Real Talk: Is Being a Freelance Writer Worth It?
Get on that Monday grind.
photo credit: We the People
Freelance writing is not all cool, calm, and collecting checks. Like other "for hire" industries there is plenty of freedom (work from anywhere) and lots of uncertainty (when's the next job coming..??). And yet, despite the unknown of the paycheck, many millennials opt to freelance over full time work. Freelancing has steadily been on the rise.
BUT is it worth it?
Caroline Tell is a New York-based writer who recently chatted with Hey Mama about the ups and downs of the trade. As an editorial consultant and regular contributor to The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Cut, and The Observer, she has successfully turned a love of words into a career she loves.
"Freelancing is not about two hour lunches and shoe shopping," Tell writes on Hey Mama. "Certain aspects of freelancing are challenging – namely that I lack a financial safety net and I don’t have a magazine or newspaper to rely on as my 'brand,' so to speak. My name and my work is entirely my own. I’m also constantly at the mercy of my editors, and however much I earn is directly correlated to how much I work. But these very challenges are what make the job rewarding. I pick and choose my work. I’m not boxed in by one specific 'beat,' but I write stories that inspire me across a range of topics. As I grow older, my interests have grown more diverse, and writing about new experiences has been very exciting."
On whether you should take the l leap or not, Tell writes:
"Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Do you have a way of getting health insurance? Do you have any clients you can work with while you get set up? Are you prepared to make more money at certain times, or do you need the same level of income each month? Can you be disciplined enough to self-start and manage your schedule? If you answered 'No' to any of these questions, it’s not a deal breaker, but it’s worth doing the exercise."
Knowing what to charge is another struggle. Says the writer,
"Some publications have set rates. At times you can negotiate your rate if you have a nice relationship with an editor. A successful friend once told me that payment will always balance out. So you may take a job where you’re vastly underpaid, and then turn around and take a well-paying gig for zero effort. Also some opportunities may not pay well but are great for your career. You can’t put a price tag on a widely-read platform that will get your name out, or on the chance to write your dream story."
And of course, every freelancers' struggle: Tell explains how to effectively pitch,
"You just do. And it’s the rule of numbers – the more you pitch, the more you work. So pitch pitch pitch! I still pitch like crazy. 99 percent of my stories come from my head, which is actually very gratifying. So take a walk, scroll through your Instagram feed, go on vacation. Keep those antennas up and stay inspired. And use your own life as inspiration! I certainly do. Tweet at editors, Google their email addresses, hit them up on Linkedin. And don’t get disappointed when you hear No. I pitched The New York Times 10 story ideas before my first one was approved. And follow up. And do your research. Google whether or not the story has been covered elsewhere. Check out the kinds of stories your dream publication covers, and tailor your pitch accordingly."
Are you a freelance writer? What are you tricks of the trade?
You can read the original, full version of this piece here on Hey Mama.
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5 Badass Celebrities Using Their Platform for GOOD
Reasons to love them even more.
Sometimes being famous comes with a price. What a celebrity posts on Instagram or what we hear through the media can change our opinion about that person.
However, we can tell you one thing. These 5 women are using their platforms for GOOD. Among other things, they are each extremely passionate about the work they do. All 5 of these women are doing something different. These women are using their platforms to help spread the word, and they aren’t stopping here. While they are all talented, it’s their passion projects that make us love them even more….
Alicia Keys- @aliciakeys
Alicia Keys is a force to be reckoned with. Not only can she sing, but she making this world a better place. As an ambassador for the ‘Keep A Child Alive’ organization, Keys travels to Africa and India speaking with orphans whose parents have died from AIDS. Keys is also a spokesperson for the ‘Frum The Ground Up’ campaign, where she works to instill motivation within American youths to achieve success. Her insta bio opens with, “passionate about my work” and @aliciakeys ain’t lying.
Laverne Cox- @lavernecox
Laverne Cox is a powerhouse. As the first transgender actress to be nominated for an Emmy, she has not stopped since. Cox is at the forefront of the transgender movement and a huge advocate for the LGBT community as well. Yes, she is one of the stars of Orange Is The New Black, but Cox has used her following to raise awareness. Her platform is #TransIsBeautiful, and boy is she working it.
America Ferrera- @americaferrera
While we may remember her still from "Ugly Betty" and "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," America Ferrera has gone from actress to activist. Even though she is still an amazing actress, she has definitely graduated to activist. Ferrera is passionate about her work with ‘Save the Children’ and received an award at the Clinton Global Citizen Awards ceremony. She is extremely passionate on helping promote women’s rights, and was a key speaker at this years D.C.’s Women’s March. We can’t wait to see what she does next.
Kerry Washington- @kerrywashington
She may be Olivia Pope to some, but offscreen Kerry Washington is your girl for ending violence against women. She is an avid supporter of the Purple Purse campaign, which works to support victims of domestic abuse. Washington spoke at the United States of Women Summit, talking about the importance of female financial independence. This girl has taken a stand and she is not backing down.
Eva Longoria- @evalongoria
We know and love her. Eva Longoria, can always put a smile on our face and she’s given us more of a reason. Through her Eva Longoria Foundation, Longoria works passionately to help Latinas build a better future by bettering education and entrepreneurship. As a fierce Latina woman, Longoria is using her platform to promote what she is passionate about. We couldn’t love it more.
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5 Non-Committal Book Clubs You Need to Follow Now
You'll never feel like a failure.
Today is national book lovers.
Didya know that displaying books outward so you can see the spine is a *relatively* new addition to libraries. Books also used to be chained down (Game of Thrones style). Even monks used to chain the books to their desks. This was to prevent books from being stolen. (because they are one of the world’s most precious commodities.)
So, in honor national book lovers day we are rounding up some of our favorite IG book clubs. It’s HARD to know what to read, especially if you’ve been out of the mix for a minute.
Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine fame has a book club. The band’s front lady runs the handle @betweentwobooks (clearly inspired by Zack Galifinakas) and posts recommendations from well-read women like Tavi Genvison who most recently recommended 'Too Much and Not the Mood', by Durga Chew-Bose.
This site is curated by @emmaroberts and @kpreiss with the goal of discovering and reading a new book every month. According to their site, when Emma was five she made a wish list. On top of that? To own all the books in the world. We’re with her. The actress also managed to score an interview with one of the more reclusive authors, Joan Didion, about new newest book “South and West.” Head to the site to check it out and then sign up for their newsletter to find out what the #belletristbabe is reading next.
It’s not a requirement to have a name that starts with a B if you want a book club, but studies have shown that you are more likely to have a career that corresponds with the first letter of your first name. Bobby=book boss. (We think that’s his official title.) The co-founder of streetwear brand The Hundreds and founder of JENNIFER, is a forever bookworm. In January of 2f 2016 he started his book club to really learn from other readers and authors. @DeathSentencesReadingClub is his “officially unofficial” bookclub, though Bobby officially loves reading. In July they read “Murder on the Orient Express,” by Agatha Christie. You can unofficially join today by hitting a follow on their IG.
