DWC Guest Post: Five Biz Tips Flushed Straight from the Poker Table

Here at the Downtown Women's Club's Women's Dish blog we've been following the adventures of Annie Duke, the poker player who should have won Celebrity Apprentice.  So, when Tiffany Michelle, another female professional poker player submitted this article about what you can learn from the poker table, we thought we would share it.  And perhaps we might buff up on our poker playing skills this summer. 

Five Biz Tips Flushed Straight from the Poker Table
By Tiffany Michelle

My job definitely isn't considered the typical 9-5. Most ladies sit behind a  desk, clicking and clacking away at a keyboard while I put in my office hours by sitting at a poker table, shuffling poker chips. Our job descriptions may be different but as one of few professional poker-playing females I can identify with strong, successful women who are working in a man's world. Although, let me be honest, my peers play a card game for a living so "boys" world is probably more accurate.

RAISE YOUR HEALTH

I may not have a desk job but I can relate to sitting on my bum for hours and hours at the poker table. Having a background in massage therapy I'm very aware of my body. Be good to your back, hips, neck and arms with exercise, massage, chiropractic care, diet and office furniture that promotes good posture. When your body is happy your brain will function better.

NEVER FOLD TO THE PRESSURE

As a strong, confident, aggressive female I've come under a lot of scrutiny and criticism. I've had my accomplishments diminished, my personal character attacked and the trivial things I've said and done magnified. I think we've all had moments when adversities pile up and we just want to disappear. Alas, I have yet to find that "ESCAPE" button so I've learned to take the bad with the good and appreciate what challenges birth within me.  Reward and success taste that much sweeter when you've had to overcome
hurdles to achieve it.

CALL FOR PATIENCE

Patience... Ick. I like to take charge and make things happen! For me playing a game where I have to wait for the right cards or opportunity to present itself can be excruciating. Nonetheless, in poker the most important thing is patience. There have been countless times when I've eliminated myself from a tournament simply because I acted hastily.  Whatever your job, whatever your dilemma, be patient and in time you'll be dealt the right hand.

PLAY TO WIN

It's easy to make silly mistakes when I get lazy and discouraged at the poker tables, hand after hand, game after game. Recently I decided to get back on track. I put my mind to winning everything I entered and my results over the next month were amazing.  With determination and diligence I played my best game every time. There is no excuse for slacking off. Resist the urge to go on autopilot and play to win every time you go to work.

DON'T BLUFF YOURSELF

In the workplace, much like in the poker industry there is a lot of attention placed on the men verses women. I'm often asked what it's like to be a female in a male dominated field and what tips I can offer women when competing against men. But I've discovered that your toughest competition is sexless, it's neither man nor woman... it's yourself! We get in our own way all the time and talk ourselves out of taking risks and being awesome. It sounds cliché, but whatever your game, whomever your competition: believe in yourself, be confident, face your fears, and rise to the challenge. You'll be amazed what you can obtain. Doubt and fear will cripple you but confidence will carry you far.

Tiffany Michelle is a TV Personality/Actress, Singer/Songwriter, Professional Poker Player.  Click here for More about Tiffany Michelle

Speaking of poker, here's a little fiction gem I remember being pretty good summer reading a few years ago. - Diane K. Danielson, CEO, www.DowntownWomensClub.com.