My first reaction when the new marketing director suggested that I sell myself surprised me.

“Why didn’t I think of that?” I asked.

I was being facetious. I hope.

“Because you’re not in charge of marketing and promotion,” M answered with a self-satisfied smile. She was as serious as a successful sale.

We had bonded immediately upon M’s employment as the second woman hired in a non-secretarial positon at the company.

Six months earlier, I had become the first female in the northeast office to sell outdoor advertising space.

Now, each morning when M and I arrived at 8:30, the doors of the bleak old building flew open to our new ideas, fresh enthusiasm, and bold determination to “make it” in a men’s only enclave. Continue reading →