Spotlight Entrepreneur: Jody Mahoney

This month I'd like to introduce you to Jody Mahoney of Jody Mahoney Photography.  Jody is a wonderful example of someone who understands the hustle of entrepreneurship. Jody juggles parenthood with three different lines of work.  All combined, fulfill her personally and professionally.  Are you ready to be inspired?

1.  What prompted you to start your own photography business?

I’ve always been the one behind the camera at family & friend events, then I transitioned into creating more formal photographs of family, then friends. A good friend offered to compensate me for my time and talent, and that’s when I realized if I organized my workflow and marketed myself a little, I could start a small business out of it. Three years and 80+ shoots later, it is not full-time for me but certainly something I take seriously and am fully invested in – for my clients and myself. And I will say that marketing myself has been fun – creating a website and a Facebook business page is pure creative inspiration for me.

2.  You specialize in photographing children. What is it about children that inspire you?

There’s no limit to the creativity, and every shoot is so different! The sweet, short-lived moments and unique expressions of children are amazing to capture…but documenting current trends & styles while at the same time creating timeless photos is an inspiring challenge I just love. I pride myself on my creative energy, my ability to be fully “in the moment” during a shoot, and to see beauty in unlikely spaces. I strive to create images that maintain a modern feel, and especially love bold, vibrant colors for kids. I shoot with natural light in natural settings, allowing kids to just be kids, laid back…wherever we happen to be. This allows for authenticity rarely found in studio photography. I think of our photo session as a play date… life isn’t perfectly posed, so why try to make it look that way? In the end… it all tells your story J

As much as I love photographing children, I also love high school seniors. In a whole other way, the creativity is limitless. I’ve shot my subjects in front of a spray-painted graffiti wall, downtown on a busy street, in a basketball uniform in the school gym… every session is different and invigorating. It’s all worth it get their photos and says “OMG – you made me look hot!” They don’t realize that’s how I’ve seen them through the lens all along J 

3.  When we first met we were both working in Corporate America. Do you miss any aspects of it vs. running your own business?

Sure, the health insurance, benefits, and paycheck were nice J  Just kidding.

I took a chance starting my own business, and was fortunate to assume my husband’s health plan benefits. I won’t lie, I also work part-time as a pharmaceutical project manager from my home office… so in a way, I still have one foot in Corporate America… just slightly. But the overall creativity I now feel is motivating, and what makes me tick. I enjoy being my own boss, and conducting my days outside of “the typical 9-5”. I have the freedom to make my own rules and push my own limits – creatively and professionally. There is very little that I miss about being immersed in Corporate America. I am a much, much happier girl living my life outside of it.

4.  As a working mother, how do you balance work and family?

I won’t say that’s easy, but I have a system. Between the photography, project management, and also teaching BodyPump fitness classes – I’m constantly balancing. My husband and I check in on our schedules every day, in case we need to cover one another when it comes to our one year-old, Lily. I prioritize these areas of my life, trying not to commit to things that will compete with each other or disrupt work/life balance for my husband, who works hard each day as well. For example, just because I’ve worked all week (project management and photography) doesn’t mean I can run out and teach BodyPump tonight, assuming my husband has Lily. So I try to teach 6am classes, when everyone is sleeping and it’s “my” time. Everyone doesn’t get to do what they want to do all the time, but it’s fair. Again, the immense freedom that I feel in my schedule doesn’t make any of it feel like “work,” but it’s still a fine-tuned balancing act requiring communication!

5. What is your advice for women thinking about starting their own business?

Starting your own business can be scary, but also provides a sense of empowerment, confidence, and independence. If you’re going to start your own business, clearly recognize the rewards and the challenges – be ready for the ride. It isn’t easy, as you have to make some tough choices, get out of your comfort zone on occasion, and forgo certain things. You may have to pass on certain opportunities because family is priority. Take business courses, closely align yourself to a mentor in your area of business, and don’t be afraid to ask questions…lots of questions. It can and likely will be a huge learning experience, and incredibly rewarding. 

One of the moments of our interview that hit home the most with me was how Jody explains how she is constantly balancing.  Serial-entrepreneurs like Jody need to be uber-organized! Good communication is also key so that child care is in place and that client commitments are met.  What Jody demonstrates is that it is possible- you just have to work hard at it.  To be further inspired by her amazing photography, please visit Jody's website.

www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com

Book Review: The Championship Formula

I'd like to consider myself an athlete even though I haven't played a team sport in approximately 15 years. But I believe once you have trained with an athletic mindset, you are always an athlete. Which is why I can relate to Jack Stark and his book, The Championship Formula: How to Transform Your Team Into a Dynasty.

