Holiday Parties

With Holiday parties coming up at work and school remember that though it's time to have fun, you have to remain professional. Have a drink or two, bust a small move on the dance floor and make sure to network and have a good time. Dress appropriately and most importantly do not be the one dancing productively or passing out because you drank too much. Enjoy yourself, spend time with co-workers and have fun! Just remember though most things are not talked about that happen at the party, people don't forget what happened.

Have fun in the holidays and new years lady! Get ready for the January feature!

Friendly tips for those coming up on finals!

The number one rule we all forget... DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!

With many of Asset Ladies in undergrad and grad school, the semester is almost over which means finals which means last minute papers and cramming! Let's not do this. Though it may be late for some, for the ones there is still saving we can do please read the below!

-Make a to do list, start with the big things first so you don't burn all your energy out on the little tasks.
-Break things into smaller tasks. Instead of saying "Study for stats exam" write "Study chapter 12 for stats, study chapter 13, study 14-15, etc..."
-Set deadlines for yourself
-Reward yourself! If you work for a full day on homework and such, treat yourself to a walk or watching one of your favorite shows

For papers, start with the basics first like topic, outline, research, etc.

Just remember, you need sleep and you need to eat. Pulling an allnighter is not ideal in the real so while you have the chance. Train yourself now not to procrastinate. Because in the real world of business it's not all that acceptable and you have deadlines you must meet!

Good luck to everyone on finals and have a happy and healthy holiday, new year and winter break. You deserve it!

Looking and sounding powerful, roar!

"7 Ways to Look and Sound Powerful" an article in Women's Health from November 2012 has tips for all of us ladies on how to appear and act powerful in business. Let's see what they had to note on-

"You know a woman with power when you see we, don't you? She has a certain aura around her. Over the years, I've been able to meet a number of women who have a lot of power in their jobs-Hollywood Studios Presidents, for instance, and US Senators. I once even had the privilege of hosting a luncheon at the White House with the First Lady Hilary Rodman Clinton. Talk about a woman with aura. When you radiate strength through your physical actions, such as body language and your voice, you signal to those around you that you are the person in charge and you deserve respect. As you gain coincidence over time, you'll naturally begin to come across with more authority.  Some tips to get you started:

1.    Watch your posture. “Slouching whether you’re sitting or standing gives the impression that you’re weak and insecure” says Lillian Glass, P D, a body-language and communications expert.

2.    When you are having a conversation, position your body so that your toes are pointing at the other person. It shows that you aren’t intimidated.

3.    When you’re talking to someone, hold the other person’s gaze. Powerful people make you feel as though you’re the only person in the room.

4.    Go deep with your voice. “Deeper voices just seem stronger. Squeeze down on your abs when you speak to assure your pitch is low” said Glass and recommended that you modulate your voice so that it’s not too soft (you’ll seem weak) or too loud (you’ll seem desperate for attention). You don’t want to speak monotone though. Stress descriptive words so you sound enthusiastic.

5.    Lose the uptalk. That’s when your pitch goes up at the end of sentences and you sound uncertain of what you’re saying.

6.    Smile less, nod less. These are ways we connect with a speaker. Both sexes smile and nod to people who are more powerful than they are, but studies show that women tend to smile and nod more to peers. It’s nice that we connect so well with others, but too much smiling can make you seem needy to please.

7.    Never let them see you sweat. No matter how rattled you feel in a particular situation, do your best to keep cool.

I can’t say I entirely agree with this article, but it does not some good points. You should always present yourself as being sure and confident. The moment you don’t, watch out! You’re like the last kid in dodge ball! I do agree with the posture, losing the uptalk, never let them see you sweat and how to position your body while talking to someone. These are important key communication factors you should always present. You never know when you are going to end up in the elevator with a VP you have never met before so I say smile and be nice to all. You never know when that one time you’re rude can come back and bit you in the you know where!

SITE IS ACTING UP!

The site seems to be acting up! So until I can post this on the page it should be organized to, please enjoy the below!

OUR SECOND ASSET LADY, STEPHANIE SINCK!

First, I would like to take the time to apologize that this feature is late. Second, I would like to thank Steph so much for taking the time to fill out our survey!

        Steph Sinck an amazingly bright, driven and devoted women is a graduate of Ramapo College from Spring 2012. To easily describe her she loves children and has a love for teaching and coaching swimming. While at Ramapo, Steph was involved in InterVarsity Fellowship holding a position on the student e-board for a year. She was also on the College swim team for four years and help the title and duties of a captain for two years. She also had an amazing opportunity volunteer time to spend in La Cuchilla, Dominican Republic to live with a family and learn the culture during the experience “Bridges to the Dominican Republic.” Now that Steph has graduated and is in the “Real World” she knows she wants to further her education.

