Not Advice From Your Mom -- 10 Tips for Young Women

If you know me, you probably know that I like to give advice. 

So does my mom.  Even when you don’t want to hear it and she’s told you that a hundred times and I am an adult, and yes, I know you think I don’t wear enough blush, and

I digress.

As you might imagine, as the President and CEO of a small non-profit agency, I have lots of young women as co-workers.  At Community Partners of Dallas, we have 11 employees and numerous college and high school interns throughout the year.  These women are some of the best and brightest in the world and I’d put them up against any other team in town – they’d win in talent, creativity, work ethic, congeniality, trustworthiness, and beauty. 

CPD’s women don’t need a lot of advice.  I still give it.  I’m going to give some to you too.  Take it or leave it.

1.        Believe in something.

2.       Family comes before work.

3.       Really think before you get that tattoo and/or tongue piercing.

4.       Get a college degree.

5.       When you start working, do everything you can to make your boss’ life easier.

6.       Read for pleasure.

7.       Read the newspaper.

8.       Join the Junior League of Dallas or your local woman’s volunteer organization.

9.       When you move to a new apartment or home, invite all your neighbors over for a drop-by party.  I always did a breakfast on a Saturday from 8:30 until 10:30.  It is a cheap party without liquor.  Coffee from Starbucks, breakfast casseroles, donut holes, and OJ with cute paper plates and napkins.  You’ll be surprised how much this will help you connect.

10.   Smile and laugh.  A lot.

Advice is cheap.  Take it or leave it.

P.S.  I’d love your advice too, so comment.  Mom is on advice-break for the holiday.