Are you race ready? This week, my strategic brain was in high gear. I am a triathlete. This Sunday is my final, my big, race of the season, The Chicago Triathlon — .93 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run. My goal is to finish in under three hours and fifteen minutes. I’ve trained for months; I’ve done visualization; and I’ve created a strategic race plan.

When speaking of branding, Callosum has two brands — the company brand and the brand of the owner, myself, Clare Hefferren. Each brand feeds off the other and align for the same strategic goals.

• Callosum “races” with groups to show up to the big race (meeting, presentation, launch) consistently, polished, and memorable.
• Clare races triathlons. She carries the spirit of consistency (endurance athlete), polish (suited stylish) and is memorable (known as the team cheerleader even as she races).

What’s your race today? Do you have a strategic plan?

I attended a workshop this week, Effective & Realistic Marketing Strategies for WBEs, held by the Women’s Business Development Center featuring excellent speaker, Julia Hubbel.

My favorite moment? “Clarity is power.” Recall the childhood game “telephone”. Whisper a statement in one ear and pass it on through ten sets of ears.  What comes out the other end is rarely the same. Apply this to networking. In a digital age, we no longer have 30-seconds for an elevator speech. We have SEVEN. Can you get your point across concisely, clearly with POW in three to five words? Terrific for the one person in front of you. Now consider how many people must s/he pass your info along to? Imagine your five words entering the telephone game as your contact shares your information with five unique departments colleagues. Is clarity is still there?

At a business networking event with social media focus, panelists were asked to share a sing important tip on how to build your personal brand. Among the standard tips, self-pronounced techie, Jean Pickering, shared she prefers dark corners and behind the scenes work (natural for social networking). Her tip “Get out there and IRL.” I.R.L. = In Real Life networking. You can build an online community or empire, but if when you step in the door no one recognizes you, you are a stranger in your own community. Well said. Social media/networking is a powerful tool. Quality face time is the cement to relationship building.

Seems I’m not the only one craving human contact these days. Step inside the personal life of busy single professionals and you’ll likely find frustration on the dating front. Online dating has solved the need for 24/7 “shopping” but it’s also decreased the spark that may exist in locking eyes with a stranger. The more we plug in the more we  check out. Cheek’d senses the frustration and strives to bridge human contact and the technology world. Regardless of your style, it bodes well to the Callosum personal branding philosophy – make a solid impression and the next step is hard to resist. Curious, see what the NYT has to say about it.

non-verbal cues tip | Today I attended a panel discussion on building effective sales teams. Layering the solid deck of tools and technique suggestions, the most memorable question I heard was, “When do you think the world changed in terms of valuing relationships?” A panelist, Rick Mazursky, answered, “When voicemail was invented.” Zap. Wow. Pow! Today with many options for communicating (face to face, voicemail, email, text, instant message), which do you think is most effective? When interacting, effective communication is based on 7% word, 33% tone, 60% non-verbal cues. Increase your results by increasing choosing your communication method wisely.

leadership development tip | Last Friday I attended a Step Up Women’s Network professional development power breakfast. Nancy Ruscheinski, President & COO of Edelman US, spoke on “How to Ignite Creative Thinking”. Of many ideas shared, a week later I am still talking about Rotnem. Rotnem (mentor spelled backwards) is a reverse mentorship program Edelman rolled out to its staff – matching a 20-something to a mentor a 40/50-something. How cool! Consider… what can you learn from the younger generations? Not only does it keep you up to date, it also builds relationships that may not have otherwise existed. Empower the younger generations by creating a space for them to lead.

business etiquette tip | We’ve all experienced the ‘dead fish’ or ‘death grip’ handshake. Another version of an ineffective handshake is a ‘power struggle’. Shaker approaches with palm facing down – parallel to ground. This is a sign of dominance and an attempt to establish power in the relationship. Just the opposite, a hand extended with palm up exhibits submission. How to respond? Create a level playing field by clasping shaker with palm securely into web of hand and then gently turn the grouped hand vertical. Non-verbal cues convey a lot about you. What does your handshake say?

A recent Green Peak Partners study, in collaboration with Cornell University, shows bullying traits (arrogance, overly direct, impatience, stubbornness) in the workplace are an attempt to mask incompetence and strategic intellect. Driving for results at all costs will result in ineffective leadership. A better solution? An intelligent leader builds self awareness and hires competent team members to support the weaknesses. Read complete study.