Simply put, this site is about “women who read, for women who read.” They’ve interviewed everyone from the "Bad Feminist" herself, Roxanne Fequiere, to the Wing’s head wing woman Audrey Gelman. Their interviews are illuminating and a testament to the staying and inspirational power of the book. But, in every interview they ask the interviewee to shell out three recommendations. And they’ve got a whole section of Feminist Titles, is that’s your preferred genre. “Harry Potter,” “Slouching Toward Bethlehem,” and “Sister Outsider,” are all on the list.
Emma Watson is another actress with a thing for a book spine. Crack into her Shared Shelf to find out what she’s reading. Watson says, “I decided to start a Feminist book club, as I want to share what I’m learning and hear your thoughts too. The plan is to select and read a book every month, then discuss the work during the month’s last week (to give everyone time to read it!). I will post some questions/quotes to get things started, but I would love for this to grow into an open discussion with and between you all. Whenever possible I hope to have the author, or another prominent voice on the subject, join the conversation.” Everyone is welcome— as long as you’re a reader. The group is currently reading “The Beauty Myth,” by Naomi Wolf. Finish date is August 31st, so if you want to jump on this train get to reading!
What are your favorite books/book clubs that exists online! Whatever you do, wherever you are, we hope you read for pleasure today.
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We Bet You've Never Heard of This Holiday
But it's the perfect excuse to do this.
National Just Because Day is August 27th. It’s a REAL day that exists. Best. News. Ever...
And just because you’re awesome, we want to give you a couple more reasons to love yourself a little extra today. Just because you closed a deal at work, reward yourself! Just because you got your kids to school and yourself to work on time, congratulate yourself! Just because you woke up feeling extra fab this morning, applaud yourself!
UrbanStems’ gorgeous bouquets will cheer you up and make you happy, so why not treat yourself? Today is YOUR day to go out and treat YO’SELF just because you’re AMAZING.
Just Because… I Killed It At Work This Week
You just signed off on a big deal, you impressed your boss, got a promotion, whatever it may be, you killed it this week. Now, it is time to treat yo’desk. You need a little color in your office to keep spirits high. What could be a better way of rewarding yourself than with The Vacay Bouquet? The tropical colored bouquet will have you imagining yourself on a beach sipping your favorite cocktail. Who doesn’t want to feel like they are on vacation?
Just Because… Being a Working Mom is HARD
You don’t just wake up in the AM, down your coffee and head to work. You get the kids dressed. Drop them off (with lunch) and make it to the office before a 9am meeting. Being a working mom can be difficult. Sometimes we need to reward ourselves for just ‘doing it all.’ The bright and whimsical Duet Bouquet is a lovely way to thank ourselves for staying sane through all of the challenges being a working mom has to offer. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a present because you deserve it!
Just Because…. I’m a #Bosslady
Feeling extra fab today? Then you deserve to treat yo’self because it is not everyday you feel like this. Loving ourselves a little extra on certain days is so important. This bright and flawless Glam Bouquet is what you need to remind yourself how #bosslady you really are.
Just Because… I Went From 0-100 Real Quick
We all have bad days. Rough meetings, deals gone bad, and co-worker drama. Just because you are having a bad day does not mean it can’t get better. What better way to make turn your day around than treating yourself with a Babar? It is the ultimate gift to cheer you up. This elephant will bring you all of the happy thoughts and energy missing in your day, so go ahead and brighten your day!
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4 Reasons Your Communication Skills are Really Lacking
Say it ain't so.
Think you’re great at communicating? Recent studies show that you might be wrong. According to PayScale, 46% of managers feel that recent graduates lack communication skills, and 44% feel that recent graduates lack clear writing skills. The difference between how graduates see themselves and how employers see graduates is frightening to say the least, and suggests that perhaps graduates aren’t gaining necessary experience while in school.
How you can brush up on your skills
Make sure that you communicate with your peers, managers, and colleagues to ensure that you’re all on the same page and nothing gets lost in translation. This will not only make your work more synchronized, but it will additionally promote respect and understanding. We’re all human and understand that unexpected events or situations arise, however if you don’t clearly communicate what you’re dealing with and feeling, people will not know and understand. If you don’t make your feelings and your situation clear, no one will be able to help.
Define your goals, priorities, and tasks
One of the best ways to clearly communicate with your peers is to define what you want to accomplish on your own, then relay this information to others. Do a self-assessment and figure out your priorities and tasks for the day, then build from there. Make an outline or a to-do list so you can clearly see what’s on your plate. Once you have figured out what you need to accomplish and how to prioritize each task, you can communicate this plan with others. You can also use applications like Trello to keep organized and keep team members up to date on your progress.
Remember that communication is a two way street
While communicating what you need from others is critical, remember that you need to ask others what they need as well. One of the downfalls many people have when it comes to communication is that they forget to ask what is needed of them. You might be communicating your needs to others, but don’t assume that others are doing the same.
Be sure to ask what is needed of you, what tasks need to be accomplished, and what deadlines need to be made. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that all bases are covered. If you know someone is notorious for changing the plan without communicating, get the information in writing. Send an email asking for specifics or timeline information. That way if something does change without being clearly communicated, you can refer back to the email to show the exact information you received.
No one should have to hunt you down
You never want someone to feel as though they have to hunt you down. If you want to cultivate relationships and establish trust, communicate clearly and in a timely manner. If someone feels as though they have to hunt you down to get an answer, they more than likely won’t want to work with you. Be the one to follow through with them! Follow up to a conversation, send a quick reminder for a meeting, or send an email with highlights from your previous phone call. If someone can see your reliability, this will help establish you as a reputable source and a good communicator.
_______________
Between social media, smart phones, and all the latest technology, millennials are often stereotyped for being completely connected, yet almost half of managers feel that recent graduates can’t clearly communicate. This statistic will make you rethink your communication skills, and make you want to be a better communicator. Make communication a priority, and it will help you stay on top of your tasks while also improving your reputation at work.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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Links from our Group Chat
What we did while you were working.
Straight from our texts to you, we're introducing, #linksfromourgroupchat.
This is what we send each other back and forth all day. There's some serious sh*t. Some not-so straight-faced stuff. And some stuff to make you go hmmm.
Curl up on the couch. We've got your Sunday reading.
The most powerful Serena Williams pens a column on how black women can close the pay gap for Black Women's Equal Pay Day.
A hammock for your boobs? Yeah, some of us would wear the Ta-ta towel.
What did you want to be when you grew up? How about Women in Black? Protecting the planet from aliens. Thatsajob.
