Let me say what nobody in your mastermind group will say: That award isn't paying your bills. Neither is that speaking slot. Or that feature in someone's newsletter. Or that "Top Woman to Watch" badge you put in your email signature. And yet, you spent three weekends writing the application, two weeks following up, and a whole Saturday at the luncheon — smiling, networking, hoping that this is the thing that finally makes people take you seriously. It won't be. We Were Sold a Story Somewhere ...

I Don’t Want Your Recognition. Pay Me.