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. 

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.

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.

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.

Nerves got the best of you in a meeting or pitch? When client asks a question, give yourself a moment to think before responding. Inexperienced sales/account members feel the need to respond immediately - or risk being perceived as unknowledgeable. In fact, it’s just the opposite! A quick response often leads to a reaction rather than choosing a thoughtful response. Speaking Skills Tip: Wearing a ring? Each time you’re asked a question, spin the ring 3 times [under the table please] before responding.

Is your staff a good investment? Are you making the most of them? Are you letting go of the right ones? Investing in professional development training as a leg of your corporate brand development is a money-savings venture. In comparison, on-boarding costs are budget breaking. “…A company invests as much as $75,000 for each new hire, which takes into account training, orientation and productivity. A turnover rate in the 15 percent range can mean millions of dollars worth of investments walking out the door.” Put your money where your mouths are! [source]

Crains reports IL unemployment rate to be 9.1% - the highest since 1985. What to do? Are you considering the YOU beyond your stellar resume? This is the HUMAN part of branding Callosum focuses on - professional branding. Stay optimistic and engaged to present yourself in a good light. With millions of stellar resumes circling, it’s the relationships you’ve already built that get you in the door. Reach out and touch your network with a polished personal image and impeccable interpersonal skills.

It’s par for the course and a place to stand out. Are you search-engine optimized for a professional image? It’s an element not to be ignored. Prospective clients, colleagues and vendors will “google” a name to learn more. Like it or not, this will pull up all the public desires and dirt on your behalf. Much like a credit report, it’s wise to monitor the results for accuracy. [Be weary of personal results diminishing your professional image.]  Go ahead google youself!

All you have is your word. Will your word stand up not only in court but also in your client’s eye? On the heels of the Blagojevich scandal, let’s talk integrity. It may be considered a sixth sense and vital interpersonal skill of your personal brand. When you speak do your words match your tone, body language, and integrity? Even if you don’t SAY it, they’ll SEE it and FEEL it. Mama says, honesty is the best policy…

Callosum Creative Experts Teach Company Leaders How to Make Every Client Interaction Meaningful Press Release 3/24/09 Chicago, IL — Callosum Creative Ltd. has assembled an acclaimed team to support the company’s People-First BrandingSM program. With more than 70 years of collective experience, Callosum has the know-how to significantly increase the productivity and influence of three key employee units: sales teams who bring business in, account teams who retain and build business, and executives who serve as the face of the company. To read full release click here.

Employed or unemployed, now is the time to sharpen your personal brand to stay top of mind with your current or potential employer. How to weather the recession while looking sharp? Savings tip #1: Tailoring clothing. Brush up your look by tailoring suits versus buying new. Spend the savings on a memorable less-costly tie or blouse. Re-cut a jacket for as low as $40, versus buying $500 suit off the rack. Need help? Send us an email for a Chicago tailor referral.  

Callosum maintains a network of affiliates who collaborate with Callosum and our clients to offer the best in professional development and staff branding. Understand the expertise of our affiliates — Josette Goldberg, P.J. McGuire and John Vautier — on our management page. Our go-to network enables our clients to accomplish goals quickly and efficiently utilize services Callosum has screened and trusts resulting in high-level cohesiveness and like-mindedness to accelerate client results. 

With great pleasure, I announce the launch of our People-First BrandingSM service. In this economic climate, having a nimble, productive staff is critical to success. People-First Branding^SM gives employees the tools they need to make a marked improvement in their performance — and the company’s bottom line. To learn more click here. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you in more detail about the professional development program and answer any questions you may have.

lav⋅a⋅to⋅ry [lav-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] –noun, plural -ries. A room fitted with equipment for washing the hands & face & usually with flush toilet facilities. More commonly known as ‘the loo’. Basic rules of men’s restroom etiquette: 1] Choose a station as furthest from the others. 2] In case 1 cannot be achieved, use a stall. 3] TP out? Replace or notify the next guest. 4] No discussing office politics - you never know who’s in a stall. 5] Do not continue (or initiate) a cell call. 6] Do not continue your conversation that began in the hall. 7] No lingering. Meet in hall to improve efficiency. 8] Most importantly, wash your hands.  

