What is it about fit? Most folks appear to be careless about it. So many times in group settings two out of five individuals are wearing clothes that fit while the other three folks are not.

The following is a list of ten fit issues most folks miss:

1. Too tight in the chest area of the jacket or shirt
2. Too big in the chest area of the jacket or shirt
3. Too big in the shoulder area (this adds 10 pounds to a person)
4. Baggy pants for both men and women
5. Length of jackets too long
6. Length of jacket too short
7. Waist of jackets too high
8. Waist of jacket too long
9. Sleeve length
10.Trouser length

Do not purchase any jackets where the chest or shoulders are too big or tight. You might think you can fix them but in many cases, any alterations will cost more than the item. An exception might be if it is a vintage or a keepsake garment.

Alterations are key to wearing a garment that fits well. It is very rare that someone can purchase an item that does not need some type of adjustment.

Depending on the area you live, the alteration can range from $30.00 to $60.00. So, you have to decide how much you want to spend on altering an item before considering  buying a new one.

Following these guidelines before you purchase an item and before you spend money altering it will help ensure you will be among the two out of five whose clothing fits well. Then, you will stand out in an elegant way.

There have been many comments about the negativity on display in the Republican race for the presidential nomination. While some commentators suggest negative advertising works, it is generally seen as a bad way to win.

Today, especially in interviews, you have to refrain from saying anything negative about a previous employer or situation. Instead, you want to speak to what you can do and what your positive qualities are.

Once you begin a negative dialog, your listeners will be wondering what negative things you will eventually say about them.

In today’s business environment, especially in a small office setting, when is casual conversation just gossip? There is a fine line between both. First, it really depends on the office culture and the intent of the individuals involved. What might be an innocent comment can become very inappropriate.
 
I like casual conversations to be non-personal and non-controversial. So, wishing someone a nice day is easy versus saying you hope the individual feels better about a personal situation.

A good example about interpretation of intent occurred recently when I asked a new person in the office where she came from. I meant it like did she live in the area. However, this person thought I was asking about her heritage.

Talking about the weather is not a bad topic to get the conversation rolling on a non-controversial note!

Brad Pit was recently interviewed. One phrase from that interview sticks out in my mind: “When you are interesting to yourself you will be interesting to others.”

Being involved in different projects and remaining constantly refreshed helps you stay connected and relevant. One tactic is to move out of your comfort zone and try something new. Folks I find the most interesting are the ones always attempting new experiences.

There was a recent segment on 60 minutes about how one can acquire charisma. This is a critical element in developing relationships and even more important in leadership.

However, there are different levels of charisma. The piece I believe is critical for leadership is that folks want to be with you. They also trust you have the best intentions for whatever is currently happening.

Here are some critical elements of charisma:

• Eye contact
• High energy
• Passion in what you believe in
• Listening skills
• Trust (you always are true to your word)

If you use practice these elements daily, you will begin to develop the charisma vital for fostering business and social relationships.

The primary purpose of business holiday parties is to celebrate and strengthen relationships. But, they can also be a gregarious time where too much information is shared and too many alcoholic beverages consumed.

Conversations at these events are best when the discussions are about current events or safe subjects like best restaurants, movies or books. Also, maintain a strict two cocktail limit.

Keeping these things in mind will help ensure the holiday parties work as positive relationship strengtheners.

Due to the economy both companies and people are being stretched to do more. In fact, in today’s workplace, more folks are putting in 60 to 80 hours a week while being paid for 40. So how do you get noticed without sounding whiny or being felt taken advantage of? 

I believe it is important to sit down with your manager and let s/he know what you are doing in an inclusive way. Start the conversation by stating that this is an update of what has been going on these past few weeks. Next, when you get your performance review, include the items you have been working on. Mention the positive impact on your group and the good effect the activities have been having on the company. Follow this advice and you will be noticed and noted as a high potential leader.

Below are the top five things that were listed in a recent workshop exercise on personal impressions:

1. Personal hygiene (grooming and body odor)
2. Facial expression (smile)
3. Positive attitude
4. Body language
5. Clothing choices

So, be sure these five points are working for you. If you do, then you will always make Your First Impression, Your Best One.

Listening skills are critical to effective and inclusive communication. So often, people interrupt before another person finishes. Today, I happened to hear an example of this. It was on a television program where one person kept interrupting the other speaker because he did not agree with him.

Instead of obtaining my support for his view, I immediately thought how rude and abusive the speaker was. In fact, I could not even listen to his comments. When someone is trying to explain a point that you do not agree with, you must listen and allow the other person to finish. If you do this, I can promise that when you do speak, the other person will believe you have listened.

And then they will listen to you.

In a recent nationally televised debate, a participant had what I call brain freeze. Unfortunately, this has damaged his credibility.

Many folks have commented that this is something that happens to everyone and I agree. It has happened to me and many seasoned speakers. When it happens, the key to limiting the damage is moving through it quickly.
 
However, when on big stage, one cannot afford to have brain freeze. Here are some key things you must to do to prevent it:

1. Prepare by reviewing key talking points at least three times.
2. Have note cards with the text written in 16 point font. Highlight critical words in yellow.
3. Repeat the question and then number the points (to give you time to remember the answer).
4. When faced with a potential brain freeze moment, breathe deep and relax. Do this and the moment will pass.

Practice these points and you will not have to worry about brain freeze, just your speech!