Wow, am I ever jealous of Francoise Gri.

She was named by Fortune as one of the “International 50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and has made the list for the fifth consecutive year. This is quite an honor and exhibits an obviously stellar performance and track record by Francoise. To be named as one of the most powerful women in business is in honor all it’s own. I don’t know what tracking measures were used to gauge the honorees effectiveness or business sense, but for five consecutive years, she’s doing something right. (Press Release)
Why am jealous?

I used to work for a temporary staffing service as well (no, not Manpower though), and had high aspirations of moving up in the company. Remember when I mentioned them in my political ranting post sometime ago? Anyway, temporary staffing corporations are really ideal to work for, since they employ other individuals anyway, they offer great benefits and lots of perks. But an easy job it ain’t.

There are a lot of responsibilities to deal with, multiple clients to manage (along with their personalities as well), and all while having to make quotas each month. I don’t know if Ms. Gri had/has all of those particulars to deal with, but I’m certain she has had her fair share of challenges in that industry, to say the least. Working for large corporations has both its advantages…and disadvantages. That’s with any job. But the main focal point is to steadily work past those things that are perhaps frustrating or annoying and keep your sights on the bigger picture. Although I chose not to remain with my staffing firm, there are other women in business who are confronted often with challenges and work through them.

One of the biggest frustrations that I ever faced in corporate America was always trying to keep up with and run the “man’s game.” It seemed that the only ones in power were men and to get to the top, you had to play their game. You can believe too, that they very often didn’t play fair. Is that a requirement?

What are some of the biggest challenges that you have faced working corporations? Was it worth the headache? Are the perks generous? What do you find rewarding about working for corporations?

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Copyright – 2008 Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

A Powerful Woman in the Temporary Services Industry

Since blogging here at Biz Chicks Rule every week, I have met a ton of awesome business women! Some of you are savvy, fierce business gals, while others are methodical, careful and placid. And then there are the hil-a-rious ones who keep us on our toes while others of you have been quick to let us know what you think. Love it!

Just curious to see what kind of business women you all are and what you think about the Biz Chicks Rule blog. Let us know what you’ve liked, disliked, want to see more of, less of or even more of something that’s perhaps off-topic. Take the survey/poll to the right and let me know where you fall in the scheme of things. Thanks for your help!

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Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

What Kind Of Business Woman Are You?

I was at a PTO Board Meeting this morning, and something interesting was brought up at the meeting that I think would benefit the business women here at Biz Chicks Rule. As business women, part of our job is marketing (of course), and often having to market to people and companies that you just prefer to not deal with. It’s just part of the business of being in business. We often have to deal with people that we would prefer not to.

Anyway, the interesting topic that came up was how we should approach local businesses in the community about educating them on things that the schools are doing, asking them to donate different things to the school, etc., etc. One of the ladies who is a small business owner talked about not “apologizing” for approaching the business, asking for (something). She said that we should be firm, direct but pleasant and simply “ask for the sale.” Don’t apologize, don’t sweat it and don’t (in some cases) take no for an answer.

Do you ever apologize when you market your business? Do you sing-song “I’m sorry” when marketing your wares? How do you approach businesses and ask for the sale?

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Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Does Saying “I’m Sorry” Get You Any Business?

My time spent behind an office desk was quite an experience, one I wouldn’t trade for anything. While I loved what I did and liked (some) of the people I worked with, Corporate America taught me a few things that can make your business life easier.

1. Keep meticulous notes. This works well for meetings, appointments or any other time when referring to good notes can make your life easier. Note-taking is a learned skill that requires the experience of doing it over and over to get good at it. I find myself taking notes on everything I do and with every conversation that I have, whether its personal or business related. I keep a Franklin Covey day-by-day calendar where I also log my daily activity with the time stamp, person’s name that I spoke with and what was discussed so I can refer back to it later if I need it.

2. Stay late, come in early. Do this as much as is allowable. I gave corporate America A LOT of my time, so why should I do any less for my own business? Now, I haven’t quite figured out the 4-hour workweek, so until I do, I like the idea of my business getting 99% of my focus, time and attention.

3. Communicate effectively with your peers. Talking and organizing business material in an understandable fashion makes it easier for everyone involved. Effective communicators often turn into effective listeners then into effective leaders. Good oratory skills can go a long way in developing any business’ solid customer base.

Corporate America did a lot for me in helping me to develop the way I perceive and think about business issues.

Are you still in the corporate world? Have you learned anything that has stuck with you or that transfers over to your business dealings?