Have you been regramming photos on IG and not crediting? Read all the rules here.
"My buddy." Patti Smith pens a moving note to her friend writer Sam Shepard who passed away last week.
What '90s brand is making a major comeback and tapping this celeb stylist?
Millennials are going au naturel with their armpits.
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Live a Life Doing This With No Regrets
#noregrets.
As an undergraduate English major, I thought that nothing could matter more than books. I even told my family that books were my life, and it’s one of many things I most regret saying. After all, we read because we desire a connection with other people and saying that books are your life leaves those relationships out of view in a way that isn’t constructive.
Books are immersive, profound and often transcendent. They feature voices different from our own, reveal another’s consciousness and expose us to lives we’ve never lived. But books are only one part of our realities, meant to show us how to walk outside the pages and experience our life stories alongside other people. The connection between reading and real life is undeniable, but if we never use what we learn in books to help others, then we’re reducing our ability to live meaningfully.
Here are four ways to apply the lessons of fiction to real life:
Remember that character is the heart of fiction.
In several writing workshops, I’ve heard this time and again. Quite simply, the beginning of a book sets up a character and a situation that makes you want to continue the story. Regardless of whether you like a character, you’ll stick with them throughout the book if you find them interesting enough.
In real life, you will meet people who are different than you. Maybe you won’t get along with them at first, but every person you meet knows something that you don’t. Take the time to listen, just as you would to a new character in a book that you’re patiently reading. Sometimes we love the characters we read about, but other times we simply listen to and learn from their struggles. Let real life be a similar exercise.
John Cheever once wrote, “Fiction is art and art is the triumph over chaos … to celebrate a world that lies spread out around us like a bewildering and stupendous dream.” Sometimes reality can feel like chaos, but we succeed together when we celebrate the unique characters in our lives. Celebrate those different from you, and be open to meeting people in surprising places.
Bring the empathy you feel for characters into real life.
This study points to the fact that literary fiction improves a reader’s empathy and even undermines prejudices. Reading is so profound that it can even be used as therapy. Literary theorists have often supported this: As Virginia Woolf wrote, “Books are the mirrors of the soul.”
While most of us book lovers report being devastated that a character died, sometimes we don’t give the same care to people outside of books. While it’s okay to spend time in fictional worlds, use the character studies of great novels to remind you that everyone has struggles that are different from your own. Emerging from a book and listening to a real-life story can help you bond with other people and even consider solutions to problems that we still face.
Maybe you won’t get along with them at first, but every person you meet knows something that you don’t.
Use new metaphors to approach your life.
If you love classic literature, one of your favorite things is probably a brilliant metaphor or a carefully constructed sentence. After all, semantics matter and tired clichés don’t always accurately depict our lives. Ralph Waldo Emerson is right: “The world is emblematic. Parts of speech are metaphors because the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind.”
In the same sense, what we call people says much about how we view them. Metaphors often impact the way we approach life and decision-making. Labels and stereotypes can be damaging and should be changed to reflect the kaleidoscope of identity. Help others by advocating for the people in your life so they can identify with words that are unique to their experiences. If we bring metaphors outside of books and into the conversation, then they become meaningful tools to help others better understand different viewpoints.
Make time for other people.
Relationships make the world a better place. That’s why it’s okay to put your reading life on hold for your reality. If you can’t finish that book today, set it aside and spend some time with your family. You can always come back to the book later, but you may not get the same chance to be with the people you love.
Sometimes it’s tempting to turn to books as an escape, but instead, let them be your guide to the human spirit. Do this by sharing the books you read with those you care about. This is another way of making time for people.
It is said that art imitates life and life imitates art. But it may be more complicated than that. While books may contain life, they aren’t life itself. Let your love of books meet reality for a literary life that benefits others in return.
What has reading taught you about relationships with others?
The original version of this article appeared on Darling. Written by Kayla Dean.
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You'll Never Guess What Demo Is Running the Work Force
Hint: now put your hand up.
Single working women are the backbone for most professional organizations in America.
According to the Women in the Labor Force: 2015 Databook:
- 59% of women (over age 16) are employed
- 54.3% of employed women are unmarried (never married, other marital status, divorced, separated, widowed)
- Of the 67 million women employed in the U.S.— 74%of employed women worked on full-time jobs, while 26% worked on a part-time basis.
And in honor of National Single Working Women's Day, we wanted to dig into this a little bit more.
According to Hanna Rosin's "The End of Men and the Rise of Women," 2009 was the first year where the balance of the workforce "tipped toward women."
The senior editor at The Atlantic writes, "Women worldwide dominate colleges and professional schools on every continent except Africa. In the United States, for every two men who will receive a BA this year, for example, three women will do the same."
"Theoretically," she writes, "a twenty-seven- or twenty-eight-year-old woman with no children is at the top o the game. She is, on average, more educated than the men around her, and making more money." ("No children" is a key piece here and discussed below.)
What do you know about the American Matriarchy? In her book Rosin cites tech as one of the main reasons for the rise of the woman. "At some point in the last forty years," she writes, "the job market became largely indifferent to size and strength. Technology began to work against men, making certain jobs obsolete and making what economists call 'people skills,' ever more valuable. For the first time in history, the global economy is becoming a place where women are finding more success than men."
In Rebecca Traister's NY-Times best-seller, "All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation," she addresses Rosin's findings. "While some women are enjoying more educational, professional, sexual, and social freedom than ever before, many more of them are struggling, living in a world marked by inequity, disadvantage, discrimination, and property. It's crucial to unpack what's true and what's not true about female advancement--and single female advancement-- across classes, rich, poor, and in between."
One of those factors that cannot be ignored is single motherhood. The Times article, the Disestablishment of Marriage, reports that 60 percent of American women who have their first babies before thirty have them out of wedlock. Traister says that, "the economic ramifications of having children are of course felt most keenly by unmarried mothers; a staggering 42 percent of people in families headed by single mothers live below the poverty line."
But single women are upending tradition. And that's power. "Their growing presence has an impact on how economic, political, and sexual power is distributed between the genders." Single women overwhelmingly voted for President Barack Obama. Single women are changing the definition of family, which directly impacts social policy. "Women," writes Traister, "perhaps those who have lived untethered from the energy-sucking and identity-sapping institution of marriage in its older forms, have helped drive social progress of this country since it's founding."
Women living without marriage are more able to be both professionally and economically than ever before.
Cheers to you badasses. Today is your day.
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5 Women of Color You Need to Follow on IG Right Now
You're missing out.
Fact: Women of color are dominating the business world. They represent the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.
According to Fortune “black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.” A 2015 report found “women own 30% of businesses in the U.S.” Of that, women of color own 14% of these companies. Hello! The facts are all here. From clothing lines to nonprofits to tech startups, let’s just say these 5 women of color are KILLING the entrepreneurial game. You are going to want to follow them ASAP. Here’s why.
