A recent article in Men’s Health discussed ties and what they say about the wearer. It confirmed my 22 plus years of experience. I’ve seen that a tie can change a perception about presence. I’ve also noted that ties are on the rise for men in the business casual setting because they set the wearer apart from others. Following are a few guidelines about power ties and business casual ones:

The Power Ties:

• The stripe (rep) in blue, red and burgundy

• The solid tie works well with a pattern or stripe shirt

• The silver or black tie is used mainly for formal events

The Business Casual Ties:

• The print – paisley or flowers

• The plaid pattern in cotton

• The skinny knit

It is best to tie a tie before you buy it. This is so first, you can see if it will tie easily and secondly, when it is tied, you can judge that the length is long enough when it hangs. The tip of the tie should never be shorter than the top of your belt.

You should have at least eight ties in your wardrobe that you can rotate with or without wearing a suit or blazer.

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing ties and you will stand out from others.

When you smile the whole world smiles too.

• The average woman smiles 62 times per day.
• The average man smiles 8 times a day.
• 63 percent of people say they look best in photos when they are showing their teeth.
• 99.7 percent of adults say an attractive smile is an important personal asset.
• 74 percent of people say that an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for business or career success.
• 23 percent of people say they look best with their mouth closed.

Just recently I was completely surprised and completely caught off guard when given an award. In cases like this often, you hear folks either ramble on and on or go completely blank.

These are the keys to saying a few brief but impactful comments:

1. Take the time to walk up to the stage. This gives you an opportunity to collect your thoughts.

2. Share a story or a fact that will honor the award. For example, you might mention how the organization impacted you.

3. Give thanks to those responsible for you receiving the honor.

Remember these critical elements and you will always give a heartfelt, appreciative and graceful speech.

Men’s fashions used to change every eight years. Today they change annually. What has been recently happening with men’s shirts in the business casual environment is that the senior men have been moving away from polo shirts (golf style) to oxford or pin point shirts.

Golf shirts are worn on the golf course or in a very casual environment. The days when they were business casual are pretty much over.

Another shift over the last few years has been the replacement of the button down collar with the classic pinpoint dress shirt sans button-down collar. However, in the Midwest, the button down collar is very popular in certain industries. So, for men I recommend you mix up your shirt choices. Choose colored and pattern fabric button down collar shirts for casual days.

The new emphasis today for management is to find individuals who are passionate about their work. This really has always been true. In fact, you can tell the person who is passionate about their work and commitment to high standards. It comes natural to them. They are always looking for ways to innovate. 

I know that the job market is tough. And getting promoted within companies has become even tougher because of competition. This is why it is important to find the right professional fit. You want to release your passion so your job does not become work. 

How do you determine what creates the passion for you? Begin with two columns on paper. In one, write down every time you do something that resonates with you (brings you joy). In the other column log the things you do that you don’t like.

Maintain this log for awhile. You will see as you begin to review it over time that it will clearly show what you are passionate about.

A smart break in a pant leg both for women and men depends on two things: the person’s height and whether they are in a conservative or in a fashion forward environment. The break will also insure the length of the pants is not too short or too long.

In many of the magazines you will see men wearing pants where the legs puddle around the shoe. This is a fashion statement, not the traditional way to wear the slack.

For women, the trend is a light break. You can determine this with your tailor. If you are not sure if it is the right length, walk a few steps. If you see the pant waving without brushing the shoe it is too short. The right break in a pair of pants will always have the wearer appearing elegant and polished.

In today’s business climate, with unemployment at all-time high, you can run the risk of trying to be someone else. Judy Garland said it the best, “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of the second rate version of someone else.”

Begin to take inventory of what is it that you want and how you want to come across in an interview. The basics do not change. They are to engage your interviewer and be honest in your communications.

If something does not sound right, ask a question to confirm you understand what is being said. In other words, what you hear is what it means to you. Keep these things in mind and you will be a first rate version of yourself.

Many times if we could reframe a situation or picture it differently it will change perceptions. So think of reframing is having a different attitude or perspective.

This is especially important if you feel you have been treated unfairly. Recently a client was given notice that his position would not be needed. So, for a few days he walked around with an attitude like he was wronged and the organization owed him.

However, once he reframed his attitude, began to smile, say hello to people and not talk about how poorly he had been treated, he felt better and so did those around him. This also helped him when he interviewed for a position in another organization. He got hired in a more senior position and with better compensation.

It amazing how many folks do not realize how important the smile is. A smile engages those around you. It adds warmth to you and gives warmth to others. It changes the perception of who you are.

The Definition of Smile

As a verb: Form one’s features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up: “smiling faces.”

As a noun: A pleased, kind or amused facial expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed.

Remember the expression, when you are smiling the world smiles with you and when you are crying you cry alone.

Carrying personal calling cards appears to be a new practice for many. But, what should be on it? Should it be a simple card or contain a design? If you have a second career or hobby should the personal card reflect it?

A card also provides information so the recipient of the card has information on how to contact you. Miss Manner’s recent advice is that the simpler, the better. Design the card with the end in mind.

If you use the card for contact information only, you can choose a different color paper or ink to jazz it up. Of course, or you can never go wrong with black print and white stock. A quality appearance is important.

If the card reflects something you are promoting, it should contain information about the product or service. The bottom line is that a personal calling card should describe what you want the recipient to know about you.