CMB How-To, Email Templates!

Sometimes I struggle with finding the right words to say in a professional email. Whether I'm delivering serious news or crafting a brief unbiased summary of a situation, at times, I struggle to find the right words to use. If the subject matter is going to impact my job/job performance in a major way, I will run the email by a couple friends and mentors first. It would be awesome to have a resource to write the emails for me!

I decided to start "CMB How-To's" to help other young professionals find the right words. I've started with these three common occurences. Resigning, asking for an informational interview, and negotiating your starting salary are three topics we all encounter as young professionals. These slides provide a template for you to start and summarize the conversation. 

Do you struggle with any other topics? Tell me in the comments and look out for your suggestion on our website!

CMB How-To's: Resigning email

CMB How-To's: Informational interview email

CMB How-To's: Salary negotiation email

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

My Natural Hair in Corporate America

Without fail, every day, I take a moment in the morning and make sure my nappy hair is ready for the work day.

Please excuse me if you find the word "nappy" uncomfortable or offensive. I don't intend to offend anyone. However, my hair is happily nappy, thick, curly and kinky. I am so thankful and grateful that I work with highly intelligent people that embrace and love my hairdo. 

To some folks, this probably doesn't seem like a big deal. For me, someone that has been treated adversely because of my natural blackness, acceptance of my natural hair at work is huge. I love feeling comfortable and not worrying about my supervisor staring at my tightly coiled curls.

When I started my job in December 2013, I straightened my hair every day.

Ain't nobody got time.

I wanted to make sure I was "appropriate" for the office. Millennials in corporate America are well-aware of our age, seniority and position in the workplace (because countless articles and baby boomers remind us daily). As a young woman of color, in corporate America, working in New York City, I wanted to put my best foot forward and set myself up for success. After two months, I was over it. I didn't have time to do that every morning, and it was hard on my thick hair. So what was I to do?

Coming to work with my big hair would already make me stand out. Wearing a weave was out because I've stopped paying hundred of dollars for hair. Don't have time for that either. I didn't want to approach my supervisor and risk turning a non-issue into an issue. 

So what to do?!

I asked my homegirls at work. They told me to be free. I did and everyone loved it. Now, I don't know if that will work in everyone's office but I do have a couple tips for you to consider:

1. What is your company's culture? Since having the come-to-Jesus moment with my homegirls, I decided that I'm comfortable straightening my hair if I ever have to interview for a job or become client-facing. I believe client interaction warrants changing your hair because you are now representing your company. Is your company culture business-professional? Or casual? Look around and talk to your peers. 

2. Is your hair distracting? My hair is big and nappy and I LOVE it. We sit in cubicles so my hair doesn't block anyone's view- I'm good. Now, if I were to dye it purple, people might turn their heads when I walk by. Just like you wouldn't wear a super tight pencil skirt with a donkey booty, you probably shouldn't wear your Cassie-shaved-on-the-side to the board meeting. If you're in San Francisco, at one of those cool millennial-run tech companies, DO IT!

3. Is it cute? No shade but make sure your hair is on point. There is no specific style you have to rock in the workplace. I'd be hypocrite if I said your hair has to be bone-straight; but I do think your hair should be like your outfit- on point and super cute :)

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

10 Work Wardrobe Essentials!

When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do better work. I feel exponentially more confident at work when I look fly. From my hair, to my accessories, to my outfit and of course, my shoes, I like to look suited and booted at work. I am dressing for the position I want, a potential networking opportunity; and, as Papa Pope would say, because "we have to be twice as good."

Building a full-blown, all seasons, flawless work wardrobe can be daunting and costly. I want to open my closet and see Ann Taylor and Banana Republic pieces. I also want to pay my student loans in a timely fashion; so I have learned to balance my financial priorities with my love for over-priced blouses.

To build your wardrobe, you should start with the essentials and slowly add your personal favorites. Here are our 10 favorite work wardrobe essentials. You probably already have some of these pieces. Great! If you’re wearing one this week, post it and tag us in it @thecolormeb!

1. WORKING watch

This is the watch I wear to work every day. It matches pretty much anything I wear. It is fashionable and professional. Wearing a working watch also let’s your colleagues and supervisors know that you are aware of time and (hopefully) punctual! MK and other designer watches can be pricey. You don’t have to buy one a month, but maybe consider splurging. Until then, you can fake it until make it or buy a similar style watch from a less expensive brand.

2. Wool scarf

A nice scarf can add a pop of color to a work outfit and keep you warm in a chilly office.

3. Blazers

Blazers can easily “dress up” an outfit. I like to wear a blazer with a plain dresses. Depending on the accessories and shoes, I could be in training for the day or meeting with external clients. I’ll add a big necklace, comfy shoes and I’m ready for anything.

4. Ballet flats

If you know me, you know I LOVE flats. They’re easy, comfortable, fancy, versatile, all of the above. You can find flats at any apparel store but finding cute and professional flats are clutch. I love Tory Burch’s signature flats.