Post from: EveryJoe

Three Things Working In Corporate America Taught Me About Being Business-Savvy

{::groan::}

A bad day coming? More than likely, but who wouldn’t after a start to a morning like what she’s had? What to do?

DO NOT WHINE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT YOUR MORNING TO YOUR CO-WORKERS!!!

Ladies, the place of business is simply not the place to discuss the way your morning went and all what’s wrong with the world. Women (some) have a tendency to go on and on and on about things that are insignificant to the work place but are very important to them. This is very innappropriate. Period. No one cares and no one should care about your personal life when the company is paying you to do a job. Coming in to work, whining and complaining and having a bad attitude is UG-LY. This is one of the reasons why women get such a bad rap in the business world and people prefer not to deal with them.

Do men whine and complain? Sure they do. Do they talk about their personal lives? Of course! But what sets the two apart is sometimes women who go on and on and on and on…you get the picture. Before you know it, half the day is gone and no productive work shows for it because of the recounting stories she has to tell to her co-workers.

So ladies, let it go. Check it at the door and come in to work to, well, work. That’s what they pay you for, right?

Right.

* The name Betty is only used for illustration purposes.

Post from: EveryJoe

Women, Check Your Attitude At The Door. Period.

What do you think: Valuable advice, or condescending waste of time? I’m on the fence. Leave your opinion as a comment!

Contents © Copyright 2008 Kristen King

Tags: women and business, women in business, woman, business, video, advice for professional success

Post from: EveryJoe

Key Principles for Women in Business?

Bill Gates didn’t know what hit him when Melinda French came into his life. She has gotten him to exercise, turned him on to the gift of philanthropy and caused him to develop charitable foundations that benefit the sick and the needy.

Way to go Melinda.

But she is also an avid and passionate business woman who has established organizations and foundations for the benefit of cancer research and closing the digital divide amongst the poor and the misfortunate. Her stand on educational issues and health issues is being noticed and bringing her from the rear to the front of an empire. She said she didn’t want that. She has a family and she rather enjoys her privacy. She would rather just do her work quietly and let Bill handle the media.

But, unfortunately for Melinda, that wont’ happen. As the smart and strong matriarch of the Gates fortune, Melinda has a duty to answer to. Women in business in all industries have their eye on Melinda, noticing now how she does what she does and how she manages it all, keeping her passion and thirst for knowledge always new.

A woman with a vision. Melinda Gates.

Post from: EveryJoe

Melinda Gates: A Woman With A Vision

In March, I’m going to kick off a series on Business Planning 101 to help those of us (and I do mean us – me included) who perhaps need to develop a business plan, or tweak the one we have. There will be a lot of information on missions, objective, financing, etc. Now don’t get intimidated. This will work for you whether you are a home-based entrepreneur selling “widgets” or a corporate America Wall Street pro. Either way, we could all benefit from the solid, useful direction of a good business plan. I’m looking at the course lasting perhaps 6-8 weeks with LOTS of feedback, comments and particpation from you and your business model.

Any takers?

Post from: EveryJoe

Starting A Business – The First Thing To Do

Only thing, was that my darling husband and I simply could not get along. He didn’t accept my ideas, I didn’t accept his. We could not agree on anything; supplies, office furniture, not even what color to paint the walls. So, not only did we nix our husband-wife team business, but he went on to start a separate business in computer consulting that turned out to be quite successful. Why couldn’t we make beautiful business together?

I found this post on Susan’s site at Women on Business and thought it quite interesting. Here are some things the book will tell you:

To some extent, business is still a man’s world; here’s how to play the game by their rules-and win:

1. Know what the average Alpha Male is thinking

2. Learn 10 things you need to know about men in business

3. Force men to take you seriously

4. Stop self-sabotage with male colleagues

5. Get all the credit you deserve

6. Be more confident and effective

7. Learn to take charge and lead

8. Never make excuses for failures

9. Keep secrets-it’s vital

10. Never bring personal issues to the office

11. Gain credibility and trust with Alphas

12. Never look for affirmation openly

13. Effectively deal with condescending or disrespectful men

14. Understand why being “nice” gets you nowhere

I think I’ll order this book today and add it to my library immediately. Maybe my husband and I can re-think this business partnership and make it work. I’ll let you know.

Post from: EveryJoe

A Must-Read: What Men Don’t Tell Women About Business

Ahhh. My hero.

Enjoy!

Post from: EveryJoe

We’ve Come A Long Way Baby: A Look At Women In Business Advertising