1. Morgan Debaun
Company: CEO and Founder of Blavity
About: @MorganDebaun, the founder of @blavity, is a forward-thinking black millennial who is pushing the boundaries of culture and the status quo. As @blavity’s Founder + CEO, Morgan is disrupting traditional media by creating a (much needed) world class community of diverse creators + influencers.
2. Gabrielle Deculus
Company: Founder of Business Rules for Women
About: @BusinessRulesforWomen is a mega media platform making life easier for the emerging entrepreneur. @Gabrielle.Deculus has created an online business community for women that is guaranteed to help you succeed. Looking to grow and expand your business? Business Rules for Women will give you all the tactics, tools, and connections you need to be successful.
3. Grace Mahary
Company: Project Tsehigh- Clean Energy For All
About: Not only can @GraceMahary rock the runway, but she’s the founder and executive director of @ProjectTsehigh. This nonprofit organization has one goal: to decrease global energy and improve the quality of life for impoverished families. Using her entrepreneurial skills, she has worked passionately over the last four years to help get closer to accomplishing her goal. This powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with.
4. Carly Cushnie
Company: Co-Founder and Designer for Cushnie et Ochs
About: @CarlyCushnie is changing the game of fashion. The co-founder and designer for @CushnieetOchs has been featured on Forbes’ “30 Under 30 List,” and she is not stopping there. According to Complex, Carly is showing us how to “let a woman’s most feminine side shine.” She is bringing her beautiful, most alluring seductive side to the runway making Cushnie et Ochs a forefront in the fashion world.
5. Kitty Cash
Company: Founder of “The I Am Woman Project”
About: A successful fashion publicist and DJ? What more could she do? Well, @kittycash is at it again. The successful DJ Kitty has created a multi-media platform for women looking for some motivation and celebration. The @iamwomanproject is an online community to empower women. DJ Kitty Cash is doing it all, and we can’t wait to watch the @iamwomanproject grow.
These 5 #powerhouse women of color are not only rocking the world of business, but are working to make the world a better place. Now it’s your turn to contribute. Add some daily inspiration into your life and follow the journey’s of these amazing women. We can’t wait to watch their growing success, can you?
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Sign Language: How to Deal with a Leo Boss
Not DiCaprio. Or DaVinci.
photo credit: Borrelli Illustrations (front); Elle (top)
If you follow J.Lo on Instagram, you know it’s #LeoSeason. But what does that mean for your office? If you have a Leo Boss there are certain traits you have come to expect, but are you adept at navigating the ups and downs of the Lion sign?
Luckily, we speak Leo. And we speak boss.
Date range: July 23rd-August 22nd
Strengths: Loyal, Determined, Confident, Encouraging & Ambitious
Weaknesses: Fragile ego, Gullible, Melodramatic, Stubborn & Vain
Famous Leos: President Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Sandra Bullock
Everyone knows that Leos are loyal, but they are also the King of the Jungle (or Queen, depending on your preference). So that means you better be prepared to give your loyalty as well. Leos are known for having big hearts and your back, but that makes them susceptible to betrayal. Some Leos are too kind for their own good, but don’t mistake kindness for naivete. Leos know what they want and feel powerful and strong to go after it.
With a Leo boss this can sometimes come off as bossy or authoritarian. More Scar, less Simba. But if you give your loyalty, you’ll also be given challenges-- those that you’ll be expected to meet. If you do the spoils to the victor go. Meaning, this is where the generosity of the Leo boss kicks in. Though they crave the limelight and might publically take credit for the success, feel secure that behind the scenes your boss will want to take care of you. If you also crave the spotlight, be prepared to step out of the way and let your boss take this one.
You don’t want to take advantage of your boss’ generosity because it can backfire. Leos are also known for their extreme loyalty, but if you do something to betray that loyalty, you’re going to catch the wrong side wrath. However, Leos don’t hold onto grudges. So the best thing you can do in an instance where you’ve taken advantage of your boss’ trust in you is work hard to rebuild that trust. A Leo will give you a second change, but you have to prove yourself just like they would.
They want to achieve the impossible. This can be encouraging and inspiring to people around them. It can also sometimes feel like there is no way to complete a task. Don’t be discouraged by your boss’ go hard or go home attitude. Learn how to navigate their expectations and you will be in Leos good graces.
Taking charge comes naturally to a Leo. So If you’re losing your footing at work, look to your loyal leader. They will always be willing to lead you to safety-- or to the other side of a presentation, but watch out for their competitive side. You don’t need to compete with your boss.
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Nail Your Next Presentation with These 4 Secret Tricks from Experts
You haven't even thought of this.
The gift of gab. Some of us have it, others don’t. Still more elusive is the gift of talking ON STAGE. That’s right, in front of people. Not the mirror. And gabbing is the opposite of what you want to do when you present to a room.
With a mic in hand you need to paint a picture, tell a story, and engage your audience with a straightforward but compelling presentation. How you might ask?
Well, we just went to Spotlight Presentation Academy to find out HOW to create WOW moments.
With the help of the pros at Logitech and TED (you know, those talks you watch at work), we recently got schooled on the art of the presentation. Yes, it is an art. One that is greatly enhanced by Logitech’s Spotlight Presentation Remote, which just so happens to be the preferred presentation remote of TED. It also happens to be the preferred remote of Jaclyn Johnson, Create & Cultivate founder and recent Academy attendee. Why wouldn’t you want to use what the pros do and present like never before?
So we’re dishing (because when we’re not on stage, gabbing about career is so our vibe.)
1. Your speech should be a GIFT to the AUDIENCE.
First things first: the content. You need to make people pay attention. And to do that the first question you should ask yourself is: What are you giving them and what are they receiving? This presentation is NOT about you. Sure it can feel that way when you’re in prep mode, but if you want the audience to take away the magic, you need to take yourself out of the pic.
So get into the audience’s head. Walk out and don’t say hello, simply START. And remember: generic is the opposite of memorable.
2. Moving with INTENTION, means MOVING AROUND without fear.
Energy is crucial, you must walk out on stage and change the energy of the room. (Which, remember, is why you should walk out and START. No “hellos” needed.) At TED, it’s what they call the “TED moment” and it’s when you realize you’re in the presence of something truly unique. To engage during the presentation— you need to be able to move around. But you want to make sure you’re confident, in control, and not stressing whether slides are changing or video links are playing. That’s where Logitech comes in. With their new Spotlight Presentation Remote you have total control. Features include: professional slide navigation control, highlight and magnify buttons, and even a timer with a vibration alert. Below Jaclyn shares her favorite features and why.
