PGI's May Girl- Banke (Businesswoman, Easy Peasy)
Banke and I have talked about many things from flowers, to jobs, to school, to business to marriage, to husbands who like to cook, and to food-processor-made pounded yam. We talk about hair and the care of it. She taught me to have a pair of scissors for my hair; a girl can't use the same pair of scissors to cut up Christmas craft and then trim her hair an hour later, with the same pair. My hair deserved its own pair of scissors, she said. It did? (Don't judge me lol!)...
Banke and I have talked about many things from flowers, to jobs, to school, to business to marriage, to husbands who like to cook, and to food-processor-made pounded yam. We talk about hair and the care of it. She taught me to have a pair of scissors for my hair; a girl can't use the same pair of scissors to cut up Christmas craft and then trim her hair an hour later, with the same pair. My hair deserved its own pair of scissors, she said. It did? (Don't judge me lol!) She always had these really useful tips on her Instagram page and I knew she knew hair. Of course, she had to do something with this passion and skill she had, so we talked some more about dreams and possibilities. Then one day Banke stopped the talking and did something. On this day, I was scrolling through Instagram and on Banke's page was displayed a jar that read "Butter by Banke". She had done it! Just like that! She had launched a hair-care product line- a brand, she was suddenly an entrepreneur! The day that jar popped up on my timeline, I was so excited. She did it! She birthed a dream just like that. Without drama, or drumroll or cymbals. Her story is so simple and inspiring, she'll make you want to start that thing you think is a big deal in a snap!
Here she is, making business look too easy since 2016...
What's your full name?
Oluwabamike Olaoluwakitan Adewale (nee Ogundairo)
Cutest nickname(s)
Bankymoon; Kilolo, short for Bankilolo
Least cute nickname
Ban-ku-seh
My fave quirk about me...
So not sure this is a quirk or normal but most mornings for breakfast I have bagel slathered with crunchy peanut butter and then a dollop of jam to add some sweetness ... a salad for lunch for "a neutralizing effect". I'm too sure I'm not the only one that does this
How long have you had your natural hair?
About 4 years
I'm thinking about leaving the "naturalista" life soon. What parting words do you have for me?
Don’t go!!!!
Do you ever think about leaving too?
Nope!
Do you feel the pressure to stay natural?
Not at all! I love my hair and it’s actually the reason I started Butter by Banke.
I love that name, Butter by Banke. It has this softness to it. I feel like I'm a getting a massage. Lol! How long did it take you to come up with that name?
Not very long. I thought it was cheesy at first but ran it by a few people who liked it, so it stuck. We have one product line for now, expansion is definitely in the works. It's called Shea Deliciousness, it's an organic hair and body butter and it’s for men too!
I assume Shea Deliciousness is the secret to your beautiful hair? What's your hair night time routine?
Yes and it's so easy to use, I wet my hair first, add the butter and style. I also use it to steam my hair after every wash. Night time routine: If I have my hair done (crochet braids or box braids) I simply wear a static net satin night cap. When I rock my hair in a puff, I scarf it down to have the front flat. In the morning, I apply Butter by Banke, re-scarf for a bit and I’m good to go! I get compliments all the time.
How did it all start?
While planning my wedding, I wanted to give out wedding favours and found an idea on Pinterest- lip balms! I also wanted to make and hand out jars of body butter, so I ordered the containers. I made the lip balms but I never got around to making the body butter in all the frenzy. After the wedding, I made it and gave out jars of the butter to friends and family. Then it happened. They would call me up and say, "Banke, I've run out of butter. Make more!" I had the jars so I kept making more. I had most of the ingredients and the jars too, so I kept at it and my husband, Yinka convinced me to start selling. Voila!
What challenges did you face starting this business?
My main concern was whether people would be interested in my product in such a saturated market. I started to overthink everything. My husband was there. He encouraged me and affirmed the validity of the idea. He encouraged me to focus on using and investing what I had already (jars, knowledge and skill).
What would you say to someone facing the same challenge in their business?
If someone were to ask, I'd say what he told me "Only invest what you can bear to lose. Don’t focus on the profit, focus on the value you’re giving to people."
