Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets), belts, shoes and watches are accessories that should enhance your style.

Proportion, appropriateness and how the individual wears them are critical to the effect. Accessories should be a style enhancer only.

A tip to determine what does not work is when the accessory becomes the topic of conversation as in: “Did you notice her red shoes or did you notice that belt buckle.” Then, the accessories may be too much. Remember that you are the center of attention. Accessories are just to polish your shine.

A recent interview with a job hunting professional noted a key element to be aware of when writing a one page resume. One is for it to pass the two minute test. This means that the reader can capture the essence of the resume in two minutes.

This two minute test is also critical when writing a one page report. Most people today have a limited time and too short of an attention span to read more than one page.

To pass the two minute test, always the state the objective, how to get there and summarize the end result. Also, make sure that “What’s in it for the reader” gets across. If the reader can absorb all that in two minutes you will have a win/win.

At a recent event Dee Dee Myers, the former press secretary for Bill Clinton, talked about being authentic as women. She mentioned how often we forsake this piece of us because we want to fit in, especially in the professional world. This is true of both genders. It is difficult, especially in this economic environment, but in the long haul you will not be happy if you’re not authentic.

So, I recommend to clients to keep a log on major and minor issues. The log will help define the important situations. Secondly, take a reading of your physical being because I believe internal instincts should never be ignored. Lastly, you can always get a dose of reality by checking with a good friend or colleague. 

By keeping these check points in mind you will not have to give up your true self. Being true to yourself will help you be your professional best.

How many times do we neglect to just say thank you to a compliment? We instead offer reasons why we don’t deserve the nice words said about ourselves. It is not being modest or humble to bring up what went wrong. What you are doing is not respecting the giver of the compliment.

So, the next time someone pays you a compliment say thank you. Tell them how much you appreciate they noticed whether the comments were about a piece of clothing or a project you were successful at.

Just say “Thank You.”

At a recent event, you could tell the high level executives from the ones who were not by what they carried. For example, I travelled with a colleague who had a bunch of papers in her hands plus some other items. Was it too much? No, because she was able to carry it in a combination purse/briefcase. I understand the trend is small purses, but if you need to bring documents, a larger one is acceptable.

Then there was another attendee with a heavy backpack (she called it her office). Avoid that. The same for the roller bag. It makes one look like an assistant instead of a professional.

Since we were at a hotel, they could have checked their bags with the bellman and picked them up later. Remember less is more.

Carrying too many bags is too much baggage!

In the movie “Father of the Bride,” Steve Martin thought he could wear a tuxedo that he had not worn for a while. I was reminded of that recently while at a formal event. At the gathering there were quite a few men who appeared to be a little too “successful” for their tuxedo.
 
Here are some tips for you to be able to tell if your tux does not fit anymore:

• The pants continue to slip past the stomach
• The tuxedo shirt splits at the button holes around the stomach
• The jacket is tight around the back and around the chest.

It is easy to get a new shirt and your pants can be let out up to 3” if they have not been altered before. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to add to the back of a tuxedo jacket without creating a visible seam.

So, if you experience any of the scenarios above, my recommendation is that it may be time for a new tuxedo. You want to look elegant – just like George Cooney!

A key component of a true executive and leader is to be able to manage time effectively. Being constantly late and rushed projects a very poor image. It indicates a lack of organizational ability.

Stephen Covey has a program called “Focus” which provides time management skills. One major tip is to plan only 75% of your day. That leaves room for dealing with the unexpected. It is understood that as you gain additional responsibilities and more prestigious titles, that time becomes more important than money.

So, when you complete what you have prioritized for the day, and no emergencies have popped up, refrain from adding more to do’s to your day. Instead, use the extra time for strategic planning.

When you can do this consistently, you will be managing your time effectively.

I was recently asked what a professional travel wardrobe is. How is it different than your everyday wardrobe?

A travel wardrobe must pack easily and basically be 80% wrinkle free. It should have multiple functionality, so that the suit or jacket worn in the day can also be worn at night.

Accessories are also critical to adding a touch of panache to your ensemble. For men, it is the shirt and tie. For women it is the blouse and jewelry.

Toiletries, especially if you have a carry on, must be within the legal guidelines.

Most of all, choose colors that easily mix and match and give you a fresh, relaxed, confident image.

Civility and being courteous is important in every aspect of our lives. Everyone is diligent most of the time. However, folks sometimes forget politeness when they are waiting in line to check out after grocery store shopping.

Here are some check-out lane do’s and don’ts:

Do:

• Remember patience
• Let someone ahead of you go first if they have one item and you have a week’s worth of groceries
• Ask questions about items prior to queuing up in the check-out lane 
• Have your credit card, check or cash handy

Don’t:

• Interrupt the cashier when they are waiting on someone else
• Check out in the 10 items or less lane when you have 15 in your cart
• Search for the 13 cents at the bottom of your purse
• Use a credit card in the cash only lane

Remember that civility is paramount, especially when you are in a rush to check out.

When you do this, in addition to doing the right thing, you will be a role model for others

Today’s job market can be grim for jobseekers. So when you are fortunate enough to receive an interview, highlight what you have done.

However, what is more important is where you want to go and why. Present a vision. Support it by describing the steps on how to get there, what you bring to it and how you will bring others there.

Passion is critical. Love what you do and use that to create the ladder to your vision.