Become A Diva In Business
Did you ever want to be one of those people with such presence that every time they walk into a room, the mood changes? Even before you see them, you can just sense they are there, that something’s different. This is a very powerful tool in the business world — and it is what being a diva in business is all about.
To help you truly understand what I’m talking about, let me introduce you to the woman who taught me what this meant in the first place: my Aunt Joan. She is my mother’s twin sister, and often referred to as the “first lady of licensing.” In her own business for the last twenty years, she started working with the leading apparel firms and most widely recognized international brands when women still held reign over the secretarial pools. She was clearly an enigma in a world dominated by executive men, but Joan was never one to take things lying down, especially when it affected the respect she earned from other people.
Joan is one of those people who look perfect all the time. A typical outfit for her is a crisp collared shirt, possibly covered with a thin V-neck sweater, topped off with a stunning, perfectly fitted, constructed jacket. A top designer’s label is usually tucked out of sight behind the nape of her neck. Then there is usually a modest- length skirt or sometimes a pair of slim pants in another beautiful fabric, falling onto an immaculately cared for set of delicate leather or suede heels. Accessories are also essential: There is always a coordinated handbag that accents the outfit, and the rims on her glasses perfectly match every piece of jewelry from the elegant necklace to the watch on her tiny left wrist.
Over the years I’ve come to learn a few of her trade secrets, and they are worth thinking about for anyone looking to become a business diva themselves. Having money does help, but it’s the attention to detail, sense of personal style, glowing personality and exuberant confidence that makes a diva, well, a diva. Here’s a little help from Aunt Joan:
Attention to Detail
• Your clothing and accessories should be immaculately taken care of.
• Always have everything clean, pressed and ready to go.
• Keep your living, work and travel space (hotel rooms) ready for visitors at any time.
• Take the time to plan so events, meetings and projects go flawlessly.
• Know exactly what you want, and be direct with people if you expect to get it.
Personal Style
• Develop your own sense of personal style and make it a trademark.
• Pay close attention to the way others perceive you, but don’t obsess over it.
• Take care of yourself and stay in good shape. Take pride in your appearance.
• If you have any doubt that something isn’t right, trust your instinct and go with something you know works.
• Try to always stay calm, cool and collected. Even when you’re angry, dealing with problems tactfully and firmly often gets you further.
• Learn how to listen — there’s a reason why you have two ears and one mouth.
Personality
• Develop a personality that glows and excites other people.
• Be generous whenever you can.
• Treat people with respect and kindness.
• Try to always have fun. Be fun to be around.
• Let your passion pour out.
• Bring others along for the ride.
Confidence
• Be the best at what you do.
• Be bold.
• Don’t waiver from your beliefs and goals.
• Believe you can do anything.
While it takes years of training and practice to perfect that “presence,” these tips will help to get you started. Remember, there are a lot of Aunt Joans out there, and some may be closer than you think. Seek them out and spend time with them, or just study them as closely as you can and adapt their moves into a style of your own. Divas in business are a powerful breed: They make things happen, stir the pot, do everything in style, and have a blast doing it. Make sure you live your life to the fullest, and if you decide to do it as a diva, do it with class.
For more than a decade Jennifer Kushell has led a movement inspiring young people to achieve everything they have always dreamed about. As the NY Times best-selling author of Secrets of the Young & Successful and president of YS Interactive Corp., and as a relentless advocate for her generation, Jennifer has impacted the lives and futures of millions around the world. In 2006, she led her company in launching http://www.YSN.com – Your Success Network – an online universe for emerging adults to explore their passions, build a professional identity and pursue their dreams.
Called a “guru” of her generation by US News & World Report and the “career doctor” by Cosmopolitan Magazine, Jennifer has spoken to over 200 million people throughout the world via major media such as CNN, CNBC, CBS, ABC News with Peter Jennings, FOX News, BBC, NPR, PBS, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Fortune, USA Today, Business Week, Entrepreneur and Seventeen.
For more about Jennifer Kushell, please visit: http://www.ysn.com/group/WhereInTheWorldIsJenniferKushell
Tags: entrepreneurs, lessons, success, tips
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Saturday, February 9th, 2008 at 8:24 am under
