Tyra Mail! Millionaire's Secrets to Success

" Find out how to strike it rich on your own with tips from millionaire moguls, inventors and entrepreneurs.

Sara Blakely
Creator of Spanx
www.spanx.com

1. Look at a failure as an opportunity.
2. Visualize where you want to be.
3. Set goals and write them down.
4. Initially, don't tell anyone about your idea.
5. There is no such thing as a bad idea.

Russell Simmons
Founder of DefJam Records and Phat Farm
www.defjam.com
www.phatfarm.com

1. Sell things that people need and can use for a long time.
2. Freeze your ideas and go to work on it.
3. Have faith and do what you believe in.
4. Pray, meditate and look inside yourself for answers.

Kelly Blakely & Brendan Synnott
Owners of Bare Naked
www.bearnakedgranola.com

1. Get your hands dirty.
2. LOVE what you do.
3. Great execution makes you successful, NOT great ideas.
4. Focus on being the best at one or two things, not 20.
5. Be Patient.

Gavin and Joe Maloof
Owners of the Sacramento Kings
www.maloofproductions.com
www.maloofmusic.com
www.nba.com

1. There is no substitute for hard work.
2. Always return phone calls.
3. Hire people who are loyal and honest.
4. Take care of your employees.
5. Invest in yourself.

Tracy Brennan
Creator of Kalologie
www.kalologie.com

1. Do your homework.
2. Make sure you're funded enough so you don't run out of money halfway through the launch of your business.
3. If you're a stay at home mom, be prepared to juggle!
4. Don't take "no" for an answer"

Tyra Mail! 5 Ways Not to Cry at Work

"Keep the waterworks out of the office!

Crying at the office is never good for anyone's career, but let's face it, being young and female in the workplace can be a challenge. Hannah Seligson, career advice expert and author of "New Girl on the Job," shares a few of the sure-fire ways not to let your work frustrations get the best of you.

Negotiate Your Salary Ahead of Time
Finding out the guy sitting next to you makes 20% more money is sure to bring on the waterworks. And this is not uncommon -- according to a 2007 study by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, just one year out of college, women working full time already earn less than their male colleagues, even when they work in the same field. So, while you think you're too young to negotiate salary, think again! Remember, you can't get what you don't ask for. So, don't be afraid and negotiate!

Stop Making Copies!
Fetching coffee, Xeroxing, and other administrative tasks are things we all have to do at one point or another, but don't allow yourself to be pigeonholed into only playing the assistant role. Make sure you're clear in the beginning of a job what your role is within the company. That way, people know what they can and cannot ask you to do.

Don't Burn the Midnight Oil
Wearing yourself out is no way to get ahead in your career. Don't sacrifice your health, lunch or social life to run yourself into the ground. Keep in mind, working smart does not mean working the longest. Stay organized and goal-oriented. Is spell checking something 80 times really a good way to utilize your time?

Never Ask Someone, "Will You Be My Mentor?"
This question is the workplace equivalent of, "Will you be my boyfriend?" Having mentors is an important part of successfully navigating one's career, but asking someone this question point-blank will only freak them out. Instead, approach potential mentors in a more organic way. Be specific with what you want and ask something like, "Hey, can I sit down with you at some point to get your advice on a new project I'm working on?"

Think Career Instead of Job
Thinking of your job as only a 9 to 5 kind-of-a-thing will only lead to a miserable, dead-end position. Your career choice should be something that gets you excited to wake up in the morning. If you think of your long-term career as something you'd like to see yourself doing years down the road, you'll be much more likely to avoid any workplace unhappiness.

For more career tips for women who not only want to survive but THRIVE in the workplace, check out Hannah Seligson at hannahseligson.com."
{source}

Tyra Mail! Biggest Office DONT'S

" Which bad habits are keeping you from getting promoted?

It's clear that you're oh-so-talented -- both in and outside of the cubicle farm. You're always on time (usually five minutes early). Thanks to your fabulous fashion sense, you're consistently dressed to impress. And you're a networking machine when you run into uber-important execs at the water cooler. So what's keeping you from the promotion you deserve? No need to call Miss Cleo for some psychic insight into the head of your boss. We've got all the insight you need into the three little mistakes you didn't even realize you were making.

