Archived Tips 2008
January 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
“Single hand’s turn given heartily to the world’s great work helps one amazingly with one’s own small tasks.”
Louise May Alcott 1832-1880
American Novelist
Organization Tip:
Question: What is appropriate attire for our managers who will be doing business in China?
Answer: Conservative professional clothing is the standard for business wear in China.
Tip for Men:
Question: What can I substitute for jeans that will be just as comfortable?
Answer: Nordstrom’s Smartcare flat front pants are very comfortable for a professional business casual image.
Tip for Women:
Question: How can I determine whether or not my jackets are still in style?
Answer: Today’s women’s jackets have shoulders that fit closer to the body. Big shoulder pads are out. If there are any pads, they are very small. The shoulder shape of some jackets can be modified for an updated look.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: What is the most important to be aware of when communicating with people in China?
Answer: Make sure the person never loses face in your dialogs with them.
Personal Images in the News
Anna was the etiquette expert discussing appropriate Holiday Tipping on Chicago Fox’s December 11th edition of Good Day.
February 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
“You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.”
Martha Graham
Organization Tip:
Question: Jeans continue to be an issue on casual Fridays. How can folks wear them so they have a professional image?
Answer: Jeans must be in mint condition which means they should be dry cleaned so they hold their shape. They must be worn with leather shoes – not gym shoes and an oxford shirt for men and for women a sweater set.
Tip for Men:
Question: Why should I purchase a tuxedo if I can rent one?
Answer: When you are renting a tuxedo you run the risk of not having a good fit. Purchasing your own you will have fitted to you. It will look 100% more elegant than renting one that has had many wears.
Tip for Women:
Question: What would you recommend I wear on days I don’t see clients?
Answer: The question I would answer every morning when you are getting dressed would I be appropriately dressed if I have to see clients today or if I am called into the CEO’s office? If what you wear answers this question then what you are wearing is appropriate for days you don’t see clients.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: How do you handle yourself if you are with two colleagues who begin arguing?
Answer: If you can excuse yourself or it is not possible remain quiet and do not take sides.
Personal Images in the News
Anna was featured in Crain’s Chicago Business January 14th issue “An Image Maker That Fits.”
March 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
“Brilliance is one part talent, two parts wisdom and three parts passion.”
Margaret Mitchell
Organization Tip:
Question: How can we help our account managers become more comfortable and effective when making presentations to groups? These folks do well in one-on-one situations.
Answer: Confidence in public speaking comes with practice. It also helps to do some deep breathing prior to giving the talk and to meet some of the audience members in advance so the presenters can feel like they are talking to one person. Video taping the presenters so they can see themselves will make them aware of any nervous habits they have so they can eliminate them. Joining Toastmaster International will help your account managers advance their speaking skills.
Tip for Men:
Question: Should tuxedo shoes be a patent leather slip-on style?
Answer: The classic tuxedo shoe you describe is a must for very formal events. For less formal events, some men prefer to wear a high gloss tie or slip-on shoe as an alternative.
Tip for Women:
Question: Is long hair appropriate for women over age 40 working in business?
Answer: The issue is not so much length, but how it is worn. Hair should not be a person’s main focus point. As a general rule, shoulder length hair is the most flattering and classic look.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: What should I say when people stop by my office and interrupt me while I’m working?
Answer: Have a short greeting and ask, how can I help you? You then can determine either to take care of it immediately or schedule a time for further discussion.
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Body language is a silent language. Sitting up straight shows attention and gives respect to the persons you are speaking to. Slouching is sloppy and lacks respect to those around you.
April 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
“Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one’s level of aspiration and expectation.” Jack Nicklaus – Champion Golfer
Organization Tip:
Question: Should our account managers change their voice mail welcome daily?
Answer: Yes, especially if they are often out of the office. Account managers can help clients feel connected to them by using their voice mail greeting to inform clients of their schedule for the week. Typically, it would say, “This is (name) _______ and this is the week of _________. I am sorry I missed your call. I am either on the phone or away from the office with clients until _________(day/date).” Your voice mail should also ask callers to leave a message and inform them as to how to get a hold of you if this is an emergency.
Tip for Men:
Question: Can you recommend a tee shirt that is not too heavy to wear under a shirt?