Stark, a clinical psychologist has consulted and mentored leaders of top Fortune 500 companies as well as numerous sports teams that have gone on to win championships.  He is the authority on understanding what it takes to dominate a playing field and create a dynasty whether it's on the field or in the board room.

Stark says, "Leaders of teams need to inspire hope but always remain vigilant of what causes failure...it can happen quickly." The first time I felt like a true leader was middle-school softball.  I tried out in the 7th grade and was cut. Coach Walsh implored those who were cut to return and try again next year. I don't know what made me do it after the bruise to my ego, but I did- I tried out in 8th grade and not only made the team, but was chosen as Captain.  Coach couldn't believe the transformation in one year.  (Turns out I was too proud to wear my glasses the previous year).  It's amazing what vision can do for hand-eye coordination.

Chapter 3 is titled: Dynastic Leaders are Caring & Honest and begins with a quote by Flavia Weedn "Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." When I read this quote it brought me back to my days on the softball field. I was ecstatic that when I moved up to high school that Coach Walsh was transferred to a coaching job with the Varsity softball team.  He was my first mentor. The first man in my life to sit and talk with me, ask me how I was feeling and what I wanted to do with my life. I felt like when I talked to him that he saw through all the teen-age bull shit and truly understood me.  I asked Coach to write me a college recommendation.  The best present he could have done was to leave the envelope unsealed. He wanted me to read it before it was sealed and sent off to the University.  I only wish I had made a copy so that I could read it again after all these years.

Was our softball team a sports dynasty? Nah. But the lessons I learned, my competitive spirit and my desire to mentor others has carried through to my career.  Thank you Coach.

The Championship Formula can be found on Amazon.com as well as Barnes and Noble.com.  A great read if you are looking to get in touch with your inner-champion.

www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com

Presenting: The Greatest Show on Earth!!

She's fearless, she's empowered- heck, she can juggle wearing a suit while doing yoga poses!






Do you sometimes feel like you are performing in a 3 ring circus? Many working-women do. And if you're an entrepreneur, you may be juggling employees, balance sheets and marketing on top of your other daily commitments.

Here are three short tips to keep you poised with all those balls in the air:
1- Accountability and Planning.  Recently I wrote an entire article on this topic.  It's important to create milestones but it's even more important to be held accountable to reaching them.  If you are someone who has trouble attaining goals, maybe an A&P partnership is right for you.  The commitment is small, but the reward of following through is priceless.  I meet with my A&P partner every month and I'm so proud of how much we have each accomplished.

2- Time Management.  There's no way around it. You have to be disciplined when it comes to your time. As much as I love a thrilling game of Words with Friends, I know that when it's time to work that I have to close down my Facebook to limit my distraction.  Time is money.  Your time is your money.  Make every minute count.

3- Establish a Support System.  Most moms have a reliable babysitting on speed dial.  You might ring that  sitter when you're planning ahead for date night or in a pinch during an emergency.  Your business needs a life-line as well.  Do you have a reliable network of specialists who are there to help your business meet deadlines and grow efficiently?  Are you utilizing LinkedIn to keep up with former colleagues, mentors and associates?  Ensure they know what you are up to in your professional life so that they are only a phone call away should you need them.

Keeping those balls from hitting the ground takes planning, organization and focus.  A few extra hands can't hurt either... so don't hesitate to reach out to SleeveShirt Consulting.  We'd love to run away and join your circus.

www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com

Spotlight Entrepreneur: Amanda K. Haddaway

Think back to when you graduated from college. If you could go back and give yourself some sound advice that would have propelled your future professional career, what would you tell your wide-eyed self?  Over the years Amanda K. Haddaway has met and recruited many recent graduates.  What she began to discover was that there was a gap between what was being taught in the classroom and what were some soft skills that were critical to be successful on day one as a professional in the workplace.  Follow Amanda's career from Corporate America to successful writer and philanthropist.  She does it all! 

Amanda, you work full time as a Director of Human Resources, are a Corporate Trainer, freelance writer and have just published your first book. How do you successfully juggle so many aspects of your career?

I like to stay busy! I am, fortunately, one of those people that can balance a lot of projects at once. I feel very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way, so I try to take on as many projects as possible. I will admit, though, that I require a certain amount of downtime and seven to eight hours of sleep each night is a must!

When we spoke you mentioned your mentor. What is the most fulfilling part about working with a mentor?

No one knows everything. It's good to have someone in your same career field that can answer questions and be a sounding board on various topics. The old adage about two heads being better than one is certainly true and it's good to have one or more people that you can go to for advice.

Your book, Destination Real World:Success after Graduation provides critical tips that aren't being taught in the classroom to equip grads for the real world. What are some of the missteps that graduates make in 2012?

