I’m Annoyed Writing This Blog…

I’m Annoyed Writing This Blog…
I was recently searching for a picture to accompany the blog post “Mind Your Own Business” which is about focusing on your job tasks and not interfering with colleagues’ roles and responsibilities. I went to a popular stock photography website and based on the content of the blog, I simply entered the search term “annoying.” Guess what popped up. I very well could have searched for “annoying woman” or “nagging girlfriend/wife” or “neurotic mother” because the vast majority of photos were of ... Read more
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Curb Your Enthusiasm

The following is an excerpt from the forthcoming book, 100 Ways to Start Smart and Stay Ahead in Your Career. Many of us have heard about Pollyanna, the little girl who always saw a silver lining for every situation, who always found something to be glad about even in dire situations. Today, the word itself is used to refer to a person who is unusually upbeat and optimistic, perhaps overly so. There is even a concept in psychology literature called the “Pollyanna Principle” ... Read more
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The Positive Side of Power

Recently, I attended a conference on women and power. It brought together 600 business women and provided a wonderful opportunity for networking and learning. The keynote address was given by Katty Kay, the anchor for BBC World News America, and was based on her recent book, The Confidence Code. Katty spoke about the differences in confidence levels between men and women and she discussed how women can gain self-confidence by taking more risks and daring to be authentic. In her book, Katty ... Read more
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Mind Your Own Business

The following is an excerpt from the forthcoming book, 100 Ways to Start Smart and Stay Ahead in Your Career. There is a fine line between being energetic and helpful and being obnoxious. Your colleagues are all adults. They have managed to conduct their professional lives for many years without you. If something is far outside of your job description, leave it alone. For instance, you don’t need to remind your coworkers about meetings, email them weather warnings, or keep them up to date ... Read more
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Put it Behind You

The following is an excerpt from the forthcoming book, 100 Ways to Start Smart and Stay Ahead in Your Career. Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can.  Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. -Ralph Waldo Emerson We all have them—bad days at work.  We don’t do our best. We say things that are stupid, or our ... Read more
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100 Ways to Start Smart

100 Ways to Start Smart
Our first book on nonprofit leadership for women, 100 Ways to Start Smart and Stay Ahead in Your Career will be available soon. It is a collection of 100 essays which provide professional advice for young women starting their careers in the nonprofit sector. Introduction Betsy Clark Women who entered the workforce during the 1970s and 1980s did not have as many choices as young women today. Some graduate programs and some occupations were almost closed to women. Each of us from that era has ... Read more
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The Book

The Book
  100 Ways to Start Smart and Get Ahead in Your Career Introduction Betsy Clark Women who entered the workforce during the 1970s and 1980s did not have as many choices as young women today. Some graduate programs and some occupations were almost closed to women. Each of us from that era has memories of fighting sexism and inequality in the workplace. I can recall a professor who told me I “worked under too many handicaps” to get a doctorate. When I asked what they were, he ... Read more
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Contact Us

Contact Us
Call Us:                       408.753.SSCC (7722) Email Elizabeth:   Elizabeth.Hoffler@startsmartcareercenter.org Email Betsy:           Elizabeth.Clark@startsmartcareercenter.org Read more
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Mentoring Matters

Mentoring Matters
Start Smart Career Center is offering our free e-book, “Mentoring Matters” to individuals who are interested in learning about all aspects of the mentoring process including how they can seek a mentor, how they can enhance their own skills as a mentor, and how to strengthen a mentoring relationship. Simply visit our homepage and sign up for Start Smart Career Center email updates at the top of the page. You will receive your free e-book today.  How important is it to have a mentor? Is it ... Read more
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About S2C2

About S2C2
Start Smart Career Center (S2C2) helps women navigate their nonprofit careers and thrive as leaders in the workplace. Start Smart Career Center was born out of the relationship between Betsy Clark, an experienced nonprofit CEO and Elizabeth Hoffler, a millenial professional leader. Over the past decade, Betsy and Elizabeth have been co-workers and co-thinkers, depending on one another for advice, feedback, and insight into their different perspectives. The two women realized how invaluable ... Read more
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