Creating the Exceptional Client Experience | July 14, 2010. 1-day open-enrollment workshop designed for client-facing staff of accounting, law and consulting firms. Each and every time your associates come in contact with clients, an opportunity exists to build relationships and loyalty, promote your firm’s brand message, and identify additional client challenges and revenue opportunities. Capitalizing on these opportunities occurs only when your front-line personnel are prepared internally and externally to engage with your clients. [A joint-venture of Inspiring Leadership Partners and Callosum Creative.] To view details and register click here.

client relations tip: A recent run-in with lousy customer service reinforced the idea that internal branding is the key component to building customer loyalty. When customers and clients look for a brand or product, they have a plethora of options to choose from. You must set your brand apart from others.  An initial investment in proper customer service etiquette for your staff can help ensure repeat clientele. You have invested so much in building the brand; make sure your staff can properly execute it.

etiquette tip: How many times have you been on an important phone call and suddenly realized you’re talking to yourself? Dropped calls are a modern day epidemic. What is the proper call back etiquette? The person that initiated the phone call should be the one to call back. Avoid the dueling “I must have been calling you while you were calling me” conversation. If you’re the recipient, just hold tight and remember who made the call.

wardrobe tip: Tattoos and body piercings are becoming widely accepted, especially among younger cultures. Even though the body modification trend is on the rise, there are inappropriate times to flaunt your ink. In professional settings, it’s best to keep tattoos covered and remove non-traditional piercings. The dancing lady you got tattooed on your arm during “that infamous Spring Break” might send the wrong message. Not only can tattoos make you seem a bit rebellious they may be offensive to others.

speaking skill tip: We’re constantly rushing to meetings, making phone calls and checking emails. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves talking to machines. To leave a positive impression use your normal tone of voice, talk slowly, annunciate, and leave your name and number twice. Briefly explain your reason for calling so recipient may prioritize message. If the call is urgent, say so, but don’t cry wolf. Your goal is to leave a concise message that reflects your personal style.

business etiquette tip: Join me for dinner? Company, client and associate dinners are a common in today’s business world. Everything from the drinks you order to how you handle the check can gain or lose you a potential client or employee. When you are the invited party, your order represents a level of respect and personality. Avoid expensive items or look unappreciative. Avoid excessive alcohol or risk presumptive irresponsibility. Who pays the check? While the invitee should offer to pay, the inviter traditionally covers the cost. It’s dining disposition and  it’s your personal brand.

business etiquette tip: A slippery slope of casual email correspondence leaves communication less formal and consequently less professional. An outward-facing touch point, email leaves an impression with your customer/vendor. Is yours a brand asset or hinderance? Mistakes include: leaving subject line empty, incomplete footer, emoticons, unwarranted urgent flag, and long threads. While email tone may be difficult to read, using succinct words and thoughtful interaction will deliver message effectively. Risking an email landing in the wrong hands? Minimize risk of a tarnished professional image by keeping emails polished.

client event: I promised when beta boutique shuttered its retail doors they would remain close to the Callosum heart – in their pop-up events… Well this is it! Spend your budget wisely and stick to your strategic shopping list. Don’t miss this strategic shopper mecca – Jodi Arnold Spring Sample Sale. When: Sat 4/24 (10A-6P) & Sun 4/25 (12-5P). Where: 1725 N. Damen Ave. (north of north ave) What: Womens sizes 0-10 up to 80% off. Bonus: Callosum’s Clare will be on site Saturday as a stylist 10am-4pm. Details

leadership tip: I am often in awe at how quickly executives make important decisions. It is a trained art, which must be applied to oneself as well as team members. When disputes arise, an effective leader will view the situation as an opportunity. Acting quickly to slow the conversation will alleviate increasing drama. Separating emotions, while sticking to the facts, allows a leader to assess with poise, fairness and rational thinking. With resolution, the leader is praised and team mentality ensues. What pace are you leading at?

Mom says never apologize for kitchen secrets. Does this apply to speaking? Absolutely. Are you nervous? The audience may not even notice. Keep it to yourself. A graphic element or content missing? Don’t tell. Only you know the presentation. They will not even notice. Disaster strikes? Power outage? AC breakdown? Acknowledge the elephant in the room. Let the audience know you’ve done what you can to alleviate problem. Should you need help, enlist the audience to create a positive group dynamic. Then, proceed with the speech. — Sharing your secrets may diminish your credibility and solidify that you feel unprepared.

grooming tip: When considering personal image development, the pyramid is the triangular region including shoulders and head. This area receives the most attention and makes the biggest impact. The Donald – Rachel Shag – Pixie – Farrah Feather. Good (Jennifer Aniston) or bad (Donald Trump), your hair is a strong part of your image and should be current and in alignment with your lifestyle – color, cut, style and preparation time. Is your hairdo doing you justice? While fellas may prefer to keep it consistent for sake of ease, the occasional style update or new styling product will remind clients you’re vital versus vintage.