Answer: Calvin Klein makes a great light weight stretch cotton tee shirt that fits nicely under a shirt, adds smoothness, and eliminates that bulky, bunched up look.
Tip for Women: Question: What are the guidelines for choosing a hair color when dyeing my hair?
Answer: Cool or ash works best with rosy, ebony skin or blue or green eyes. Warm or golden works best with honey, olive, or brown skin or hazel eyes. Neutral tones work best if you do not fit any of these categories.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: How do I respond when someone asks me how much money I make?
Answer: With a smile, you can say, “Not enough.”
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
When someone introduces you by a wrong name, ignore it, but say your name correctly when you shake the person’s hand.
Personal Images in the News
Anna has been elected the 2009 Vice President of Certification for the Association of Image Consultants International.
May 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
“One person with passion is better than 40 that are merely interested.”
Anonymous
Organization Tip:
Question: Should corporate dress code policies have separate guidelines for men and women?
Answer: A dress code policy should include an explanation of its importance to the organization along with general guidelines for acceptable work attire. For example, if women are allowed to wear open toe shoes you must state it otherwise if you make a general statement open toe shoes are allowed then men have the same right to wear them.
Tip for Men:
Question: Are there shirts that can be worn out and not tucked in pants for casual days at work?
Answer: Sport shirts with a straight finished hem should always be worn out. I recommend you check your company dress policy to be sure they are allowed on casual days.
Tip for Women:
Question: Are dresses replacing the suit as the uniform for professional women?
Answer: Depending on the situation, the solid color shirt dress, worn with the right accessories, can take the place of the suit. The suit, however, is still the number one “uniform” for executives.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: How does “NetWeaving” work in social networking?
Answer: NetWeaving is the new way of networking. Instead of attending events to find business or resources to bring you business, NetWeaving has you attend events to help others. “How can I be of help to you?” is replacing “How can you be of help to me.”
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
If you are looking for a simple ice breaker when meeting a new person at a networking event, ask them if this is their first time at this event.
Personal Images in the News
Anna contributed to an article on the value of Professional Image in the US for Verslo Klase a popular business magazine published in Lithuania, in North Europe.
June 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. ~Henry Boye
Organization Tip:
Question: Our associates are bringing gifts to clients in various states. How should gifts be wrapped so as not to cause airline security to open the bags?
Answer: Pack the gifts unwrapped so security screeners can see the items without having to open the luggage. In my own travels, I was given a gift and had not had a chance to open it. Airline security personnel went through my bags and unwrapped my gift for me.
Tip for Men:
Question: How should I pack my suit in a carry on bag so that it will not wrinkle?
Answer: Pack your suit (not linen) in a dry cleaner plastic bag with tissue paper stuffed in the arms of the jacket and the arms folded across the body of the suit. Put your shoes and other heavy items on the bottom and your suit on top. Have your dry cleaners fold your shirt for you instead of putting it on a hanger. Pack the shirt on top of the suit. Take the suit out of your carry on and hang it up immediately when you get to the hotel.
Tip for Women:
Question: What type of bottles are the best for keeping liquid gel and moisturizer when flying?
Answer: Nalgene bottles sold at Container Store are the best. The store currently is having a sale on a 3-1-1 bag that includes the allowable size bottles for carrying liquids on the plane with you. Check www.tsa.gov. to see the official guidelines for this.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: How should I handle a chatty passenger sitting next to me on the plane without being too be rude?
Answer: Always have a book with you for just such occasions. Wait until your chatty seatmate takes a breath, and then tell them you do not mean to be rude, but you need to finish your book so you can loan it to a business associate who is anxiously awaiting it.
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Travel today is very difficult, with flights being cancelled on a regular basis. Staying calm and being respectful to the gate agents is the key to professional presence.
Personal Images in the News
Anna received the prestigious AICI 2008 Award of Excellence at the AICI Annual conference in May. She was nominated by her colleagues for her commitment to strengthening the professionalism of the image field.
July 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen. Frank Lloyd Wright
Organization Tip:
Question: What should we suggest our employees wear to outdoor business social events where they will mingle with customers and/or senior management?
Answer: Provide general guidelines, such as clothing should be in good condition, and be specific about what not to wear. Say NO to weekend wear, clothing that is too revealing or too tight, and jeans or shorts.
Tip for Men:
Question: Can I wear shorts and sandals to a business social event – like to baseball game?
