bSmart in Your Career: Watch Oprah Share Her Secrets to Success With the 2012 Graduating Class of Spelman College How It Helps You bSmart: Oprah shares the secrets to her success with the graduating class of Spelman College. Watch the YouTube video so you can apply her lessons to our own life. Lesson 1) Know who you are. You are God's child. The creator of all things possible therefore everything that's possible is possible for me. Lesson 2) Goal is not to be famous. Goal is to be who you were… Read More...

bSmart in your Career: Read Anne-Marie Slaughter's article 'Why Women Still Can't Have It' (Read the article here!) Questions To Help You bSmart: • What is the definition of 'having it all' for you? • Are these goals possible? Why or why not? • What do you think needs to change for you to 'have it all?' Flexible hours? Higher pay? • Who or what is responsible for preventing women from holding high ranking leadership positions? • Should we make things easier for the next generation so they don't… Read More...

Add Candice to your network by clicking on her picture to learn more about her, add her as a bSmart friend, join her Spotlight, or message her through bSmart! From the recent college graduate who realizes she may not be able to find employment in her desired field of business, or earn the competitive salary she thought she deserves straight out of college, to the self-identified work veteran who thought her love for the finer things would always override her desire to peruse work in another… Read More...

Add Candice to your network by clicking on her picture to learn more about her, add her as a bSmart friend, join her Spotlight, or message her through bSmart! Questions: I recently graduated from college, but my wardrobe isn't really for my new life. What pieces should I consider adding to my wardrobe? MFJ: Give yourself time to add career ready pieces to your wardrobe. It's a transition that I don't recommend undergoing overnight. There is no need to get rid of your current wardrobe, rather… Read More...

Some people have told me I'm a natural leader, and others have told me I'm a natural follower. Some of my friends say I'm a big picture thinker, and others say I'm more detail-oriented. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, task-oriented or visionary, you will find yourself leading a group at some point. Here are a few key lessons I've gleaned from leading groups that (hopefully) makes me a good manager: Say 'yes' to every idea…at first. Work at its core is a creative process. Your… Read More...

bSmart interviewed Jenny Ladner Brenner about her first novel, THE DINNER PARTY, and what you need to know to write your first novel! A lot of people talk about writing a book but never do it. What gave you the confidence to write (and finish) your first book? I’ve always loved to write, so perhaps it was my third grade teacher who pushed me to keep doing it. I started writing The Dinner Party about five years ago at a bit of a professional crossroads—I thought it would be a good distraction… Read More...

I've received a promotion twice in my life - once from being an administrative assistant to the Chief Operating Officer of a small investment firm (it was well deserved) and the second time from being an Executive Assistant to a Strategic Planning Analyst at a large investment firm (also well deserved). Receiving a promotion is an accomplishment and something to be proud of, but to be completely transparent, the amount of pressure I put on myself to perform before I got the promotions (a… Read More...

Men vs. Women You should know (contrary to what you might have been told) that there are preconceived ideas regarding your abilities and intelligence about you before you enter the workplace. For example, it could be assumed that a man will be direct, able to lead a group project, comfortable addressing potential clients, “easier to work with because he is less emotional,” etc. There are positive attributes people could assume about you because you’re a woman, as well. They could assume you’re… Read More...

53% of women ages 15 to 50 are mothers. (www.census.gov). That means millions of women are mothers and many are working mothers. If you want to be a stay-at-home mom, then you will need a husband who can support you and your family on his income alone. If you know you want this, then you can probably plan for it. However, it has become more and more of a challenge due to the depressed labor market and continued rise in the cost of living. And you can't know what the future may bring--death,… Read More...

First, you have to determine the market salary and standard bonus for your position in your industry in your city. There are a handful of reputable sites that allow to you compare your salary to the industry standard -- payscale.com and glassdoor.com are both fairly objective resources that should let you know what is typical compensation for your skill level and responsibilities. Once you have a range to work with, you also need to know how your company compares to other companies in the same… Read More...

Have a good attitude (a.k.a. be less emotional) You might have heard this before, but having a “good attitude” will make you stand out at work. I’m not talking about being perky (that’s usually annoying in most work environments). I’m suggesting you have more control over your emotions. You might feel annoyed by a co-worker or boss, but you should never let that co-worker or boss know how you feel. Having a good attitude means controlling the emotions you express in front of others. This also… Read More...

You should start your own company only when you can afford to fail. Up to 70% of new businesses fail within five years. If possible, start your own business while you are in school or otherwise employed. This approach will allow you to minimize the risk of going without an income or having gaps on your resume. Photo by Michelle Burrus If you start your own company while you are still employed, make sure you work nights and weekends on your own project so that you don't cut into company time.… Read More...