An etiquette tip: When attending an event requiring a nametag, place your name tag on your upper right shoulder area. As you newly greet an individual standard protocol is to shake right hands. Positioning your tag on the right will place it in direct eye alignment of the viewer during the shake. No more awkward zigzagging—make eye contact, shake hands, look down and across at name tag, look back up and say hello. It’s an easy step for you and eases name strain for them.

When you step away for your day-to-day life, do you show up differently? This past week I left metro Chicago for an earthy Colorado. When discussing Callosum, the corporate speak of branding lands upon blank stares. Has the model changed? No, it’s a matter of context. I am reminded my calling is to teach people to fully express themselves. Regardless of languaging used— be it personal brand, personal image, mojo, style—the goal is to discover what motivates and lights you up, then bring it to your outer style in the form of inter-personal skills. Are you fully expressed?

client event: Sharing news of our beloved client, Beta Boutique: Store Closing – Less Store, More Events.  We know our shoppers love our events, and we love them too, that is why we’ve made the executive decision…to shutter the store so we can bring our shoppers more, bigger, better and unbridled events… And we know of no better way to button up a boutique than with a HUGE sale! Starting Friday, February 19th… shop an unbelievable selection of dramatically discounted designer goods before they all go away!!

• When: Friday, 2/19 – Sunday 3/14 (regular store hours)
• Where: Beta in Bucktown – 2016 W. Concord – across from Northside
• Why: Huge savings (40-90% off retail) on dramatically discounted designer goods with new inventory and discounts weekly!

2010 Events – Save These Dates! And for the planners, click to see a listing of tantalizing 2010 events

Facial expressions change continually during conversations. Among non-verbal cues, the face conveys seven universal emotions—sadness, anger, disgust, fear, interest, surprise and happiness. While perplexing, many cultures teach the elimination of emotion and “life experience” – i.e. stiff upper lip, poker face and botox. Does the elimination of facial expression serve you? Inter-personal skills play an important role in conveying your message as well as reading your audience. Presuming integrity, you’re face will enhance your communications without uttering a word.

A business etiquette tip: Ever been in a discussion when the person you’re speaking to interrupts the conversation to answer their phone—only to tell the caller they’ll have to call them back? In our world of instant gratification, we presume it’s essential to answer immediately. False. Remember your inter-personal skills. By answering the phone you’re being rude, and likely causing frustration, to your caller and the person in front of you. Voice mail allows them to leave a message so you may call them back when you are able to talk.

wardrobe tip: Is your company uniform giving you the blues? While not intentional, mass produced logo wear is commonly cut shapeless and unflattering to many body shapes. What to do? Ask permission to have uniform altered. For example: Females are asked to wear a menswear oxford button-up shirt. Purchase shirt to fit widest area best. Tailor may alter the shirt to fit other areas in the most flattering fashion. Make the investment in one or two high-quality pieces in flattering colors and have them tailored. You’ll walk tall with confidence in your personal AND corporate brand.

client event: It’s my favorite time of the shopping year. Shop Callosum’s client, Beta Boutique’s killer sample & overstock sale for fashionable ladies and fellas. Trust me – this one is worth the trip!

What: Semi-Annual Stacked Rack Sample Sale! Womenswear and Menswear. 8000 sq ft of the best designer stock/samples and choicest boutique overstock priced at 40-90% off for men + women, sizes XS – XL, prices range $5 – $150 and under!
When: Saturday, January 30th (10A-6P) – Sunday, January 31st (12-5P)
Where: River North. 233 W. Huron, at corner of Huron & Franklin (1 block east of Nacional 27 and 2 blocks south of Brown Line El – Chicago Ave. stop)
More info: http://betaboutique.com/sales.html

wardrobe tip: As technology changes, so does the way we host meetings — webinars, teleconferences, video conferences, etc. Are you communicating clearly? Although we may no longer be sitting face to face, appearance remains vital. A video conference is similar to being on television. Dress so your audience may see you clearly and polished. Solid colors and neutrals show crisp. Avoid bright colors as they vibrate on screen, patterns blur, and distort the screen.

leadership presence tip: Out in the world, I am increasingly saddened to see so many people resigned in their workplace. The cashier’s monotone regulatory “hello”… the subway blank stares… the hopelessness of pending unemployment. CNN Money confirms it. “Fewer than half of U.S. workers are satisfied with their jobs, the lowest level since record-keeping began 22 years ago.”

