Networking in 2011

If your New Year's resolution is to be a more aggressive networker, try this tip from "How Remarkable Women Lead:"

Grab poster board and, along the bottom, list five personal development or career goals you want to accomplish. Give yourself five starting points across the top. Using this as your foundation, start with where you are now, and assign one connection you already know per goal that can get you from here to there. Each time you meet with a new person, ask if they can provide you with another that can get you further along your path. Before you know it, you'll have made a bridge from now to then, using networking.

Photo credit: Suat Eman

The Swimming Pool of Public Speaking: How to Get From the Shallow End to the Deep End

“The only thing to fear is fear itself,” Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said in his first inaugural address. But was he afraid when he was giving that speech? Probably, given that an estimated 95% of people experience anxiety when speaking publicly. While both genders experience nervousness over public speaking, it seems that women are more likely than men to keep quiet. According to Debrah Tannen’s studies on gender differences in communication styles, men tend to talk more than women in public situations. Says public speaking coach and consultant Meera Manek, “In school, it seemed that when the boys had to give a presentation, it wouldn’t worry them as much as the girls. They’d stand up and smile. They just seemed like they had more confidence.”

Manek won a speech festival in junior high and became fascinated with public speaking. Eager to take her newfound skill somewhere, she joined the Toastmasters organization with her cousin. For the first five years, she kept up with table topics and speeches and entered contests. Then she won the district-wide contest and decided to take it to the next level. “Within Toastmasters, there are numerous levels, including leadership, coaching members, and mentoring. I started a club at my school in D.C. and was selected to be the graduation speaker for my class,” explained Manek. Now in Atlanta and completing her 11^th year in Toastmasters, Manek coaches professional women in public speaking. 

There are many things that add up to the type of speaker you are, including your culture and the experiences you had as a child. In Manek’s experiences, women have an easier time being sincere when it comes to public speaking, because they naturally make eye contact with their audiences and know how to use body language to emphasize their points. 

So why are so many younger women afraid of public speaking? “Because it’s fucking scary, even at my stage,” Manek laughs. “You’re getting in front of a group of people, and you know they’re judging you. You can forget your lines. It’s terrifying, and it all happens in a single moment. That’s why you need to prepare. Treat it like any other goal. With weight loss, women are willing to reach out and look for tools in order to help them reach their goal weight. Women need to treat public speaking in the same way.” 

Younger women experience public speaking more often than they realize. “People rarely think about the fact that they’re communicating all the time in everyday ways, with their bosses and clients, on phone calls, and during last-minute meetings. Or, consider that if there are three qualified candidates for a position, an interview can easily decide the outcome. These are times when being a skilled public speaker is key to making you stand out.”

Manek offers advice on how women improve their public speaking skills. “Fundamentally, public speaking is about getting to know yourself and doing your research. Practice in the mirror. Every women glances in the mirror several times a day already. Why not use that time to rehearse? Go ahead and grab your hairbrush like you’re giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars. See what you look like, and take special notice of your hands. Get your arms moving; nobody wants to see you up there stiff as a board. That will even make your audience nervous. You can also try opening old nursery rhyme books and act as though you were reading to a kid. Try out different voices for different characters; your voice is one of your biggest public speaking resources. I also recommend joining Toastmasters – it’s like a learning laboratory. It lets you feel what it’s really like to speak in front of a group, and you can learn from people’s evaluations. It gives you the opportunity to listen to others speak too, which is vital in learning what to do as well as what not to do.”

It can also be helpful to look at how some of the best speakers in history worked their magic. Seek out old speeches from people you really admire. Manek also advises learning from comedians and entertainers. “Comedians are an amazing resource for public speaking. Being on stage is their job. Many of them don’t have props; they have to entertain and engage their audience with only themselves. If they don’t connect with the audience, nobody will come see them. Watch Jon Stewart on the ‘The Daily Show.’ Oprah’s also a wonderful impromptu speaker; she always knows how to steer a conversation into the right direction.”

