10 Amazing Female Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2017

10 Amazing Female Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2017Female entrepreneurs are taking the world by storm. A few well known female entrepreneurs include Amanda Signorelli, Oprah Winfrey,Sara Blakely, and Jessica Alba just to name a few.Their hard work is reshaping and creating industry game changers. Inspiring young women that the sky is the limit and theycan truly follow their dreams and become anything they desire. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Here are 10 female entrepreneurs to keep an eye on. They are shaking things up in the business world for 2017.Source Colonial Life

This 1 Tweet Nails Exactly Whats Wrong With What Happened at the U.S. Open

This 1 Tweet Nails Exactly Whats Wrong With What Happened at the U.S. Open This year, the U.S. Open ended in tears.Serena Williams lost the final to 20-year-old Naomi Osaka after accusing the matchs chair umpire, Carlos Ramos, of sexism.Ramos gave Williams three penalties.First, he gave zu sich a warning after accusing herbei coach of illegally signalling to her. She explained that her coach gave her a thumbs up, and she would never cheat on the court. Later in the game, Ramos gave her a point penalty for breaking her racket in frustration. Then, he gave her a game penalty for calling him a thief and accusing him of treating her unfairly due to her gender. She argued women, and especially black women, are held to a higher standard in the sport.There are men out here that do a lot worse, but because Im a woman, because Im a woman, youre going to take this away from me? That is not right, Williams said.But when Williams lost, she welchesnt the only one who was moved by the experience.N aomi Osaka cried and apologized on the podium while receiving her title, a massive win for the young player.I know that everyone was cheering for her, and Im sorry it had to end like this, she said.Fans booed Osaka on stage before Williams asked them to quiet down.Lets give everyone the credit where credits due and lets not boo anymore, she said. We just were going to get through this and lets be positive. So congratulations, Naomi. No more booingNaturally, Twitter had a strong reaction to Williams game.Shes one of the most decorated female athletes of all time and was vying for her 24th major singles win. This game was a huge deal.But many users also believe this game perfectly illustrated the bias women of color have to overcome everyday to do. basically anything. Much less excel as arguably the most influential female athlete of our time.One Twitter user summed it up perfectly.Source TwitterSerena Williams is no stranger to controversy.Her lifestyle, body, and behavior are const antlypoliced by the tennis community (and society writ large) in a way male players (or even white female players) will never experience.This time, she was accused of cheating as though she needs to cheat to win games or she has some kind of record. Then, she was accused of being too vocal, too loud, too tough.This unfair bias and control over her body didnt just hurt her. It took away Osakas shine as she became the first Japanese woman to win the U.S. Open.When women are policed, it hurts everyone. We should be encouraging each other to be vocal when we feel wronged. And we should support each other the way these tennis players did, despite the extreme stress and public criticism both were experiencing. Theyre both heroes in my eyes.

