Today we’re getting news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the impact that’s having on the people on the ground, investor confidence, and global business. Get ready for the escalation of soundbites across the airwaves… In that face of looming world challenges like this, keeping your own balance in your business and your life can be problematic. Especially when we are mostly, as independent consultants, working alone. You, like me, probably have quite a few priorities tugging at … [Read more...]
Maintaining Balance and Staying Grounded in Independent Consulting
February 24, 2022 By Leave a Comment
Unexpected Insights Learning About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
January 28, 2022 By Leave a Comment
Last fall I initiated a book reading group for Women In Consulting members. I did this for several reasons: In the wake of the protests in the summer and fall of 2020, exploring racism in the US became important to me as a citizen of this great nation and as a leader of this organization. To bring smart people together for discussing and digesting thought-provoking books on racism.I wanted to get to know more members in Women In Consulting and have found the best way to do that is … [Read more...]
Get the Most from Your Women In Consulting Membership
January 20, 2022 By Leave a Comment
When I first joined Women In Consulting – back in 2010 I think – I was looking for insights on how to be a successful consultant. I wanted information I could put to use right away on fees, contracts, scope, subcontractors, insurance, and all the pieces I knew I didn’t even know enough about to name. Essentially, I was looking at the organization in a transactional way, much like other organizations and institutions where there’s value to get in exchange for membership to be paid. What I … [Read more...]
Changing the Game: Women of Color Use Their Power to Become Future Leaders
November 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment
:: On Tuesday, November 7th, 2017, Breaking Glass Forums is bringing together incredible women of color leaders, thought provoking workshop facilitators and committed ally advocates in support of a one-day program designed to help all of us play a bigger game. Participants will engage in deep dialogue, meet future champions and get equipped with practical strategies to not just talk about change but to make change real. The kind of change that women, especially, women of color, have been … [Read more...]
Going Gray: When did my hair become part of my resume?
October 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment
:: I wrote this blog in the spring, but only had the nerve to post it after reading an article on the same topic in yesterday's New York Times. Author and age activist Ashton Applewhite’s call to action is the same as mine: "Rather than hiding from age, supposing women embraced it by not trying to look younger than their years. That might help remove the stigma of aging." I remember the day I decided enough is enough…my hair dresser politely suggested that I needed to start coming to see her … [Read more...]
Hitting the High Ground in 2017
January 10, 2017 By Leave a Comment
:: As women business owners, many of us were eagerly looking forward to seeing our country’s first woman president elected in November. Unfortunately, as we all know, that didn’t happen. The aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory has been a country deeply divided, with anger and aggression erupting on both sides. Regardless of which candidate you supported, you’ll need to deal with a changed business climate in 2017. Here are 5 factors to consider in your upcoming business dealings: … [Read more...]
The Importance of Intentional Networks
July 8, 2016 By 1 Comment
:: Marilyn Nagel is the guest speaker for the WIC General Meeting on July 21, 2016. For more information click here. I’ve spoken to literally thousands of women about intentional networking and always ask “How many of you have gotten a job, promotion, or large piece of business from a connection in your network?” Most of the people in the room raise their hands and this is consistent with surveys that say 65% to 85% of all jobs happen through connections. What is curious to me is that … [Read more...]
Overcoming Obstacles Using External Resources
November 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment
At the end of last year, I conducted research to understand how market research is being used in organizations. We heard back from participants that there are three primary obstacles to doing market research: budget, time and lack of internal resources. This is a familiar story for us as consultants also. These are ALWAYS the obstacles to making huge strides in business whether it has to do with our marketing efforts, our administrative processes, or even in launching new products/services … [Read more...]
An Interview With Deb Siegle
October 26, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Deb Siegle, WIC’s president, was recently interviewed (by email) regarding women consultants and business owners for possible inclusion in an article for one of the Boston College blogs. Here are excerpts from that interview. In February of 2015, the Cass Business School At City University London hosted an event called Women In Consulting - Challenges And Opportunities. What have been some of the major challenges you've dealt with, as a woman in the business world? I think the … [Read more...]
Back to the Future: Look Backward to Look Forward
January 22, 2015 By Leave a Comment
If you’re like most people, you have several goals for 2015, and being better off financially is probably one of them. That’s good, but in the rush to move on to something new, there’s a missed opportunity if you don’t first look at your 2014 goals. This review actually isn’t limited to goals. You also want to look at your behavior and feelings about different financial decisions. Did some goals fall into place while others were a struggle? Did you feel really good about certain choices but … [Read more...]
