She Makes Cents – Page 14

{Business Cents} Don’t Give A Damn If They Like You

Published on April 2, 2014June 21, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason4 Comments

“ The respect of those you respect is worth more than the applause of the multitude. ”

— Arnold Glasow

They Like Me, They Really Like Me

Some of the best career advice I ever received came from a magazine. In an archived issue of Cosmopolitan, Mika Brzezinski, Cosmo columnist and co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, suggested that women concerned about being liked at work, “should not give a damn if they like you”. Work as Brzezinski adds, “is not a popularity contest. It is however a respect contest”. It wasn’t until I was sitting in a performance review that I started to understand what she meant by her advice. People can like you for the person that you are and the work that you do but that doesn’t always translate into promotions, benefits, or raises. Sitting there in that office, I was fighting an internal battle and my career was losing BIG TIME! My fear of not being liked was keeping me from confidently asking pertinent questions regarding career progression and compensation. Would they still like me if I challenged the status quo? To this day, I still get embarrassed knowing I was so worried about being liked at such an important career crossroad. I decided to write this, because I know I am not alone and that is evident in my research of women, business, and money. I hope someone can learn from my experience.

Of course I want to be liked , everyone does, but not at the expense of losing sight of my financial and career goals. If you are a good person and you do exceptional work, then you shouldn’t have to worry about not being liked. Oprah once told me (dreaming BIG…let me try that sentence again). I attended the commencement ceremony of my alma mater, Spelman College, where Oprah was the speaker. She told the women to, “let excellence be your brand”. Others will respect you for being focus driven and being the best you can be, and hey, what’s not to like about that?

What’s More Important in the Workplace?

Being Liked or Respected?

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{hello camera} April Photo Challenge from SheMakesCents.com

Published on April 1, 2014May 1, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Photo Credit: Raw of Beauty {dot}com

This is a lesson that I learned the hard way in my early twenties. I was so busy working to meet a certain status and lifestyle that I was too busy working to enjoy it; thus missing out on that limbo period where crazy “in my twenties” stories are made. Since then I have learned that time is one of the most valuable “things” to have. Time is a currency that no one can really buy more of. When I get to the end of my life, I want to know that I have actually LIVED instead of simply existing.

Let’s Connect!

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{Week 13} 52 Week Money Challenge Bingo Style

Published on March 28, 2014April 4, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Someone recently asked me “what was the point of doing a money challenge, it’s not like you are saving a substantial amount?” My reply was simple, “every little bit helps me get one step closer to my goals”. I am very serious about having a zero balance on my credit card by August 1, 2014 and using funds saved from this challenge helps me pay off my balance faster. Today, I crossed number 17 off my bingo style money challenge sheet which gives me a grand total of $319.00 additional dollars added to help pay off the balance on my cards. A while ago, I decided that instead of payment the minimum + the 52 Week Challenge weekly payment I would decide on a set payment to make every two weeks and add the money from the challenge on top of that. This has allowed me to chop off interest payments as well.

How Are You Doing On the Challenge?

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{Business Cents} Is Thinking Like A Woman Not Enough to Become A Boss?

Published on March 20, 2014March 20, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

I like the quote “Act like a Lady, Think like a Boss”, but after admittedly over thinking it, it might not be as empowering as I once believed. Perhaps, the shift in my thought process came after the quote was expanded to say, “look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, & work like a boss”. First off, I’m not a girl, rather a grown woman climbing the corporate ladder and this quote, in my opinion, perpetuates two very poignant paradigms that have been instilled in our culture. The first, that thinking like a man yields better professional results and the second; thinking like a woman is inferior. Is thinking like a woman not enough to become a boss? Is this part of the reason gender and pay inequality is still very present in the workplace? Better yet, are we losing the “corporate game” because we are playing “like a girl”?

Join SMC next Wednesday as we begin our “Like a Girl” series as I take on topics of Women, Business, & Money explored through studies, career experts, and personal experiences. My goal is to redefine the standard of measurement while shedding light on some awesome women who are kicking ass and taking names in their careers!

Your Thoughts…?

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{Wise Words} She Is Clothed in Strength & Dignity…

Published on March 11, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

{Woman to Watch} Jen Ramos of Made By Girl

Published on March 11, 2014April 5, 2014 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments

Meet Jen Ramos!

On of my favorite things to do on Sundays is kick back and read other people’s blogs. A few years ago, I came across the online shop and blog Made By Girl, by Jen Ramos, which features all things pretty from paper goods to typographical posters! I had an instant connection to her style aesthetic and immediately started blogger crushing on Ramos. She then upped the ante, when she launched her new site, Cocoa & Hearts, where she sells gorgeous original paintings. Since following her on social media, I feel like I have gotten to know her precious and oh so fab dog Darla, her family, and get a more behind the scenes of the woman behind the brand. As a blogger and a woman in business, it is important to make a splash and let your presence be known. She is always polished, personable, and positive and that’s why she is our latest Woman to Watch!

images via MadeByGirl

Let’s Be Social!

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{Simplicity Saturday} 3 Fabulous Hair Trends That Save You Time & Money

Published on March 8, 2014March 26, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

I’m not sure when I started doing this, but the word “simplicity” has become my weekend mantra. It’s something about saying, Simplicity Saturday or Simplicity Sunday, that helps me welcome the weekend and feel relaxed and empowered to do ANYTHING…even if that means actively doing nothing. I have been so busy lately, that I have not made time for what I consider “basic upkeep” (i.e. getting my hair done). Whenever I find little pockets of time it is too late to make a hair appointment. So what is a girl to do? Try new hairstyles at home, that’s what! Below are a few of my favorite protective styles that look fabulous on all hair types, that saver time, and most importantly… simple!

Check them out!