You talk like a ditz -- even though you aren't.
When you're gossiping with your gal pals, it's perfectly acceptable to talk, uh, you know, like, sooo like this. But at the office, you should cut down on the filler. It's, like, easy to let it happen. But to get ahead, you've got to talk with authority to convince your bosses that you're a super-strong woman who knows what she's talking about. Because you are -- and you do. You just might not, uh, sound like it.

You minimize your success -- even though you're amazing at what you do.
Remember when you were a wee one and someone would look at you and say, "You're so pretty." Chances are, in true cute little girl fashion, you would answer with a simple, "I know." And chances are, your mother told you that you should be modest and just say thank you instead. The corporate world doesn't work that way. You shouldn't downplay your strengths. Your boss may be too busy to see how hard you're working, so let her know. The next time you finish a project, shoot her an email and tell her you put a lot of time into it and you're incredibly proud of the outcome.

You don't take on responsibility -- even though you're capable.
It's normal to be afraid of failure. But is that caution keeping you from showing your boss how talented you are? Playing it safe might prevent you from taking difficult assignments which, when you absolutely rock them, will show higher-ups how promo-worthy you really are. Sure, it might feel scary, but we're confident in you!"

{source}

Tyra Mail! Surviving Worst-Case Work Scenarios

"When disaster strikes the workplace (i.e., you screw up), we've got your survival plan.

Fear not the wrath of "The Devil Wears Prada" boss -- everyone makes mistakes. When your boss asks for coffee, don't spin yourself into a frenzy for putting skim milk in it instead of two percent, just do some damage control. We've got plans to save your cute little butt (and your job) when you mess up big time!

You Got Caught Perusing the Job Boards
Don't try to pawn the search off on a lame excuse, like "The jobs are for my cousin!" The more professional you can be in this situation, the better. Your boss may very well talk to you to see how to improve your day-to-day experience. Or, you might get fired. While this blunder could spell doom for you at your current job, it also may be just the ammunition you need to get out and find what will truly make you happy.

You Entered the "Reply All" Death Trap
This one has become such a constant office fear that most of us channel Santa: making an e-mail list and checking it twice before sending out a message that's naughty and not so nice. If you do accidentally send a mean or embarrassing message to everyone, the only thing to do is to take the walk of shame to the injured party and beg for forgiveness. Your honesty should save you, but be extra careful -- repeat offenders won't escape unscathed.

You Spaced and Forgot to Prep for a Meeting
Fake it 'til you make it. Don't act flustered or freaked out -- and whatever you do, don't tell anyone that you sooo forgot about this meeting. Just grab a notebook, take tons of notes, nod when others talk and try to add your own thoughts when you can. This way, even if you have no idea what to say, everyone else will think that you're really engaged and on top of things."
{source}

Tyra Mail! How to use Facebook to Grab a Job

" Use this social networking site to network your way to success!

You spend so much time on Facebook as it is, why not use it to get ahead in the career world? If you're looking for a career change -- barista to stylista, for example -- or just are in need of a better position (no more mail room for you!), you can turn to some of these helpful Facebook hints to get the ball rolling.

Read Like a Resume
Wipe your cyber-slate clean and start over. Remove those pictures from Cabo and include information about what makes you such a good candidate for a job. If the idea of becoming too clean cut -- even in cyberspace -- is a bit much, create a second profile just for the purposes of networking.

Make New Friends ... But Keep the Old
Providing you left on good terms, make friends with people from your past jobs. Maybe when you left your internship, they didn't have a job opening but they do now. Or perhaps an old company has expanded, or maybe someone just knows someone who might be able to help you. In any case, don't burn bridges!

Put it Out There
Update your Facebook status to include things like "looking for an editorial assistant position." Putting what you want out there can NEVER hurt, and doing this is a good start. This works especially well in an industry where freelancing and internships are often available in an under-the-radar type of way. Maybe that first magazine you worked for went defunct, but the former editorial assistant is head writer somewhere new and can get you some assignments. Who knew Facebook was for more than stalking -- er, checking up on -- your ex? " {source}

Tyra Mail! 6 Signs of a PINK Slip

" Six signs that you might get a pink slip.

Many of us have been there, you're doing your job, thinking everything is just peachy and bam -- you're fired. Sometimes you're shocked, sometimes you can sense it -- like a bad break-up. But panicking all the livelong day at work will not do you any good. Read on for a few telltale signs that you might want to slip that awesome stapler in your fierce handbag and start perusing online job listings.