Preparation can make or break a speech too. Manek asserts that you must get to know your audience. “What do they want to hear? You need to connect to their stories as well as know what’s important to them. Remember, this speech has to resonate with them in order to be memorable. If you know nuances about your clients, use that to your advantage, because that will really stick with them. One of my professors used to call that ‘How to hell.’ It’s the things you mention that make people say, ‘How the hell did she know that about me?’” As far as speech content, Manek says to, “Load your speeches with concrete details. During a speech when Obama addressed unemployment, he talked about handing out pink slips. That stuck out in people’s minds; it gave them a detailed picture to remember.” 

Regarding visual aids, Manek advises that PowerPoint is there to help, but it should never take over. “Don’t put every word up on the screen. In college, sometimes profs would do that, put their lectures up on the screen. Soon, everyone is copying from the screen and tuning them out. If you’re going to use visual aids, you want them to support you. You also never want a visual aid that hints at things you can’t really speak to. Sometimes slides generate questions in the audience that you can’t answer - You should keep the message inside you, not in your slides.”

Ultimately, mastering public speaking is about psyching yourself up, not out. “When it comes down to it, public speaking is really about attitude. Take on the boxer mentality. Think to yourself, ‘I’m the baddest mofo out here.’ Speaking, it should ultimately just flow. If you do your homework, you won’t think; it will just happen.” Manek’s biggest advice on being a better presenter? “Public speaking is like swimming. Just get in the pool. If someone offers you the chance to present, dive in.”

To book Meera Manek for assistance with an upcoming presentation or to help you hone the craft of public speaking, email her at manekmonday@gmail.com. She will also be offering a Find Your Voice workshop with YWTF-Atlanta in March. Stay tuned for more details.

Photo credit: http://www.freeimages.co.uk/

100 Best Career Books of All Time

OnlineCollege.org broke down the 100 best career books of all time in sections for new graduates, job hunting, networking, job skills, finding your passion, motivation and inspiration, entrepreneurs, communication, leadership and management, and (of course) miscellaneous. No matter what stage in your career you find yourself, there's bound to be a book that can help.

If the thought of finding time to read is overwhelming to you, try to set a manageable goal like a book biweekly or, if you think you can realistically swing it, a book a week. Remember that your education should not stop once you've framed your degree. Employers value employees who are constantly challenging themselves and show commitment to personal growth and development.

Mentoring: Hope in an Unstable World

By Natasha L. Foreman, MBA

Every child has an image in their mind of who they want to be when they 'grow up.' It is the images seen in their home, community, and through the media that shapes and molds their concept of what is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable. Just as a child needs a positive role model in their life to help mentor them into becoming dignified individuals - adults also need the counsel and guidance of a mentor to help us along our personal and professional paths.

With the economy spiraling and unstable, the careers of women have been strained, challenged, and modified. This is the time when having a mentor can be the difference between coping and crumbling under the pressure, the difference between sinking and swimming. Some of us are merely treading water, and that is okay. A mentor can be there to throw you a life raft or coach you to the shore.

Look at the images of women around you. Who do you admire? Which of these women are doing the things you aspire to do, and are walking confidently even through the storms of life? Why not forge a relationship with these women and ask them to consider becoming your mentor?

I can recall when I was first taken under the wing of one of my mentors more than 20 years ago. She was so strong, wise, caring, and supportive. She encouraged me to give my best and do my best - that women could not be satisfied with being average or 'good enough.' To stand out and be counted we must work smarter, be focused and decisive. We must march through fear and doubt without missing a step. She told me just recently a few weeks ago, "When you're going through hell, keep going." Twenty years later my mentor is still only a phone call, email, or text message away - pushing me to be my best. That is what mentoring is all about!

If you already have a mentor, have you ever considered becoming one to another woman, who reminds you of yourself 5, 10, or 15 years ago? If we want to push through glass ceilings, we must reach back and grab the hand of a fellow sister.

