Oxley auditing procedure by heart?
Perhaps the answer varies by industry. Or maybe it's dependent on the needs of an individual's personality.
I don’t know what’s best. But at this point in my career, I do know that I’m not ready to pick a niche. My list of things I’d like to learn more about runs at about 1,200 items. (That’s a guesstimate, folks. I couldn’t even begin to actually calculate!) I feel my time is best spent embracing all those interests, and perhaps I’ll find a niche by doing so. Therefore, Pro-Renaissance Man I must be…at least at this point in my career.
What about you? Do you think it’s best to be really great at one thing? Or to be good at several things?
Let the debate begin!
I mention these definitions because I recently overheard a debate on which is best in the professional world: being a Jack of All Trades or being the Go-To Gal for one particular skill set.
On the surface, being great at a lot of things is a no-brainer. However, I wonder if you can be truly great at multiple things when attention is spread so thin among those interests. “Jack of all Trades, Master of None,” anyone? It seems that giving attention to one area of expertise would create a bigger bang, make a stronger impact.
Then there’s the indispensable factor: would an employer be more likely to keep and promote a person with a general knowledge of advertising, business development, office administration, and accounting or a person who could repeat the Sarbanes-Oxley auditing procedure by heart?
Perhaps the answer varies by industry. Or maybe it's dependent on the needs of an individual's personality.
I don’t know what’s best. But at this point in my career, I do know that I’m not ready to pick a niche. My list of things I’d like to learn more about runs at about 1,200 items. (That’s a guesstimate, folks. I couldn’t even begin to actually calculate!) I feel my time is best spent embracing all those interests, and perhaps I’ll find a niche by doing so. Therefore, Pro-Renaissance Man I must be…at least at this point in my career.
What about you? Do you think it’s best to be really great at one thing? Or to be good at several things?
Let the debate begin!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
But I Just Don't Have Time!
“I wish I could call back Ms. Smith, but I just don’t have time!”
“If the red lights cooperate, I can leave five minutes before the meeting time and be okay!”
“If only there were more hours in the day!”
Ever had these thoughts? I have…just last week.
I didn’t post a blog update last week because “I didn’t have time.” Then I participated in the Oklahoma City Go Red for Women Luncheon last Friday and attended a break-out session on time management. That is where I learned that I didn’t post last week because I didn’t make time. There’s a big difference between the two.
Jennifer Howard of the Next Level Group led the break-out session and discussed her “Ten Effective and Proven Time Management Techniques.” Her points made me realize I can make my day more productive with proper planning and proper avoiding!
Her time management tips are worth sharing:
1. Put important things on the calendar – not just work appointments but personal appointments too.
2. Avoid interrupters. (Facebook, anyone?)
3. Assign blocks of time.
4. Chose self-discipline over distractions. (Is there a bigger distraction than Facebook?!)
5. Manage your space.
6. Focus! (And not on Facebook!)
7. Delegate.
8. Be on time.
9. Have a place and a purpose.
10. Say “no.”
Incorporating these techniques will take time and practice. But hopefully with such practice, we will all be saying:
“Ms. Smith – it’s Whitney Williams, returning your call from this morning!”
“I was stopped at every red light and still made the meeting on time!”
“I love all this free time. Wahoo time management!”
“If the red lights cooperate, I can leave five minutes before the meeting time and be okay!”
“If only there were more hours in the day!”
Ever had these thoughts? I have…just last week.
I didn’t post a blog update last week because “I didn’t have time.” Then I participated in the Oklahoma City Go Red for Women Luncheon last Friday and attended a break-out session on time management. That is where I learned that I didn’t post last week because I didn’t make time. There’s a big difference between the two.
Jennifer Howard of the Next Level Group led the break-out session and discussed her “Ten Effective and Proven Time Management Techniques.” Her points made me realize I can make my day more productive with proper planning and proper avoiding!
Her time management tips are worth sharing:
1. Put important things on the calendar – not just work appointments but personal appointments too.
2. Avoid interrupters. (Facebook, anyone?)
3. Assign blocks of time.
4. Chose self-discipline over distractions. (Is there a bigger distraction than Facebook?!)
5. Manage your space.
6. Focus! (And not on Facebook!)
7. Delegate.
8. Be on time.
9. Have a place and a purpose.
10. Say “no.”
Incorporating these techniques will take time and practice. But hopefully with such practice, we will all be saying:
“Ms. Smith – it’s Whitney Williams, returning your call from this morning!”
“I was stopped at every red light and still made the meeting on time!”
“I love all this free time. Wahoo time management!”
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What Your Desk Says About You
You can spend 40 hours a week at your desk, so it can become like a second home. At that second home, co-workers stop by to chat, and supervisors drop off assignments. You work, you snack, you snooze (just kidding). With so much activity centered around that little table, it’s no wonder business associates come to conclusions about you with a three second glance into your cubicle.
So what are these associates thinking?
There are two schools of thought on what your desk says about you. 1) A messy desk equals a messy mind. 2) A tidy desk equals too much time. Personally, I believe both these answers are correct.
A work space filled with mounds of paperwork, chotskies from the past eight conferences you attended, and so many Post-It notes that your boss thinks you painted your desk yellow, sends the signal you are scattered, unorganized, and unable to keep up with assigned tasks. However, a desk that is spotless, with the stapler and tape dispenser angled at an exact 65 degrees, may illustrate a stronger focus on organization rather than the organization itself. Or even worse, that you are too rigid and inflexible to handle the least amount of chaos.
Find the perfect medium that showcases both productivity and punctuality. Create a desk environment that demonstrates your abilities to multi-task in an organized and flexible way. Allow your business associates, supervisors, and co-workers to see you are the total package.
All this attention toward a desk may seem overkill, but never underestimate the power of your professional image and what tools can help or hurt you. Cover all your bases, cubicle and all.
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