Work dress code is one of those imperfect sciences that will always be a bit wonky. I can't be the only one frustrated from trying to figure out the difference between business casual and semi-formal, right?You already know that I hate wearing a suit to work. So what happened when Tailor4Less, a custom tailoring company stepped in and offered to customize a shirt for me? First, let's back up a second. Years ago when I was working for VH1, I had a brief conversation with Peter Garrett, frontman of Midnight oil (You might recall the 80's at hit "Beds Are Burning"). I don't remember how the conversation came up, but I recall him telling me that the only difference between "famous" people and "regular" folks is that the stars get all of their clothing tailored. (And the frugal ones get it tailored from Asia).That's why they look so fabulous, eh?!If you visualize your own closet of clothes and identify your favorite outfit, I'm willing to bet that … [Read more...] about Work Dress Code – Try Tailored Clothes
Career Advice
Thinking Like Your Boss to Get a Promotion
There are quite a few articles out there on ‘interviewing technique’ that suggest you should put yourself in the employer’s shoes and think about what they want from a candidate, thus allowing you to provide much more attractive question responses. This article takes that concept one step further and looks at how to adopt the same principle when seeking a promotion at work.What employers want...SecurityIf you think about it, most of us desire security in our lives. We desire to own a home, have a stable relationship, and have a steady income. Employers are no different, and the more secure they can make their workforce, the more content they will be with the ‘work’ element of their lives. Employers will frequently look to promote those who demonstrate stability and don’t look like they up-sticks in search of a better opportunity once they have been given a better job title. Being at a company for a number of years obviously implies a level of … [Read more...] about Thinking Like Your Boss to Get a Promotion
10 Tips for Outstanding Customer Service
Your customers will reward you with more sales if you provide them with great customer service. Outstanding customer service combines the golden rule with simplicity. Give your customers the easiest route to what they want. Here are some ways to provide stellar customer service. 1. Provide solutions - Your customers are genuinely more interested in their own problems rather than your store's sales. When they come to your store, they are single minded. If you give your customers exactly the products for which they are looking, they will keep coming to your store. When you give them great information on their initial visit, you will become their first call for related items. 2. Don't take it for granted - Customers choose to come to your store and use your services. With the level of local and global competition, there are other vendors from where your customers can get widgets. Show your appreciation for your customer's business. When you thank the customers for their patronage, be … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Outstanding Customer Service
5 Ways to Handle Someone Hitting on You at Work
As an individual, you do not have to stand for being hit on. You don’t have to endure any sort of harassment in hopes of getting that next raise or keeping your job. Most companies have strict policies that try their best to keep relationships completely out of the workplace – where they belong. Some companies will even host seminars on just this sort of thing. Familiarize yourself, first and foremost, with how your office handles romance. Any sign of harassment is considered against company policy. Therefore, do not be afraid to put a stop to it! If you actually like the attention, be warned that getting involved in an office romance could get messy. On the other hand, many people meet their sweethearts in the office. After all, what better way to find something in common than at work? Understand the Risks: If you are actually considering dating someone in the office, there are a few things you should know. Before you start a relationship, look at the potential hazards. Are they … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Handle Someone Hitting on You at Work
Mad Men Finale: How to Mad "Men-ize" Your Office
I didn’t start watching Mad Men until the 2nd season, so I’m glad I've been able to recently catch the show from the beginning. I was all prepared to not to like the show, mainly because the 60’s portrayal of women in subservient secretary roles offends my feminist side. But, if you haven’t seen it, give it a try. I think it’s one of the best-written shows on TV.In honor of the Mad men finale, you should “Mad Men-ize” your office. Now this will be risky, as your boss and colleagues might not be amused. Here’re some tips to get you started...* Bring at least a fifth of scotch and some rocks glasses to work. Place these in your bottom desk drawer or file cabinet. Wait at least until 10:00 a.m. to have your first drink. Remember, ice is for sissies. Leave the bottle and glasses out in case a co-worker stops by.* Buy a carton of Marlboros or even better, something unfiltered. Light up and offer the pack around to your cube mates.* Try … [Read more...] about Mad Men Finale: How to Mad "Men-ize" Your Office
What if Your Parents Had a “Teacher” Conference With Your Boss?
