Howto Define a Girlfriend OR The Networking Sisterhood
This poem was forwarded to me from my youngest sister Kate (a recreation superintendent in Ocean City Maryland) with no author to credit. It really struck me as a perfect take on the power of the networking sisterhood. We need to tap into the women we know to help our careers, businesses, families and personal growth! We don't have to be alone. Men have gotten the "good ole boys" network for ages...it is about time we tapped into our "sisters". 
These are my sisters and mother, I am the oldest of the four of us girls ...Kate is on the left and is the youngest (by 9 years...but who is counting!), Julie is next, then Mom, Me (check out my "on vacation" curly hair!) and Sheila.
GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE
When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best
friend. And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, you
will be shown the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your
partner and another when it's your boss!
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your parents.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, "Let's cry together,'"
another, "Let's fight together,"
another, "Let's walk away together," another..."Let's Do It!"
One friend will meet your spiritual need,
another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies,
another will be with you in your season of confusion,
another will be your clarifier,
another the wind beneathyour wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion,
on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself in front of your boss...
...those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several...... one from 6th grade, one from high school, some from the college years a couple from old jobs.
On some days she's your mother.
On some days she's your neighbor. On others she's your sisters or cousins. And on some days she's even your daughters. Whoever these women are for you...they are your critical network! In these tough times we need our networks more than ever! So to my Sisters...a big Love Ya Girls!!! And Thank You for always being there for me! Labels: getting support, girlfriends, michelle yozzo drake, networking
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Michelle Obama's DNC Speech!
Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention has people talking, and after seeing it, I can understand why. You gotta give her credit...what a fantastic speech and speaker! Michelle held that room in the palm of her hand! She knew that her role was to appeal to the women voters in the audience (both live and virtual)...the mothers, sisters and daughters and that is how she played her content and delivery. She knew she needed some female damage control...and she delivered. The immediate connection she made with the women in the audience was, "I am someone you could chat with over coffee!" The stories she told and the passionate and engaging way she told them really struck a chord. It was clear that although she was there to talk up her husband, she did so in a way that was personal and heartwarming - not cold and robotic, just spewing out facts about him. I admire how she embraced her roles as a wife, mother and daughter instead of shying away from them as so many professional women do. This woman clearly has a good idea of who she is and what role she would like to play as First Lady. It was a brilliant move (and a crowd pleaser) when she... gave props to her mother (and father), to Hillary Clinton for the "18 million cracks" she's made in the "glass ceiling", and to the generations of people who've come before us and how they paved the way, they are our role models, they've given us opportunities for success. You know, I think Michelle would really like my book! As a professional speaker, I examined her with a critical eye and found her to be an excellent speaker both charismatic and focused. She looked elegant, stylish and (most importantly for managing her image) approachable- great choice not to put on the corporate suit because it would've contrasted with her subtle message ("I am just like you"). The girl sure can tell a story: she clearly projected that her message was heartfelt and that she was passionate about it, but she didn't slip into being overly sentimental. Her words had just enough polish to be taken seriously, but enough tiny mistakes to make it personable as well . Her gestures and body language complemented her eloquence and grace. Although sometimes her pointing of the finger gave away a bit of her more aggressive side. All-in-all, I give her an A for her speech and her presentation. I particularly liked her call to action: stop doubting and start dreaming; follow your hopes instead of your fears. Call me, Michelle. We'll do lunch! Labels: kitchen to corner office, leadership, Michelle Obama, michelle yozzo drake, mother's wisdom, news, professional image, public speaking
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Who's Afraid of Public Speaking?
Well, after last week's whirlwind posting marathon during " Lipstick Leadership Week", I decided to lay low for the past few days. In the interim, I've been swamped with coaching clients who are begging me to help them with their public speaking. Apparently, that old saying about public speaking being an even greater fear than death is true! Now, I admit: even a professional speaker like me gets butterflies in her stomach before taking the stage and staring out into that sea of people. But then my adrenaline kicks in and my naturally talkative personality takes over. Unfortunately, that's not the case for most people. I've heard horror stories from clients, colleagues and friends about how they froze under the spotlights (or even speaking to a smaller group in a meeting) and tripped and stuttered their way through their presentations. My heart goes out to them. (I feel the same way when faced with a situation where math is required!) So a few days ago, I had one of those "aha" moments Oprah's always talking about: - People need help with their public speaking.- I'm a professional speaker who can also be considered something of an expert in getting over fears.Why not figure out some global way (as opposed to one-on-one coaching...there's only so much of my time to go around!) that I could help people overcome their fear of public speaking?? Eureeka! I'm now in the process of developing a fantastic new video product and loads of special bonuses to go along with it. I can't wait to unveil it, and I'm hoping to have the finishing touches put on it next week! Keep your eyes open, loyal readers, because you're going to be one of the first people I offer it out to. I'll post more details soon! Have a great weekend! Labels: career-advancement, leadership, marketing, michelle yozzo drake, overcoming fear, personal growth, products, public speaking, workplace-survival
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Lipstick Leadership: Appreciate the Beauty of Art - Barbara Taylor Bradford's Story!
"My mother had a good eye for antiques. Not that we had any, but she loved paintings, furniture and good china. For years she dragged me to country houses like Harewood House in Yorkshire. She would say to me: 'That's a Georgian piece; that's a Constable. You must always keep your eyes open.' She imbued in me a love of beautiful things. And as all of my readers know, the pages of my novels are often filled with detailed descriptions of items just like these." - Barbara Taylor Bradford, author of Being Elizabeth (due out August 19, 2008), www.BarbaraTaylorBradford.comLabels: Antiques, author, Barbara Tayor Bradford, books, inspiration, kitchen to corner office, lipstick leadership stories, michelle yozzo drake, mother's wisdom, novelist, painting, writer
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