The WATT^TM Report

 

In Case You Missed It 

Each month we'll round up a few of the most interesting reads we've found to help you stay informed. This month's picks are: 

 

Fact: Only 9 percent of profit-and-loss jobs - those that lead to the C-suite - are held by women. Read a Q&A with Carol Evans, CEO of Working Mother Media.

Quote: "The majority of the women at work today represent the first generation of women who were told they could accomplish anything they put their mind to."  Read more from author Marcia Reynolds on The Huffington Post.

 

Advice: Tips for making small talk with bigwigs by author John Baldoni 

Icons of Influence

Quick - name three of the world's most powerful women in business.

 

According to Forbes Magazine's list of the world's 100 most powerful women, being on the list isn't about celebrity or popularity; it's about influence.

 

 

Go for It: Promotion or Payraise

Yes, you can ask for a promotion or raise during a recession. But proceed carefully - and keep in mind that 48 percent of companies expect a salary freeze this year, compared with 13 percent in 2009, according to Hewitt Quarterly. For those offering raises, the 2010 average was 3.4 percent in 2009, with an expected 5 percent this year.   At the same time, organizations can't afford to lose their high performers right now. Consider these simple strategies from SmartMoney.com to increase your chances of success.   Timing. Talk with your manager after you've finished a big project or results that show how you've impacted the bottom line. Don't want until review time. Add it up. Come prepared with a list of your accomplishments and try to put a dollar amount them where possible. Negotiate. Ask for more time off, more flexibility in your work schedule or consideration for a performance-based bonus instead. Be ready for no. Ask your manager when you can revisit the issue with him or her, plus specific recommendations for reaching the next level.