Highlight: With this feature you can point to a specific feature, data point, or part of an image and call it out. ‘The best part,” says Jaclyn, “is you don’t have to turn around and point— you can stay facing forward-- and make eye contact with those TWO people in the back-- without losing momentum. The moment you lose momentum you lose the crowd.”
Magnify: if you have a photo with interesting details, or something you want to zoom in on, you can magnify and that will help load up and emphasize the content. “I always want to use bright and bold visuals. Being able to magnify, helps the presentation come alive,” shares Jaclyn.
Cursor Control: if you’re embedding video or links, you can play video with the simple click of the button. “No stress, no fear,” says Jaclyn.
Timing: Jaclyn says, “Timing is everything. And you never want to worry if you’re running out of time or have too much time. That can be a speech KILLER.” With a built-in vibration alert, you’ll always hit your mark.
3. You absolutely have to practice your “body work.”
It’s not only about your content, it’s also about your body language. Which means you need to stand up straight and be confident with your posture in a way that allows people to BELIEVE in what you’re saying. If you don’t believe in you,they never will. Here are four more amazing tips to think about:
Speak from your diaphragm
Try to make eye contact with at LEAST 5 people in the front and at LEAST 2 people in the back
Practice your speech standing on newspaper, the more the crunching you hear the more you are moving
4. Move with intention (speak with intention as well)
You don’t want to use slides as a crutch because then they become the focal point of the presentation. They should ADD to what you’re saying, not distract. They should be the exclamation point to what you’re saying! Here are some ways you can make that happen:
- When picking photos don’t use the most obvious — think about how you can illicit the same feeling without being so on the nose... Ask yourself what’s your data your anecdote, or your metaphor. Metaphors are a great creative tool to push the boundaries and make your presentation stand out.
Always use big, beautiful photography. And stretch the image the full length of the slide. Don’t simply drag, drop, and assume it’s going to look good. This is a great place to use the magnifying feature on the Spotlight Presentation Remote. You can highlight and call attention to specific spots. Same goes for text-- discussed in the next section.
Think about your typefaces and how they’ll look from the audience. You need to make it really clear. You want the audience to be able to see the text-- so stay away from cursive or any typeface that may look cool, but makes your legibility go down. All caps gives off a certain feeling— maybe that’s a good thing, maybe you want to convey anger or excitement. You can also mix up two typefaces and de-emphasize the words that are less important. It all matters.
Have other tips on public speaking that you want to share? Comment below!
photo credit: Ryan Lash / TED
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5 Super Inspiring Women Share Their Need-to-Read Mottos
Purely positive and kickass.
photo credit: We the People
Are you looking for a some weekend inspo to help you kickass at business and life? We rounded up five our favorite ladies' mottos and words to live by.
TONI KO, Founder NYX & Perverse
Starting a business as a 25-year old minority female without any experience running a company was a huge risk in itself. My life motto has always been, “Go big or go home,” closely followed by “do or die.” A lot of the time, I just go for it! I purposely put myself in situations that force me to face my fears, and by doing so, I’m forced to deal with the repercussions, the founder told Career Contessa.
My father always said he wanted to raise his children “Spartan Style,” where only the strongest survive. He definitely succeeded. I am an extremely mentally and emotionally strong woman who isn’t afraid to take risks. I truly believe that taking risks is the only way to grow as an individual.
MAYA ANGELOU, POET
I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.
TINA FEY, WRITER, ACTRESS, PRODUCER
“When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question: ‘Is this person in between me and what I want to do?’ If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. Your energy is better used doing your work and outpacing people that way. Then, when you’re in charge, don’t hire the people who were jerky to you.” via Bossypants
GRETCHEN CARLON, former FOX NEWS ANCHOR
The lesson in the dream isn’t whether our fight to get to the top is for something big or small. It’s to realize that a good, happy life isn’t just handed to us. We need to work for it. We need to strap on the heavy bags and take the first step forward in the long journey up the mountain. Yes, we’ll all sweat, complain and wish we were somewhere else (maybe on that beach in Nice…). But we’ll also develop the strength to say: “I’ll make it to the top — no matter what.” via Motto
JANET MOCK, AUTHOR
"For me, it’s always been Maya Angelou. Her work, her memoirs, have always been building blocks for me. She’s also been a blueprint to go out and say that #1: My life story is worthy of being heard, #2: I can write it myself, I don’t have to give it to someone else, and #3: There’s more than one book about my life experiences and yes, you can be a memoirist and you can do it in a literary form that is also accessible. She was super important to me." via Medium
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New Study Shows Have Fun First, Work Later
Do you have on your Monday Party Pants?
By: Naomi Hirabayashi, co-founder Shine
*This piece originally appeared on Shine, a free daily text to help you thrive.*
Work hard, play hard. We’ve habituated ourselves to feel like this is the only appropriate order of things.
We save up our movie nights and dance parties for the weekends. We hold out on that calming bubble bath until the end of the day. We don’t let ourselves Netflix and Chill until we’ve pushed through all (OK, most) of those backed-up emails.
Yet new research shows that waiting to have fun until after we’ve worked doesn’t necessarily make it more enjoyable.
In fact, the study shows that fun is just as fun even if you haven’t “earned it” and it can actually motivate us to work smarter.
Fun is just as fun even if you haven’t earned it.
Tweet this.
Ed O’Brien, a professor at the Chicago Booth School of Business, discussed his new research in Harvard Business Review:
“We built a makeshift “spa” in the laboratory — with a massage chair and footbath — for 259 ever-at-work University of Chicago students. Students could choose to come during the weeks right after their stressful midterm exam period or during the weeks right before midterms began. (We had essentially the same number of students show up at both time periods, and they were of similar age, gender, etc.) They predicted their enjoyment before visiting and rated their experience afterward.”
The results:
“We found that while the students who visited the spa before midterms predicted that the experience would be less enjoyable due to looming midterms exams, they actually enjoyed themselves just as much as those who visited the spa after midterms.”
While happy hour before work might not be realistic (or desirable), the powerful message that not only are we allowed to loosen up in between all of our obligations -- but it can actually make us more motivated and better equipped to handle our busy days, is a welcome one.
How can we enact this in our daily lives?
By flipping play on its head and finding ways to start (instead of just finishing) with fun.
Dance before you leave the house in the morning; you don’t have to wait until Friday night to do throw on some #TBT 90s hits or to let DJ Khaled remind you that ‘we the best’.
Pre-game a big meeting with a funny video that puts everyone in a good mood or share a random fact you recently learned with the group.
Swap a weekday / weekend routine; typically save dinner with a friend for the weekend? Get an extra boost of joy by going for a breakfast or lunch catch up during the weekday.