Natasha L. Foreman, MBA is a Business and Entertainment Consultant, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, and Blogger. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Organization and Management with a specialization in Management Education, and a certificate in College Teaching. Natasha has been involved in various philanthropic and grassroots movements for over 20 years. She is actively involved in her community, visiting and speaking with students at local K-12 schools throughout Metro Atlanta, Georgia and Orange County, California.
 
Natasha can be reached via email at natasha@natashaforeman.info, through her Paradigm Life blog at paradigmlife.blogspot.com, or you can follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/natashaforeman

Free (Your) Mind

“Spectacular achievement is always preceded by spectacular preparation.” – Robert H. Schuller

Inherently curious as a generation, millennial younger women are eager to continue our betterment far after graduation, but an obstacle faced by many of us is access to financial resources. Often, with student loans and rent and car payments to cover, there can be little leftover cash for things like education—and that’s those of us with regular salaries, not to mention our unemployed or underemployed peers. So where’s a girl to turn to learn when her pockets are empty? Check out a few free resources for your career development:

The interwebz: With the number of doors to open on the Internet, it becomes challenging to know which knob to try. Pay special attention to what your mentors and networks recommend. Here are a few spots to try out now: Spark and Hustle and the Top 100 Free E-books for Business Students and Entrepreneurs, or get certified in inbound marketing for free through HubSpot's Inbound Marketing University.

Your local library: The library is often a forgotten resource. Think audio books for your commute to work, free lectures, and—oh, yes—books galore. Most libraries require proof of residence to authorize your membership. For many public libraries, you’re not limited to what they have on their shelves; through inter-library loans, it is possible to request books and materials from other nearby libraries, ready for your pick-up at your local branch.

TED talks: In 2007, the TED website was redesigned to specifically allow content from their spectacular talks to be accessed globally. From the TED (Technology, Education, and Design) website: “Over the years, TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Frank Gehry, Jane Goodall, Al Gore, Billy Graham, Peter Gabriel, Quincy Jones, Bono. Yet often the real stars have been the unexpected: Li Lu, a key organizer of the Tiananmen Square student protest; Aimee Mullins, a Paralympics competitor who tried out a new pair of artificial legs onstage; or Jennifer Lin, a 14-year-old pianist whose 6-minute improvisation moved the audience to tears.”

Learn More About YWTF

What is YWTF-ATL?
In 2009, Terica Scott founded YWTF-ATL to serve the City of Atlanta and its suburbs. Through the YWTF-ATL, she strives to bring together professional, forward-thinking, diverse, and successful women in order to build a unified force to address the issues facing younger women in our communities.

What is the Younger Women’s Task Force (YWTF)?
Founded in January 2005 by Alison Stein, YWTF is an international, diverse, and inclusive grassroots movement dedicated to organizing younger women and their allies to take action on issues that matter most to their lives. YWTF is a project of the National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO) that works both within and beyond the women’s movement, engaging all who are invested in advancing the rights of younger women aged 20-39.

What is the national organization of YWTF?
YWTF-ATL is the tenth chapter established nationally. Currently, there are 13 YWTF chapters based in the United States and Canada. The national office for YWTF is located in the headquarters of the NCWO in Washington, DC.

How is YWTF-ATL organized?
Terica Scott is the Chapter Director or the chief administrative officer of the chapter and oversees the Board of Directors and all chapter activities. The Board of Directors executes and manages the work of the chapter. The chapter membership helps to shape chapter programming, focus areas, and events. The current Board of Director positions are:
• Chapter Director
• Membership and Outreach Director
• Fundraising Director
• Communications and Marketing Director
• Programs and Events Director
• Policy and Advocacy Director
• Partnerships and Strategic Alliances Director
• Operations Director

What is the mission of YWTF-ATL?
YWTF-ATL is committed to promoting and implementing programs and policies for the benefit, empowerment, and growth of younger women aged 20-39 so that they may thrive as productive, active, healthy, and prominent members in their communities and personal lives.

