We all want to know the secret to being a successful business woman. While all of us at Cincy Chic are in different phases of our careers, we would like to share with you what motivates us to succeed in the business world.

Amy Storer-Scalia, CEO and Publisher of Cincy Chic, lives by the mode of "work smart, not hard," a mantra she recently learned from local author Jane Schulte who wrote the book entitled Work Smart, Not Hard. "I have instilled much of her insight into my work life. It's only been a week or two since I've been following the plan outlined in her book, but I've already noticed a difference in my drive, focus, discipline and, thus, my effectiveness, lowered stress levels and work life satisfaction," Storer-Scalia says. "I definitely suggest this book to anyone out there wishing they could clone themselves because they can't get all their work done. Schulte's book is a great alternative to cloning – trust me."

Freelance writer Liz Wu says her career secret is being organized. "Take time to plan an approach to the 20,000 things you have to do, and it will be worth it. I use an old-fashioned notepad and pen," she says.

Debbie McCurry, president and founder of W.I.N. Women's Idea Network and a corporate partner with Cincy Chic, lives by the words: "People may forget what you say, they may forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel." She says the "secret success" of any business is to have a genuine heart for helping others find success. "I believe in the Confucianism 'Wherever you go, go with all your heart,' and when I did that, W.I.N. was born," McCurry says. McCurry's favorite quote from Judy Garland is what motivates her: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

Our fashion editor Melissa Scalia says being confident goes a long way. "As a woman, I feel it's important to keep your confidence in business situations and at the same time don't lose yourself and who you are. It's okay to be kind and giving at work, while also getting your point across and sticking to it," she says. Scalia also believes that networking events are a great way to get your name out there. She recommends Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and Cincy Chic events to network with local professionals. Joining their emailing subscriptions will help you learn about a variety of social events right here in our community.

Shawnette Vaughn, our marketing intern, tries to be supportive and helpful when it comes to her work environment. She is not afraid to lend a helping hand, and if there is anything she is unsure of she will get the proper assistance and (if possible) training in order to better herself. "I make attempts to pitch in when necessary and always try to maintain a 'can-do' attitude," she says. "I also love attending company functions because there are sometimes people that you never knew worked with you, and it's a great feeling to be able to meet someone new." Vaughn is also the type of business woman who keeps her business cards handy so that she can always make connections with others and stay in contact.

To make sure she is saving more than spending the money she earns, Linda Palacios, our editorial intern and freelance writer, makes sure to keep her finances in check. "Before I pay my credit card bill each month, I take a look to see what I purchased. Those Starbucks stops and fast food runs can add up, so I see just how much I spent on purchases that were not in the 'need' category," she says. This helps Palacios see where her money is going and if she needs to make any spending adjustments. To maintain good credit (and to earn miles), Palacios uses a Continental rewards card through Chase Bank and makes sure to pay it off every month.

My career secret is a little different from other Cincy Chic staff members because I am still in school. Since I, Katie Sayers, am still trying to find the answer to the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" I have what I consider to be my secret to future career success. I have dabbled in several areas of study and fields of work to give myself a unique and diverse background. My undergraduate degree is in marketing and finance, while I am working on my masters in communication. I also have internship experience at a global corporation as well as a small business. Having a diverse background and the knowledge acquired will hopefully pay off in the long run.

While all of us at Cincy Chic have our own career secrets, one thing that we all have in common is a passion to succeed. As business women, we strive to follow our dreams and overcome the challenges we face. No matter what type of career field you are in, the greatest secret to success is being happy in what you do.

PHOTO CREDITS
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Model: Amy Storer
Location: The McAlpin

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