Satisfaction from a job comes in two forms – 1) Appreciation for a job well done and 2) Fair compensation for the work you perform. Are you working as hard as you can and performing well at your job? Are you making sure your work is noticed by your superiors so that you receive full appreciation? Are you doing the type of work that warrants verbal or monetary appreciation? Photo by Willis Roberts Making yourself indispensable at work is the key to being appreciated and receiving fair… Read More...

You should leave your job when you cannot learn or earn any more. As long as you can learn something or make more money, then you should stay. If you are unable to learn or grow in your current position and are ready for more challenge, you should consider asking your superiors for another role within your firm. See if you can switch functions or assume more responsibility. If you find that you have learned everything that you can learn at your job or if earning more money and assuming a new… Read More...

Passion and interests aside, your number-one goal at your job is to make money (that's why you are working, not volunteering). Ask yourself these questions: How much are you giving to your job? And are you being fairly compensated in return? You should be happy with your job if you are being fairly compensated for the work you produce. (Notmaking the industry standard? It's time to ask for a raise.) It's also important to note that the people you work with also have a lot to do with the way you… Read More...

Sounds like you don’t have enough to do at your current job. There are some people who have to decide between using the restroom and stepping out for food because they are so busy. Is it possible to ask your boss for more tasks or greater responsibility? Or can you create a challenge for yourself by performing higher-level tasks? Most people rise to the occasion when they are faced with a challenge. Photo by Willis Roberts However, if the thought of taking on more work at your current job makes… Read More...

Always. However, you may not always love what you’re doing. We all work towards the day when we can do what we love and only what we love, but for many of us our professional track doesn’t begin that way. On the other hand, we’ve all heard too many stories about people who feel they wasted their “best years” forsaking what they love. Try to find someone older than you who is doing primarily what YOU love and in a way you respect. Offer to buy them a coffee or drink in exchange for some wisdom… Read More...

I work a lot of hours. My self-esteem and ego are directly tied to my productivity and positive feedback from superiors. It's the reason I often find myself at work past 9 PM or remoting in to do work on the weekends (another reason is because I'm OCD). Having your job, projects and salary mean so much to you can be a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that you'll work super hard and go the extra mile in everything you do. The curse is that you can't emotionally separate from your job and… Read More...

First, you should examine the characteristics you define as ruthless. There might be some very successful behavior that others exhibit that you would consider “ruthless.” If looking out for yourself first is considered ruthless, then you absolutely will need to be ruthless to get ahead in your career. If you view undermining and undercutting competition and co-workers as ruthless, then you should probably cease and desist as that behavior is not necessary to climbing the organizational ladder… Read More...

Sexual harassment is illegal and should not be tolerated – sexism, however, is perfectly legal and often goes unrecognized by the perpetrator. By sexism, I mean the treatment or mistreatment of a person based on their gender and nothing else. Sexists often do not realize they are sexist, and a person might not realize he or she is sexist unless you bring it to his/her attention. The truth is that sexism exists everywhere, but particularly so in the workplace. You will probably be treated from… Read More...

“Read, read, read!” That’s what one professor told me, and now, having settled into the professional world, I have such an appreciation for his words of wisdom. Whether it be biographies, journals or news articles- it’s important that you immerse yourself in the language and happenings of your industry. Learn about the people in your industry, what they stand for and where they’ve come from. When you enter the workforce you’ll have the knowledge and understanding to excel. Photo by Michelle… Read More...

A dream job is job where 1) you earn enough money to have the lifestyle you want, 2) you like the work environment in terms of hours, culture and people, and 3) your function is one that suits your personality. Finding these three things is important, but most jobs are just work in exchange for money, not work in exchange for happiness. Look to your job to provide you a fair market wage or salary in exchange for your contribution to the company. You will most likely find that you need more… Read More...

It's not right to have to put up with rude co-workers, but dealing with them can be a challenge because you yourself do not want to be seen as rude or “uncooperative." You are an adult, not a child. If the rude acts or speech are not illegal, then address them yourself rather than burdening your superiors with them. First, identify the rude speech or behavior and then identify the words or acts you would prefer. Find a way to nicely, calmly, and consistently let your co-worker know that you do… Read More...

1. Your co-workers are not your family. At best they are friends with limitations. You spend more hours per week with your co-workers and boss than you do with anyone else, and with them you experience the highs and lows of company success and failure. It is only natural that you care for the people you spend the most time with, especially when you experience emotional highs and lows together. So, it is important to remind yourself that while you care for your co-workers and feel loyal to your… Read More...

How do I achieve the highest level in my field? There are two parts to this question – what is the highest level in your field and how do you get there? First, look to senior people in your field and company as examples. What is the most senior person in your field doing, and how did they get there? Look at your company – what is the most senior person in your company doing and how did they get there? What is the highest position in your company filled by a woman? By a man? Will they ever leave… Read More...