Sales, account and project teams dictate the success of a service-based company. When presenting to clients, does your team spirit shine? Does the client gain trust and admiration when watching your team dynamics? It’s an account deal breaker. Consider: Do your team members respect each other? Do you encourage individual continual growth? Do you listen more than “talk talk talk”? Is communication open and support given upon requests? A team far exceeds the capability of the individual alone. How do you rank?  

When considering physical image, the triangle [defined as the shoulders, neckline and head] is vital as the most seen and memorable body area. Specific to hair, are you looking sharp? Is cut/shape reflective of you and your personal style? Your age? Style time realistic? In alignment with your daily environment? For example, a ‘bohemian sophisticate’ working in an agency with a toddler at home. Go for chic shape with ease of preparation and rich tones to accommodate lack of makeup application time. Hair color is just as important! Compliment your skin tone to look fresh. With an appropriate cut and color, you’ll command the attention you deserve.  

Recruiters say executive presence is the most vital factor when placing a candidate. Explore, what is it you hold true about yourself that creates a unique presence?  The eight factors of executive presence are: focus, intellect, charisma, communication skills, passion, culture fit, poise and appearance. Consider, are you self-aware, confident and gracious in your conversations? It may make or break a sale. 

Why hiring a wardrobe consultant may be your smartest savings move this year. Excerpt: It’s counter-intuitive, but spending money saves you money. By hiring a wardrobe consultant, they’ll show you what you don’t need to buy, to shop with a purpose and ensure you buy the right items. The average manager-level professional spends $5000 annually on wardrobe. With a consultant you may be able to cut it, but you’ll absolutely get you more bang for your buck. Spend your money wisely. |  To read full article, click here. 

New technology unfolds at an increasing pace – the latest being text messaging. A little is fine and sometimes very useful, but please use technology with etiquette reservation. Foremost, a text message should only be used if you have already developed a relationship. Just getting to know someone? Pickup the phone or email - it’s flattering. Beyond common sense points, consider: 1] The recipient’s setting. A quick distraction is fine, but repeated is disrespectful. 2] If conversation is takes more than 2-3 messages, do it live. 3] Send short questions or requests - Yes, no or quick simple reply. Please keep the human in technology.

Words . tone of voice . body language. Studies theorize which of the 3 communication elements is most important to focus on. I suggest skipping the analyzing and realize it’s most important to be congruent when we communicate. Our words, and tone of voice should be consistent with our body language in order to deliver an effective, believable message. Often we spend too much time preparing the WHAT to say and neglect the HOW to say it and show it through body cues. Verbal cues for thought…    

Service-based business employees may treat a client like a transaction or relationship. Consider, are your clients interested in a transaction expert or relationship advisor? Factors defining the transaction interaction: short-term benefit, “them”, detached, defensive, and protective; relationship interaction: long-term benefit, ‘us’, helpful, engaged, open, and inquisitive.  Interestingly, company majorities market themselves as interaction experts when yearning to be the ‘trusted advisor.” See a branding disjuncture? 

Mature, baby boomer, x, and y. It’s the first time in history with 4 generations in the workplace. Example being, my father, 80, has yet to retire nor does expect to. Work keeps him young! Subtract 20 years from each generation and theoretically his great-grandson is 20 and working. This creates new dynamics. When presenting yourself to a different generation, consider: Who is my audience? What motivates them? Is my wardrobe appropriate for their culture? Sales pitch catered to their attention span? Languaging understandable? Food for thought… generational protocol.

The fact is having a great handshake is a life skill we should all cultivate. In business etiquette, often overlooked, a handshake is your first point of physical contact. Western etiquette rules exist to assist behavior between people, so that rather than guess how one should act, one may know the proper behavior. Initiating the handshake is a form of respect and gratitude. In regards to form, a successful shake is moderately firm adjusting grip & durations to other person, sealed with eye contact and a smile. 

What’s the best way to rate a restaurant?  Visit the powder room. Is it clean? Well-stocked? Decorated nicely? Smell fresh? Arranged logically? Do you leave feeling fresh or filthy? Callosum calls this spatial branding. Anywhere a client/consumer steps must be branded. Corporately consider: reception area, conference room entrance, conference room interiors, and rest room. Maintain consistency. Ex. Paying oodles for a top-notch conference room door, but placing a low-grade table inside, discredits the entire space.  