4 Reasons Candidates Struggle with the Staffing Process the First Time

4 Reasons Candidates Struggle with the Staffing Process the First TimeIt may come as a surprise since staffing is ingrained in your day-to-day, but most job seekers have never been through the staffing process. In fact, some dont even know it exists. When approached by staffing professionals, candidates assume they are entering a typical hiring process. But as you know, this simply isnt true. As a result, many first-time staffing candidates end up confused and disoriented. They are more likely to perform poorly during the staffing process or drop out altogether. Some may even never be willing to enter the staffing process again. This leaves you constantly combatting shallower talent pools and longer placement times.If you want to secure your future success finding new, quality talent, you need to help first-timers through the staffing process now. The first step is identifying disconnects between new candidates understanding of the staffing process and reality. Here are four hang-ups first-time staffing candidates often experience 1. Not understanding the staffing process stepsIn the typical hiring process, candidates only have to prove theyre the right choice to their potential employer. The additional screenings during the staffing process overwhelm applicants that arent familiar with external talent sourcing professionals. Many candidates dont understand why youre the gatekeeper or what your part is in the final decision.Additionally, when the first step of the staffing process is unfamiliar, candidates worry about what other surprises might arise. If they are fully prepared from the beginning they know all the steps and who will be involved its much less intimidating.As soon as you reach out, give first-time staffing candidates a detailed timeline. Outline what the candidate will need to do and possible ways youll be able to support them. Also, let them know how much time will elapse between steps and how often youll be in contact. This will give candidat es a sense of direction and platzdeckchen them up to succeed throughout the entire staffing process.The staffing process can be intimidating to a first-time candidate. Make sure they understand all the steps.Click To Tweet2. Not putting their complete trust in youDuring the staffing process, most of the information about the company and the job comes from you. Candidates who are uneasy with the staffing process tend to be nervous the information you provide about the company isnt as accurate as if their questions were answered by the employer.Its essential you work to earn the trust of your candidates. Giving them a clear timeline is a great first step, but theres more you can do. Some tips that help gain candidates confidence includeShowing them testimonials from previous, successfully-placed candidates (with their permission of course).Being honest about potential downsides of the position or organization while showing how their unique skills or traits help to overcome those chall enges.Openly admitting when you dont have an answer and assuring them you are going direct to the source to ensure they get the most accurate information.3. Not knowing how to respond to feedbackIts rare for job seekers to get feedback from hiring managers or employers during the traditional hiring process. Theyre sometimes lucky to get an email letting them know they didnt get the job. But during the staffing process, its your job to coach candidates to effectively show off their best professional attributes.When a first-time staffing candidate comes into your office to record their one-way video interview, they are notlage likely to be prepared to receive immediate feedback let alone an opportunity to re-record. Before recording one-way video interviews, explain how youll be giving them feedback. Let them know what youll be looking for during the staffing process and how its relevant to the position.Take it a step further by providing feedback at the end of a candidates staffing experience as well. Even if they arent presented to a client or dont get the job offer, have a discussion about what went well and what can be improved upon. While this step helps candidates position themselves better during future staffing processes, it also helps them see you care about their overall development.Give candidates feedback during the staffing process so they can walk away better professionally.Click To Tweet4. Not feeling like they can say noJust because you think a candidate is right for a role, that doesnt mean they agree. During the staffing process, or even after receiving an offer, first-time candidates could feel like they have to move forward. By the candidates logic, you found the right candidate. You spent time answering their questions. You invested in their success. Therefore, they have to take the job.Of course, you know this isnt true, but its essential you make sure your candidates never feel pressured. Check in with them throughout the staffing process , but especially after theyre offered a job. Ask your candidates the following questions to get an idea about their true feelings about the offerCan you see yourself doing this job every day?What do you like about the job?What dont you like about company?Are you worried about your ability to succeed in the role?Is the salary and benefits package what you expected?Reassure candidates they can say no. After all, if they take the position and quit right away, youll have an unhappy client and a talented candidate who never wants to go through the staffing process again.___

5 Steps to Writing a Winning Thank-You Note

5 Steps to Writing a Winning Thank-You Note5 Steps to Writing a Winning Thank-You NoteYoure fresh out of the interview- feeling good about your presentation, answers, and connection with the interviewer. You feel like you absolutely NAILED it. Youre confident youre going to get a callback- 100 percent confident.But then a week passes and you dont hear anything. And then anotherbei week. Whoosh A month has gone by. Nothing. Not a word. You call to check in, but the position has already been filled you didnt get the job.What. The. HECK?Where did you go wrong?Well, you can nail an interview, but if you dont do one important step afterward, you could very well sabotage yourself. That important step you missed? Writing a thank-you note.You might think a thank-you note is a minor part of the job search process, an unnecessary courtesy even, but thats where youd be wrong. And because you forgot to send one to your interviewer(s), you passed up one final opportunity to stand out among your c ompetition.Okay, so now that you know how important it is to write a thank-you note after your interview, you might ask, Great. Now, how do I write a thank-you note that will grab my interviewers attention?Great question. Here are the steps to writing a winning thank-you noteStep 1. Thank them for their time.This might sound a wee bit obvious, but some people might be so caught up in trying to sell themselves in the thank-you letter that they forget to actually THANK the interviewer(s) for his/her time Right off the bat, give them a big ol thank you.Step 2. Show them you connected with them.Let them know how much youd like to work there. Tell them exactly what you loved about the position and/or company culture. Show them that you connected with them. Bonus If you met someone who youd be working closely with, mention their name in the note.Step 3. Show enthusiasm for the position.Emphasize how excited you are to be considered for the position and tell them why you feel its a great o pportunity. ThenStep 4. Reinforce your top qualifications.After thanking the interviewer(s) for his/her time, BRIEFLY reinforce your qualifications.Accentuate three of your top qualifications as discussed during the interview, wrote Rosa Elizabeth Vargas in her article, What to Say in Your Thank You Card Besides Thank You. Now you have mora information than you did prior to the interview- put it to work for you Connect your qualifications with employer needs expressed during the interview.Keep this brief, though. If you sell yourself too hard, it can work against you.Step 5. Keep it short.Remember, youre not writing a novel here. Youre writing a note. Keep it short and sweet.Writing a winning thank-you note is something you should do after every interview- regardless of how you feel it went. Not only is it polite, but it is a great tool to stand out. OH And make sure to send your email within 24 hoursReaders, do you send a thank-you note or email after an interview? Why or why not? Share with us belowAriella Coombs is the managing editor ofCAREEREALISM. Shes a wicked career nerd, and loves finding ways to make career more fun. Follow her on TwitterAriellaCoombs