What principles guide your business?
I have a three-point set of principles:
Simple. Natural. Effective
Simple: Our product is simple to use. Using Shea Deliciousness eliminates having to mix 9 products yourself. Simplicity is genius.
Natural: Only natural ingredients are used, which is undoubtedly helpful to hair and skin
Effective: It works. I’ve seen it work for me and others and we believe in the product.
Does your husband secretly use Shea Deliciousness?
He uses it unashamedly! He even complains when I finish it! *laughs* He makes me make more!
What would you say to anyone who is reading this and is full of self-doubt about their brand?
First, you have to believe in your brand. Believe in it, people will see the passion and believe in it too. Start small and invest resources you don't mind losing. If it doesn't work, you know you tried and there was some collateral lost, but not too much. Don’t let fear keep you down. Try.
The first day you filled your first jar of Butter by Banke, how did you feel?
Excited! When I put the stickers on the jar is best feeling!
How do you strike a balance between your day job with running Butter by Banke?
I am a Communications and Marketing strategist in a financial institution by day.
I run Butter by Banke on the weekends and evenings.
Morning person/Night person?
Morning person. My mum is a morning person and raised us that way.
What's the best thing about having 9 older sisters?
The support system. It’s a good conversation starter. It stops everyone in their tracks.
How many hours can you wear heels for before your first "oowww"?
First, 4 inch heels are best I can do. I can stand in them for about 2 to 4 hours. I don't try to take the heels off in between and wear again, it makes the pain worse. I just sit down often and have flats ready in the bag.
Who is your hugest style influence?
Hair: Pinterest
Clothes: I don't have one fashion style because I had a lot of hand me downs.
Though I'd say Sister number 7 ("Tomato") has some influence on me. We all go to her for style advice.
The one meal you know you kill every time?
Pancakes (I don’t like to cook!)
One item you beg people to buy for you from Nigeria?
Groundnut!
One place I have visit when I go to Nigeria
Terra Kulture. I love Nigerian theatre. The play I’m really looking forward to is the Secret life of Baba Segi’s wives. I loved the book.
Last 3 items bought
Okra
Sofa covers.
Stickers with the Butter by Banke logo
Thank you, Banke for being our May PGI girl!
4 Things I learnt...
1. Stop talking about it and do it!
2. Focus on the value you provide, not on profit
3. You have the jars. Don't stop pouring in and creating.
4. She loves pancakes, I love pancakes. I guess that about seals this friendship
Thank you so much, Banke, for being PGI's May girl! I can't wait to see the wonderful things Butter by Banke rolls out soon. Love you loads!!
Get your Shea Delicious hair and body butter. I can feel it on my fingertips already.
Contact: Instagram @butterbybanke
One Thing Every Creative, Parent, Spouse and Entrepreneur Should Know
I am my own biggest critic. I probably edit a piece of creative work more than I should and just when I'm done, I realize, Nope, I can't possibly be done, "That line just isn’t good enough", "That expression fails to communicate", I'd rumple my electronic sheet of paper and start all over. I continue to poke and cringe at it for ages even after it's published.
Everyone who has ever created or invented something-no matter how minute- has probably felt this feeling of creation-criticism on some level...
I am my own biggest critic. I probably edit a piece of creative work more than I should and just when I'm done, I realize, "Nope, I can't possibly be done, that line just isn’t good enough", "That expression fails to communicate", I'd rumple my electronic sheet of paper and start all over. Of course, I'd continue to poke and cringe at it for ages even after it's published.
Everyone who has ever created or invented something-no matter how seemingly minute- has probably criticized their creation on some level. For sure, it's important to be uncomfortable with mediocre work but at the same time, we must be sure that we see the good in what we do, much more than we see the bad (Creatives, Selah).
Well, that wasn't me a few weeks ago. Critique-extraordinaire was my compound middle name, and if I had written something as awesome as the Ulysses or The Great Gatsby, I wouldn't have known. I would probably have burnt it or deleted it (if I was feeling less dramatic). I became so critical that I lost the sight of the good (spouses out there, Selah!). Anyway, as always, I was stopped in my tracks when I stumbled on this scripture:
“And He created the *insert creature*…and God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:4; 10; 12; 18; 21; 25; 31.
