“It is better to be looked over than overlooked.”

-Mae West

In the spring of 2005, NBC’s Today Show aired a special highlighting Girl Crushes. Girl Crushes are a recognized form of admiration where one woman is intrigued by, and appreciates another woman for a number of reasons. Of course, we prefer to call it Climber Admiration. It is a compliment to be admired and certainly alright to be the admirer. We’ve all had a girl crush at one point or another, and can recognize why.  As girls and eventually young women we all have icons and role models who shape who we become in adulthood.  In other words, when girl crushes grow up, they become Climber Admiration. 

A true Bombshell can stop a woman in her tracks as easily as she stops a man.  You may find yourself admiring her for many reasons. Perhaps this woman being admired is strong, independent, fun, finely dressed, philosophical, witty, has the right pair of shoes, a fantastic accessory, an amazing hair do or maybe she just simply radiates beauty. Whatever the reason, it is perfectly acceptable if it causes a little spark inside of you to change, to emulate or to improve.

We all admire. We all emulate. For example: maybe you saw the perfect combination of sweater and skirt, and you had a similar combination at home, and wore it the next day only to feel like a whole new you. Maybe you see a woman that this woman is dressed for success, and it inspires you to start doing the same.  Take a moment to stop her and tell her! It is nice to tell that person that they look fantastic. A quick, “Really, that is a great sweater.” Or, “In case nobody has told you, you look fantastic.” How about, “Those glasses are perfect for your face!” After all, a woman treats her sense of style the same way she treats her success.  Time, effort, and careful consideration go into it.  Let her know it does not go unnoticed.  

Why not? You admired them, and everyone needs a boost now and then. You can make a person’s day with a quick kind comment. The simple gesture of pointing out something or someone that you appreciate can give even the most confident woman that boost.  Think about the last time a stranger complimented you, and how you carried yourself with just that little extra bit of panache.  And, it changes the way you feel too. Kindness spreads. Feeling good about yourself emanates throughout the day, it makes you healthier, happier and sought after. Positive energy is nice to be around. So, if you can offer that to someone you may not know or even someone you adore, why not take the three seconds and offer the compliment? And you just might make yourself a fabulous friend!  Everyone knows that “A small compliment goes a long way.”

Want to be a climber that is admired?  Click HERE to find out how!

Q&A Video Friday…Minus the Video!

This morning I awoke with a massive headache and am writing this heavily medicated; I thought it best not to be on video in my particular state! 

I seem to be getting a lot of people asking one particular question, and what an important question it is! 

Q.        What do you recommend I do as an entry level professional to begin working my way up through the ranks?

A.        While this may seem like a daunting task to undertake.  If you realize that it is not always the big leaps you take, but the series of small steps that can get you the furthest, the following tips will get you well on your way;

• Don’t be intimidated.  People often feel embarrassed of their entry level positions and feel awkward when someone asks them what the do.  DON’T BE!  Everyone starts somewhere, and if you will allow me a cliché moment; every cog in the wheel is essential to the running of a business.  Be proud of what you contribute, and your confidence will exude!  You are no different than the person in the cubicle down the way in a “higher up” position.  Simply just in a different place in your journey!

• Welcome learning opportunities.  Mastering the current position you are in is essential to success, but remember to keep your eyes on the prize!  If your company is having a training session, ask if you can attend.  If that is not possible, ask if you can receive a copy of the training materials to review on your own time.  When you find work is a little slow, take that chance to explore your company’s software programs used.  Being knowledgeable will definitely impress the next time someone has to show you how to do something and YOU are already in the know!  Most importantly, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN!  When, for example, people ask work related questions around you, be sure to listen to the response, you can learn quite a bit with an open ear!

• Volunteer often.  It is bound to happen, more work than staff!  When it does, be the first to volunteer to lend a helping hand.  The more exposure to the different positions you can get, the easier it will be to transition you into a different position in your manager’s eyes.

• Make your intentions known.  If you are say a Receptionist, File Clerk or some other type of entry level team member, sit down at an appropriate moment with your manager and let them know that you would like to work your way up to “Position X”.  Ask what steps they would advise you start taking. People in general enjoy helping others succeed, making someone feel as if they are a mentor means you have another person pushing for your success!  Not only will you get some sound advice, but you are letting others know your intentions, goals and ambitions and you will be a logical consideration when an opportunity presents itself. 

• Be ready to jump.  When someone is let-go or leaves the company, don’t assume you will automatically offered their position.  Make sure you tell the powers that be that you would like to be considered for the position AND tell them all the reasons why you would be right for the opening.  As an extra incentive to give you a shot, offer to handle your current position while you train for the next, allowing them time to find your replacement!

Of all the tips I just gave you, it is so important to remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.  All great careers are built out of strategic moves, actions with intentions and a commitment to excellence in your line of work.

Happy Climbing!

Jennifer

Webster’s dictionary defines class as “a division by quality or grade” while crass is defined as “grossly ignorant; coarse.” You might be wondering why this is important.

While a Cubicle Climber enjoys attention, she also knows the proper way to go about getting it. Her confidence speaks for itself, and she doesn’t feel the need to come across as arrogant or self-absorbed. A classy Climber is attentive to what other’s have to say, and is polite in conversation. Etiquette for etiquette’s sake is important in any business OR social environment.

Someone who is crass can sometimes be seen as distasteful in dress, attitude or self presentation. They often have a negative mind-set and they can project this on to a confidant Climber by thinking that she is just being stuffy, pretentious or elitist. Don’t let this get you down. Often times a true corporate Climber can be misunderstood by others. But if you are a true to who you are it won’t take long for most people to see that your inner beauty matches your outer beauty and respect your corporate plight. If you do happen to encounter that person who seems to emit negativity, remember not to let it rain on your fabulous, determined parade.

A true Climber with class will speak in a tone and voice level that she wants to be spoken to in. If someone raises their voice automatically lower yours and theirs is likely to do the same. She will also try to understand where other people are coming from, and will honestly listen and acknowledge their point of view, and would never simply wait for someone else finish a story so she can begin hers.

The bottom line is that there are two ways you can present yourself to the world, with class or with crass. We here prefer class, and we hope you do to! It’s all in the Cubicle Climber attitude.

Happy Climbing!
Jennifer