Post-Thanksgiving. It’s crunch time - literally + figuratively. After 3 pie slices, sit-ups are in order. As we tighten our financial belts, many turn to consider job stability. Is there anything you can do to increase stability? Consider the way your present yourself. Is it representing you and your company appropriately? Does it distract from a professional image? Have you gotten to comfortable in your business attire? Are you an example to follow? These are all valid factors when evaluating a staff member. Stay sharp and stay employed. 

3 seconds. Go! Stop! We’ve made up our mind and we’re sticking to it. Do you leave a great first impression? Suggestions: Be on time. Turn off your cell phone. Present yourself in appropriate attire for setting and audience. Prepare a little small talk to break the ice. Make eye contact and listen. Keep posture in mind. Smile naturally. Be at ease with yourself. Be optimistic regardless of your not so great day. Now take a deep breath and be yourself. You’ll be great.

We’d like to share a tool we use with wardrobe consulting clients - Polyvore. Remember playing paper dolls? This site allows user to create ‘fashion sets’ of apparel and accessories from live online retailers. After creating set we email it to client. It’s link-friendly ie. shows where each piece came from and the price. Based on client’s lifestyle, shape, colors and budget we create looks to fill Closet Therapy shopping lists. Can’t beat that! Check Clare’s profile out and let us know your thoughts. [Be forewarned it's a time vortex.] 

Find me on Polyvore 

Do you have a desire to lead? Being an effective leader takes motivation and ongoing hard work to keep skill set sharp. These skills are easily taught but more importantly, is it your desire?  Curious if you have leader DNA in you? Take this assessment and share your thoughts. Click here.

“One of the sexiest things a woman can do is to clean out her closet.” ~ Oprah Winfrey. Are women neglecting themselves to become superwomen? After catching an Oprah episode dedicated to renewing women’s sensuality through makeovers, I came away smiling. Paralleling Callosum’s consumer Closet Therapy service,ladies countrywide are being brought back to life by the simple task of cleaning out a closet. Free the memories, live today and love the skin you’re in! 

Your delivery of your speech or presentation will make or break it. Regardless of content and preparation it’s YOU that makes it memorable. Looking to make it stick? 1) Use examples to bring your points to life 2) Body language should be active [step away from the podium] 3) Speak slowly and concisely with pauses to allow audience to digest. 4) Use a variety of tones of voice 5) Use visual aids.

Brand jargon can be endless. Focusing it down, the musts are: 1) Clarify your position. Define the single thing your company stands for [to your customers] that the competition lacks. Single is the operative word here. 2) Tell your story. Give your position an external expression by telling your best client story. [i.e. a case study.] 3) Bring it to life. Make sure when your company [any outward-facing resources of it – staff, marketing materials, reception area] hits the outside world it LOOKS and FEELS authentic.

In group settings it’s often difficult for newcomers to break into the group with ease. Utilize your personal signature as an invitation to chat. Wearing an accessory or unique piece of clothing provides an entry point for conversation. Bonus: it makes you memorable!

Do you mind your manners? Taste a few tips:  1) Who calls back when disconnected on the telephone? When there is a poor phone connection or when you are disconnected, the individual who initiated the call is responsible for calling back the other party. 2) What is the proper time to arrive for an appointment? Always arrive on time for an appointment – never late. Arrive no more than 5 minutes early. 3) Can I exchange business cards while dining? Cards should never be exchanges while dining. Exchange when meal is complete and parties have stood to depart. For more tips go here. ps visit Manners International.

Who are you? When addressing a client or audience, how do you appear? Confident. Sincere. Nervous. Uncertain. Professional. Sloppy. Knowledgeable. Unsure. To get an outside view in, consider videotaping yourself and tune in. Watch your gestures, ticks, infection, posture… Are you coming across the way you’d like to? I’d love to help polish your presence. Let me know how I may.

Mixing prints can be intimidating, but done right is chic while stretching your wardrobe. Following the menswear trend, begin with a wide-leg tweed or plaid trouser. In the same color family, add feminity with a rich floral print blouse. Give patterns “air” by adding a belt or camisole.  Chilly? Layer a cardigan – loose, buttoned or belted. Feeling brave? Add a complimentary bright-hued accessory for pop. Are you a mix master?