Is your career in a rut? Is your next professional step blurry? Not sure where you're going with your job? Personal road mapping is the answer. Write down a vision for where you see yourself professionally in five years. Be as specific as possible, including what your commute is like, where your office is located, and the hours you want to work. This exercise has helped me time and again when I’ve felt lost or confused as to where I'm headed professionally:

 Step 1—Ask yourself questions about… Read More...

Is this the right career for me? This is a great question to ask yourself at any stage of your career. Unlike what you might have heard from other sources, a career (job) is ultimately meant to provide you an income for living. Living includes food, shelter, fun, and eventually providing for a family. When you think about finding the right career for yourself, think about the lifestyle you want to have and what it costs to afford that life. Think about where you want to live, the hours you want… Read More...

1. Work your butt off It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from – the person who works the hardest will ultimately be promoted, compensated and recommended. But working your butt off only means something if your co-workers and bosses are aware how hard you’re working. Every time you start at a new company, assume a new function, or receive a raise, you have to work 120% harder. In my opinion, you should give 120% whatever the task is. From bringing someone his/her coffee to complex… Read More...

Anticipate not only your boss’s needs but also those of your coworkers. But of course never take on anything that would jeopardize the quality of the work you are already tackling. Often just being aware will help you respond in the most effective way when a need does arise. The employee that has the foresight and capabilities to anticipate the needs of a company immediately becomes indispensable. Secondly, always be on the lookout for simpler, more streamlined, and efficient ways for things to… Read More...

You spend the majority of your waking hours at your desk, do you not? Style it up and make every day a little more glamorous. I: Multi Colors Collection II: Midori Paper Clips III: Furlicious Desk Chair IV: IOMOI Pens V: The End Book End Follow me at CincoPowell.com Read More...

Question: Will my job help me accomplish my goals? Answer: 1. Take an 8½ x11-inch sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. 2. Start by writing down your goals on the right side of the sheet. Don’t limit yourself to professional goals--you develop personally, relationally and financially in a position as well. 3. Next, write down the skills you envision gaining or developing in your current job on the left side of the paper. Photo by Michelle Burrus 4. Evaluate. Compare the left side of… Read More...

Myth 1: Your job should satisfy you This is bullshit. I’m not sure which baby boomer first told his or her child to “do what makes you happy,” but this concept has poisoned my entire generation. When in the history of mankind was a job or work intended to “satisfy you?” The entire idea of work is to exert yourself mentally and/or physically out of the need to provide for one's livelihood--food, shelter, clothing, pleasure, education, etc. If you were given the option to work or not work and… Read More...

Apart from receiving fair compensation for your work and verbal appreciation from your superiors, fulfillment is probably best experienced at your job in how well-suited your personality and education are to your job and function. If you are an introvert who is overwhelmed by words and human interaction, then you shouldn’t be in sales or marketing. If you are a detail-oriented person who works extremely hard on one task at a time but hates coming up with the bigger strategy – then make sure you… Read More...

You should definitely think about the job market while you're still in school. Up until this point, you have been exposed to a number of classes that do not exactly correlate to 'real world' jobs. You've probably studied, Chemistry, Calculus and American History. But the likelihood you will work in one of those areas is small because of the types of jobs available. The majority of jobs are in an office environment and require knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint, and the job you perform will most… Read More...

As I see it there are two ways to get promoted – the first way is through hard work, hard work, and more hard work. Working hard is great – but if your superiors don't notice and you don’t ask for the promotion (more responsibility), then all of your hard work means nothing. The second way to get promoted is by inheritance – when someone leaves your company or is promoted and you are first in line to assume their responsibilities. You never know when this could happen, so you have to be ready.… Read More...

Starting your first 'real' job out of college? Below are 3 essential guidelines for office etiquette as an employee: 1. Use “bottom line” communication Urgent items should be addressed in the morning. Non-Urgent items addressed in the afternoon. Bosses have too much on their minds to be bothered with your extraneous and non-urgent thoughts. Many items probably pop into your mind all day long. This doesn’t mean you should bombard your boss with them – gather your reminders and communicate them… Read More...

Here are my five guaranteed ways to make you indispensable at your company: 1. Do work you are not asked to do One way to make yourself indispensable is to do work you are not asked to do. Most people do not want to do this without the guarantee of additional compensation. What you create for yourself, however, is a guarantee of employment. Of course before you take on additional work, be sure to complete all of your required and expected tasks. Going above and beyond what you are asked to do… Read More...

The number one question to ask yourself to determine whether you are in the right career is if the career you are in offers the financial compensation necessary to provide for the life you want. This answer might sound surprising, but despite what you’ve been told, a job is not meant to provide fulfillment – rather, it is meant to be an exchange of work for money. The money you earn from the work you perform will provide fulfillment. Photo by Michelle Burrus So, how do you determine the right… Read More...