7 Professional Networking Tips and Tricks to Know

7 Professional Networking Tips and Tricks to Know7 Professional Networking Tips and Tricks to Know7 Professional Networking Tips and Tricks for a Successful Job SearchGetting a job today requires consistent, effective networking.When searching for a job, you may have heard the following statement Its not what you know, its who you know. The second part of that statement is especially true.Of course, you do need a solid set of skills to successfully perform a specific role, so what you know is always an important factor in getting hired. What remains true is that who you know can be the dynamic that gets you in the door all other things being equal.For example, getting a recommendation or even a mention from someone who already works at a company where you want to work is often the deciding factor that makes you the choice over another, equally-qualified candidate.So, how do you get that who you know factor in your corner? Networking.Whether you like meeting people face to face or pr efer to connect electronically, there are a variety of networking tips and tricks that will help make your job search successful. Here are seven successful networking tips that could make all the difference.1. Identify what networking style works best for youThis networking tip is first because it truly is the key to success. There is no one size fits all when it comes to networking, says TopResumes career advice expert, Amanda Augustine. Different people are successful using different networking tactics.Introverts do not connect with people the same way extroverts do, so they shouldnt try to match an extroverts networking style. Its important to be comfortable and confident in how you reach out to others so you always put that best foot forward.Thisshort quiz from TopResume can reveal what networking style best fits your personality, which could make the difference in your overall success.2. Know the rules of professional networkingRecently, a TopResume contributor shared the two s acred rules everyone must follow when networkingNever openly ask for an interview. Instead, ask questions to find whether the company, its culture, and its employees are a fit for you. Let people know you want to learn from their experience in your field.Never ask for a job. As you talk with both old and new connections, simply let them know youre in the market for a certain role and would appreciate if they let you know about any potential opportunities.3. Use social media effectivelyTodays variety of social media platforms have something to offer every type of job seeker. Here are some ways to effectively network on two of the best social sites, LinkedIn and Twitter.LinkedIn LinkedIn should always be your starting point, no matter what part of the job search youre wrapped up in, says Anthony Gaenzle, another writer for TopResume. You can search by various factors including company or job title, and then reach out to professionals at those companies to connect with them. Dont send a resume until youre asked, states Gaenzle, but do keep digging to learn whether the company and job are a good fit. Often, the conversation can lead to an interview.Twitter Research your target companies on Twitter, suggests Gaenzle, and follow any handles they have that are dedicated to recruiting so you can see when jobs are posted. Connect with recruiters or relevant hiring managers by liking, retweeting, or engaging with what they post. After two or three interactions, reach out directly to compliment their posts and then start to build a rapport about working with them. When appropriate, send them back to your LinkedIn profile for more details.RelatedSocial Networking How to Connect With Potential Employers Online4. Practice networking in your workplaceYour co-workers may have much to offer to your career from right within your own company, and its perfectly allowable for you to network with them.Whether youve been at your current job for two months or two years, networking wi th fellow employees can help you grow in your current role or provide information that can help you step into a new one. The right mentor can make you aware of new opportunities that might not be posted at large.5. Offer to helpWherever or however you do it, networking isnt meant to be one-sided. It should provide value for both parties at some point. Look for ways to help your network, and theyll readily want to help you in return.One option is to volunteer. Work for a non-profit group that resonates with you and youll likely make strong, lasting connections with other volunteers. Another route is to find skill-based volunteer (SBV) opportunities that let you use your professional skills in your volunteer efforts.In all situations, remember to both pay it back and pay it forward when someone has helped you.6. Be consistentSometimes it isnt about how you network, its simply about doing it regularly. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there to connect wit h others, formally and informally, on a regular basis. Studies have proven youll be more successful if you do.7. Follow upIts a simple task, yet many professionals neglect this critical step in the networking process, states Augustine.As soon as possible after meeting someone new (either online or in person) send a LinkedIn connection request and include a personalized message asking to stay in touch. Then be sure to reach out every so often with comments about posts, to share valuable career information, or simply to see how they are.Networking is one of the most important job-search techniques you should have in your toolbox, with a wide variety of methods to fit every personality and situation. The only two hard requirements are a willingness to stretch beyond your comfort zone and the intention to pay it forward by helping others when you can.Your skills will get you started, but the connections you make through networking can help ensure a long and thriving career in whatever p rofession you pursue.Click on the following link for more networking advice.Your resume should be just as strong as your networking skills. Is yours? Submit for a free resume critique and well tell you.Recommended ReadingThe Importance of Networking (and How to Do It Well)10 Networking Mistakes That Make You Look UnprofessionalAsk Amanda How Do I Ask My Network for Help?

