When you are attending an event as couple, the person who has the tie-in to the event is the one to determine when to leave. The rule of thumb is that the time to exit and who suggests it to the host should be discussed before the event.

Also, do not depart in a herd. This means to wait and give the host space to properly say good bye. Follow these guidelines and you will always exit gracefully.

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.

Recently, a CEO had to resign because of a resume embellishment. Time and time again we hear about high ranking executives not being honest about their backgrounds, usually regarding educational degrees.

If the person is not performing and has not built relationships a company will find something to use to get rid of you. The truth always comes out. So, honesty it is always the best policy.

This is a client comment: “I could not get over what an inch or two off my sleeve or the length of my top did to make me look thinner.”

These are the five areas where an inch really does matter:

• Sleeve length
• Sleeve width
• Jacket length
• Letting out or bringing in at the waist of a top or jacket
• Adding a half-inch pad to the shoulder

So remember an inch can be a tipping point to appearing thinner instead of wider.

Asking questions is critical to understanding any issue. In order to clarify the question, always begin with the end in mind. What is it that you want to understand? And what is the message in the answer?

Too often, another question gets asked without the questioner completely digesting the previous answer. So, a key to understanding is listening to the previous answer.

Seek to understand then to be understood.

The definition of harmony: “Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony. 2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole.”

Irene Rosenberg, CEO of Kraft Foods, who was recently recognized for her leadership, spoke about harmony. Everyone is always talking about balance. Sometimes balance does not bring the results you want. Harmony does not necessarily mean balance. However, it does connote a sense of calmness and stability in the situation.

You can’t always have balance but you can strive for harmony in any circumstance.

Recently I was asked to host a webinar on Building Your Brand. Those who have hosted know it can be extremely challenging if you are accustomed to audience interaction. Most webinars will have some participation when the audience sends in questions which helps keep the energy up.
In this particular one there was a dry run which I encourage everyone to have to work out any problems. Practice also helps to develop a relationship with the person or persons responsible for your introduction and managing the technical side of the webinar.

Here are some tips to help manage a successful event as the presenter:

Do:
• Have a practice before the event to talk thru the program.
• Be sure to work out some guidelines with the folks managing the technical side.
• Time the presentation. On air time allotment is pretty unforgiving. If you run over it, folks will be cut off.
• Let the audience know how you will be answering the questions either during or after the talk.
• Answer questions with a positive spin.

Don’t
• Stop your presentation if the visuals are not working. Paint the picture in words.
• Send heavy graphics on your PowerPoint without checking with a technical person first.
• Answer questions not related to the topic. Give the audience another method to contact you with off-subject issues.
• Perform a monologue. Be sure your handouts give the audience a way to participate (quizzes work well).

These tips will help keep the audience engaged and minimize technical problems.

These are the common clothing mistakes that add weight to women.
 
Avoid:
• Pleats on pants, they will add inches to your stomach. 
• Ruffles anywhere because they add volume.
• Bulky fabrics. Chose closely knitted fabrics, instead.
• Wide horizontal stripes – they will make you look wide!
• Wide belts – thin ones are better.
• Raglan sleeves – they will make you look like a football player.

Follow these tips when deciding on your new clothing choices and you will be removing weight from your body shape.

Have you ever selected clothing items because you like the color or the style on the hanger but when you put the clothing on, it does not fit or it makes you look bigger than you are?

Here are some wardrobe tips to enhance your body:

• Top heavy – like a stalk of broccoli. Good choices: tailored jackets and V-neck tops will slim you. Bad choices: fussy tops and big prints.

• Middle heavy –like the cauliflower. Good choices: Wrap style dresses and blouses (blouses ending below your stomach). Bad choices: Short jackets. Stay away from anything that will draw attention to your waist.

• Bottom heavy- like the turnip. Good choices: A-line skirts and maxi style dresses (that flow slightly under your bust). Bad choices: blousy tops and flowing skirts.

When you look in the mirror and the first impression you feel is that it does not look good, don’t buy it. If you are nervous about it, bring a friend who has a good eye.

The question keeps coming up for women – do I have to wear hose?  Of course, the answer is obvious if it is cold outside (around 40 or below), wear stockings. It is when the weather gets very warm, you have nice tan legs and they do not look too fleshy that you can opt not to wear hose.  However, if you are making a major presentation and wearing a skirt, hose would be more appropriate.