Remember when your parents had to go to a parent/teacher conference with mean Mrs. Snyder? You just knew she was going to say terrible things about you and you’d be in SO much trouble. It was worse if your parents had worked all day, were dead tired and would rather do anything than go to the school.Jeffrey Zaslow’s Wall Street Journal article, “Acing Parent Teacher Conferences” addresses how to prepare for and approach conferences with your kid’s teachers. It made me wonder what would happen if your parents regularly met with your boss to assess how you’re doing at work. (Okay, I’m making this up and I already have a creepy feeling of dread.)It would start with a texted memo from your boss to your folks - “Please select an hour slot on my schedule to meet with me to discuss your son’s job performance.”Then the meeting might go like this. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I wanted to talk to you today because I’m concerned … [Read more...] about What if Your Parents Had a “Teacher” Conference With Your Boss?
Undereducated and Unemployed: Getting America Back on Track
America has seen a large degree of economic down turn in the past few years. Now that we are supposed to be out of the recession, the educational opportunities that are available to people are going to affect how quickly we are able to pull ourselves away from this recession. People are going to find that they need to re-educate themselves in new careers or they may need to upgrade their educations. As new job opportunities arise, we are going to need people to fill those positions and that will require a new attitude towards education. [Tuition Reimbursement Benefits: How to Get Your Employer to Pay] As the economy changes, the needs of employers change as well. In order for the labor market to keep up with the demands of the economy, it needs to re-educate potential employees. Since many employees have been unemployed for a long period of time, government will need to create incentives for re-education.There are many types of incentives that governments, educational facilities, and … [Read more...] about Undereducated and Unemployed: Getting America Back on Track
The Family Business
Keeping the “Biz” in the Family Business It’s glaringly apparent that my TV-show recording and watching indicates that I need to get a life. A new one I caught this week, “Lone Star”, was about a Texas family in the oil business. It was reminiscent of "Dallas," which for you youngsters was gorgeous rich people cheating, back-stabbing and drinking all while wearing fabulous clothes. At least “Lone Star” had several office scenes where people actually appeared to be making money to pay for those Armani suits.I grew up in a family printing business which my mother ran and she dressed up for work, but I don’t recall her wearing Donna Karan. Although my dad was a design draftsman for a local company, at one point he joined my mother’s business to help out. There were no big dramas, plotting or intrigue in the company as far as I know. The only excitement I remember was my dad bailing a drunken press operator out of jail on a Saturday … [Read more...] about The Family Business
Accepting a Counteroffer – When to Stay With Your Current Employer
You've received a job offer. It pays more than your current job. But for whatever reason, you have decided that you would prefer to stay put. You have, however, made a decision to use the offer as a bargaining chip. It's a dangerous game, and you should only engage in it if you truly can see yourself walking away and accepting the new position. Many articles on the Web make it sound like accepting a counteroffer to stay with your current employer is a kiss of death--but I'm not convinced.Yes, there was a reason you were looking to begin with (unless you were headhunted). And yes, once you reveal that you are even considering leaving your job, your "team-player" status will be in jeopardy. But truth be told, everyone considers leaving their employer at some point, and sometimes, another job offer is the ultimate bargaining chip.A wake-up call. Your experience is often what gets you hired, but the day after you start, the focus shifts to what you are going to do for the organization … [Read more...] about Accepting a Counteroffer – When to Stay With Your Current Employer
Classless Society? Aren't We All “Working Class?”
I had a very surreal experience recently related to my work life that has made me wonder about a so-called classless society. A good friend started a cleaning and concierge business, but with a full-time job, she has little time to grow her business. Since I freelance and have flexibility in my work schedule, I offered to do some marketing for her. Because this is a new venture, capital is tight and she can’t hire enough employees. So...she and I have been cleaning houses. I’ve never felt that any jobs were beneath me and I want to help out a pal, but my preference would be to not clean houses - I don’t even like to clean my own.The surreal experience happened shortly after I cleaned her best client’s home. Although I often dread attending women’s networking events, I know they are critical to developing business. So I quit writing at 5:00 p.m., foofed up to look like a grown up and went to the event. Coincidentally, the cleaning client is also a member of … [Read more...] about Classless Society? Aren't We All “Working Class?”