1) If your company is floundering: No matter how high up you are, you might be at risk.

2) Your boss pulls you into a rarely used office or conference room: You can start to prepare for the worst.

3) The person you report to has been laid off: If higher-ups haven't said anything to you about a promotion, you're probably the next to go.

4) You haven't been assigned new projects: If you're not being asked to undertake anything new, there's probably nothing new in your future.

5) You've been asked to copy your boss on everything: If you're asked to CC your boss on all emails, chances are, your employers are trying to establish what exactly it is that you do.

6) You're yesterday's news: You've got a brand, spanking new boss. While this isn't always a recipe for a pink slip, there is a chance that with a new boss comes a new staff. You know, out with the old and in with the new -- so unfair!"

{source}

Tyra Mail! How to Fall in Love with Your Job

" Even if you don't have your dream job.

While you might never skip your way to work, you can definitely learn to make it through the day without staring at the clock until it finally hits the blessed 5 PM mark. Even if you're only in a "pays the bills" position, make the best of it and learn to love your job for the time you spend there.

Focus on the "Can Do"
Maybe your current job doesn't call for a lot of creativity, but one day you're asked to construct an Evite for the office bowling outing -- and suddenly you've got a tiny window to showcase you're writing talents. Make it work for you! Take on all the chances you can get to pen the company headlines and memos. Finding ways to exercise your skills will not only make your days bearable, but it also might lead you on a path toward your permanent career.

Become BFF's
We all know that everything is better in groups. Perhaps your daily tasks are ho-hum, but your cube area is packed with characters worthy of Dundler-Mifflin. Making connections to people will at least let you dish gossip as you push pencils.

Keep on Top of It
While you're working for the man, there is no harm in perusing the job boards for your dream job. We're not saying that you should pine over what you aren't currently achieving -- just use your current position to hone in on the requirements these jobs call for and straighten up your skills. You might want to avoid doing this at your current job, though -- if they catch wind of this, they might think you're ready to move on right now."

{source}

Tyra Mail! How to Succeed at Work

" Take charge!

Even if you are generally okay with your job, the only way to get higher and higher up on the career ladder is to get rid of negative vibes. Start by thinking positive and you'll be climbing the corporate ladder faster than you can say "have a good day." Here are our tricks for succeeding at work.

Bend the Rules
Sometimes you need to skip protocol to move forward with something that could be your stroke of genius. If you have a killer idea, start planning it and maybe skip the discussion session your boss usually likes to have with you. If this is your moment of brilliance, no one will even notice. If not, at least your boss will respect the go-getter in you.

Take it Easy
Instead of sitting at your desk, stewing relentlessly over a screw-up, face the problem head on. Take a second and think about what damage control you can do. Creating a plan will get you out of panic mode and on to clean up duty.

It's Not You
When you get slighted at work, you know in your right mind that it's work -- and people are focused and not always considering your feelings. But that doesn't always stop you from taking it personally. If you develop a thick skin about work, it will keep you focused on what you're there to do -- work.

Respect Yourself
That being said about developing a thick skin, it's also important to develop one in order to stand up for what you want. When you feel you work has clearly shown you deserve a raise, get in there and fight for one! Don't worry about coming across like the diva.

Hang Back
Just because once in a few months you'll have no problem offering some extra time to your job doesn't mean you should volunteer every week. You look plenty committed as long as you never leave with the day's work unfinished and if your boss is in a bind, step up sometimes. But if your job begins to take away too much from the rest of your life, you'll begin to resent it and slide downhill. "

{source, bitches}

Tyra Mail! Cubicle Love

"Style a desk that lets your coworkers know what a design diva you really are!

To do your best work, you need to create an environment that encourages creativity and flow, so change things up a little! We're not talking about repainting or coming in with a ficus or other foliage -- just a few odds and ends to spruce up your surroundings. Here are a few tips from our design notebook to turn your work space into your own personal "creativity zone."

Running Theme
Pick one color and stick with it. Silver pen holder? Get a silver stapler, tape holder and so on. Sticking with one color theme will make you look neat and organized -- and will show you have a flair for style.

Minimize
Now, just because you're going with this color theme doesn't mean you now need every accessory under the sun. There is no need for a fancy desk pad or other other doodads -- just buy what you'll use.

The Extras
To show a bit of personality, you should keep some knick-knackery on your desk. If you need a pad at the ready to jot down notes, why not go for an artsy notebook instead?

