Time to Embrace All Your Magic + Start Flourishing, Sis!

Join me for this free webinar on Thursday, April 7 at 7:30pm EST!

"Hustlapreneur's Guide to Career Success" will help you assess the first part of 2016 and create actionable goals for the remainder of the year. More specifically, we will:

1. Do a quick assessment of Q1 and all its amazingness!

2. Create SMARTER goals for Q2.

3. Of course, ki-ki about some of my plunders in Q1 to learn from them + more! 

I'm also going to include a worksheet to use as we go through the session. This webinar is part of CMB Mentor. Click here to learn more about the program.

Of course, if you want some #womenpower inspiration before that, you can sign-up here and get access to #SheLeads2016 E-Conference sessions. 

#SheLeads: Use Linkedin like a Boss! by Devay Campbell

Use LinkedIn like a Boss!

If you are like me, you probably thought all social media sites were created equal. Wrong! LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for professionals out there. Now, I am not saying to ditch the other social media outlets, but to be a boss and make boss career moves, you MUST be on LinkedIn, period.

Now that we have established that LinkedIn is where you want to be, let’s do it.  If you already have a LinkedIn account, kudos! If not, sign up immediately.

Get in the Game

To begin, study the profiles of other top professionals, especially those in your current or desired industry. Review their headings/headlines; find out which groups they have joined and consider the keywords they have chosen for their profiles. But while you are doing all of this studying, remember that you must get in the game at some point and move from spectator to participant.

Start requesting recommendations

Wouldn’t it be convenient to leave your bulky recommendation folder at home? Now you can!  LinkedIn allows you to request electronic recommendations that are available for immediate review within your profile. Believe me, recruiters and hiring managers will definitely check out this section. If you are shy about asking for recommendations, try offering a few recommendations first. Then ask each person to reciprocate.

Start connecting with others.

Linking up with others will expand your network, increase opportunities, and allow you to build relationships. These relationships will take you so much further than your skills and qualifications ever could.

If you are having trouble getting linked in to other people, find out if someone you know can introduce you. Remember, even your “bestie” knows or has access to someone you don’t know, so keep this avenue open.

As with any social media outlet, use reasonable judgment when connecting with others. In the meantime, have fun with it and watch your network grow into relationships that will serve you well.

Position Yourself to be Seen

Now that you are in the game, it is time to improve your visibility and show people how awesome you are and what you know. This self-promotion is key if you are seeking employment or advancement in your current career.

Creating and responding to industry-related posts are game changing activities that should be part of your strategy to get noticed. My LinkedIn connections almost tripled once I began creating new posts and responding to what others posted.  So did my requests for employment. Since this is all a part of your strategy, you should carefully plan what to say, keep up with what is going on in the industry, and keep your profile in tip top shape.

Keep in mind that the photo you choose, the header/headline under your profile, and your name are all that is visible when you turn up in a LinkedIn search.  These should grab the searcher’s attention and leave him or her wanting to read more.

Play where the bosses play

Joining LinkedIn groups allows you to interact with like-minded professionals or key players in your industry. It will also give you the opportunity to “absorb” from senior level professionals and stay abreast of current trends. If you didn’t know, recruiters and hiring managers hang out in these groups to find top talent.

Invite others to your playground

Be sure to list your LinkedIn url  on your other social media profiles. It is quite common to visit a Twitter or Facebook page and be invited to connect with that person via LinkedIn. Cross-promoting your LinkedIn page to gain more connections will grow your connections quickly.

Tighten up on your follow-up

Practice following up when:

•          Someone reviews your profile.
•          Someone asks you to connect.
•          After your invitation is accepted.

Begin the relationship-building process immediately. Make a comment on that person’s profile or point out some of your common interests. People often remember the person they share conversations with.

Boss Bonus

Change your LinkedIn url to something that can be remembered and that represents who you are or who you want to be. Here’s an example:

Easy to remember:                           www.linkedin.com/in/SallySmithCPA

Almost impossible to remember:    www.linkedin.com/in/1576793

See what I mean? After all, you are more than a number; you are a boss!

