UnSelling: The New Customer Experience

Chapter 7External Pulse Factors and Trends

Sheryl Sandberg's best-selling book Lean In was hard to avoid in 2013. Whether you loved it or hated it, no one seemed to be able to miss the message to women in the business world: Work hard, press for recognition and success, and don't be afraid to demand more compensation for your good work.

The Facebook bigwig was already worth an estimated $400 million, and the book only added to that success. Let's just say, whether you agree or not, the lean in philosophy sure seems to be working for her.

So in August, when Jessica Bennett, Lean In's editor/producer, posted to Facebook that she was looking for an intern, you can image it was shared like crazy online. And it was. But not for the reason you might first think.

Wanted: Lean In editorial intern, to work with our editor (me) in New York. Part-time, unpaid, must be HIGHLY organized with editorial and social chops and able to commit to a regular schedule through end of year. Design and web skills a plus! HIT ME UP. Start date ASAP.

Seeking out and expecting people to work unpaid—and to be worked hard—doesn't exactly scream the Lean In message! The post went viral. The group attempted to reshape the request, claiming to be a nonprofit group seeking a volunteer, but with word being out regarding just how much money the book and author had made, the idea of comparing herself to a nonprofit did not go over well.

Too many young workers are quick to take unpaid internships to gain experience. ...