Whatever your version of fun is, remember: you don’t have to earn it. You already deserve to enjoy yourself and by incorporating more play at the beginning, you’ll give yourself a catalyst to stay motivated and keep hustling.
photo credit: Geronimo Balloons
Shine is a free daily text message experience that makes it easier to live a more intentional life. Each weekday morning, Shine sends curated content and actionable tips across confidence, daily happiness, mental health and productivity. Why? Because we all need a little help to get through the day—and Shine’s got your back. To sign up, text “SHINE” to 759-85 or go to www.shinetext.com to learn more.
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5 Ways to Be a Strategic Slacker
Chill work fam. Chill.
We've made it. It's Friday. Which means it's almost time to kickoff those boots and stick your toes in the ocean or your nose in a book-- whatever suits your weekend fancy will do.
It's time to slack.
But what about the work week slack? Is it possible to kick your feet up at your desk and STILL be incredibly productive. Perhaps they aren't as at odds as your might think. Here are the 7 magical ways to slack at work and still get shit done. Most employees are only productive four hours a day.
Call it failing upwards.
1. TAKE AN EXTENDED BREAK
Or really, take any break. Chances are that 15 minutes you’re legally allowed twice a day goes unused. You get busy, you get buried. It’s common. But when you’re working that hard your brain stops functioning at optimum output. So take a walk and grab a coffee. (Or bring water along for the jaunt, since dehydration during the workday can also lead to an kaput of creativity.)
Whatever you do, use it. Especially when you’re feeling stuck.
2. SHUT YOUR COMPUTER OFF AND READ
Word to the wise: always bring a book to your office. Sure, powering down your computer and taking a break from responding to emails may feel out of the question, but here’s an important one to ask yourself: when you’ve hit a slump is it better to stay stuck or read yourself out of it? Stand up. Give your spine a stretch and then crack the spine on a book. Seeing words come together in unexpected ways might be the jumpstart your brain needs. It’s not work, but it will work for you.
3. MEDITATE
We’ve all read about the benefits of meditating in the morning or before bed, but meditating in the office can bring clarity, calm your nerves before presentations, and de-stress high impact situations. Stress brings on emotions. Some of which are not beneficial to us in the work environment. Meditating at your desk (or in the storage closet) can help bring clarity and the right kind of emotions to your decision making. For instance, if you’re about to blow your top at a co-worker, take a beat. Meditate. And come into the situation with a clear head. It might look like you’re not doing a thing, but you’re being incredibly productive for you and the company’s well-being.
4. PLAY GAMES ON YOUR PHONE
While we don’t suggest scrolling through the IG during the work day, there are word games and brain games you can play to whip that brain into shape. You could opt for memory, attention, and problem solving apps like Luminosity, or try an app like Happify, that helps you build skills for lasting happiness. And being happy at work directly affects your productivity. So come on, get happy. Play a game or two.
5. DON’T MULTI-TASK
Sometimes it feels like the busier you are, the better you’re working. Untrue! You don’t have to do multiple things at once in order to get things done. Slow down and work on one thing at a time. It might feel like you’re slacking at first, but once you see how quickly you start ticking things off your list, you just might abandon the multi-tasking addiction.
We want to know… how do you do work slack? Share below!
8 Incredibly Inspiring Quotes from Our Live Your Adventure Series
We do as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Just sayin'.
This week started with an adventure. Alongside Eddie Bauer and inspirational women like Melissa Arnot Reid, Lexi duPont, Ruthie Lindsey, Alyssa Ravasio and so many more, we traveled to three cities (LA, SF, and NYC) in three days to host our Live Your Adventure popup. We laughed (a few of us cried) and we came together to build an even stronger community. Click through to read some of our favorite quotes from the events.
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What Up Real World: 5 Recent Grads On What’s Next
Does the anxiety ever end? YEP.
The panic hits! You are suddenly a second semester senior starting to realize, “Wait, I have to find a job! I need to start making money! I'm not sure what I want to do!” Totally normal. The Washington Post found "only 27% of college grads had a job that was closely related to their major." And though some grads work all of college to secure their dream jobs, most have no clue what field they even want to be in. Does the anxiety ever end?
Maybe.
Fast-forward.
You are a recent post-grad in your new position. That old familiar panic starts to set in: “How do I feel about my job? Where do I see myself going? Do I even like what I am doing?” In a poll published by the Huff Post it was found "nearly 80% of workers in their 20s, said they want to change career paths." So if you aren't exactly loving your first job...it is completely normal.
The transition from college into 'the real world' is a learning experience. As a recent college grad myself, I thought who better people to ask than my friends? We're all in the same boat. So I spoke with 5 post-college grads to help us get a clear picture of what the beginning of their journey looks like and where they see themselves going in the future. It's nice to know all 5 grads have their own goals set, but are waiting to see where their paths take them-- one step at a time.
Emily K.
Last month I graduated from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. I studied Public Relations and minored in Communications in the Entertainment Industry. Just a few days after graduation, I began my job at Viewpoint, which is a public relations firm located in Beverly Hills. I’m currently working as a Talent Publicity Assistant. The job is exactly what it sounds like. I’ve been working at Viewpoint for about a month now, and every day brings something new. It’s hard to say exactly where I want to end up career-wise, but I could definitely see myself sticking to this path and eventually becoming a publicist. I could also see myself going down other paths in the entertainment industry. Only time will tell!
Zoe S.
I recently graduated from Lehigh University with a double major in sociology and women's studies with a minor in public healthy. Naturally, I had no idea what I wanted to do with that discipline, nor did I have any clue what skill set beyond college it prepared me for. As I proceeded through my college years, I got more and more confused with my own personal expectations post college. I did not know what I wanted to do. I could not envision where I belonged in this massive industry that is carved out for post-grad college kids. All I knew was that I wanted to be in a field that allowed me to interact with people. I love people; talking to different people, connecting with people, learning from as many people as I could. Yes, I would describe myself as a "people person," which to some might be a cop out, but for me it's my truth. I ended up being hired at this amazing company called ChowNow in which people are the focus of the business. We help business set up their online ordering, which may not sound so glamorous or stereotypically lucrative for a recent college grad, but that is false. Not only is it an amazing place to work with an incredible culture that cultivates strong, incredibly ambitious people, but, everyday, it is my mission as an account coordinator to interact with people. I never imagined finding a job that satisfied both my creativity and desire to belong to the growing "trendish" industry, while simultaneously allowing me to exercise my love of people, but, needless to say, I found the job that is absolutely perfect for me. Now, I have no idea where I'll be in 5 years from now or where I'm going in terms of big picture, but I know that I'm one step closer to figuring that out, and that is just alright for me.
Mackenzie H.
After recently graduating from The George Washington University I am now working as a Recruiting Coordinator at Publicis Health. Publicis Health is the third largest advertising network in the world, and first largest health network! I'm passionate about people and their careers, as a recruiting coordinator I pay an integral part of the Talent Acquisition process. Even though I'm just starting out, I see myself working hard to lead a Talent Acquisition team to facilitate growth and change within a health-based organization.
