This is the time of the year that everything is on sale. How many items do you have in the closet that used to be the bargain of the year that you have not yet worn?

Here are some tips before you buy the savings of a lifetime item to ensure that it is truly not only a bargain but also something you will actually wear:

• Do you have at least three things in the closet that you can wear with the item?
• Is the item a staple that will provide you with multiple wears?
• Can the item be worn all year around? (Buying a great winter coat may not be practical if you live in Florida!)
• Does the item fit well? (You don’t want to have to lose 5 pounds to get into it.)

Remembering these tips will ensure the sale item you purchase is truly a bargain.

What does tilting your head say to someone? Is it saying I am agreeing with you? Or is it saying I am only pacifying you?

Tilting the head sideways can be a sign of interest in what is said or what is happening. It can also be a flirting signal suggesting, “I am interested in you!”

Tilting can indicate curiosity, uncertainty or a question, particularly if the head is thrust forward. It’s as if the person was trying to look at the subject in a different way in the hope of discovering something new.

A tilted head that is pulled back tends to indicate suspicion because the uncertainty of the tilt is combined with the defensive pulling back motion.

Understand what tilting your head can mean. (Maybe the safe thing to do is to always keep your head straight!)

The poker face sends a message that says “I don’t trust you.” I just sat in a meeting with a such an individual and tried hard to read this person’s face, body language while listening to their words.

I understand the person with the poker face is being guarded, but s/he needs to know that others are listening.

For instance, I found myself thinking, “I don’t know what this person is really trying to say.” Is that the message a poker-faced individual really wants to convey?

Here are some tips to ensure you are not the poker face:

• Look at the person you are speaking to and not thru them – engage their eyes
• Nod your head when you agree with the person
• Ask questions
• Listen intently

If you engage by using these tips, folks will walk away realizing that you want to have a relationship with them. Then, they will begin to trust you.

Men’s styles continue to change. One the major shifts is the rising popularity along with the acceptance of the different styles of men’s suits.

The European cut is once again moving into the mainstream. This mean a narrower suit lapel, closer fitting jackets and flat front style pants without cuffs.

What does this actually look like?

A great example is the difference between the look of the suits worn by FBI agents and the main character in White Collar series. It appears the younger, slimmer body wears the more European cut suit. The older man with the more robust body wears the fuller cut suit.

Here are some brands to look for to determine a style and shape of a suit for the male body:

Fuller: More traditional shape – Hart Shaffner & Marx
Fuller: Slight European shape cut- Hugo Boss
Slimmer: European shape- Joseph Abboud
Slimmer: European shape- Armani Collezioni

Does this mean if you are an older man, you cannot wear the European style suit? Absolutely not! What is more important is your body type and audience. Once you are aware of this, you will always be in style.

The Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, January 11, 2011, featured Nicolas Cage’s ever-changing hairstyles from his nearly 70 titles. They range from Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) to The Season of the Witch (2011) which is set in the 14th Century (with shoulder length hair appropriate for the times!). His hairstyles set the tone for each character he plays.

What’s fascinating today is the rapid pace of change in hairstyles for all men, not just for actors. In fact, hair has become the trendy image setter for men much as it is for women.

No longer is the traditional hairstyle the only acceptable one for men. The key, though, is for men to make sure the hairstyle remains in synch with his lifestyle, stays age appropriate and accents clothing choices. If a man can pull that off, his hairstyle will be the crowning touch around his sense of style.

It is hard to say no when we think we will disappoint folks if we don’t live up to their expectations. But it is a trust breaker when you don’t deliver what you agree too.

Of course, you can continue to say yes and hope most of the time you will be able to deliver what you promise. However, think about the times you did not deliver. A person’s word is golden.

Here are some words to use to help you say no in an inclusive manner:

• Yes, I can and by (blank date) it will happen.
• Yes, I can but I will have to postpone the other assignment if I do. Which would you prefer?
• Yes, I can and it will take me to (blank date) to complete it. Are you good with that?

You can say no by saying yes cementing the conditions that will ensure you will be able to deliver what you agree to. That way your word will always be golden.

The jacket (blazer) continues its resurgence each year among business casual attire. It still represents authority and professionalism.

Here are some nuances to be aware of when you decide how to choose your jacket and the impact you want to create with it.

Fabric:
• Tightly woven material – authoritative
• Soft knit – casual
• Nubby knit – very casual

Style:
• Notched collars- lapels or one, two or three buttons – authoritative
• Shaw collar – casual except in formal wear
• Usual collar style or collarless – neutral

Color
• Dark color – authoritative
• Light color – casual
• Bright and dramatic colors – tends be have more authoritative

Understanding these messages will help you decide how to control the “first impression” in creating the impact you desire when choosing a jacket to wear.

In today’s fast paced, ever changing business climate, competition is fierce and talent is abundant. So, who you know vs. what you know becomes more important. What do you do to set yourself apart from others?

To become known you must be seen.

This is not easy since most of us only have so many hours a day to focus on networking. And let’s face it, you cannot be out every night meeting folks. Also, trying to keep up is very time-consuming even if you do not have a day job.

To ensure you are networking properly, I suggest the following:

• Join Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Spoke to name a few of the mainstream sites
• Become published by writing articles or being quoted in a trade magazine, company newsletter or any business magazine or newspaper
• Obtain a leadership role in an organization associated with your profession

Being active in these three areas will ensure you will be seen. Remember this will take patience. In fact, becoming fully networked can take up to one year. Then you will be noted as a valued resource who everyone wants to know.

A must see movie is The King’s Speech. The main theme centers around a speech coach and therapist who works with a King (King George IV of Great Britain) to help him overcome his stammer.

What I find most motivating and inspiring about the film is the coach’s passion and drive to do what is right for the king while at the same time maintaining what he believes is the right path to success.

Being committed to do what is right in professional relationships while staying within the guidelines of not pushing too hard or too quickly is a delicate balance.

However, I believe when you are committed to do what is best, most of the time you will be successful although the result may not always be perfect. The story of the King’s Speech proves this can, indeed, be the case.

This was the topic of an article that appeared in Sunday’s New York Times Office Corner interview of Catherine Winder, President and Executive Producer of Rainmaker Entertainment, an animated production studio.

Winder was asked to comment about the critical elements of communicating as a leader. One essential is being able to succinctly sell an idea.

Here are some tips on how to successfully pitch a concept:

• Begin with the end in mind
• Focus on the big picture
• Say it in 30 to 60 seconds
• Present the concept first
• End with a deliverable
• Use the broad brush approach

Using the above as a guideline, you will be communicating as a true leader.