I like to set goals at the beginning of each new year. It keeps me focused and helps me single out the real values and priorities from the things that “would be nice,” but are less important to me, or that I think I want but really are just things I was influenced to think I want. There are few…
How to Be Good at Conferences as an Introvert
I don’t usually count conference attendance among the things we typically make a point of preparing for ahead of time. We prepare for our exams, speaking engagements, and even tough conversations…but not conferences. A conference is a thing you register for, and later, show up for. But you can totally prepare for a conference! Especially if, like me, you’re an introvert…
On Privacy and Sharing
In a recent newsletter, Alexandra Franzen included a list of writing prompts, one of which went like this: “What are the parts [of your life] that nobody sees?” This question has been on my mind quite often lately. Could I actually find good writing material in the banalities of my everyday life? In the things I don’t feel compelled to…
My 2017 Values
For the third year in a row, I’m completing the Design Your 20XX workbook, a tool developed by GetBullish creator Jen Dziura for those of us who find extreme joy in advance planning. The Design Your 2017 workbook contains some updates from previous versions which I found to be thoughtful improvements as well as good fun (we should all have To-Don’t…
You Don’t Need Permission
Some things you don’t need permission to do, but here it is anyway: It’s OK to date people who ultimately aren’t right for you, as long as you’re having fun. (If it feels like a burden, shut. it. down.) On that note, it’s OK to change your mind, even after it seems the opportunity has passed. It is never too late…
Published on TheMuse: 5 Strategies Introverts Can Use to Boost Their Energy Levels When They Need it Most
Do you ever feel sapped of the energy you need to get through an important meeting at work? Or wish you could postpone that networking event because you need a chance to gather your strength and wit at home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling like this! As an introvert in the communications field, I enjoy speaking in front…
How to Stick to Your Writing Plan Under Any Circumstance
I am writing from my favorite neighborhood coffee shop. When I arrived there was one open workspace left—the lopsided table next to the window, where it’s too hot to savor a cup of coffee (iced coffee is not my thing). I was hoping to grab a seat at the bar, where it’s cooler and easier to concentrate with an elevated…
Takeaways from the Balanced Team Chicago Salon
When I was invited to attend the Balanced Team Chicago Salon, I was excited for the opportunity to bring my PR and communications perspective to a networking event I knew would be full of developers and designers. At the intimate un-conference held in Pivotal Labs’ Chicago office last month we discussed collaboration and workshopped creating, leading and working as part of…
Published on DailyWorth: Why I’m Done Being a ‘Nice Girl’
I do not plan to be a nice person this year. I’ve made a lot of friends by being friendly and uncontroversial toward everyone I meet — in short, by being nice. For a while, this worked well enough. I do not like conflict, and getting along with everyone made it easy to avoid. But it also made it hard…
Published on DailyWorth: How I Built A Business After Being Laid Off
In January 2014, I was laid off. It had been my first salaried position with benefits, and it lasted only six months. Before that was a string of unpaid internships and part-time work that allowed me to get some experience on my resume without the financial independence I craved. The salaried position had started to change all that: I moved…