I would love to hear about your success. You can find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/devaycampbellcareercoach

This awesome blog post was contributed by Devay Campbell, owner of Career 2 Cents, a career advice and consulting firm. 

A few of our CMB Mentors shared their wisdom and experiences during the #SheLeads2016 virtual conference. Our facilitators shared tips on networking, taking on leadership roles at work, self-care and more! Sign-up here and get access to some of these fantastic workshops!

Hello December? OMG, 2015 is Over!?

Hello December!
Can you believe 2015 is almost over?! Me neither!!! It went by so fast. It's already the time of year when people reflect on all the ups and downs of the last 12 months and start thinking about what opportunities the new year will bring.

When I think of the year, especially the last three months, I think about the amazing strides we've made with CMB. We've raised our visibility tremendously this year. Since September, we've launched our mentor program, hosted two webinars, organized fabulous meet-ups and made strong connections with other lady boss millennials. **happy dance**

We had so much fun hosting this meet-up with
Marissa Germain's blog, "The Millennial Takeover!"

It has been amazing and if you follow us, you've seen my face all over these events. I love it all- our programs and services, our mission, networking- I'm always reppin CMB, hard! What some people don't know, is I also work just as diligently and passionately for my full-time position, in human resources.

While growing CMB, I've been grinding just as hard at my 9-5, implementing new processes and tightening up others. I expose myself to every learning opportunity because I want to both be better at my job, and use the knowledge to help my CMB community. It has been a wonderful learning experience but guess what?!

I was exhausted!

Don't get me wrong, I realized committing to this Hustlapreneur life would be a lot of work. Balancing a full-time corporate job, a part-time stylist position, and managing a nonprofit keeps me very busy honey. 

Photo cred: https://ronetheboxhouston.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/boss.jpg?w=300&h=225

What I didn't realize is my ambition and drive for excellence had taken priority over my personal life. In 2015, I can count on one hand how many times I've gone to brunch with my girlfriends. My calls home have decreased, and I feel that love and laughter missing from my everyday life. Shame on me. Family and friends are the cornerstone of my success. They are so important and instrumental in my life. I need to prioritize them as I do my professional life. 

In 2015, I focused on gratitude and being thankful for all the experiences God blessed me with - the good and bad. In 2016, I want to focus on being present. I want to be more present with my family, friends, future friends and colleagues. Seizing the day and appreciating life's moments will be the focus of my life next year. 

What are you looking forward to in 2016? Let's hold each other accountable and help each other achieve our goals. Join our mailing list so we can keep in touch. I want to be more engaged with millennial women in 2016 so expect opportunities to meet-up and talk about our work life, the struggle, millennial fashion and more!

<3

xoxo,
Courtney
www.thecolormeb.com

Why #BlackGirlMagic Will Change the World

What exactly is #blackgirlmagic ? 

Clarissa Joan poses this question and other inquiries of race and womanhood in her article, "Black Girl Magic Defined: Do You Put Your Race before womanhood" in Madame Noire.

When I first saw the hashtag, I knew #blackgirlmagic was all about our limitless strength and power. Every day, I’m in awe of the goals, accomplishments and grace of black women --

My BFF, a Nigerian American, finished law school and is using her degree to start a natural hair care and education empire- #blackgirlmagic

Another bestie started her PhD in 2010 when we finished college; and despite roadblocks, she's defending this Friday- #blackgirlmagic I'll be there giving her a standing ovation because we celebrate each other - #blackgirlmagic

Me and my BFF at our first event collaboration! #naturalhaireverywhere
Check her out at whollyhair.com

Are black women more black than woman though? Personally, I'd say no. Historically and socially, black women have had a subordinate status in both their gender and racial social groups. During the women's movement in the early 20th century, white women advocated and benefited. The needs of black women were not included. Many black women including myself and Alice Walker have felt ostracized in the feminist movement and identify more as a womanist. Being a woman is incredible but as a black woman, I don't see myself in the American feminist movement. Furthermore, historically and currently, black women take a backseat in the fight for black rights and liberties. An example is President Obama's My Brother's Keeper initiative. Don't get me wrong, it is an incredible program and much needed; but black girls are not included.