These are my five tips for dealing with a rude boss: 1) Define what you mean by rude: Raising one’s voice? Using profanity? Commenting on your sexuality? Not saying “thank you"? To deal with a rude boss, you first need to clarify how you define rude behavior. If your boss doesn’t seem to appreciate your work, never says “thank you,” tells you instead of asks you to perform your tasks, or is generally a moody person – then you might just need to learn to live with his/her behavior while you're… Read More...

You should 'do what you love' for a hobby. Very few people love their jobs, but they love the money they earn from their jobs and the lifestyle that money affords. There are some jobs that people do love. But even if you're a Broadway star, performing in the same show night after night is work. All work is work. You should do what will give you enough money to live and pursue what you love. Photo by Michelle Burrus Most young men and women don't realize that what they love to do as a student in… Read More...

No job or company is ever safe. Aside from being fired for poor performance, many job losses are often beyond an individual employee's control. Company mismanagement and external economic forces mean a person can always lose his or her job. As a smart precaution, you should constantly be expanding your professional network outside of your current company. Make an effort to join social or charitable organizations and to meet people at companies or in industries where you might like to work… Read More...

The key to finding personal accomplishment in your job is – making yourself indispensable. Find ways to contribute to your company that only you can provide. These could be jobs that only you are capable of performing or tasks where you are the only person taking the initiative to complete. Either way, the longer and better you perform a role that no one else in your company is fulfilling, the more indispensable you become to your company and the more personal accomplishment you will find in… Read More...

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from – the person who works the hardest will ultimately be promoted, compensated and recommended. But working your butt off only means something if your co-workers and bosses are aware of how hard you're working. Whether you've just started at a new company or you've been working at the same place for years and are looking for a promotion, you have to give 120%. And that includes tasks that are not necessarily in your job description, from… Read More...

How do you know when it's time to leave your job? 1. When you can’t earn any more money If you know for a fact that you cannot make any more money at your job no matter how you perform or how many degrees you have – then it’s time to leave. For example, if you’re working at a law firm and you’re not an attorney, you’re never going to make as much as the attorneys or partners (unless you're a C-level employee). In this case, either get a JD or leave. Otherwise, your only option for growth is to… Read More...

Success at a job from your employer’s perspective is having a productive and efficient employee. Success at a job from an employee’s perspective is receiving enough compensation (salary or bonus) with respect to the work performed. Theoretically, the better job you do, the more you should get paid. Therefore, success is doing a great job and increasing your compensation commensurate with your work. There are two keys to being successful at your job. 1) Making yourself indispensable in the role… Read More...

Like a lot of people, the majority of my work is online, so my office is mobile. Having your own business means you have to be self-motivated. Although working from home sounds ideal, for me it is distracting. I am constantly thinking about the laundry that needs to be done, the dishes that need to be washed, the pictures that want to be hung elsewhere, and the TV that is pitifully begging me to watch it. If I want to get anything done, I need to get out of the house and set up shop in a place… Read More...

Discrimination exists on some level at every job – some of it legal, some of it not. For instance, the law prohibits discrimination based on gender, pregnancy, and in some states sexuality, but does not prohibit discrimination based on morality, attractiveness or sexual activity. Treatment and opportunities for advancement cannot be based on race, color, national origin, gender, old age, disability or religion. If you believe you are the subject of this type of discrimination you should consult… Read More...

You first need to do the work of a job that reflects the salary you want and don't currently have. Do this reliably and well for three to sixth months, then approach management in writing (an email or memo will do) with a formal list of tasks you do regularly and projects you've completed recently, and mention that you would like to discuss your compensation. From there, it's really a matter of asking your boss to compensate you in accordance with the work you have been doing for the last six… Read More...

1. Determine the salary you want, and do the work that warrants that salary for at least 2 months, if not longer. 2. Keep a running list of everything you do to improve, develop, or create. You will refer to this list when asking for a raise, and chances are you will have forgotten half of the items. 3. Know what your industry and function pays. No need to get laughed out of anyone’s office. 4. Put your work experience and ways you’ve helped improve the business in writing and hand the list to… Read More...

You should leave your job when you are no longer learning or no longer able to earn more money in your role or company. Look around you at your peers and superiors. Are there still things about your company or industry that you can learn? Can you earn more money by fulfilling a high level role and responsibility? If you have learned everything you can possibly learn and are making the very most possible you can make at your company - then it is time to leave. Why are those two considerations… Read More...

Don't spend one second of your time trying to get your boss to like you -- 100% of your time should be spent working as a productive employee. You are not paid to be liked by your boss (he/she may never like you). You are paid to be a productive employee. Whether your boss likes you or not should not affect your work environment or compensation. You deserve a respectful work environment and fair compensationbased on thework you do like any other employee. Your boss doesn't have to like you for… Read More...