How do we swing the pendulum from “I work for the weekends” to “I love my work”? Let’s look in the mirror. You are in charge of your life. Reignite your power to choose and resist the habit of giving it away to the circumstances around you. Be proactive in improving your attitude, keeping your brain active and challenged will improve your lifespan. Start today as the author of your life. Create a brand YOU biography that’s a bestseller! I’ll leave you with my favorite quote: “Our primary job is to feel joy.” Dalai Lama.

quarterly recap: 2009 was a wonderful ride. Thanks for joining us. In case you missed our fourth quarter newsletter, click here to catch up to date. Missed past issues and curious what we’ve been up to? See our online archive here. And of course, Happy New Year! Callosum is grateful to have you in our circle of clients, colleagues, vendors, family and friends.

They see you coming from afar. Color is the first sensory impression you make when approaching a person. Regardless of personal color preferences your audience will have the same subconscious response as our body’s nervous and hormones react to the magnetic energies and temperature of colors. The brain physically senses and interprets color visually resulting in different emotional responses. Color sways perception, judgment and behavior.

By learning the science behind color psychology and applying it to your clothing choices you may use this interpersonal skill tool to manage your professional relationships. Consider which colors align with your desired image? (Don’t neglect to flatter your skin tone) Dress for success with a professional wardrobe in effective colors.

Black = authority, power
Blue = cheer, loyalty, productivity
Brown = abundance, genuineness
Red = passion, stimulates communication
Green = harmony, calming
Orange = enthusiasm, warmth
Pink = tranquilizing
Purple = luxury, sophistication, femininity
Yellow = enhances concentration
White = innocence, purity

As a manager you have the challenge of revenue accountability and building a successful team. You have a choice to have effective or ineffective relationships with your team members. It’s best to show an interest in your subordinates as people with career ambitions. If they think you are willing to work at building a relationship to benefit both of you, they will provide more of what you want. If they think you are a revenue-generating machine (bill more, work more) with little regard for their well being, they will respond in kind. The relationship will be diminished to transactional terms based on short-term needs. This is prime territory for talent pool loss come better economic times. Value your staff and your revenue will grow through productive team players.

Executive presence takes time to build. To start getting more comfortable in larger settings, begin by speaking up at least once in each meeting. Think through what you are going to say and when you open your mouth, don’t use any disclaimers (“This may not work but…”). Speak up loudly and hold the floor long enough to be heard. Studies have shown that when a woman is in a room with men, they often don’t even remember the women’s remarks unless she has spoken loudly enough and for a long enough duration.

Source: Author, Josette Goldberg of Goldberg Executive Coaching & affiliate of Callosum Creative Ltd.

To save time and money in building a consistent personal style, nurture relationships with retail sales staff. In essence, they are a free resource that acts as your research team for wardrobe development. Have a favorite store or discover a new one? As you enter approach a staffer you visually admire. Tell them you’d like help with a wardrobe plan. Share your strategic shopping list, budget, shape goals, color preferences and image muse. Ask about current sales. Ask if they keep client profiles and enroll in frequent shopper programs. When done shopping jot down remaining needed items and ask to be contacted if upcoming shipments arrive. Viola… the inside scoop to best deals and merchandise!

Working in a multi-cultural environment requires setting your colleagues and clients at ease in both environments. A wise initial step is to create a bilingual business card. Print English on one side and second language on the other side. Include phonetic pronunciation in a second language. Present card using two hands holding card away from you so text faces the reader in their preferred language. When recipient takes card, bow forward as a sign of respect. Also note, while taking notes on US-based card is considered helpful, it is disrespectful in the Japanese culture.

speaking skills tip: What makes a great speech, presentation or message?  Put the message up front.  Transition clearly from point to point and back up your viewpoints with credible ‘Forms of Influence’.  We recommend using S-P-E-A-K to give your messages more punch or ‘stickiness’.  S = Statistics & Facts, P = Personal Experience share, E = Example, A = Analogy, and K = Killer Quote.  Randall Larsen, (Ret.) Colonel, National Security Advisor, Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center uses all in his speech, Lessons Learned from “A Good War”, The Global Smallpox Eradication Program and Homeland Security.