5. Nice fitting slacks     

Sigh, my favorite – not. When you have a butt, hips and thighs, it is hard to find pants period. For the office, it is almost impossible to find pants that fit AND the fit is appropriate for work (not hugging your goodies). For well-fitting pants, you have to go to the grown women stores. I like buying Banana Republic’s tailored pants. H&M and Forever 21 have cute work clothes and if you can fit them, go for it. However, if you’re thicker than snicker, go ahead and upgrade.

6. Tights/Stockings      

Stockings and tights are essential because they keep you warm and they help you pull off skirts that are just a bit too short for work. I recently started wearing more patterned tights. I usually pair them with a very plain dress and cardigan and add pearl/stud earrings.

7. Black pencil skirts

Black pencil skirts are flattering, super cute and really easy to match and dress up. Keep in mind, your black pencil skirt should fit loose enough that it is appropriate for work. When I wear a pencil skirt, and it’s too tight on my bottom half, I wear a longer top and/or a blazer. J.Lo always looks flawless. In this pic, the skirt is too tight to wear to work (perfect everywhere #werk), however. If it's your only option, definitely consider wearing a long blazer.

8. Pearl/gold/diamond stud earrings

Accessories are great for dressing up you work wardrobe. However, sometimes we can’t use the same accessories at work that we use at brunch with friends. You can wear colorful jewelry but it should never be distracting or too flashy. Stud earrings are classic and chic. I like wearing oversized studs to compliment my toned down outfits.

9. Comfy Pumps          

A nice, reliable, comfortable pair of black pumps are also essential. Actually, you can get them in every color. Comfort isn’t a requirement either. When it comes to shoes, the more you have, the better. They can be fun – just not distracting. Please please please make sure you know how to walk in them #noshade.

10. A smile

:)

Follow @thecolormeb for more #workfashion tips. When you post a pic, wearing one of these work wardrobe essentials, tag us! 

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

2015 Global Millennial Conference

CMB's Founder/CEO, Courtney Ball, is on the board of advisors for the 2015 Global Millennial Conference! This one-of-a-kind premiere conference brings together 500 working professionals between the ages of 18-33 and will focus on their career and business development, as well as networking.  The Global Millennial Conference is being held May 15-16, 2015. 

www.gmc15.com

Help Your Girlfriend Find a Job

"Girrrrrllll my boss had the nerve to ask me to...."

"Yea, they told me 'it's just not a good fit' and let me go"

"I'm giving these people another two weeks and I'm out!"

My girlfriends and I have started too many stories with these phrases. How many of us work somewhere where we feel undervalued? How many of us have been denied a job because we, in all of our beauty and uniqueness, are not "a good fit?" (What about us doesn't fit is another post for a different day, perhaps February). How many of us have girlfriends that simply work for some out of control managers?!

It's part of the journey that every woman experiences in the early stages of their career. Employees work through many situations that can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with the workplace. And vice versa. You know you have that one girlfriend that tells her work stories and leaves out a week's worth of information! Sometimes employees let their negativity affect their work; and employers may choose to let them go. Whether it's voluntary or involuntary, two things remain true. You shouldn't feel trapped at job where you're unhappy and unfulfilled. Secondly, if you call on the courage to leave, your girlfriends will have your back and help you get through it.

5 ways to help your girl!

Here are 5 suggestions to aid you and your girlfriend find her a position:

1. LinkedIn! Update your linkedin profile with information that will accurately describe the work you've done in your more current position. Yes, you might have had a bad experience, but you worked diligently to make it better and do your job. Incorporate that skillset into your resume and Linkedin profile. Please use a super cute and professional profile picture. Use a friendly, welcoming photo that will invite potential employers. I chose mine because it looks like me going to a job interview. Try a combination of the two, with the understanding that your Facebook or Twitter profile pics will not work #justbeinghonest. Finally, get recommendations from former supervisors, mentors and professional colleagues. This is a great way for recruiters too see that you perform well and maintain a good rapport with colleagues.

Good Profile Pic 

NOT Appropriate for Linkedin Profile Pic

2. Your College/University! 

Check out your college/university's alumni relations page. More than likely, your college has an office that engages alumni. These offices also tend to have networking opportunities and job boards. Your college may also have an office of career services. These offices help you throughout college and some have staff dedicated to supporting alumni. As an alumni, you probably still have access to the university job board. Check that out!

3. Indeed 

Sooooo many companies post on this website. Also, Indeed searches the web for positions that match your preferences so there are a ton of jobs there. If you upload your resume, Indeed will forward it to employers for consideration. If you're like me, you ignore the jobs that say, "sponsored by," in pink. Look at those! Many people don't realize those are priority jobs!

4. Staffing Agency

A good staffing agency can help you tremendously during a search, especially if you're searching while working. Do some research for your girlfriend and find a reputable agency in your area. Robert Half is a popular, nationwide agency.

5. @thecolormeb
Direct your girlfriend to my organization's website. We have links to job boards, interviewing tips, work fashion inspiration and more!

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

10 Helpful Interviewing Tips!

Keep all this in mind and use @thecolormeb IG to brainstorm a good outfit :)

 

 



Do Well on Your Next Phone Interview!

 

Everyone needs to have strong virtual, as well as face-to-face, interviewing skills. Use these tips to nail your next phone interview!