Answer: To be on the safe side, I recommend wearing khaki slacks with a golf shirt and casual shoes. If you know shorts are the preferred dress, wear walking not jogging shorts. Avoid beach sandals or flip flops.
Tip for Women:
Question: Can I wear a sport camisole to an outdoor business social sporting event with customers or senior management?
Answer: You can wear a camisole, but not a sport one. The camisole must cover your midriff and not be too low cut. Always wear a shirt over it.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: When bringing a guest to a business social sporting event, do I tell them what to wear and risk being insulting, or say nothing and assume they will know what to wear?
Answer: To be on the safe side, you should always let your guest know what dress is appropriate for your event. “You can say FYI you will be most comfortable wearing _________, and these clothing items are not acceptable.
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
When you are a guest at a golf event, check in advance with the golf club about any dress guidelines. You do not want to embarrass your host. If you are staying for dinner, ask your host if you need to bring a set of clothing to dine in.
Personal Images in the News
Anna is the image expert for an article for the August issue of Realtor Magazine on how realtors refresh their wardrobe and at the same time dress to engage and promote their credibility with their customers.
August 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
Organization Tip:
Question: Our new account managers are beginning to travel with only a carry on bag, restricting them to one set of clothes. How can they keep them stain free when they cannot have tem professionally cleaned while on the road.
Answer: Always pack Tide to Go to treat stains like chocolate sauce, tomato juice, ketchup, grape juice, coffee, wine and tea. Also take a travel pack of Wet Ones, antibacterial hand and face wipes that can often remove sticky residue on clothing. Both items can be carried on planes without violating any security rules.
Tip for Men:
Question: What is most effective for spot cleaning a tie on the road or is it better to leave it untreated until it can be dry cleaned?
Answer: To absorb grease spots, sprinkle on baking powder or baby powder and let it sit for as long as you can before shaking off the excess powder. All other stains I would leave for the cleaners.
Tip for Women:
Question: I have a formal gown that needs cleaning. Can I take it to any cleaners?
Answer: Use Google to search for dry cleaners in your area that specialize in cleaning formal wear. One of the best in Chicago is Gibson’s Dry Cleaners at 3447 North Southport Avenue (phone#: 773.248.0937). They will even pickup and deliver your gown. If you have a favorite dry cleaners, ask about their formal wear service and ask to see one of the gowns they have cleaned.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: Should I tell someone they have a spot on their shirt right before they are about to make a presentation?
Answer: You should only tell the person if you can help remove the spot or they can put on a new shirt. Always carry Tide to Go; it will take out most spots almost immediately.;
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
If you notice that one of your dining companions has food in his or her teeth, tell them so in a whisper so no one else can hear. If you are not sitting next to this person, you may call the waiter or waitress over and whisper in their ear the message you want them to whisper to the person.
Personal Images in the News
Anna was the image expert for an article for Star magazine on how Britney Spears can improve the way people see her and reshape her image.
September 2008 Image and Communication Tips for Success
He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times. Johanna von Schiller, Playwright.
Organization Tip:
Question: How can we help our more reserved employees enjoy greater success networking at business social events when they don’t know anyone?
Answer: Have them ask the host if they can be of help, and let him know that participating in this type of event is new to them. The host will know which guests to introduce them to.
Man: Question: As a single man, is it appropriate for me to bring a guest to an event which most employees are attending with their spouses?
Answer: Yes, but I recommend you bring someone with whom you have a fairly close relationship so you will be able to bring them up to date on events and if personal questions maybe asked to your guest.
Tip for Women:
Question: How long should I stay at a business social client event when I go alone?
Answer: If it is a cocktail networking event, plan to mingle for half the time specified for the event duration. For a dinner event, I recommend you stay through dinner and excuse yourself when the first couple leaves.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: Is it appropriate to attend a black tie event alone?
Answer: If it is a business social event on a weekday evening it is more acceptable then on a Saturday night when it is more social. Arrange to sit at a table where there may be other singles.
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Perle Mesta, a great Washington hostess secret of success is in the greetings and good-byes. When a guest arrives say, “At last you are here!” and when they leave, “I am sorry you have to leave so soon!” Focusing on others and not yourself is the secret.
Personal Images in the News
Anna was the image expert for an article discussing whether plastic surgery is a common practice in today’s business environment. The article appeared in the Rockford Illinois Star Register.
