Every day I learn something new from my 2 year old granddaughter Lucy. Now that she has a little sister her favorite expression is "my turn". Believe me, as Grammy, I give almost every turn to Lucy, but it impresses me that she knows, and isn't afraid, to ask for it. So, I want to ask all my women business clients and YOU, are you asking, or even expecting a turn at success? If not, you've lost the passion you so innocently had at 2 years old. So, what now?

First, ask yourself what got you to where you are now in the first place. Did you apply for the position? Did you start your own business? Did you network your way into a job determined to prove you were up for the task? Did you go door-to-door campaigning for yourself and share with your constituents the reason you were the best person to vote for? Or, are you still waiting your turn as that is what you were taught to do?

For those of us, and I know there are many - mostly women, that were taught that life is fair, I want to say - LIFE IS NOT FAIR - NO ONE IS EVER GOING TO GIVE YOU WHA YOU WANT IF YOU DON'T ASK FOR IT! Men know this, but they aren't telling because things often just go their way. But, it is your turn ladies, gals, women, my sisters, but you must ask.

Since I work with many women entrepreneurs let me start here. What are you waiting for? You worked your butt off to start a business YOUR WAY and now you are waiting for - what? Applause, support, more customers, more appreciation, more press, what? It isn't going to happen unless you make it happen. You are directly responsible for the excitement in and around your business every day. It isn't enough to start a business - applause applause - you need to keep building it and working to find your share of the pie -- you'll notice I didn't say fair share of the pie! If you don't keep building your business, one way or another, you will eventually lose as people die, move, get bored and just move on. So, don't expect customers to be fair or the competition to be fair. They don't care if you think it is your turn. They believe it is their turn.

For women in business, and I work with many of you, you must demand your turn at the plate, (and don't freak out with my sports analogy - whether you like it or not your male counterparts use them every day) if you stand up for your beliefs and what you can do, you will find your way to getting the assignments you want. If you decide to wait your turn that is exactly what will happen --- you will wait! I have a client you has a terrible time with a boss who belittles her every chance he gets, but when she tells him exactly what she needs and lets him know how important his role is in her success, she gets her turn to raise the bar in her role. Don't be afraid to ask for your turn!

Finally, for all women in politics the time is most precious now as we move into the political season. The majority of the electorate, male and female, are disenchanted with politics and political people. My question is: can women change this dynamic?

Currently, on the national stage, women are being dissected ruthlessly - much more than any man has ever had to face. Will this extra scrutiny caused other women to stay away from politics? I am afraid to say YES. But, I believe that it is HER TURN to lead across all levels of government. However, women must stand together to fend off unfair scrutiny, on both sides of the political aisle, as it is in the best interest of all women. Until all women can say together: it is HER TURN to lead in the corporate office, in every business, in the university, in the hospital or medical center, in the philanthropic organization or in the political office, women may not get their turn.

So, ask yourself, as I ask myself, if a 2-year old girl knows that it is her turn why don't we as adult women understand the same?