What is the vision of YWTF-ATL?
The vision of YWTF-ATL is to enrich the lives of younger women through the following efforts:
• Promoting Consciousness among Members and Community
• Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
• Promoting the Empowerment, Education, and Integration of Younger Women in Atlanta Society
• Establishing Opportunities for Mutual Mentoring and Sharing
• Advocating for Economic Justice
• Promoting Strategic Resource Sharing and Building
• Promoting Relationship Building
• Exemplifying Sisterhood and Sisterly Relations
• Participating in Community Building Efforts
• Maintaining a Local Focus for Activities and Projects
• Organizing and Executing Grassroots Efforts and Collaborative Approaches

How often does YWTF-ATL meet?
YWTF-ATL chapter meets on the second Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. For the most accurate location information, please visit website.

How do I become a member of YWTF-ATL?
Chapter membership is open to any person who believes in the mission of our organization. It’s easy to join! To become an active financial member, simply fill out the YWTF-ATL Membership Application and submit membership dues. Membership applications can be downloaded from our website. Send applications to YWTF-ATL Membership Application, P.O. Box 2141, Lilburn, GA 30048. Membership dues can be paid in cash or by credit card (add 4.5%) by mail, in person, or online.

What are the membership dues to join YWTF-ATL?
Membership dues are set annually and are 100% tax-deductible. The current due structure is:
• $30 for a one-year membership that expires on 12/31/10; or
• $20 for a one-year student membership that expires on 12/31/10 (valid student ID required upon application).

Once I become a member, how can I get involved in the work of the chapter?
YWTF-ATL has seven committees that concentrate on the operational functions of YWTF-ATL. These committees include: Communications and Marketing, Fundraising and Development, Membership and Outreach, Partnerships, Programs and Events, Policy and Advocacy, and the A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference Committee. Members are strongly encouraged to participate on committees. Each committee is led by its respective YWTF-ATL Board of Director and meets regularly to perform specific duties to support chapter operations. All committee planning and activities must be approved by the YWTF-ATL Board of Directors. In addition to committees, members are encouraged to participate and attend monthly chapter meeting, event, and program activities.

What are the current chapter programs?
YWTF-ATL produces a wide range of activities that include social and networking events, career development events, educational seminars, community service projects, and fundraisers.

What types of programs will the chapter plan and implement?
Generally, the chapter will plan policy and advocacy initiatives, chapter activities, community service projects, and events related to the focus areas, mission, and vision of the chapter. The current YWTF-ATL Focus Areas include: Career and Mentoring, Education, Environment, Violence and Younger Women, and Women’s Health. These areas of focus were determined by our members.

What are SIGs?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) help to plan, implement, and carry out the work of each of the five focus areas outlined above. SIGs meet during monthly chapter meetings. Chapter members are welcome to participate in SIGs. Unlike committees, SIGs may be led by active, financial chapter members. All SIGs activities must be approved by the YWTF-ATL Board of Directors. The current SIGs include: Career and Mentoring, Education, Environment, Violence and Younger Women, and Women’s Health. To join or lead a SIG, please contact the Programs and Events Director for the chapter.

How do I learn more about the chapter?
• Contact us at ywtfatlanta@ywtf.org
• Come to a chapter meeting
• Check out our website
• Become our fan on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Listen to our podcast

YWTF Networking Tip #1

Networking tip: If networking intimidates you, find an event hosted by an organization where you already have something in common with the other attendees. Great examples include an alumni happening or an industry trade show. There, you just gave yourself an ice breaker. Feel better?

The Suit Debate

Last week we received the following question: "My friend Sarah went to an interview yesterday in gray trousers, a sleeveless silk top, and black cardi; I can't fathom going into an interview in anything less than my best suit...Should I tell her my opinion?"

Most people will tell you that it depends on the industry in which you're interviewing. What's right for a financial planning firm may be wrong for an interactive agency. But does wearing a suit ever work against you? Here's what Virginia Tech's Career Services Office has to say on the matter.

Where do you stand on the issue? Do you believe nothing suits you like a suit?