Some Seats Open for BRODY BOOST Camp – Because, Professionalism is Even More Critical

Four day countdown to the next BRODY Professional Development BOOST Camp …

Self-development is even more critical than ever before.

If you are still employed, you need to present yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner.

If you aren’t employed, you again need to sell yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner – to get a new job.

Contrary to what the news media would like you to think, companies are still operating – and, in many fields, people are getting hired.

As I’ve said before, if you’re unemployed, getting depressed and giving up isn’t an option.

Or, if you fear that you will be in the next round of layoffs, don’t adopt a “there’s nothing I can do” attitude.

What do you need to do to boost your own presence and professionalism? Join me on April 2nd and you’ll find out!

We have a few more seats still open at our open-enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp.

Click here to learn more and register today.

Gain a Professional Edge at BRODY Boost Camp, November 13, 2008

I just came back from Pittsburgh, PA, where I was speaking to a client about the importance of personal marketing.

In these times of “troubled waters,” the ability to sell yourself is even more critical.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating now: It’s not just who you know, but who knows you -- and what you’re capable of doing -- that counts!

My upcoming BRODY Boost Camp on Thursday, November 13, will help attendees enhance their professionalism, persuasive speaking, and personal promotion.

There are still some seats available.

You can check out the full agenda, and register, by visiting this link on the BRODY Professional Development site: http://www.brodypro.com/site/boost_camp/Boost_camp.html.

If you have any questions, just give me a call or e-mail me at marjorie@brodypro.com.

Hazy, Hot & Humid Temps Are Here -- How Much Should You Show At Work?

With the long July 4th holiday weekend just around the corner, and more companies holding barbecues, picnics and other social outings, the topic of conversation this time of year usually turns to what is acceptable – and not – to wear in a work-related setting.

In many offices around the country, short sleeves, short skirts, bare legs and flip-flops have been visible since Memorial Day.

What are you wearing right now as you read this blog? Would you say it’s appropriate for an office setting or to meet an important client or prospect on a sales call?

This time of year causes many professionals confusion – not being sure what is acceptable to wear at work or in other business settings – and also make serious fashion faux pas.

If you’re unsure how to answer the two questions I asked above, it’s time to think about your "package,” and what it may be saying about you. If your managers are upset with the choice of clothing you have on, but are hesitant to tell you, your summer outfit could, ultimately cost you a job or desired promotion.

Here’s my list (in no particular order) of most certainly do NOTs for warm weather professional attire – what I like to call “Things Your Boss Does Not Want to See This Summer:

- T-shirts with writing on them (except company logos)
- Tank tops
- Sweat stains
- Ball caps
- Stinky shoes
- Cargo shorts
- Jeans
- Chest hair
- Flip flops
- Braless outfits (it doesn’t matter what your size is)
- Tan lines
- Loafers with no socks
- Sunglasses on your head
- Beachwear
- Patched/safety-pinned clothes
- Belly rings
- Tattoos that show
- Underwear lines
- Low rise pants (thongs sticking out)
- Colored underwear
- Athletic shorts
- Yoga pants
- Sleeveless shirts
- Athletic sandals
- Sneakers
- Backless shirts
- Short, short skirts
- Buttons/zippers undone
- Cleavage
- Anything that is too tight
- See-through skirts
- Loud, flashy patterns

Now, for some acceptable “Classic Casual” and “Smart Casual” summer wardrobe options for professionals ...

Women have the following options for “business casual”

• Casual skirts, slacks or “skorts”
• Cotton shirts in solids, prints, or muted plaids
• Sweaters (not too tight)
• Blazers look good over slacks or casual skirt

Men can wear the following as acceptable “business casual”
• Chinos or “Dockers”-type trousers
• Sport shirts with collars or banded necks
• Polo shirts (with collars)
• Sweater or sport jacket
• Casual loafers or lace-up shoes

The image presented to clients, whether in their office or yours, is of utmost importance. If you are in doubt about whether an outfit is appropriate this summer, it’s probably not.

Business Travel Used To Be Fun.

Well, maybe it wasn’t fun, but it sure wasn’t as frustrating as it is today.

Aside from late arrivals and departures, hours on the tarmac, no food, overbooked flights, and lost luggage (carry-on rules!), the behavior of fellow travelers has deteriorated to the point of no return.

Let me tell you about a recent experience.

I was returning after speaking in Las Vegas, and enroute was struck once again about the impact of our travel behaviors. On my flight from the East Coast was a group of people who were attending the convention and sponsoring a booth. To say that they were rude on the flight is an understatement. The beer and vodka flowed. They were loud and even “hit” on one of the flight attendants. The other passengers around them were not amused by their disruptive behavior. As I observed, I was wondering if any of their customers were watching this.

The next day I did an educational session called “Successful People Are Connected People.” At one point an audience member said, “I was flying here from the East Coast yesterday and a group of attendees were so obnoxious on the flight. Before the trip I had thought of contacting them about buying some or their products, but I wouldn’t consider it now.” This was no surprise to me. I had to wonder how many people felt the same about the group on my flight, and how many other flights this same thing was happening.

If you are a fellow road warrior, you probably can relate – the goal, of course, is to put up a mirror and ask yourself, “Is she talking about me?”