8 Simple Resume Updates to Make If Youre Planning to Go Remote

8 Simple Resume Updates to Make If Youre Planning to Go Remote8 Simple Resume Updates to Make If Youre Planning to Go RemoteWhen a company invests in a virtual team, its managers look for specific traits in the people who will fill those remote positions. If you want to land one of those work-from-home gigs, make sure your resume magnifies the skills and talents you possess that will allow you to meet those business needs.In recognition of Update Your Resume Month, here are eight resume updates that can improve your chances of getting an offer for the remote job you want1. Keep it clean and organized.If your resume has a fancy format, that probably makes it difficult to update. Opt for something simple and easy to read. An article from Virtual Vocations suggests that you shouldnt get hung up on formatting. Theres long been a tug of war between proponents of the chronological format (listing items in reverse chronological order) versus those who prefer the functional format (listing i tems by function or skill set), the article says. One of the most effective telecommuting resume writing formats combines the best of both chronological and functional formats, and is known as a hybrid format. The takeaway? Organization and clarity are crucial, no matter which you choose.2. Be direct and to the point.If your resume runs on for five or six pages, youre including too much. Would you take the time to read something that long if you were the hiring manager? Probably not. Keep it to a page, if at all possible. This will also show that you can synthesize and summarize large amounts of information, which will be important as a remote worker.3. Start with a summary.The Virtual Vocations piece recommends starting with a summary of your skills, as opposed to an objective statement. In that summary, be sure to include brief mentions of your remote work experience, when appropriate.4. Emphasize communication and collaboration skills.The first way to do this is to allow a few di fferent people to review your resume and ensure the writing is clear and free from any typos. Then, for every past job youve held, add content to clarify your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to work with a far-flung team. A remote worker must be an excellent communicator, so hiring managers will want evidence of your abilities in this area.5. Show that youre a problem-solver.As you list your work experience, give examples of times that you took the initiative to solve problems. If you can point to an instance in which you did so while working remotely and leading other members of a team to complete a task, all the better.6. Be specific about your experience.Again, a recruiter is looking for signs that they can be confident in your remote work abilities. Employers want to know whether you have the diligence, self-discipline, and communication skills to ace the job, the Virtual Vocations article says. The importance of detailing these specific thi ngs on your resume is huge. The takeaway? Dont just state- demonstrate that you can do the job.7. Provide information about your home office.This may require some creativity on your part, but potential employers will want to know where you will be working as a virtual team member. In the work experience section, drop subtle hints about your home office setup. This will show how professional you are, says an article from Career Enlightenment. It will also remove the stereotype ideology about how remote workers work in their pajamas while lying in bed typing the entire day. For example, you could mention that you organized social media marketing promotions through your customer-relationship-management software and VOIP phone thats connected to high-speed internet.8. Prepare a few different resume options.This advice comes from a GoToMeeting blog post, which notes that having several different resumes will allow you to highlight different remote skills. Choosing what to include on a re sume is one of the most important decisions you can make as you seek this remote work. Simply re-arrange the information for specific types of work to suit each hiring managers needs.If you put thought and effort into building your resume, it will be a powerful tool to help you land the remote job of your dreams. On the other hand, if you use the same old document youve submitted for office positions, youre not likely to get so much as a follow-up call from a recruiter.Remote positions are in high demand, so dont cut corners. Invest time in the creation of the right resume- or resumes- and the interview requests should start coming your way.Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off

