Your Internet Presence – Part 2: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

August 28, 2012March 12, 2018Leave a comment

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Internet can be a good thing. But Bonnie Prince Harry -- who was caught literally with his pants down in photos that have resulted in massive exposure (so to speak) on the Internet this past week – has learned that the Internet can also be a very badplace. And, as the Royal Redhead’s Las Vegas photos have apparently resulted in damaged relationships, expected disciplinary action by the British Army and an anticipated dressing down (sorry) by Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales has also discovered that the Internet can have its ugly side.

Stand Up!

May 28, 2012March 12, 2018Leave a comment

Failure to Stand Could Mean a Failure to Succeed

Several years ago upon entering my daughter’s high school guidance office for an appointment, two male students and their belongings were sprawled and strewn across all the available seating. They ignored me and continued to address each other as though no one else were present. I almost asked them to remove their jackets, backpacks, books and other paraphernalia to make room for me to sit, but I was so fascinated by their behavior that I opted to wait and see if their manners would kick in. They didn’t.

Failure to stand on certain occasions can damage your brand. Just as people will remember a poor handshake, they will also recall if you failed to stand when meeting them.

Dress to Impress – Men

April 11, 2012February 19, 20181 Comment

The Professional Man’s Capsule Wardrobe Collection

"Clothes make the man,” said Mark Twain. That saying has never been truer today, with a competitive job market and the importance of looking professional. It cannot be stated too often that your wardrobe is essential to your professional appearance and career success. Your professional wardrobe can be daunting to put together. Thus, a “capsule” wardrobe, a set of clothing items and accessories that work together and can be mixed and matched, is the way to go for men, as well, and will provide variety and sophistication. When your paychecks start rolling in, you should add pieces to complete or expand your collection.

Dress to Impress – Women

April 3, 2012January 8, 20181 Comment

The Professional Woman’s Capsule Wardrobe Collection

Your wardrobe is essential to your professional appearance and career success. For the young woman starting a new job, however, compiling a professional wardrobe can be daunting. Thus, a “capsule” wardrobe, a set of clothing items and accessories that work together and can be mixed and matched, can be cost effective while providing variety, flexibility and sophistication. Once you start receiving those paychecks, you can add pieces here and there to complete or expand your collection.

The Perfect Handshake

February 27, 2012February 19, 2018Leave a comment

It's Critical to Your Career!

Your job interview, prospective client, seat on a board or membership in an organization can be won or lost on the strength of your handshake. It can put you over the top or sink your chances. While this seemingly routine and innocuous little nicety lasts only a few seconds, it will be remembered forever.

Your Most Powerful Secret Weapon

February 7, 2012March 11, 20181 Comment

One of the most iconic symbols of our time is the Smiley Face. It’s been around since the 1960s with many variations, including the ones that people draw after their signatures or the ones in email emoticons to indicate that a statement is meant in a friendly manner. But why is it that so many people know to use Smiley to indicate kindness and friendliness in the written word, yet don’t use their natural smiles in person-to-person contact?

Brand Central

January 31, 2012March 11, 2018Leave a comment

Who are you? Who do you want to be?

Question: What do Apple, Starbucks, Facebook, Amazon.com, Coke and Pepsi have in common?

Answer: They are all highly-recognizable, distinctive and wildly popular brands.

Question: What do Nelson Mandela, Hillary Clinton, The Dali Llama, Justin Bieber and Santa Claus have in common?

Answer: They are all highly-recognizable, distinctive and wildly popular brands.

What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Apple”: a sleek, highly efficient and very cool i-product? Or when you think of American Eagle do you equate it with chic, up-to-the-minute fashion? And, how about Coke, a product that’s been around a long time and has had generations to build its brand, employing a wide variety of images and messages? See how this vintage Coke commercial from the 1970s featuring teen and 20-somethings makes you feel about Coke.

What Not To Say In 2012

January 10, 2012March 11, 2018Leave a comment

Whatever. Absolutely! You know….like…just sayin’.

These top the list of the most annoying words that litter our conversations, according to a Marist Poll published last month. Students at Michigan's Lake Superior State University also published their annual New Year’s Eve List of the most overused words.

Several such lists are published every year, yet we continue to hear – as well as use -- these utterances daily. The latest polls and surveys, however, should serve as a reminder that we need to concentrate on purging these shopworn words from our vocabularies. And, most of us are guilty of using them to some degree.

Jeanne Nelson

A degree will get your foot in the door. Your soft skills will open it.

Category: First Impressions