October 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
Be courageous. It’s one of the only places left uncrowded. Anita Roddick
Organization Tip:
Question: What guidelines should we give our folks for participating in a meeting via conference call?
Answer: To reduce excess noise, keep phone on mute when not speaking. Try to avoid using speaker phone; if you can’t, ask permission to use it. Never interrupt the speaker. When he or she is finished, ask for permission to speak. If the call involves more than three people, say your name before speaking and ask if everyone can hear you.
Man
Question: Is it important to change my voicemail greeting every week?
Answer: Yes, a voicemail greeting should inform callers about your schedule for the week. This makes them feel important and connected to you. Always provide an alternative number callers can use if they cannot reach you directly. This is critical if a client needs to get a hold of you immediately.
Tip for Women:
Question: I have a strong accent. Is it appropriate to have someone else record my voicemail greeting so it is easier to understand?
Answer: Yes, it will have a more professional effect.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: My name is difficult to pronounce. How can I make it easier for callers?
Answer: Pronounce your name slowly and clearly when leaving a voice mail greeting. If this doesn’t help, you may want to consider using a nickname on your business card and in your voicemail greeting.
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Good phone etiquette. Always ask the caller if it is a good time for them to talk before you begin your phone call.
Personal Images in the News
Anna has finalized an agreement with McGraw-Hill for her Business Image and Communication book to be published in August 2009.
November 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one’s level of aspiration and expectation. Jack Nicklaus, b. 1940
Organization Tip:
Question: We want to establish some business social etiquette guidelines for our account managers in attending client holiday parties. What are three main things we should highlight for them?
Answer: Three main things to remember at client holiday parties, one it is to socialize and build relationships, when liquor is served, no more than two drinks or glasses of wine and no controversial subjects in making small talks.
Man: How should I handle a client when they want to discuss a business problem during a holiday party?
Question: Ask to continue the conversation either on the phone or set up a meeting at the office. Do not dismissed the client ask to discuss it at another time.
Tip for Women:
Question: In accepting an invitation to a holiday gala, may I bring my sister if I do not have male friend to bring or should I go alone?
Answer: It would depend on the host and the individuals you will be sitting with at the table. If the group is not of all couples but a mix and you are very familiar with them bringing your sister as your guest would be appropriate.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: What is a good gift to bring to host when being entertained at restaurant during the holidays?
Answer: It would be best to send a thank you note and a gift after the party so the host would not have worry about transporting it home..
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Holiday greeting on your voice mail should be kept simple example “Wishing you a safe holiday.” This may be added to your voice mail after December 5th.
Personal Images in the News
Anna spoke on “Fateful Female Faux Pas” at the W.Net Designer Boot Camp Career Development & Leadership Summit. W. Net is dedicated to empowering women in electronic transactions industry.
December 2008
Image and Communication Tips for Success
Action may not always bring happiness, but there is not happiness without action. Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), British Prime Minister and writer
Organization Tip:
Question: Is it appropriate for our employees to make a thank you toast when a guest at a client’s company party? If so, when?
Answer: Making a toast is an elegant way to thank the host. It is usually made after the host makes a toast. If more than one employee is in attendance, the toast should be made by either the most senior company member or the employee directly responsible for the client.
Tip for a Man:
Question: When entertaining a client for the holidays, should I invite him or her to bring their spouse or a guest?
Answer: When entertaining on a weekend, you are expected to include your client’s spouse or ask him or her to bring a guest. You would have your spouse or a guest accompany you. This is not necessary on a weekday, unless you know the client’s spouse.
Tip for Women:
Question: I am allergic to fish. How do I handle this when served fish at a client’s holiday party?
Answer: Wait until everyone has been served and discreetly request a substitute entrée. If one is not available, eat only the salad and vegetables, etc.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: What can I do to remember names at large holiday parties?”
Answer: It helps to remember a person’s name if you repeat it when introduced. If you still forget the person’s name, say, “I always remember a great face, but have a hard time remembering names; please tell me your name again.
Professional Insight – The Art of Business and Social Interaction® Add a personal touch to your imprinted business holiday cards by signing them yourself.
Personal Images in the News
Anna addressed “The Art of Business and Social Interaction®” at Corporate Bridges, sponsored by Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) and Northern Trust on November 18, 2008.
