I like the line in my favorite movie, Sleepless in Seattle, when Meg Ryan tells Tom Hanks, “It may not be personal to you, it was personal to me.” It is tough in today’s work environment to avoid the personal aspect of business.

Business decisions are based on facts, numbers and the bottom line. However, I do believe if you are competitive in all areas, what will always win out is the personal factor.

Do they want to have a cup of coffee with you?
Do you communicate in a manner that they understand?
Do you have the same values, energy and understanding of the bigger picture as they do?

The second page of the business section of the New York Times focuses on leadership and a selected CEO. Most often, people are drawn to the personal qualities of their leaders. Read what Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics interview in Sunday’s edition – January 24, 2010.

So, in my experience – all things being the same – whether you get the job, are the person they want on the team or get anointed as the next leader – it’s all personal.

Clothing can make someone look thinner or heavier. It can also be a confidence builder or a self esteem destroyer. When someone tells me they hate wearing a piece of clothing, 99% of the time it is the fit and/or feel of the garment that’s the problem.

How fabric feels against your skin is the main source of whether you feel comfortable or not in your clothes. Most of the time, unless you are allergic to wool or cotton, natural fabric will feel best.

Acrylic fabrics are problematic. They sometimes itch and definitely do not breathe. Polyester has come a long way especially if it’s blended with a natural fabric.

Following are three tips to ensure any piece of clothing you wear will boost your well being especially during a major personal or professional event.

1. It must be appropriate for the occasion.
2. It must feel comfortable (At the Golden Globes you could spot the folks who did not feel right in their outfits – they looked uncomfortable).
3. It must fit. If the apparel is too big or too snug it will not feel natural.

You clothing must showcase you. When it does, you will feel confident in all situations. In fact, you will feel like a star.

Today, we are bombarded with heavy perfumes or just bad odors. And one of the worst first impressions occurs when you meet someone and they smell offensive. Here are some tips to ensure that you smell fresh and pleasant.

One of the worst offenders are cigarette odors and food smells, It’s very hard to mask those odors but carrying fabric softener helps. You can freshen up clothes just out of storage or in cleaner bags too long, by airing them in the bathroom with the shower running or putting them in dryer with scented fabric softener.

To prevent having strange and offensive odors, don’t eat food in the car, use very light cologne, sit far away from the kitchen in restaurants and stay away from heavy smoking areas.

Another odor offender is bad breath. Always carry breath mints or mouth spray.

You want your first impression not to be spoiled by the emission of an unpleasant odor.

The New Year gives us an opportunity to make changes that could help us be more personally and professionally effective. This is the time to reflect on the positive and the not so positive things.

What almost always causes failure is that we tackle too many things while setting our expectations too high. So, I recommend selecting reasonable goals. For example, if you want avoid getting behind with projects, set a time table that provides a cushion to finish ahead of schedule. This way if you run late, you will still make the deadline.

Another example is that if you resolve to be more consistent with your networking, establish a schedule and partner with another person for support.

Remember, “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, any one can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard.

I have been always told that when you’re given a gift, it’s the thought that counts. However, what’s the best way to handle your surprise when you receive a gift and are clueless as to why the giver ever thought you would like it?

This is the appropriate time to remember it really is the thought that counts. First, smile.

Then, here a few things you might say:

• “This was so thoughtful of you.” Then quickly describe how you are going to use it.
• “I am so surprised and will think of you when I use it.”
• “I was just thinking about this and am so pleased you thought of it first for me.”

The number one thing is remember is to reach deep down and be sincere. If you cannot say anything positive – you can still smile and say, “It was so nice of you to do this.”

Of course, always say thank you!