ow can you update a professional image and wardrobe with limited funds? To create instant impact, add a new color in accessories or with makeup (for women).
Here are a few recommendations:
Women:
Wear shells, blouses, necklaces, scarfs and shoes in a fresh color. Green, coral and yellow are some of the latest ones.
Makeup: Select a new lipstick color, blush or nail polish.
Either one will update your image.
Men:
Change your shirt color or wear patterned shirts. It will add a new look to your suit.
Different ties and a belts will give a new, fresh look to a shirt and slacks.
Update your hairstyle.
To get ideas, look at In Style, men’s health magazines or clothing catalogs. You can also search the web for ideas on what is available. Make it fun!
Because we are not perfect human beings and business is so fast paced, it is easy to make a mistake. The real key is how you recover from a mistake.
It is hard to apologize and own up to a mistake, especially when the person pointing out the error act obnoxiously. However, this does not change the fact that we must apologize or admit we were wrong when that is the case.
It is best to admit you made a mistake sooner rather than later. Depending on the mistake and how it is pointed out to you, it can be done via a phone call, face to face or with an e-mail. Do not defend it and then apologize. The key is to admit it and move on. When you can do this it shows professional grace under fire.
People like smart people only when the smart person tells them they are smart. A new series called Suits on USA, showcases a hotshot Harvey Specter attorney with his new associate. The new associate, Mike Ross, is brilliant. He gets more done and is accepted better by being low key and unassuming.
Here are some tips:
• Ask the question instead of telling them what you know. This will enable them to circle back to you.
• Never say I told you so.
• Even if you know it, let them tell you the answer. Then agree with them.
Follow these simple tips and you will earn more respect and be considered inclusive instead of intrusive.
The 64 million dollar question is should business women wear pantyhose in business settings? It depends on the culture of the organization and the dress policy. If there is no dress policy, these are the guidelines for hose whether panty hose or stockings:
Do:
• Wear hose (pantyhose or nylons) in conservative business settings like a board room meeting or for presentations in a professional setting
• Choose natural color hose that is close to your skin tone
• Stay away from any suntan or fashion color hose
• Wear black sheer hose when wearing a black skirt or dress
• Wear patterned or fish net hose for evening events
Don’t:
• Wear white hose
• Wear hose with open toe shoes or sandals
• Wear opaque hose in a warm weather climate
• Wear patterned hose with patterned skirts or dresses
If you chose not to wear hose, your legs must have a smooth appearance. A self- tanning spray will give your legs a finished look.
Ten years ago, it was a mandate for all women in business settings to wear hose with a skirt or dress. However, since then it has changed dramatically. But you still do not want to spoil your look with bare, unfinished legs.
Handbags have been essential to fashion history ever since people have had something precious to carry around with them. Over time, only the items in the bag have changed.
The first handbag in Fourteenth Century Egyptian hieroglyphs show pouches carried around the waist. Bags were attached to what were called “girdles” which were fastened to the waist. Embroidery and jewels adorned these pieces and were used to show status – the richer the person, the more elaborate the bag.
Today, the younger women are carrying smaller purses (wristlets) and the older women are carrying larger and more elaborate handbags. Designers have even caught on that the handbag is back. They are designing them in different colors.
For example, Louie Vuitton bags used to be available in shades of brown and with camel leather. Now, they come in all colors and shapes. Women are using the handbag to make a statement.
However, always keep in mind that the person makes the statement, not the bag.
How short should shorts be and how long should one wear their hair?
It continues to amaze me how some do not consider their age or size and think they look cool while what’s going through the mind of an observer is “What were you thinking?”
For example, at a recent business event I attended, a person over 40 was wearing very short shorts. Plus, her hair (white) was down to the middle of her back. It was still a business event and frankly, over a certain age, unless you look like Rachel Welch or Jennifer Aniston, don’t even think about it. This also goes for men.
It is important to keep politics, religion and social topics out of business conversations. I have two wonderful colleagues that get along very well. However, they are on opposite sides of certain issues. So, when we are together everything is good until a discussion comes up about _____________.
In order to make sure these difficult conversations do not derail your career, here are some phrases to use:
• This is a difficult subject and I have not yet formed a strong opinion
• I would like to think some more about this subject
• I have been thinking about this but still forming an opinion
• I see where you are coming from and I am still evolving
• Let’s agree to disagree
Using some of these phrases may help you answer without giving your opinion. Another recommendation might be that you can change the subject immediately. This will indicate that you do not want to talk about it.
The main idea in a business situation is that small talk should be inclusive and not intrusive. Personal opinions can only be shared with very close friends.
Don’t we all agree how annoying it can be when you are with someone and they are constantly checking their PDA or Blackberry?
Do not become one of those folks no one wants to be with because you are constantly looking at your Blackberry instead of paying attention to the person/people you are with:
Do:
Check your blackberry if you will be getting information for your party (like a dining location or transportation plans).
Turn off your Blackberry during dinner, a meeting or any social event.
Keep your Blackberry on vibrate if you are in an emergency situation.
Don’t:
Look at your Blackberry during a meeting.
Look at your Blackberry when dining.
Look at your Blackberry at the theatre or movie house.
Put your Blackberry on the table.
Don’t check your Blackberry while driving or walking down the street (you can get hurt or hurt someone else).
Follow these guidelines and you will professionally connect to those around you.
Your e-mail presence has the same impact, if not more than, a face to face meeting. I often receive e-mails without a signature or sometimes with just a first name.
I am not speaking about emails between family or close friends. This is about your professional e-mail presence.
Email basics:
The basic email signature is at the end of the communication. It lists your name, company name and phone number.
Avoid a color or patterned background because the text may be too difficult to read.
Keep the fonts simple (sans serif like Calibri or Arial is better on email) and at least 12 pts.
If you decide to use a picture – test it by emailing it to yourself. You want to make sure the image looks the same to the receiver
Using these guidelines will validate your professional e-mail presence.
In Wednesday’s Tribune, a ChicagoLandExtra article talks about TMAY developed by Wayne Gru, an adjunct professor at Robert Morris University. He uses this technique to help students talk about themselves. They write a script containing personal information and speak it out loud several times in a conversational manner.
This helps the students present themselves in a more confident manner when meeting new people. This exercise is critical for everyone when networking and especially when interviewing for a job or presenting in front of a group.
The main key for most adults is to recognize that we need several scripts to exude confidence for the appropriate audience. Practice and keep notes on how effective each TMAY is for your different audiences. It will increase your confidence.