We will support and contribute to the program’s success though because that's #blackgirlmagic. In both our identity groups, our needs are secondary, so we've learned (and are taught) to create our own opportunities and support each other through it. This past Friday, I experienced an amazing #blackgirlmagic moment.  

Marissa Germain of the Millennial Takeover and I hosted a happy hour in Washington, DC for millennial women. Most of us did not know each other but as soon as we met, it was like we were old friends. We laughed, talked, shared our weekly accomplishments and really enjoyed ourselves. I left the meet-up feeling inspired and motivated. 

A little grainy but you see the magic :)!!!

It was really encouraging to spend time with women that understand and empathize with my journey. Since I was on such sisterhood high after the event, I didn't learn of the Paris attacks until Saturday morning.

Heartbreaking. Devastating. Evil. My heart goes out to everyone affected by these horrific crimes. I pray the culprits are brought to justice, by any means necessary. 

However, I'm happy I learned of the news after experiencing a night of #blackgirlmagic. Being around these women reminded me that we have the power to change the world. At a time when we're consistently seeing unprecedented acts of violence and terrorism, we can be the change we want to see. How? By continuing to be exemplary role models in our community and at home. As mothers, aunts, sisters, girlfriends and cousins, we will continue to show love and how to love to the next generation and our peers. As successful career women, we'll teach the next generation tenacity, perseverance and how to be a contributing member of society. 

We'll do this with grace and integrity because that's what we do. That's #blackgirlmagic. Our CMB community it's full of #blackgirlmagic and I'd love for you to join it. Click here to join our mailing list!

CMB Item of the Week - Stackable Rings for $19!

Happy Monday! 

This week's item of the week is super versatile and perfect for your wardrobe as we transition to fall. 

I LOVE these Stella & Dot stackable rings. These rings are sterling silver. Yes, I said ringSSS. When you purchase this set for $19, you get three rings! Another reason I love it! I like to wear super cute rings when my outfit is a bit more dressed down/plain. 

Ann stacked rings by Stella & Dot. Only $19! 

Stella & Dot has tons of really cute and trendy jewelry. These rings are great for many work environments. You can also dress them up with a pearl bracelet or a nice statement necklace. 

I also wanted to feature this piece because Stella & Dot is all about women empowerment through business. S&D hires women to sell their products while also building their own empire. Check them out!

Also, I hope you LOVE our new blog and website as much as I do! Tweet us @thecolormeb with suggestions and feedback. 

We'd love to hear from you :)

Super cute as one ring too!!

CMB How To: Job Offer

Hey everyone!
"CMB How-To's" are email templates to help you communicate specific work situations. Here's the newest template - "CMB How-To: Job Offer."

Obviously, there is a lot to consider when accepting a job offer. You can also reference the CMB How-To on salary negotiation (below). I suggest scheduling a time so you can review your entire compensation package and, if necessary, review expectations and responsibilities. I think that's best to do in person or over the phone, so start with this very brief email. Also, you'll notice I use "thank you" as a salutation. You can use what you deem appropriate.

We've given all the templates a new look. Check them out and tweet us topics at @thecolormeb!

Informational Interview

Resigning

Salary Negotiation

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

A few of our CMB Mentors shared their wisdom and experiences during the #SheLeads2016 virtual conference. Our facilitators shared tips on networking, taking on leadership roles at work, self-care and more! Sign-up here and get access to some of these fantastic workshops! 

Work Fashion - CMB Item of the Week!

Hey friends!

First, thank you for supporting our social media efforts! 

Every "like" and comment make my heart smile. You show us soooo much love on Instagram, twitter and facebook - and I really appreciate it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To show my appreciation, I want to do more for you! Many of you love seeing our posts that spotlight women of color, in professional attire. People ask me, "it's cute but where can I find it?!" Great question. Starting this week, we'll start posting an "Item of the Week." It will be a work wardrobe essential and under $50! 

