Black MBA - Fall 2008 - (Page 46)

COVER STORY Why Didn’t I Think of That? ultimately trying to reach because they will give you all the answers you need. If you talk to them and you truly listen – if you take the time to really sit and understand, they will tell you what you need to know. BT: With today’s economy, it may be that I’ve got to choose between buying that foundation and paying a bill. What do you see happening right now? ASW: Beauty is one of those things that is unique in that it’s a small indulgence. That tube of lipstick or that powder foundation is something that makes you feel better, despite all the challenges you may have to face in everyday life. What we see often in the beauty business is that in the toughest of economic times, we actually see growth in some areas like lipstick. Just a little tube of lipstick can make a difference in your day. So when the heavy burdens of life and of the economy are weighing on you, you can still look good and feel good about yourself as you get up to conquer these challenges. I wouldn’t say we’re recession-proof, but we do have some small affordable products that hold steady in tough economic times. BT: When you look at all the different cosmetic companies that are out there that we have to select from, and with the economy being the way it is, is it a concern that people who have to make choices might go to Target or Walgreens or places of this nature and pick up products versus going to a larger department store? ASW: Certainly, consumers need to make the right choices for their own economic situation. But one thing I know about consumers that has been true no matter what brand I’ve worked on is that they will pay for quality products. So if that means they have to go to the department store to find that beauty brand that they can count on to address their unique needs, match their skin tones or offer the broadest options, that’s what they’ll do. We find our consumers are so incredibly that!” Looking at your role at Fashion Fair, you don’t want to be the one to say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” As you look at developing, what are some of the little tricks of the trade so that you’ll never have to say that? ASW: Oftentimes, we DO think of it, we just don’t have the courage to act on it. So what I would say is, when the thought comes to you, listen and act. I have seen and I even had moments myself where I thought, “Wow, that was a great idea and I wish I would have done it when I thought about it.” So when you think of it, go explore it. It may seem like the craziest idea ever, but research it because this kind of creativity is what generates breakthrough ideas that change the game. The second piece I would say for business leaders is, stay grounded in your consumers. In other words, always look outside yourself, outside your walls, outside your work group and outside your company, and stay focused on the people whom you’re C A R E E R S AT T H E I R S Ron came to the right place. Ron strives to balance work and his personal life. He also knows that there are two kinds of success — professional and personal. At the IRS, he finally found an employer that agrees. A career at the IRS is about more than just numbers. Here, we’re committed to giving our professionals the benefits and skills they need to excel – at work and at home. We figure that an important job should have important benefits. That’s why we offer flexible schedules, great insurance, continuous training, a diverse team of colleagues and job security. We also look for professionals with different backgrounds to fill positions like these: Revenue Agents work on-site with taxpayers, large corporations, small businesses, government entities, certified public accountants and attorneys to conduct tax examinations. Revenue Officers are involved in cases requiring tax research, interviews and investigations, analysis of financial statements and other important responsibilities. Criminal Investigation Special Agents protect the integrity of America’s tax system by following the movement of money to determine and provide proof of criminal activity. Be more than just a number at work. Learn more about an employer that cares about its people at www.jobs.irs.gov/print. Work-life balance. Amazing career choices. U.S. Citizenship Required | An Equal Opportunity Employer. www.jobs.irs.gov/print 46 BlackMBA • Fall 2008 •1www.nbmbaa.org 383192_Internal.indd 6/16/08 9:14:55 AM http://www.irs.gov http://www.nbmbaa.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Black MBA - Fall 2008

Black MBA - Fall 2008 Contents Online From the Chairman From the President & CEO Up Front Who is Middle Class? Life and Times of the Middle Class Modern Times CEO to CEO: Why Didn’t I Think of That? Pass it Forward 30 Years of Conference NBMBAA Board of Directors Honorary Co-Chairs Conference History Speaker Showcase Industry Theatre NBMBAA Case Competition® Scholarship Winners NBMBAA Chapter Presidents Conference 2009: New Orleans The New Face of Recruitment Part-Time is the Right Time Across the Pond On Campus Board Bound MBAs for the USA Market Reality: Good Tapping Company Resources On the Move Employer Profiles Leading Bias-Free Mentoring Matters Faith in Corporate Circles Mideast Region Steps Up its Game Collegiate Chapters All in the Family How to… International Markets Are You Happy? Survive and Thrive Striking a Balance Advertiser Index In Focus

Black MBA - Fall 2008

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