When working with clients on creating a wardrobe, I often find a closet overflowing yet with “nothing to wear”. For most efficient shopping, keep in mind ratios. You should have, tops to bottoms, a 3 to 1 ratio. Although I personally love a killer pair of slacks, rarely are they remembered. With this in mind, slacks/skirts are a great place to invest in a class, well-fitting piece. Leave less expensive novelties and trends to tops.

This month I have three close friends getting married. Talk about branding… A wedding is the ultimate outward expression of a couple. Envision a glass-ceiling gallery on the Cape, a French Bistro in an urban neighborhood, and sunset in the botanical gardens. What defines where to begin planning? It’s the energy. It’s the experience you want your guests to walk away with. To begin brand development, journal the experience first; then move onto the details. Happy honeymooning! 

Due to popular demand, the Callosum blog is now accepting comments! May the flood gates open and my brain burst forth. I welcome your comments and questions in regards to branding of your company and yourself. Fondly, Clare J. Hefferren, President

Entrance fee required. Are you worth the ticket price? If you were to charge a fee for clients to experience YOU, what would you do differently? What would ensure they’d feel the price was worth every dime? 

There’s a sure way to make each email/newsletter is a memorable experience. Pretend that customers are paying to receive your messages. Strategies to help you create value: 1) Group important details, like an order confirmation, in the upper right corner. 2) Include complete contact information for your customer service department including hours. 3) Offer valuable—and unexpected—features. Ex. Discount on future orders. Email delivery confirmation. 

With budgets slim, how to stay on top of fashion trends without emptying your pocketbook? Take a stroll through your closet. With an objective view, you’ll be amazed at what you can stir up. Ladies, transition your summer wares by adding layers [tights, gloves, scarves]. Mix Summer sheers and silks with Fall tweeds and plaids. Pull out last year’s fur and shearling for accents. Live the super-hero trend by breaking out your slim-fitted leather jacket, fluted-collar coats and capes with long-gloves to command confidence.

How much have you invested in marketing collateral? Gazillions it seems. Unfortunately what is often overlooked is a focus on the people who carry your brand around every day. It’s the receptionist, the field sales reps, the account execs, the interns… Every word, outfit, manner, posture they “utter’ is part of your brand.  To grow your awareness, choose a few token employees and begin investing a portion of your marketing budget to your staff assets. You’ll quickly see - polish the staff and polish your brand bottom line.

Brands need a strong, memorable identity to stand out from the crowd, but to stay alive, must change with the times. Falling in or out on an almost daily basis, keeping brand identity relevant and desirable is major. It’s time to change when your identity has dated to an extent that it acts as a barrier rather than an enhancement to communication. Secrets to longevity? Framework – flexible elements allow emotional elements to evolve and create a credible personality. Continuity – organic, living entity expresses personality, growth and world interaction. 

It’s one thing to toot your own horn, it’s another to have your clients do it for you. Allow client testimonials speak volumes for your business [and literature and web site, speaker sheet, reference sheet]. It’s adds a personal touch. Hesitant to ask clients for a testimonial? Make it a part of your project follow-up. Include a brief satisfaction survey, reference and testimonial request. If a client has had a good experience, they’ll likely oblige. If not, perhaps time to get out the company mirror to see what image your company portrays. 

Studies show potential clients must emotionally connect to establish trust before they are willing to purchase services. It’s the human element of branding. Often this requires being personally seen and heard. Credentials aside, you must present well. Increase your odds of clients in the door by utilizing online media to reach your target market. Speaking engagements, presentations, interviews, media clips are great opportunities to get air time. Video, post and link to your site. Visit YouTube for details. This is your chance to be heard [and seen].

It’s been said the Web “Version 1.0” was about the static web site. We’ve entered into “Version 2.0” with the introduction of social networking. No longer is it enough to have a site, it must be interactive, value-based and connected to the social networks  [FaceBook, You Tube, LinkedIn, Spoke, MeetUp]. Commonly perceived as a tool for the millennial younger folks, don’t pass this target customer up lightly.  This generation is the future consumer and very tech savvy. Click into their world and see where your future clients or consumers are up to.