Nina B.
I just recently graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Elementary Education. For the summer I am working with a non-profit whose goal is to promote literacy for children coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and LAUSD schools. In August I will be starting a job as a teachers assistant in a second grade classroom. However, next year I hope to have a classroom of my own and eventually go back to school to receive my masters in Special Education. My future is very undecided, but for now that is the plan.
Emily P.
I just recently graduated from the University of Michigan. I am now moving to Austin to start my career at Facebook as an SMB Account Manager. I have always been fascinated with the interconnectivity of organizations through the shared purpose of helping others in their communities. I see Facebook as the perfect place to jumpstart my career as it is a platform for connecting people and organizations on a worldwide scale. I hope to continue to strengthen my knowledge of change management, practical development skills and positive leadership practices while gaining invaluable experience from the incredible people I will have the chance to work with. My ultimate goal is to strive for impactful change that has the ability make a difference on multiple levels - helping communities join together to change lives through corporate social responsibility.
Every person starts somewhere. Each person has their own individual journey. Hopefully the experiences shared by these recent college grads can help the rest of us feel a bit more at ease and accepting of our unknown paths.
Are you a recent grad in a job that you're MEH... about? Or maybe you LOVE what you're doing. We'd love to hear from you either way... Hit us in the comments below.
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Meet the 8 Women Living Out Their Career Adventure
Live out loud.
Would you say your career is an adventure? For these 8 women, all of whom will be joining us at our Eddie Bauer pop-up next week, are doing just that. Why? Because adventure drives us forward. It's at the center of every great story; the beginning of every leap. And it's why Create & Cultivate teamed up with Eddie Bauer to bring you a three-city tour of change-makers, record-breakers and radical women who have dreamed big and dared bigger, and are willing to share their tales with you. They live out loud. They unapologetically follow their dreams. And they're sharing how they do it.
Lauren McGoodwin, Founder of Career Contessa
I live my adventure in my career every day as an entrepreneur. I come from a more corporate (i.e. safe) background and I'm very risk averse so going out on my own to launch Career Contessa has been one hell of an adventure! Of course, the more risk I take, the more I learn from them—either as successes or failures— and the more inspired I am to add, or sprinkle in, the adventure into other parts of my career. That might mean agreeing to be a keynote speaker in front of hundreds of people or directly reaching out to a brand I love or launching a new service like online courses on Career Contessa.
Lee Tilghman, Founder of Lee from America
Every single day is different. I'm inherently a planner and nothing gets me more excited than crossing items off my to-do list, but my career as a blogger and lifestyle persona keeps me spontaneous and always on the edge of my seat. It keeps me balanced. I like how my job pushes me out of my comfort zone every day- whether it's speaking about issues that are close to my heart or getting vulnerable about my past, I'm always putting my heart on the line.
Claire Smallwood, Founder of She Jumps
This question evokes my personal responsibility to always be an authentic leader of my organization, and more often than not, that doesn't mean being the fastest, most gnarly, or highest-achieving person. It means having some non-negotiables: try at least one new activity per year, teach at least one new thing to a new friend, and think back to the person I was 20 years ago—would my 12 year-old self be impressed with what I am doing now?
"We have to be willing to always come back to the original call of adventure."
Tweet this.
Basically it all comes down an existential mindset—none of us get into a career to find out it's more about emails and networking than blisters and sweaty backs, but we have to be willing to always come back to the original call of adventure that brought us there in the first place.
Ruthie Lindsay, Influencer, Stylist & Motivational Speaker
I feel so fortunate because most of my work is on the road. Oftentimes I get to travel and work with some of my best friends but I also love when I don't because I tend to make even more new friends than I would have if I had my pals with me. I love seeing new cultures and meeting locals. I love waking up in new towns or new countries and anticipating all the beautiful things and humans I will meet that day! It's a constant gift and thrill to get to live that adventure as part of my work! I feel so incredibly thankful for every opportunity!
Rachel Schwarztmann, Founder and CEO, The Style Line
I live my adventure by remembering that my career is an adventure! I know the last thing anyone wants to hear is the cliche “it’s just as much about the journey as it is the destination” but in a lot of ways embracing the unexpected experiences that comes with being an entrepreneur has provided me with so much perspective. Now more than ever, I’m understanding that’s what makes the adventure all the more rewarding.
Tara Sowlaty, co-founder of How You Glow
I live my adventure in my career because I have centered my career around exploring and finding new and amazing places to share with others. A big component of my site is my travel guides, where I curate and highlight my favorite spots both popular and off the beaten path from around the world. It's not just traveling around the world where this magic can happen though, it also occurs at home too. I really try everyday to find the adventure and new excitement in daily life, no matter where I am.
Noel Russell, Community Organizer at Covenant House & Hope Slanger
John Muir says that when we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.
I would venture to say, that based on his social action and engagement, humankind was a big part of this entangled community he's referencing.
My daily adventure is helping trace these connections between us in plain sight.
Helping us see ourselves in the person sitting at the table across from us, the person in line ahead of you, the person living in a tent in the park.
Helping us push back the lines we draw around the things we're comfortable with, the spaces familiar to us.
Helping us reflect our interconnectedness back to one another, see value and beauty in that,
And then helping move us to action.
This is my exploration into the unknown.
My job challenges me, and those I engage with, to stretch our self-imposed limits of hope, our personal cap on care, and carefully structured sense of identity to include those across every spectrum of demographic, experience, culture...it challenges us to love wildly, recklessly and without abandon.
Day after day, the topography of my journey is marked by the growth of new heart muscles, the action of advocacy, and the fierceness of newly formed kinship.
"The topography of my journey is marked by the growth of new heart muscles."
Tweet this.
My everyday adventure is found in envisioning a world where everyone is seen and known, where there is no “other,” where everyone belongs to everyone - then waving people over to catch a glimpse for themselves.
Also, spending time with a shelter full of teenagers always calls for a spirit of adventure - even when it's just dinnertime…and especially when its chore time.
Becca Skinner, Photographer
Adventure is (luckily) a regular part of my career because my work is based around it! Being an adventure photographer means I get to regularly be outside and capture images of places and people recreating and protecting parts of our landscape. That usually means spending many days and nights outdoors.
Top photos left to right: Noel Russell, Tara Sowlaty, Lee Tilghman
Bottom photos left to right: Ruthie Lindsey, Rachel Schwartzmann, Claire Smallwood
The list for our adventure pop-up is closed; you can join the waitlist here.
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The One Travel Essential Every Eco-Conscious Working Woman Carries
#Travellyfe.
Summer means travel. Plain and simple. But when you’re a working woman there’s nothing simple about powering down. Is there such a thing as a working vacation? (Some say no.) We say yes. Anything is possible when you’re committed to a healthy hustle.