H&M Satin Dress ($34.99)

Check out the first CMB Item of the Week! This cute dress is a new arrival at H&M this week. I chose this piece because it's good for the last couple weeks of summer, AND you could continue to wear this style and color in the fall. When wearing it to work in the fall, I'd add some tights and cute booties. It can get chilly in NYC!

H&M Satin Dress - YESSS! I love it!

Check out more #workfashion, #careeradvice and #professionaldev opportunities on our website www.thecolormeb.com!

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

Adding Self-Care to Your Daily Routine

I've always been a multi-tasker. In high school and college, I participated in countless activities and held many leadership positions. In graduate school and now in my professional life, I give my all to work. I volunteer for every opportunity presented to me. I try to connect with all my colleagues to increase my network. My mind and body are constantly on the go, living my hustalpreneur life.

I haven't had time to write a blog in over a month. No doubt, I've had content because work life has been in overdrive. In addition to my 9-5 being crazy busy, @TheColorMeB is gaining more traction every day, and I just became a stylist for Stella & Dot. 

I am elated with my newest purchases from Stella & Dot. Check my page here.

My schedule isn't to blame for my inability to write, however. I have carved out time to sit down and write, and even with my light and sweet coffee, I couldn't muster the focus to write. Something has been off. I haven't been eating right, haven't really had an appetite. I've been worried about finding a place in the middle of summer in NYC and moving my apartment and two dogs.

Then it hit me. I was stressed out.

The feeling of stress

I had been waking up with worry on mind. Worry about my moving situation, my personal life, my work situation, my new opportunities - it was overwhelming. The smallest thing would make me feel this great sense of anxiety. It was exhausting. 

I went to visit my family, in San Francisco, and realized what was going on. My friends and family noticed physical and emotional changes in me. I noticed the changes too. While at home, I called on my spiritual sisters and mother. I allowed myself to be vulnerable with them, and really got to the bottom of all the anxiety. More importantly, I went to church and gave all of my worries to God. 

Self-Care

I always rely on my faith to get me through trying times. While at home, I also realized how absent God is in many facets of my life in NYC. I made a commitment to change that. I made a commitment to stop worrying and start taking care of myself. While I was starting to thrive professionally, I was neglecting to feed my spirit, nourish my body and rest my mind.

Here are 5 specific things I've committed to adding to my daily routine:

1. Finding a church home

Joining a church where I actually live is very important because to foster and cultivate my faith, I must join a fellowship. Joining a church provides you with a place to worship and find others that can support you in your trials. I enjoy going to church because it's a chance to connect with other black women that understand me and can suggest spiritual coping mechanisms to overcome. 

The brutal winter in NYC had a lot to do with my stress. Snow every week made it difficult to explore possible churches. While at home, I found a church that broadcasts their weekly sermons on their website! It has been a God-send.

2. Eating three meals a day

For the past few months, it has been a struggle to commit to eating three meals a day. I'll have a large coffee for breakfast and forget to eat more until lunchtime. For lunch, I'll have a helping of spaghetti and water. I snack on candy bars in the late afternoon. When I get home, if I'm not too tired, I'll have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That's so unhealthy!

My challenge is three meals a day! Pinterest is my best friend for this one. On Sundays, I make my lunch for the week in my slow-cooker. It's usually chili or chicken and vegetables. Try this sticky wing recipe. To accompany the slow-cooker dish, I make a big pot of rice. Still working on incorporating more vegetables in my lunch. For my dinner, I try to keep it simple too. I'll make pasta, and load it with my favorite vegetables. Spinach and cabbage are great vegetables to quickly make also.

#pinterestwinning

3. Alone time

Working full-time, having a coupe side hustles, being in a relationship and being a dog mom of two requires a lot of my time. I challenge myself to take time to do things for myself. Another challenge is being more financially responsible, so I'm not going to start splurging. I bought supplies for a DIY pedicure. When it's sunny outside, I wake up early in the morning and go for a walk. My alone time is all about taking the time to embrace the simple things that make me smile. Add that to the top of your priority list.

