October 19, 2020

Good Monday Evening BOSLadies,

I want to acknowledge that this is being sent a bit later in the week than normal. It happened this weekend again that I simply did not have the gas for it. Similarly to my hiatus in July, I needed to give myself a bit of wiggle room, even though it's with something that I love. The period of time between needing these sorts of allowances has been shrinking but I think that right now, that's perfectly normal and pretty universal. So, again, if you're being tough on yourself or having a hard time, know that it's okay, it's not just you and talking about it might help.

What are we reading for November? You tell me! Please respond with suggestions and an email will be sent out Friday announcing the top choice.

Last week we had our October meeting to discuss The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You by Lydia Fenet. Our weekly three are all lists from the book that feel especially helpful while the dust is still settling from our forced communicative and collaborative methodological shifts.

The Weekly Three

Something about networking: "You must research the person you have asked to connect with before speaking with them...to help you make a memorable impression:

1. Take a call or walk into our meeting with a list of relevant questions. Show me that you know what my company does and what I do in my role...

2. Tell me in an articulate way what you have been busy doing up to this point in your life. Give me an interesting anecdote or two that will help me remember you in future meetings...

3. Be efficient with your time and with my time. Show up a few minutes early so that the meeting starts when it is supposed to"

Something about how to be remembered for a presentation, speech or performance:

"1. You bring the energy you want from your audience. Enthusiasm is infectious. Enthusiasm in public speaking is CRITICAL...

2. The audience wants you to succeed...The audience is rooting for you to make it through your speech because they feel as uncomfortable when you are stuttering and stumbling through it as you do...

3. Make the audience part of your performance...Anytime it seems like you are losing people during a speech or presentation, mention something about someone in the crowd and watch how quickly it reengages everyone."

Following Tuesday night's meeting, Alexandra sent registration information over for a BSA event on how virtual presentations differ from in-person and tips on how to excel when giving them. The event is on October 28th at 8:30am EST so if any of you attend, please share notes with me as I will certainly still be in bed over here in California.

Something about lessons from Fenet's grandmother:

"Lesson 1: Always write a thank-you note.

Lesson 2: Get up, dress up, and show up.

Lesson 3: Stop bitching and start fixing."

Thank you all for reading and please let me know if you want any of those pieces of Fenet's advice fleshed out a bit more.

Looking forward to hearing your reading suggestions,

Amber