[ Next Gen Women Blog ]

Politics exist in every organization.  As you make sense of the office politics around you, you'll need to distinguish when you are compiling information versus engaging in gossip. Gossip, generally speaking, is the trivial workplace talk that spreads sensational or intimate matters around the office. When interviewing women for my book, Denise Incandela, President of Saks Direct at Saks Fifth Avenue, recommended, "Don't get involved in negativity or gossip; to me that just embodies professional immaturity. Of course, a good rule of thumb is to only say things about people that you would say to their face[s]."

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With Equal Pay Day around the corner (April 20), I wanted to write a how-to post on negotiating. If you think about it, we're negotiating on the job all the time.  Whether we're asking for the big promotion, the funding to attend a training or conference, or to take a vacation during "busy" season, we're in more bargaining situations than we realize at work.  Women, in particular, need as many negotiation tools as possible, given that we're still paid less than men for equal work, and don't have a critical mass, and therefore equal decision-making authority, at the top of companies.  Consider the following strategies the next time you enter a negotiation at work, and remember, real-life practice is the very best preparation for negotiating!

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In a sale, your demeanor has more impact than your content.  And confidence, in particular, is the trait that prospects are looking for most in you.  If potential buyers of your product or service detect that you're at all unsure about your capabilities, they won't entrust you with their problems, sign a long-term contract, or hand over their money.

Rather than letting movable circumstances control you, take the reigns by following the steps below each time you get ready for a sales meeting. Doing so will help you give more to the sale, freeing you up to do what you do best, to compellingly explain why your service or product is the best.

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Today's post is by Shannon Tyree Brown, Chief Administrative Officer of HS Management Partners LLC, a New York-based investment firm.  Through her wealth of experiences and impressive career in finance, Shannon offers women 5 of her hardest won lessons. Today's focus is on finding your happy place!

Find Your Happy Place (Fulfillment in your personal life is a surefire career boost)

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If there's an issue, cause, or initiative that you want to rally for at work, consider a "change management" strategy as you implement improvement. Create a coalition of like-minded people, being transparent about your motivations, and you'll be able to accomplish more than you think.  Using your influence to harness positive change is one of the best things you can do to leave a positive legacy at your company and be seen as a leader.

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