Treat yourself! Every day! Maybe not a pedi every day but something funners :)

4. Financial responsibility

I'd be a lot less stressed about money, if I took more time to be proactive. I usually make my budget for two weeks and spend until I get paid again. That's clearly not working. I needed to wake up, and realize to be a legitimate entrepreneur and businesswoman, I need to get my personal finances together. Instead of worrying about paying this bill and that loan, I'm focusing on financial goals. 

I use Mint.com to keep track of my monthly bills. Those amounts are stagnant. Rather than focusing on all the money going out, I've cut all unnecessary bills. I started prioritizing better and leveraging the leftover money to save and invest. I'm saving to move to a better apartment. I'm also saving for a big summer birthday party!

5. Celebrate yourself!

My birthday will be a chance to celebrate months of progress on my self-care challenge. You have to remember to create opportunities to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments. My boyfriend's birthday is the day before mine so it will be a joint birthday party and celebration for both of us. 

Self-care is important to remember because without it, it's hard to appreciate life's gifts. We can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of urban living. We shouldn't do that. We have to remember to take care of ourselves - body, mind and spirit.

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

P.S.

Celebrating yourself can include treating yourself to something beautiful like the ring above. Check out my page!

My stylist page!

Networking + Girl Bosses Mixer

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of joining Cotten Kandi Media company, as the host, for their Girl Bosses Networking event. 

@epiphanykendell @mieks_summerdove @cottenkandimedia @beautifulket

The event was absolutely amazing and inspiring.

Four millennial women shared career and life advice with attendees, while I served as host. We discussed the different industries our speakers represent and heard tips about how to be successful. It was a beautiful event because all of us were so supportive, knowledgeable and willing to share with others.

There were moments when I had to stop and reflect on the strength and power that was in the room. Between the speakers and our audience, we successfully created a safe space where everyone felt comfortable being vulnerable and supporting each other. As women of color in professional industries, the ability to do this is so important because oftentimes, women struggle to find these spaces in their work life.

Of course some companies and industries are better than others, but with this event, we wanted to show young women that the support is there. We also stressed the importance and benefits of networking. Hearing "networking" can be intimidating for some, but really, networking is simply intentional communication. Networking is attending events like the Girl Bosses event and connecting with someone in your field. It doesn't have to be super serious or formal. If you're nervous about how to "network" make sure you employ these three simple tips.

1. Remember their name and their relevance to you. 

A tip I learned very early in my career (maybe 13 years old) is when I collect someone's business card, I write one interesting fact about them on the back of it. When I'm doing follow-up, I send an email to the new contact and mention something we discussed. Now, as an adult and a businessowner, I make sure to include how we can collaborate. Try it!

2. Attend networking events! 

There are companies (like @thecolormeb) and people that host these events to get young people talking and engaged. Go to eventbrite.com and search for events in your area. On instagram, search the hashtags. If you're shy about speaking with people, this is a great place to start because you can search for events that will make you feel comfortable. Also, some of these events are FREE. You just have to find them.

3. Be yourself. 

Like I said previously, networking is simply intentional communication. There's no script, no formula - just do you. Talking to someone in a c-suite position or a managerial position can be scary, but they are people just like me and you. Also, if someone is not a nice person, chances are their employer wouldn't send them to recruiting or networking events, so don't worry about that. If you need help overcoming nerves, try practicing with a friend. You can also shoot me an email at cmb.nyc1@gmail.com. Happy to help!

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

Girl Bosses Networking Event

"Girl Bosses Networking Mixer"

Ms. Toni, Founder of Cotten Kandi Media, LLC

Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)

Cambria Heights, New York

Want to network with women who've inspired you? Our Girl Bosses (How She Did It): Networking Mixer will bring a panelist of women from various backgrounds in media and journalism, finance, public relations and business consulting in one room. Here's your opportunity to not only meet and mingle, but to learn from some of the women you aspire to be like.

Get your tickets here now!