Right now, Steph is currently completing student teaching and looking for a High School/Middle School science position. During this time, she has also been coaching for a local swim team and plans do continue once she starts teaching. SO! All while teaching and coaching, Steph has another goal. In Spring 2013 she plans to begin the application process to Grad schools to receive a masters in Science Education or Environmental Science.

        One part of Steph’s responses that really stood out to me was the quote she lives be. This is a quote all should preach and live by because after all the truth is exactly in the words she says –

I would say the quote that I live by or always say is “Life’s too short.”  I’ve been trying to remember this more than ever and how life really is too short to hold grudges or regret decisions I’ve made.  I always try to remember that somewhere, someone has it much worse than me and I need to be thankful for what I have in this moment.  I feel blessed to have the life I do and that I constantly need to remind myself that life is short and it isn’t worth it to be down on myself or sweat the small things. 

A part I love about Steph’s charismatic ways is that she knows who she is and what she wants. She doesn’t play the whole well whatever happens, happens and I’ll see what I can do or if I can get there. The girl sets a goal and digs in with open eyes and arms to do the best she can. And let me tell you, this girl always succeeds. So what exactly is Steph’s story that makes her this way then, right?

Even as a child I always loved science, being outdoors, and helping my fellow students learn and understand material in school.  I was always extremely active with swimming and being involved in different sports.  So, from a young age I knew teaching or doing a profession with science was always at the top of my list.

After my freshman year of college, I traveled to the Dominican Republic to live for two weeks in the mountains with a very poor family.  While there I discovered even more my passion for teaching and helping others.  For me, that trip helped confirm that teaching was something that I would definitely want to try out and pursue.  That summer was also my first summer coaching at a local swim club and realized too that coaching was a strong passion of mine.  Overall, that first summer really shaped the rest of my college experience and helped me prioritize what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

        This past year I have begun coaching the top swimmers in the state at the club I started off swimming at.  It has further solidified my love of coaching and involvement in swimming.  I have also just about finished up my student teaching where I have discovered how much I enjoy middle school aged children and helping them learn to love science as much as I do.  So between my freshman year of college and the year following graduation, I have in a way, come full circle to realize that what once started as dreams are slowly becoming reality for me.

A large part of life people should pay a lot of attention to is goal setting. Setting goals means that you want something and you are going to go after it. If you want to achieve, you will find ways to stay on task such as a progress report from yourself, like reflecting back every so often to see where you’re at and even feedback from others to see their opinions. One thing I love to ask Asset Ladies is to tell me where they see themselves in a year, 5 years and 10. Obviously Asset ladies know this or at least have given it some thought. What I loved about Steph’s was that she was realistic and really had a wide variety in what her plans are. She didn’t just talk about a career or education, she talked about it all!

In a year, I hope to have a job teaching science in a middle school.  I will probably still be living at home, saving to eventually move out on my own.

In five years, I would see myself still teaching science and coaching.  I would hope to be married by this point of my life and own my own home.  Also in five years, I would see myself having completed a master’s degree of some sort. 

In ten years, I would see myself possibly starting a family and still teaching.  By this point, I may have or at least looked into completing another master’s degree, or a doctorate degree to possibly teach at a college or university.

Another important question I ask of the ladies is for them to provide me with advice, advice for what they want you to know. After all, this blog is here for you all to read, learn and act. Always hearing advice from others gives you different perspective and different ideas. It allows you the creativity and ability to be perspective to everyone’s ideas. I love Steph’s advice because it is something that I feel too. Steph and I see eye to eye on many things life and I am grateful to know I am surrounded by such good friends! Here’s what Steph had to say –

I would tell other young women going into the “real world” to first and foremost do what you love.  It sounds so cliché, but I really think that’s the key to being successful and most important happy.  If you can wake up being happy and excited to go to work that day, it’ll make your life so much more enjoyable.  Not only will it benefit you, but your fellow employees and the people you interact with on a daily basis. 

I would also say time management is key when entering college especially and when entering the “real world.”  If you can keep yourself organized and manage your time, it opens your doors to do so much with your day and more importantly your life. 

I thank you all and I thank Steph Sinck as well. I hope through these features its sparking ideas and making you all think “hm”. After all, some of the best moments are the “a-ha!” moments. Please continue reading and continue succeeding. We’re the future here of business, America and the World. If we’re not going to get things done, then who will? ;)

Please feel free to contact Steph by phone at 908-930-5856.