Every day that God created something new, He saw that it was good. Granted, He's the grand master of all creators and creation, and everything He could ever make will be good, but He could have chosen to see how huge my nose is (which is perfect, by the way) or thought the sky was too blue or not blue enough after it rains. He chose to see good. He created, saw the good and moved on to create more! He saw the good in you. He sees the good in us, everyday.
When you create, take some time to stop and actually look at the wonder you have produced and consciously see the good in it. See the good in your creation, in your toil, in your kids(yup, they are creations too technically). See the good in your idea (Hey, Entrepreneurs). Yes, that one idea.
Go for it.
It is good.
I would love to know your thoughts! How does this message apply to you life? I'm pretty sure is transcends many more life roles than those in the title!
Habits of Success: 5 Reasons You Should Keep A Work Diary
Your work diary is a little more than a book which contains the master-mind plan of how you intend to catch the lunch-thief(complete with stick figures and a flow-chart of the nabbing process). It, actually also is a book/e-document, which contains daily entries of the vocational achievements, challenges, milestones and opportunities we encounter each work day. I'm currently in the process of developing this habit of keeping a work diary and if you choose to do so as well, we'll be doing ourselves favours and could really change the way we work and network!
One reason you might want to skip this diary-keeping business would be the unlikely event that someone might find it, make copies and/or send out dropbox links of your documented ramblings about your boss and Tim (will get to him soon). Other than that, work diaries are a splendid idea. Studies show that people who keep work diaries have a greater sense of well-being, find it easier to find employment after being laid off and have a stronger immune system. Here are some other reasons to keep a work diary:
1. It provides the timeline of how you became a Rockstar: Keeping a record of your milestones helps track your progress and gives you a pat on the back when you read it later. My old work diary contains an entry about my first encounter with Microsoft Access. A few weeks later, I had become so comfortable using it. I haven't used it since then, but the experience shows that milestones sure help us mark our small, moderate and huge achievements and tell the story of our rock-stardom.
"7 Step-Plan To Catch The Lunch-Thief"
2. Keeping a work diary builds your immune system: What goes into your work diary? Everything; triumphs, setbacks, promotions, missed promotions, Tims*(we will get to him soon), milestones, situations that made you beam, situations that made you cringe. Research shows that writing about stressful events/cringe-moments builds stronger immune function and physical health. Scribble away!
3. Makes you wonder how you survived working with Tim (and validates your sterling inter-personal skills)
Tim (not his real name), was this gentleman I worked with once. I really applaud myself for being able to be productive with him around. He complained. ALOT. About everything. Hands down, the most consistent complainer I've ever met. I think he's married now. Ol' Tim.
4. Brings back awesome habits
Remember when you were as productive as Noah because you listened to soothing music as you worked and kept your frazzle at bay. Some work habits make us more productive but we sometimes lose them. My diary says I used to have a 7-minute quiet-time with God at lunch! Trying to rework that into my lunch-time these days. What work habits have you lost? Would you like them back?
5. Builds your professional and social network
I reconnected with somebody recently, after noticing her name scribbled on the back of my old work diary. I also found a few business cards inside the cover pocket. I have now made these connections virtual through LinkedIn, chatted with them and we are all caught-up with each other's lives.
Diary-keeping tip from my friend: "Write honestly and positively. Always write how to improve the situation and understand how your emotions maybe positively channeled into the resolution."
Also, write for 5-10 minutes every day. Making it too long might seem daunting as a daily task. Easy does it.
p.s If you are going to write about Tim, then you might have to keep a secret work diary...with a lock and key. And when you do catch that lunch-thief, please publish your flow-charts and techniques. I think a few people would benefit tremendously *eyeing all lunch-thieves* Lunch-thief, your day is near.
Do you keep a work diary? Have you ever had your lunch stolen before? Tell us! Plus find out the benefits of taking your lunch to work.
