I attended a lecture today at Medill at Northwestern University given by Cathie Black, president of Hearst Magazines, who discussed her new book Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life). I have not read the book yet, but took away several tips that could be applied to the freelancer/small business owner:
- Don’t take things personally: she mentioned not being invited to a meeting, but it could also be applied to: not getting a project, not hearing from a client, etc.
- Don’t hold a grudge: try not to go over situations in your head repeatedly.
- Ask for forgiveness when necessary.
- You can’t have it all, but you can have “your” all: clarifying what is right for you and your career (as opposed to pleasing others)
- Be open to change: in attitude, managerial style. Can also be applied to the type of work you do.
- Position yourself in the best possible way: she spoke about being prepared for interviews, but this can apply to client meetings, pitches, etc. One great tip: always have a pen!
- Evolve your business: she spoke about magazines/newspapers evolving, but all businesses can benefit from adapting their current offerings to a new generation of consumers, the digital age, etc.
She also spoke about a balance between work and personal life. With that in mind, most of these tips can also be applied to our lives outside of work.