Source: Author, John Vautier of Vautier Communications & affiliate of Callosum Creative Ltd.

business etiquette tip: Sitting on a future client or colleague? What may be habit for you, may be considered disrespectful to another. Proper etiquette when receiving a business card is to take a brief glance at it, say “Thank you <Name>”, and place in your shirt pocket, handbag or briefcase – never in your back pocket.

Do you think of your client as THEM or vice versa? Often times it’s hard to determine how each side began competing for control of the relationship. Regardless, it’s imperative to not let the relationship spin out of control to enemy territory. Examples: 1) Focus on rehearsing call vs. planning how to get the conversation rolling 2) Asking for documentation/approval at all steps vs. trusting first 3) Obvious up-selling vs. sincere interest in client needs beyond the contract. Are you at your brand’s front line with a helmet or a handshake?

Speaking skill tip: Really, you want me to hug the audience? No, but metaphorically I do! If you want an audience to truly listen, trust your expertise and feel connected, it’s essential to connect on a human level. Remove the physical and energetic barrier by stepping away from the podium. Proximity creates vitality and gets the energy flowing. Without ever physically touching, the audience will feel the “hug”.

How do you recognize executive presence? Have you ever been in a meeting or chatting where one participant stood out? Where personal engagement level, clarity of thought and expression deemed them exceptional? You were likely witnessing executive presence in action.

Several attributes consistently characterize the very best executive presence. They encompass interpersonal engagement skills that define what executive presence is all about. Executive presence experts are very good at consistently projecting these attributes to their audiences. These attributes include:

• Passion: The expression of motivation, drive, and engagement that convinces others you are committed to what you are saying and doing.
• Poise: A look of sophistication and unflappability that creates the impression you are comfortable in your surroundings and able to handle adversity.
• Self Confidence: The air of optimism and assurance that convinces others you have the required strength, resources, and resolve to initiate and to lead.
• Candor: The appearance of being interested in truth and honesty, with a willingness to accept and engage the world as it is, not as you would like it to be.
• Clarity: The ability to create your story and tell it in an intuitively clear and compelling way.
• Openness: The willingness to consider other points of view without prejudging them.

Source: Author, Josette Goldberg of Goldberg Executive Coaching & affiliate of Callosum Creative Ltd.

Dress codes are really vague. Most senior company leaders say that they understand that the days of suits and dresses are long gone. I’m often told by them that they “get it” that their employees want fewer rules and regulations which have little to do with performance.

But later, they will make inconsistent comments. Behind closed doors they get a little more forthcoming. I’ve been told capri pants are too much for a work environment or so and so should stop wearing pants without his underwear showing if he ever expects to get ahead. “Flip flops? Not what future leaders should be wearing.”

The real world is that the boss really wants people to follow his or her lead when it comes to standards of dress. If the boss is wearing a sports coat with Dockers, or a business skirt with a cotton button down collar, they are sending a signal. Disregard such signals at your own peril.

Source: Author, Josette Goldberg of Goldberg Executive Coaching & affiliate of Callosum Creative Ltd.

As an executive or manager, there are three things to think about when it comes to the concept of accountability in your business:

• Expecting different results from the same, repeated behavior
• You get the behavior you reward in your organization. If you want to change behavior, you must change the reward system you have in place
• All culture flows top-down. You can’t change an organization from the bottom-up

Source: Author, Josette Goldberg of Goldberg Executive Coaching & affiliate of Callosum Creative Ltd.

A young woman went to her mother and shared things were so hard for her. She wanted to give up. In the kitchen, her mother boiled 3 pots of water. In the first, she dropped carrots, in the second eggs, and the last ground coffee beans. She boiled them 20 minutes then placed them in separate bowls. She asked her daughter, “What do you see?” The mother had her touch each cooked item. The daughter noted the carrots got soft, the egg got hard. She sipped the coffee, then asked. “What’s the point?”

Each object faced the same adversity…the boiling water…but reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting – it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile – its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans changed the water. She asked, “Which are you – the carrot, the egg or the coffee beans?”

When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? The carrot seems strong, but with pain and adversity. Do you wilt and become soft and lose strength? The egg starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Do you have a fluid spirit, but after a life trial have become hardened? Does your shell look the same, but the inside is bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. How do you handle adversity?

Source: Author, Josette Goldberg of Goldberg Executive Coaching & affiliate of Callosum Creative Ltd.

When genders are working together it can sound like a personal relationship on occasion. Women asking the guys why they don’t participate in a discussion but then leave the meeting and have a bunch of ideas; or men asking the women why they take so long to make a point.