ASSET LADY NUMBER 2

Hello all! Pardon my very delayed post! BUT tonight on the Asset Lady page there will be a new lady featured! CHECK IT OUT!

Social Media Do's and Don'ts

Since I have aimed for my blog to cover social media of today I wanted to give all you ladies some tips!

Having any type of social (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) is fine, acceptable and mostly helpful... as long as you remember that what you post is not always private and it can and will be found if someone wants to find something bad enough! The tips I have to give you that will keep you professional but allow you to have fun with friends and maintain a personal life will be noted below, enjoy!

1. Maintain your personal settings! On Facebook, only allows friends to see your posts and post on your timeline. Select permission from your Facebook before anyone can post anything or tag you in anything. This way you can manage what is on your Facebook. Don't forget though, even though the picture may not be on Facebook it may be on someone else. If you are going to go out, always be responsible... no drinking and and driving, steer clear of those doing illegal things, stay away from fights. If you're going to take a photo at a bar, ask everyone to put the beers down. Remember, a picture can say a thousand words, you don' want a potential employer saying negative things about yours do you?

2. For social media where you want to post about things you did with friends but think a manager would not accept or a potential employer. Don't put you had a crazy night and got so drunk you couldn't even stand. Though this may be funny to your friends and you get a lot of likes, what do you think this says to a supervisor about your maturity and responsibleness?

3. Have separate accounts! If you have a Twitter where you want to be a little comedian about wild nights with cute boys but are planning a charity event in your town, be smart! Make two separate accounts! A person who wants to donate to your cause may rethink that if they see some unacceptable tweets about what you like to do in your spare time. There is nothing wrong with business and pleasure, but it's a problem when you don't know how to keep it separate.

4. On the social scene: Facebook out, Twitter in. LinkedIn is for professionals who aren't there to mess around! If you are looking for a job or to make connections, this is the place to go. Plus, this site is definitely professional! If you are looking for a job or a way to network, I have found that LinkedIn is a great source! It is basically a resume, but a place where you can add more to just a page length blah blah blah. You can enter activities and let others be the judge by supporting you or not. You can get recommendations, see new job postings your connections posted and most importantly do job searches! I have been preaching for this site left and right!

5. If you have social media accounts linked to a smart phone, be smart by putting a password lock on your phone or not taking you eyes off your phone. So many times, a friend think it would be funny to take your phone and post a crude comment on your phone. While it's all fun and games to them, it's your reputation here. Be smart, keep a lock on your phone to keep others out of messing with your professional settings. Also, not only can friends do something this, you wouldn't want business e-mails being read by competitors or people who do not work for your company! Security, security, security!



Recap: check privacy settings, post cautiously, have separate accounts, utilize LinkedIn, Password lock your phone!

I hope you have enjoyed the above. Just remember, it's a dog eat dog world out there! No one is saying you can't have fun, because trust me everyone is entitled to a personal life outside of their work. But, on the other hand you have to be smart about. Companies want the optimal candidates when hiring and employing. While you may be their biggest asset, if you are going to post about reckless nights, not be smart about protecting privacy and not able to keep work life separate from personal life, you are setting a bad example for the company and a bad image for them. Get your fun out while your young and be smart about it, because when you are older, anyone will find a reason to knock you down. It sucks to hear, but that's just life unfortunately!

Ivanka Trump Success Tips in People Magazine

According to an article in People November 2012, Ivanka Trump has career tips! "The fashion designer and business woman" has shared her advice "for getting ahead at work" (People, 2012). 

Below is word for word the article on all of Ivanka's career advice, enjoy!

- Keep hair and make up simple

"I never want my appearance to distract from my work" 

I love natural make up with a blow out, a low chignon or slick ponytail. These styles give you the freedom to experience with your outfit but still look put-together. 

- Develop a relationship with a mentor

"Don't be afraid to seek advice"

Some of the most accomplished people I know are very accessible. Just make sure your approach is tactful and your questions are smart - not anything that could be answered with a google search. 

- Set goals

"Think about things you want to achieve in both the short- and long- term"

Without the former you can't get to the latter. I like making a list of things I want to accomplish in the coming six months and reflect upon that list regularly. Then I assess my next steps. 

- Think overdressed, not underdressed 

"If you're unsure of what to wear go more formal" 

A pencil skirt, medium-high heels and a tweedy jacket are classic t

standbys. you have to take yourself seriously and dress for the role you want. 