4 (+ 1) Questions Bloggers Ask Me All The Time
Below are four questions new and seasoned bloggers ask me about PagesbyIke and my blogging experience. Come to think about it, readers ask question #1 all the time. Hmm, what are they all trying to say?
#1 "Where do you get your ideas from?" (What they are really asking is, "Do you think, somehow, someway, you might be a nutcase?)
Lol! Well, yes. I've always been a little nutty but who isn't, right? *hollow empty silence*. I guess it's just me then. Anyway, I believe I get my ideas when I am still, when I'm not fidgety and when I have peace with God and peeps. They just come at me and slap me in the face. Wet slaps in the shower, while driving. Anywhere.
Tip: Create Me-time. Clean your heart out. You need creative space and peace to channel your energy.
#2 "Where do you get your photos?"
I use photographs from stock photo sites such as unsplash.com and pixabay.com. My husband, Ed takes some photos and I do some photography as well. I also work with David Bragdon who is a great photographer and always makes shoots too fun!
Tip: Buy a camera. Just do it. Return those Ted Baker shoes and buy a camera.
#3 "Ike,*sigh* how do I start my blog?"
Just write. That's what my husband tells me. It's the best advice anyone could ever give you. Don't get boggled down by the logistics and site-hosts, just write. There are many pretty blogs no one reads. Content, however, is to live and die for!
Tip: After reading this, write 5 posts, 300 words each about 5 independent situations that interest you! Do it, yes you can! Yes, you can!
#4 "What if people judge me?"
When I started blogging, my friend said to me, 'You are about to open yourself up to a lot of scrutiny, people will do screen shots of your writing, take you and your literal work apart literally." He asked if I was ok with that. I sighed. I am a very private person you see, so it was a hard pill to swallow but I did anyway with some chilled mango juice. Swallowed it. You have to be willing to accept that side of the job. It's kind of a work-hazard, if you know what I mean. I've had a few run-ins with critics but I can assure you, those who you reach and serve through your writing are far more important and rewarding than any critic.
Tip #1: Say with me "Judgement is sexy!"
Tip #2: Keep improving your writing skills. Don't ever stop!
#5 Whenever you refer to someone as "my friend" in a blog post, are you really talking about yourself?
Haha! Always my friend and I always get permission too. I won't publish until I get permission to use their story, as a rule.
Tip: When your friends agree to their story being used on your platform, let them choose their pseudonyms! Fun.
Do you have any questions for this blogger? Do you need tips for your blog launch? Someone needs to have a blog-launch party and invite us, please! I hope this post helped you. Please remember to share!
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The Inspiration Bug Bite
Let's play a game.
Step One: Choose a bug, an insect- your favorite bug.
Pause. You must understand how difficult this game is for me, I don't like bugs at all. I choose the Ladybug. Muhaha. I chose the best, huh? I'm willing to share though. Anything with a thorax and more than four legs is just too much. Ok, so Ladybug, with a glossy, dome-shaped red back and black polka dots, perfectly rounded. That's me. Have you chosen yours?
Step Two: Think about the last time you inspired someone. Before you say you've never inspired anyone before, you have. We all have. According to the Cambridge dictionary, the verb "inspire" means
"To fill someone with the confidence and the desire to do something!"
When was the last time you knowingly encouraged somebody to do something; when last did you fill someone with the confidence to do something they've been terrified of, something they thought they were poor at? When was the last time you pumped somebody's chest by the ascertaining their abilities? When was the last time you buzzed around their ears and whispered words of encouragement and then bit them with a fine dose of inspiration! Hehe.
Still don't think you've inspired anyone before? Dear reader, the fact that you read this blog inspires me. The fact that you hit that URL or that link, it encourages and fills me with confidence and the desire to keep doing this! That's inspiration for you there! Bam!
Step Three: Say to yourself, "I Inspire. I am an inspiration, to be more specific, I am an inspirational *insert your fave insect's name*"
For me, I'm an inspirational Ladybug! Now on my way to bite someone. You need to bite someone, guys!
What type of inspirational bug are you? Who are you going to bite today?
Wait, can I choose a fairy? Do fairies count? Who chose the butterfly? Who chose the praying Mantis? The roach is too deep. Cringe. Thanks for reading!
