Recent studies

A couple of recent studies have come out with interesting results relating to women. One in Canada indicates that women tend to get less on the job training but when offered it, are more likely to take it then men. Another in New Mexico, indicates that women may rank themselves higher than they believe their boss, peers and colleagues would.

My advice: Ask for training and don't assume others don't share your opinion of how hard and well you work. In both cases, your boss or company may not say it but training is available and your work is valued. Don't forget to ask and promote yourself.

http://www.demodirt.com/index.php/world-demographic-trends/142-corporate-culture/276-more-like-a-plexiglass-ceiling

http://ebn.benefitnews.com/blog/daily_diversion/

Business Cards

I was recently asked what information should go on your business card. I say as much information, if not more, than you would put on your resume header. Include your name, title or expertise, company (if any), phone number, email, linkedin profile page and other helpful information that will remind the person of who you are and why they should be in touch.

Women and Money

I've been thinking a lot about women and money lately. It seems me a central dilemma of increasing the economic and leadership of women has to do with asking for money for oneself and knowing that you are worth it. (It's not just a gift, luck, good fortune or a mistake.) While we have so many female leaders in non-profits asking for money on behalf of others, how can we at the same time be comfortable asking for money for ourselves and using it to fund what we believe is valuable. Why do we set a double standard when we know that so much of what gets funded really depends on who has the money?

Women in Business

I've been doing a lot of thinking about women in business recently. When I think business, I think products/services for sale, pricing, volume but also resiliance, risk taking, innovation, cost saving. What does the successful business person see that other's don't? How do they continue to go after it when others don't? Here are some elements I think are critical:

• Tough skin
• Stick to it-ness/stubborness
• Good team player, listener
• Supported and supportive
• Willingness to ask for help

How would you test these elements? What do you see in people you consider to be "successful" in business?

Super women or martyr