- Experiment with trends in smaller ways

"Mix in bold colors and details like burgundy, leather, and baroque embellishments on bags, shoes, collars and more. They can all be work appropriate if you integrate them sparingly"

- Use social Media wisely

"Never post anything you wouldn't want your boss to see"

My HR department always goes on Facebook and Twitter to find out what prospective employees are doing. On the flip side, when you're interviewing you can use these sites to learn a little bit about your employer and spark conversation 

- Get regular feed back 

"ask your superiors how they thin you're doing"

Especially if you don't have scheduled reviews. Even though criticisms might be hard to hear, it's important to challenge yourself like this. In the end, the information you get will only help you improve. 

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As I have also suggested on my blog! Check out the attire tips for interviews, goal setting posting and all my preaching about social media!

I'll take two please!

Are you ASSETS lady that does a lot of traveling? Are you annoyed at the fact you have to lug a pocketbook, laptop, bag, form of ID, to put it all down at security to pick it all up? FEAR NO MORE! (There's literally an app for it... kind of!) Check out this web site gizmag.com. They show all the newest innovations in technology and more! I found a suitcase that literally will follow you! Take about convenience! Check out the article they have and check out their other technologies! http://www.gizmag.com/hop-suitcase/24495/

Want to know when there's new posts?

Post you e-mail here or e-mail me at dhippeli.assets@gmail.com and I will e-mail you any time and every time there is a new post! You want to stay up to date and savvy don't you?

The end of the year is almost here - GOAL TIME

As you should every year... now it is a good time to start creating new goals and looking back at ones you previously set. Did you accomplish it? If not, what happened? Try to stay focused and on track. When you set your mind to something don't back down. BUT, if you want it bad enough, no one has to tell you that.

When I talk about goals, I'm talking about personal and professional. It doesn't hurt to want to treat yourself to something nice every once in awhile. Tell yourself that you will arrive to work at least 15 minutes early day, take a shorter lunch break than normal, get done all your tasks, plus some and if you do that for a month straight, you will take your self out to buy that nice pair of shoes you been saving up for!

Setting professional goals for yourself is another great thing to do. You should always want feedback! Communication is NOT a one way straight! Ask to meet with your supervisor or manager or boss to go over goals you have or things you want to improve and see how they can help. I personally meet with my manager every other week so we can check in if I have any concerns or questions, new things I would liked to be trained on, to get an overall look of how I'm doing, etc.

On another front, CRITICISMS. Learn to take 'em and learn to dish 'em! With feedback will come criticisms. If you are being trained on something or learning something in a manner not suitable (you would rather be at the control trying to the task, rather than sitting back and watching), SAY SOMETHING, politely of course. At the end of the day, this is you and what you need to learn so you have to make sure you are getting it right! Also, be able to take criticisms well. Of course, any negative criticisms or just hurtful ways of being told to do something (like your dumb and that's wrong do it my way or the highway - HELLLLLOOOOO HR???). If someone says to you, I really like the way you have been doing this, but I think my way is a little easier for you, why don't you give it a go? (VERY NICE! Take the criticism and try it! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and if you want to be professional you have to be strong - minded and willed).

All in all, set goals, get feedback and learn to live with criticisms. These are a part of life in business that aren't going anywhere. If you can set a goal and accomplish it, trust me you feel great and who doesn't want to feel great right?

Check out the ASSETS LADY page!

We have our first ever ASSETS LADY! Check it out! or any of you who know her... it's Courtney Evan! Go to the page to see everything on Courtney! She is such a driven individual that I am so proud of!

DONT FORGET

Official blogging starts tomorrow! Just wait til I post allllllll sorts of things to help you all out! Hope you're excited to see all my research!

THE OFFICIALNESS

The official YAY IT'S A BLOG moment will be on November 1st. Less than a week a way! Please help me tat day in celebrating by telling all your girl friends and sisters and cousins and post and spread the word that it is TRUE! WOMEN CAN BE SUCCESSFUL! SO MANY OF US ARE ALREADY!!

CHECK IT OUT

JUST POSTED A LINK TO THE JUST FOR FUN PAGE! A Z100 BADASS CHICK OF THE DAY! CHECK IT OUT IF YOU WANT TO FEEL INSPIRED AND ROCK IT! I KNOW I DO

WITH THAT STORM COMING...

All of you ASSETS already know so not that I need to tell you or anything but make sure you are prepared MONDAY AND TUESDAY for work!

Bring clothes, things to sleep, water and food that is non-perishable in case you get flooded in! Us ASSETS ladies are always prepared though :)

What does ASSETS stand for you ask?

ACHIEVE, SUCCEED, SKILL SETS, ENDURE, TECH SAVY, SOCIAL MEDIA!

The young women's guide to being YOU in business!

ASSETS LAUNCH

Hello WORLD! The official launch will be on NOVEMBER1st! Are you ready for these ASSETS ladies!?