10 Interesting People You'd Run into at Work!
Right, so, Monday just snuck up on us like that! Typical.
Anyway, you know how your office is full of a rich assortment of individuals brought together to enhance the organizational goals and objectives of the company? Thanks a lot, Human Resources.
Here are ten interesting people you might run into at work and here's how to make the best of having them around you, instead of avoiding them in the hallway and break room and also in the elevator and the rest room. Can you recognize anyone at work here? Which one of them are you?
1. The Gist Fountain (GF)
This is usually the ‘central node’, the person who knows the gist of everyone and everyone's grandma. GF is a great person to have on your team and maybe even as a friend. She is a great source of information, both relevant and irrelevant; its your task to sift through the data. GF is also great and quick at passing along your information, so, of course, you'd have to be careful about what you tell her. If you choose to be friends with GF, she will come looking for you during the course of the day, for your daily gist, try not to pass any information she has given you and you could also devise an escape technique when she starts with the irrelevant data or zone out and think of bunnies.
2. The Angry Bird
The Angry Bird is usually upset about something; always thinks everything can be done better but never provides any useful, actionable steps of improvement. Every time I meet an Angry Bird, I try to get him to tone down the complaints and instead, focus on solutions. Hmmm, how reasonable, Ike. Well, I'd like to say that they never listen. I'm yet to fully convince an Angry Bird to provide constructive criticism with action points. Lol. They usually just like to vent, if you are willing to listen, then hear them out, otherwise, get them to call a meeting consisting of stakeholders that may influence their concerns...or...when they vent, zone out and think of those bunnies.
3. The Over-Achiever
Work is important to some people...a little more than it is to you(lol). Of course, you're very resourceful and hardworking, but come on, 8 to 5 was what you signed up for. The Over-Achiever(OA) is more of a 7 to 10 kinda-worker. Sometimes, they expect you to do the same. If OA is your boss, hehe, I guess he is for a reason. You will have to put in more effort than you normally would. Two words: Appraisal. Bonus.
It might also be great to have a conversation about the hours that work the best for you, not everyone can give a 100% with long hours. Understand your work habits and ethics and ensure productivity that justify your suggested hours!
4. The Under-Achiever(UA)
This is that person who seems to be done with exceeding expectations, maybe because they weren’t recognized when they worked really hard or are really just done with this whole be-the-best-you-can-be biz. Be a friend to UA, don’t force any unsolicited inspiration on them. If they get inspired by your excellent work, great! If not, relate with them, treat them well and keep your grind on full-steam ahead!
5. The White Rabbit**
We all know this one, that person who is always in a hurry and busy…but in truth isn’t busy and probably just tries to look busy because everyone else genuinely is. All motion, no movement. Lol. From my experience, the White Rabbit may come up with great ideas but isn't much of an executioner. I suppose picking their brains may be great but don't expect much from them with implementation!
6. The Girl/Guy Next Door (or Next Cubicle)
I’m still in touch with several Girls Next Cubicle(GNC) from my very first job! GNC is nice, easy to get along with , usually has zero airs, which works perfectly. It’s a great idea to build a good relationship with this person and maintain it, even after you leave the organization!
7. The Diva
The most popular person at work who everyone runs around to please. For some reason, Divas and I get along, not like best friends, but as in a mutual kind-regards kinda way. First, it’s important to know you aren’t at work to be "the cool-kids". Honestly, it’s just too late for that and prom was like 15 years ago (15! Gosh! ) You are at work to contribute to the organizational goals, improve your career prospects on the long run and make friends (maybe); so if this person fails to contribute to any of the three, maybe the distant mutual kind-regards thing is really all there will ever be.
8. The Boss' Boss
What to do with the Boss’ Boss? Being visible in the organization is probably something we all strive for. Well, a great way to make an impression on Executives and your Boss’ Boss is not to fall asleep during board meetings. Lol! Be active, be productive and let your work have tangible, measurable results. Take on a project that directly puts you in contact with them and then kill it! Also establish a good relationship with your boss. He/she may just put in a good word for you if the need arises!
