Category Archives: Ask Colette Advice

Dear Colette,     A former colleague sent me a request for a recommendation on LinkedIn. However, I really don’t want to give a recommendation because in my experience, this person didn’t fulfill even the most basic requirements of his position. How do you suggest I handle this? – Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Dear Don’t Ask,…

Dear Colette,     I just started a new sales position, and I now realize I walked into a landmine. The contact management database isn’t up to date, nobody within the company is giving me straight answers, I’m left out of the loop, and the only saving grace is I get to talk with my boss…

Dear Colette,     I am starting a new job that will require me to be in the car a lot.  I saw you give your “Stress Less, Laugh More” talk and it’s really helped me take steps to do just that, so thank you! I thought you might have some specific tips to stress less…

Dear Colette,     A coworker friended me on Facebook.  I’ve seen something I wish I didn’t.  Should I speak up?  Should I talk to the person, should I tell our manager or human resources?  I don’t want to be a tattletale or a narc, but I don’t want to get in trouble, and I also…

Dear Colette,     Bottom line is I lost my job earlier this year and have yet to find a new one. Thankfully, my husband is still working, but we are having a hard time making ends meet. We were never one of those families that went overboard on holiday gifts, but my 3 children (8,…

Dear Colette,     My company thinks it’s fun to dress up on Halloween. I, on the other hand, have no interest in doing so and don’t want to. However, I’m afraid I’ll be looked at as not being a team player or harassed that day if I don’t. What should I do? – Not Into…

Dear Colette,     As a female entrepreneur who advises small business start-ups, I’m often approached at networking meetings and asked, “Can I pick your brain on something?” I’m always in an awkward position as I want to be generous and helpful, but I also want to develop new clients. To date, when I’ve provided detailed…

Dear Colette,     Since attending your seminar, I’ve been asking for what I need to be successful at work and enjoying the results. My problem is with my teenagers. I ask all the time for them to perform simple tasks around the house, and they still don’t do a thing until I yell. It’s exhausting…

Dear Colette,     I work in a private Doctor’s office and there are two of us up in the front dealing with patients on a daily basis. Due to the Doctor’s choice, we are no longer accepting certain types of insurance and need payment in full the day of service. This is clearly communicated when…