So we’ve rounded up some of the best summer travel products from Mark & Graham’s swag summer shop. All that’s left for you to consider is how you’re gonna phrase that out of office message.
1. Concourse Boarding Bag
While most working women are struggling to find “the” perfect tote, we’re happy to report you’re done searching. We are all constantly on the hunt for a bag that can be used for multiple purposes; such as traveling, carrying your laptop, chargers, etc. Well, Mark and Graham’s Concourse Boarding Bag is the answer to all of your problems. It is the perfect size tote with an adjustable strap perfect for traveling, zipper closer, and extra pockets. What more could any working girl need?
2. Leather Charger Roll Up
Don’t get it twisted. Your cords that is. Carrying around all of our chargers, headphones, and electronics can get to be rather annoying. This Leather Charger Roll Up is definitely what every working woman needs to help stay organized. Now, go get your roll up monogrammed and pick the color that best suits you, we promise you won’t look back. (Or lose something essential.)
3. Cosmetics Case
You need makeup and toiletries that travel as well as you do. Therefore, we need the perfect size cosmetic case. Mark and Graham have made our dream 2-in-1 travel case, with plenty of room and a removable pouch (this one is for your carry-on). This cosmetic case will make your traveling 100% easier and more organized.
4. Kennedy Garment Bag
Keeping your clothes wrinkle free can be a challenge when traveling for meetings. This Kennedy Garment Bag is the perfect option for helping keep your outfits looking good as new. Make sure you go get yours monogrammed to add some color to your new travel accessory.
5. Jet-Set Carry-On Spinner
Plan on getting away for only a few days? There’s no need to check luggage if you’re not checking out entirely. Parking smart is part of being a savvy traveler. No chance of lost luggage here. This hard case suitcase will fit all of your essentials with perfect pockets, monogram decal, and tons of space.
6. S’well Water Bottle
Buying bottled water at the airport can get so expensive. But staying hydrated when you travel is a must— for your health, your skin, and your energy levels. With a S’well Water Bottle you spend a little to save a lot (including the environment). Especially since so many airports now how water refill stations. Drink it down before you hit security. And fill it up when you get to the other side. For women on-the-go this is an essential way to save money, the planet, and stay hydrated.
Have summer travel plans? For work or pleasure? Share with us in the comments below!
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Free Weekend Download: The Business Plan You Can Use Now
Free download to get you on your A-game.
You have your BIG idea.
You've started talking to people. People are responding well. You think, I can actually do this. Create this. Start this. But then in a meeting someone asks you if you've drafted your business plan. Rewind. Business plan?
You try downloading one off the internet, and then another, but they all look so different. You wind up more confused than ever.
Business plans can be subjective, but they really should cover a set list of topics to tell the best story for themselves and any future business partners, employees, investors, etc.
From what it looks like to what it needs to include, the co-founders of Above the Glass are dishing. They created a business plan checklist to help direct your research and business plan creation.
Fill out the below to download!
I Can’t Afford an Unpaid Internship: Now What?
Summer is the time for internships. But what if you need to get $$?
Image Credit: Camilla Gutierrezh
According to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, (NACE) 65% of bachelor degree graduates from the Class of 2015 participated in an internship, and 61% of those interns were unpaid. While internships provide great experience and seem to be extremely important to build up a resume, they aren’t realistic for a lot of students. The number of students obtaining degrees is rising, and so is the number of students in debt, forcing many to work throughout college instead of interning for free.
If you are one of the many students struggling financially, you may be thinking, “I can’t afford an internship. What now?” As much as it may appear that internships are required to obtain a decent job post-graduation, there are many ways to get around not having any on your resume.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE RESOURCES
In a society where everything costs a lot, there are many free resources at our fingertips that are completely underutilized. You may have to work in a restaurant to make money, but that doesn’t prevent you from learning about your desired industry and building skills which would typically be obtained through an unpaid internship.
A great example of this is social media marketing (SMM). If you don’t have the luxury of working as an intern, take advantage of free resources and articles to learn the tools you might learn through an internship. There are a lot of great articles on how to build content and utilize SMM platforms.
LOOK FOR JOBS THAT CAN BE TIED TO YOUR DESIRED CAREER
Working through college instead of taking an internship doesn’t mean that you can’t find a job that relates to your career. This takes a bit of research, but there are a lot of job sites that are geared toward specific careers, making it easy for you to apply to jobs that would boost your resume. (i.e. Dice.com for tech and IT jobs) If there doesn’t seem to be a job site dedicated to the career of your dreams, you’ll have to get creative. The number one issue people have when writing a resume is that they don’t show how the jobs and skills they have relate to the job they’re applying for. You have be creative in how you highlight the skills you’ve obtained so that they correlate to the job to which you're applying.
For instance, if you want to be in journalism but aren’t able to afford taking an internship at a media powerhouse, try to find a paying job in places like publishing companies, universities, or even a library. This might sound odd, but most places have some sort of a newsletter or blog which needs to be written, and if you can observe or get involved in the process, you can utilize this job on your resume as journalism experience. Even if you’re working as an administrative assistant at a company that interests you/aligns with your career goals, you’ll be able to observe and soak up useful information that will help you later.
DON’T PSYCH YOURSELF OUT
We’ve all been there. Don’t compare yourself to others, because all it will do is psych you out. The most important thing is to remember that you’re making a huge accomplishment and taking on a lot of responsibility by working and going to school. This not only shows that you are motivated, but it shows your strength and reliability. When in doubt, remember that employers want to hire someone who can work hard and get things done. Regardless of how many internships someone has, if they aren’t someone who is reliable and works hard to meet goals and deadlines, they aren’t worth hiring.
"When in doubt, remember that employers want to hire someone who can work hard and get things done."
Tweet this.
When writing your resume, make sure you highlight your achievements in each job. Even if your job is unrelated, highlight what you’ve accomplished there. If you’re working in a restaurant, highlight the fact that you consistently provide exceptional customer service, handle customer disputes, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Many people have had to work through school to pay the bills, so most hiring managers understand and respect this.
REACH OUT TO YOUR PROFESSORS
If you’re in a class that you love, or one you view to be beneficial to your career, get involved. Talk to the professor and explain that you’re interested in the subject, and would love to get involved in any projects or opportunities that come up. Most professors value enthusiasm, and many have paid positions available for students who inquire about it. If you’re lucky enough to secure one of those paid positions, you’ll get the best of both worlds, (money and experience) but even if you simply get involved in class projects as a group leader, or take part in extracurricular activities, that gives you industry related experience to highlight on your resume.
The more industry related experience you can highlight on your resume, the better, so take advantage of what’s in front of you. This goes back to the first section about utilizing free resources. Colleges offer a ton of resources in career development and education, so reach out and see what they have to offer.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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