9. The Confused Intern
Every time I hear intern, I think of copier machines, it’s cliché but it’s where interns find themselves. I think I had a name for the copier machine at my first internship. It was closer than a brother. Interns always need guidance. If you are in the position to mentor (and we all are) please take an intern under your huge, glam wing and mentor away!
10. The Chauffeurs/Cooks/Cleaners (CCC)
No one pays these guys any mind but to be honest, I’ve made a few cafeteria lady and cleaner friends. These people are constantly present on the premises and in all the relaxed places- the corridor, where people chat idly; at the cafeteria, where people talk about their kids and what they did over the weekend; in the car, where people chat loosely on the phone.
CCC might actually have more gist than Gist Fountain! Of course, I’m not saying be friends with them for what you can get. Talk to them, they aren’t any less important than the Boss’ Boss, if you ask me. Life is about connecting and impacting and you really never know who you might be of use to or might be willing to assist you and give you a hint about your promotion (which he heard about while cleaning the toilet!)
I hope this helped! Did you recognize anyone at work? Which one of them are you?!
**White Rabbit- Alice in Wonderland reference.
Dreaming in HD
As children, we dreamt in high definition (HD). The sky was very blue, the clouds were very white and very tufty; the idea of being an astronaut was so accessible, outer space was just a ship away; no need to bother about the logistics. Words like 'President', 'Doctor', 'Lawyer', 'Engineer', 'Actor', 'Dancer', rolled off our tongues like butter whenever people asked about our future ambitions.
As we slept, our dreams came alive vividly- the delight, the adventure-as we ran and played in dreamland, the excitement burst into reality, even, as some of us would often run off our beds still in dream-mode and into the door! Identify yourselves! Lol.
When I was much younger I wanted to be a Doctor, Farmer, Librarian and a pixie and not any of the four but all four! The pixie who went to med school, who loved books and planted onions and mangoes. Lol!
There's a quality of wonder in children that we lose as adults, because the big bad world has been thoroughly unfair to us and also because we had to "grow up" and "face reality".
Many people associate being child-like with being deluded, unrealistic or retrogressive, but this scientific study shows that behaving and thinking like a child actually gets your innovation and creative juices flowing. Why? I guess because kids don't think mainstream like adults do. Studies actually show that they spend two-thirds of their day dissociated from reality.
And, why would I want to be dissociated from reality, Ike?
Good question.
Because we actually secretly (and apparently) crave dissociation from reality! It's the reason we spend hours on social media, the reason we pay to see Game of Thrones, to see Empire, to watch like 5 versions of Superman or Batman! (If they make another, I'm going to scream!) Escapes from reality are what concepts like TV shows and social media are based on. For that hour, I'm no longer 'Ike with the endless to-do list, instead, I'm a proud reality-escapee. Escapes from reality are valuable to us and apparently kids are pros at it. Kids think creatively and innovatively because their minds are wide open and their imagination is off-the-cliff.
Don't despair, I don't believe our wide-eyed child-wonder is gone forever as adults, I think it's just buried beneath a lot of adult emotions and rational soot.
Dust off your adult soot and don't let it shade your high-def dreams and don't ever stop dreaming! Do something that unleashes your inner child and let your creative juices run free!
I think I'm going to see "The Secret Life of Pets"!
I watched the magic school bus recently and my adult brain said, "It can't be healthy that these people shrink at will and get enlarged again." Then I thought, "If my kid was in that school, we sure would be looking for another school soon." Lol! That's the adult brain for you, right there.
What did you want to be when you were a child? Have you ever tried having a rational conversation with a child? How far did you get with that? Lol! Have you written your dreams out on paper yet? Hope it's all HD!
7 Things Every Career Girl Should Know
Hello, Monday! There's no better time to evaluate your career goals and understand what areas need a little boost, than a Monday in June! We need to get on track before July gets in, you know how July gets, scaring us with its-second-half-of-the-year-what-do-you-have-to-show-for-it reputation.
Right below are some important skills and career building tips that every career girl needs to know. Hurry, before July gets in! Here goes:
1. Value your work and skills in those heels
We work pretty hard but how much do we value our skills?