5 Signs Your Boss Is Trying to Drive You Out

5 Signs Your Boss Is Trying to Drive You Out5 Signs Your Boss Is Trying to Drive You Out In the course of any job, its natural to get a little paranoid once in a while. Maybe you werent included in an email you shouldve been on, or maybe a project was discussed on the fly, and you were left out as a result. But there comes a point when paranoia gives way to reality, especially if its your boss whos causing you to raise an eye. Here are a few indications your boss might be trying to push you out - and what to do about it.Most of us only have so much patience for meetings , so if your boss stops inviting you to key sit-downs, you might initially be happy to have that time back in your schedule. But being excluded from meetings is a key sign that your boss doesnt intend for you to stick around. This especially holds true if your manager stops inviting you to participate but also doesnt offer an explanation as to why.A healthy career progression is usually one in whi ch you gain responsibilities along the way. So if your boss starts taking certain tasks off your plate instead, and doesnt replace them with others, it could mean that your manager is secretly (or not so secretly) planning your departure.notlage every company has a formal introduction process when new folks are brought on motherboard. But if you find that your colleagues have all been introduced to a string of recent hires , and you were never included, it could be because your boss wants you out.Managers tend to be busy people, so its not unusual for them to communicate with their direct reports via email. But if your boss never seems to have the time to talk to you in person, or declines your requests for one-on-one sit-downs, that inability to look you in the eye could spell trouble.Its your managers job to offer feedback on your performance. But theres a right way and a wrong way to provide criticism, and a public forum falls under the latter category. If your boss consistently calls you out in front of your peers, it could be a sign that your manager is trying to embarrass you in the hopes of having you up and quit.Once it becomes obvious that your boss blatantly wants you gone, youll have to decide whether you want to stay on board or take your career elsewhere . Assuming the former, your first move should be to document all instances of your managers behavior. Not inviting you to meetings and shifting responsibilities arent necessarily egregious offenses on your bosss behalf, but if your manager refuses to give you the time of day, bashes your performance in public and makes a point to treat you differently than the other people on your team, thats something you can take to your human resources department.Before you run to HR, though, its worth pushing your manager for a conversation to try to sort things out. Maybe you said or did something to rub your boss the wrong way that you need to apologize for. Or maybe your performance just hasnt been all th at great, and your boss wants you out for what are actually some pretty valid reasons. If youre able to get to the bottom of things and pledge to improve, your boss might soften up and give you another chance.If that tactic fails, though, meet with HR, present the data youve collected and discuss your options. Affirm your commitment to the company and ask to be transferred to another team. If thats not possible, and you must keep working with your manager, insist that HR intervene. Otherwise, your boss will likely continue to make your life miserable.Finally, accept the fact that despite your best efforts to keep your job, your boss might end up emerging victorious and ousting you nonetheless. Its an unfortunate situation to be in, but you can prepare for the worst by updating your resume in advance and doing a little pre-emptive networking to see whats out there. You may come to find that theres a better position for you at another company, one that comes with a manager who doesnt seem to have it in for you.This article was originally published on The Motley Fool . It is reprinted with permission.