Cut the Lights
Fluorescent lighting can be brutal. Why not opt for a softer desk lamp and ditch those blinding lights -- it's easy, trust us. When no one is looking, just stand up on your desk or chair for a boost and unscrew the bulbs. Mood lighting, here you come!"

{source, bitches}

Tyra Mail! Interview Me

I'm posting these for my own reference...
Yet, simultaneously, in this time of recession every one needs this information...

I'm trying my very best to stop complaining about my job scenario, and truly DO something about it. I was looking for tickets to the Tyra Show for my 23rd birthday (4/14/09) ,and came across this slew of work related advice that I certainly am in need of. I somewhat have the plan layed out...
I just need to actually buckle down and fully execute it..because, I'm truly fed up and unhappy and that's not what your life is supposed to be about when that's the place you spend the most time at during a week.
I've found a slew of articles from them, that I'm going to post 2 of per week.
Starting with interview tips....

"Do's and don't to leave a lasting impression.

You got the interview! The hard part is over, now all that's left to do is land that job. We think you're fabulous and fun, but even the best of us cramp up before an interview. Just take a deep breath and follow a few of our do's and don'ts and you'll be headed straight to the office come Monday.

Do: your research. Sometimes it might be the company you're really interested in and sometimes it's just the position -- either way, study up on what you'd be doing and where. The fastest way to look foolish in an interview is to be clueless about the position.
Don't: over-rehearse your answers. It's good to be knowledgeable about the place you're interviewing, but you don't need to rattle off the company mission statement to appear qualified. It'll just look like you've memorized the website, not that you can actually do the job.

Do: greet your interviewer by his or her title and last name (Mrs. Smith.) This is important because then it shows you've listened to all the facts about your interview. If you don't know how to pronounce the person's last name, ask the receptionist.
Don't: attempt to pronounce the person's name without checking if you're unsure. It looks much better if you cared to check rather than if you just went ahead and said whatever you thought. Also, no matter how informal the environment seems, don't call the person by their first name until instructed. If it is that casual, we're sure he or she will say, "oh just call me Jane."

Do: be positive and upbeat. It's okay to be borderline bubbly as long as you know what you're talking about. There is a curve when it comes to interviews, you're human and there's going to be a bit of nerves when it comes to these things. As long as you stay cheerful and intelligent it'll get you places.
Don't: be too aggressive. It's good to show enthusiasm, but being too intense is off-putting. Also, avoid talking negatively about your most recent employer. Of course, if asked, you can explain what is unsatisfying about that job, but don't go in to detail about your last boss who was "such a jerk." Touching controversial areas can potentially make you look like a hard to handle employee."

{source, bitches}

Wind Up Doll

I'm so tense..
Not to mention tired...
But I'm still a bad bitch...

Its when you suddenly become employed and all the habits that you became used to while UNEMPLOYED suddenly stand out.
Like, the fact that it usually takes 30 minutes to get home, and today I made it back in 13-only missing 16 minutes of the Tyra show.
Cause I'm a bad bitch...

The last few days at my new place of employment I've been swamped with work. I've been in front of a computer for so long that I wonder how I bring myself to one right now to write.
I feel as if I don't have enough time on my hands. Over these next two weeks, I'll be moving in overdrive.

I need to:
Make business cards
Get my hair/nails done
buy The Significant a birthday gift 4/4/08
take care of my own birthday planning woes-4/11-4/14/08
pay Verizon
Lose weight for 4/11
not take a lunch break at work for the extra money on my check
Fix the "Zen" of my bedroom
Get my mother back from Florida
A possible NERD casting for the video for their first single
Cook everyday while my mother is on vacation IN FLORIDA

I can't even list the amount of things to be done.
I come home. Check e-mail. Possibly write a post. Eat-occasionally. Treadmill-occasionally. Talk to Nikki (my wife) and The Significant and pass out by 10:15. If you get me at 10:26 it MUST be a good night.

I am however, getting paid. The primary function NOT happening in the last 7 months.
I feel as if I'm a wind up doll though.
I'm moving at will, but simultaneously even when exhausted I'm just going, going, going....

Hopefully a better post from me REAL soon..

Feedback 2

O....M....G.....

How did I, the biggest Tyra fan in the WORLD, miss Janet Jackson on her show?
"why are they putting flour up their nose?"


Runway walk!