"Yeah, well, I'm great with CAD."
"I can build a website in my sleep." *shrug*
"So what if I can make 700 plates of party lunch plates in three hours."
"I take care of our home, run errands and take care of the kids. I wish I had a real job."
"I speak 4 languages but bleh..."
So many women have skills and they should be celebrated (which is why we have PGI girls!)! We should value our accomplishments and skills. True, there's always room to learn some more and to improve but value should be placed on that which we have accomplished and the tasks we achieve on a daily basis.
2. Negotiate circles around anyone
I understand some systems do not support equal pay between both genders but for some of us who have the opportunity to negotiate pay, we sometimes cower. Here's the fact, men negotiate pay. It's the fact.
When Ed negotiates, I cringe but he usually gets what he wants and I don't...I just get more wrinkles from cringing. Men are more likely than women to negotiate pay. As women, we are a little bit bashful about asking for more. Asking for more is a risk and studies show that women are more risk-averse than men. That maybe the reason, it may also be that we just don't value our skills enough to put a good value on it (see #1). You have to ask for more, to get more. There are no pink ponies and shimmery wands in the real world, and no one is going to drop extra cash on your lap until you ask! Ask for more!
3. Shop for a mentor
Hey, girls, so mentors! It turns out that females hardly get mentored and this is a three-pronged problem. Prong #1 There are far less women in managerial positions than men and so there are less female mentors to start with. Prong #2, some women in authority sometimes feel insecure and might feel like other female subordinates might be out to get their positions, so the ones who ask to be mentored only get very leveled teaspoons of advice and mentoring. No one is trying to still your job, Ma'am. Well, maybe some are, but others just want to learn. Help the younger women. Prong #3 Younger women hesitate before asking for mentoring, assuming the senior colleagues don't have the time or that they come across as bothersome. Reach out to your mentor-crush first, and if you get shut-down, move on to the next.
4. Recommend people for positions
A female superior is less likely to recommend a subordinate for a position according to this study. This study by the Harvard review shows that men are more hands on with their mentoring, they help to plan their career moves and empower their mentees in new roles! It's not quite the same with women. Women in power need to mentor and pull more women up the ladder.
*Who you epp?*
5. Keep your home separate from your work as much as possible
The first thing I learnt in business school was this; your client doesn't care if you've had a bad day. Get it done. Honestly, your boss doesn't care, your client, customer. No one cares. Get it done!
OK, so you have a great boss and he does indeed care. It doesn't matter, act like he doesn't. At first, I thought this was a little harsh, slowly i discovered that it teaches you to be professional in your dealings, to execute tasks promptly and to show results. If you have excuses, leave them at home. If your child is sick, tell it as it is and get time off work. Don't get someone to sign in for you and then not show up.
Also leave your work at work. Finally, that double life you always dreamed of!
6. Go the extra mile, still in those heels
There is always an extra mile, right after the publicly-proclaimed finish line. I learnt this from one of my classmates from school. She dotted all i's, crossed all t's, intersected all x's; her work was always of superior quality and it stood out because she chose to do more than expected! Go the extra mile.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help
Girl-pride is great during empowering ladies' nights and karaoke renditions of "Independent Women", however, when it comes to achieving your career goals and contributing to your organization's objectives, it's a good idea to ask for help when you need to. Find a mentor within you company or industry, someone who can give you guidance for your task. If there's no one suitable, ask questions! Ask the people on your team for help. If need be, call a meeting and have a constructive problem-solving session. Don't feel like people are going to stare at you like you know nothing. People will always stare and judge, that's OK. When they are done, they will peel their eyes off you and stare at someone else. Ask questions, please. Gather information and execute your duties like you were made for it!
I hope this helped! Please don't forget to share! Thanks. What steps are you taking this month to launch that awesome career off the ground?!
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If you ever wondered where your parents get those videos—the "Happy New Month" videos with the jazz sound track and the glittering letters, well, welcome to the club, it appears we will never know. The real mystery is who the people who create and peddle out these messages are. They sure know how to cover their tracks.
Our parents love them anyway. In a way, it’s a little endearing to see them embrace technology and social media so readily.