The way our brains are wired, according to recent research out of UC at Berkley really makes a difference in our processing. Women are more prone to thinking aloud and using that to come to a position while men go radio silent while they are thinking before making a statement.

If you’re a woman in a male dominated environment, don’t go processing aloud — it can frustrate the men who just want an answer. If your a man in a female dominated environment, don’t give the appearance that you’ve shutdown by processing internally without telling those around you what you’re thinking.

Source: Author, Josette Goldberg of Goldberg Executive Coaching & affiliate of Callosum Creative Ltd.

Client Event: Women’s ESCADA Sample Sale - “Over 8,000 Items, Up to 70% Off!”
July 16-19: Thur 10-7pm. Fri 10am-7pm. Sat 10am-6pm. Sunday 11am-5pm
Where: 344 N. Ogden Ave. Chicago 60606 [River West Off-Site Event Space]
More info click here

An alluring English accent. A booming baritone. Voice sets a mental image. How does your sound portray you? We increasingly use voice to convey our brand -  voicemail, radio blogs, phone conferences, webcasts… Most aren’t born with a radio voice, but a smile & smooth delivery is the difference between a listener receiving your full message versus being distracted by mispronunciation, filler words [uh, so] and rambling. Listeners get impatient if you lack good diction and modulation. Keep to the point, organized and articulate. Teensy Tip: Convey warmth through smiling. They can hear your smile!  

Does your profile photo make you want to know YOU? Whether on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Match.com, it’s an instantaneous recognition or retraction tool! In regards to professional or personal branding, the most effective way to communicate to the world is with a current, in focus and preferably not shot in your bathroom mirror on your iphone headshot. An effective image will share your story as your personality shines through. Invest in yourself and engage your ‘readers’ with an inviting image. For headshot tips visit here.

Time management coaches advise using auto-replies stating you check your email 3x/day [not every 30 seconds] to gently train your recipient away from a ‘must hear back from you immediately’ mentality. Clients and colleagues beg you to remove it. How to please them all? When initiating a relationship share your ‘scope of work’ includes replying within 24 hours during xyz business hours. Without clear communication gray areas swell to the 24/7 workload complex. Gentle boundaries are an effective part of conveying your personal brand. Your clients are cared for and you retain work life balance. 

How to crosshatch increasing technology and the wavering practice of etiquette? Resist as you may, technology is increasing being used in our personal and business lives. Are the two incompatible? It’s not the gadget’s fault but more so the user behind it – increasingly indifferent, bored and attention-deficit inclined.  Take a deep breath, click the off-button and be present to the human being in front of you.  It’s likely far more engaging. 

speaking skills tip: When talking to a group it’s great to have direct contact with each of your listeners. Don’t make the mistake of maintaining eye contact with just one person. Doing this will stop the other members of the group from feeling engaged and thus listening. Instead focus on a different member of the group with every other sentence. You’ll keep them all interested and feeling valued in the conversation.

client event: Please join me as Callosum client, Beta Boutique partners with Style Chicago to co-host an 11,000 piece HUGO BOSS sample sale for MEN & WOMEN up to 80% off retail price. Callosum is proud to be co-producing this fantastic event. I will be at the private Style Chicago Preview Shopping Party – shop Wednesday, June 3 6-9pm [registration required] or when doors open to the public Thursday June 4th at 9am. Sale continues through Sunday. || While able to say hello, if you’d like my undivided attention and expert wardrobe consultant advice, email me for an appointment. See links in copy for details. Hope to see you there!

Do you bring YOU to work? Have a separate professional and personal persona? Karma chameleon will tell you it’s an unhealthy way to live! Not only is it lonely, it’s destructive to your career and personal life. Yes, it’s appropriate to leave the hi-tops, Halloween costume and personal Facebook photos are home, but bring your unique personality to the office. Embrace the inner you then polish it for the professional sector. After all, building relationships make you successful and that requires integrity. Bonus: You won’t panic when you run into a co-worker, boss or client at the grocery store – it’s still YOU.

leadership presence tip: It’s not uncommon for women to feel beauty deters them from being taking seriously in the workforce. A common reaction is to ‘create flaws’ in order to be respected; however, de-feminizing or joining the ‘boys’ in old school bonding behavior will only further diminish your effectiveness as it leaves the TRUE YOU out of the equation and shows a disrespect of self. A more effective tactic is to build your presence and communication skills to increase your influence.  A little professional coaching goes a long way when investing in YOU.