It's a really tough job market right now, but some candidates would get further along in the job search process if they knew the basics of constructing a resume, knowing how to interview and knowing how to act in the workplace once they secure that first job. My book provides 25 tips that coach new and soon-to-be college graduates on these topics and more.

You are very passionate about philanthropy. Can you tell us a little more about the two organizations that you work with, Cocktails for a Cause and The Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch, and why they are important to you? 

Cocktails for a Cause is a new organization that I co-founded with two friends a few months ago. Our mission is to assist the fundraising efforts of area non-profits by (1) promoting awareness of the organizations that serve women and children and (2) hosting social events to procure monetary and product contributions for the partnering organizations. We believe that supporting local non-profit organizations through charitable giving enhances the overall quality of life for our entire community. It's a way for people to have fun with their friends and also assist great causes.

I'm also on the board of directors at the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch and a portion of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Ranch. The Ranch is a 24-hour foster care facility for boys between the ages of 10 and 18. Our mission is to assist these youth in becoming productive members of society.

Many of the entrepreneurs we speak with have interest in sharing their knowledge with others. What is your number one piece of advice for a woman who is interested in writing and self-publishing?

Do it! You have nothing to lose and the process will test your perseverance, strength and patience. It's also such a rewarding feeling to complete a project of this scale. It all started with an idea that I was able to put on paper. Fast forward seven months and my book was published and available on amazon.com! 

To connect with Amanda, link with her today!

www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1466316829/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

When your business cuts it's first tooth

As entrepreneurs, our businesses are our babies.  The business needs to be nurtured.  Needs to be cared for morning, noon and night.  Sometimes you're even woken at 3am with a spark of genius, nerves about an upcoming presentation, or a client who needs you desperately.

This morning I got a phone call from my husband who had just wrapped up an early morning chiropractor appointment.  The recently hired receptionist was obviously still learning the ropes, but openly reprimanded for a mistake in front of my husband.  Can you say 'Uncomfortable!"?

When business grows large enough to hire your first employee, it's kind of like your baby cutting its first tooth.  There's some redness, soreness, general irritation, but in the end, it's an exciting milestone.  Pediatricians and dentists will tell you to start caring for those teeth immediately.  Be gentle, but ensure to brush that itty-bitty white chicklet twice a day and watch it grow strong and be joined by others.

As a parent and a small business owner, communication and patience are keys to success. Correcting improper behavior immediately is a good rule of thumb, but exercising discretion so as not to embarrass your staff in front of clients is just good tact.

www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com

Wedding Buzz

Recently I've had the pleasure of getting to know Antoinette Robinson of After All Is Said And Done By Antoinette.  Antoinette has agreed to participate in our Spotlight Entrepreneur series, so I don't want to give away too much about her before her feature!

What I would like to share today is a great piece that we worked on together. As a wedding and event planner, Antoinette was a great resource for an article published in Vows Magazine, a bimonthly publication for the bridal industry. For over 20 years Vows has provided the information bridal consultants need to deliver top quality products while creating memorable customer service for brides and grooms.  We are honored that they used so much of the information Antoinette provided in their latest edition.


What great buzz for a growing woman-owned business!


Please check out the great tips Antoinette provided to bridal salon owners on how best to service brides!  We think she is spot-on!



www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com

ABC’s of Small Business Success

At SleeveShirt Consulting we’d like to take you on an inspirational journey to reach your career goals.  Are you just starting to think about launching a business?  Or maybe you are looking to build your brand and grow your customer base?  No matter what phase you fall into, together, we will build successful strategies to help you become the fearless entrepreneur you want to be. Here are some tips, from A to Z.

Anthem.  Choose a song that motivates you to focus on your goals.  Listen to it while you’re exercising, make it your ring tone or set your alarm to wake up to it and kick off your day with a smile on your face.

Barter.  There are ways to conduct business that do not include invoicing customers. Find a complimentary business that needs your services and find common ground on a trade agreement.

Communicate. Have you ever heard of anyone being looked down upon for OVER-communicating?  Ranked in order of importance; In person, over phone, via email, via text, and lastly, megaphone.

Drumroll, please!  Celebrate your successes- no matter how small. If you don’t pat yourself on the back, no one else will. 

Elevator Pitch.  A 30 second intro to your brand and your mission.  Don’t have one? SleeveShirt can help.

Freebies.  That’s right, I said the magical word: FREE!  Everyone wants a deal. Together we’ll brainstorm ways to market your product/service to customers and provide them with some valuable extras so they keep coming back for more.

Greed is good.  Be greedy about your time.  Time is money.

Humility.  Make a mistake? Own it.  Don’t hesitate to apologize and make good on the situation. 

Intention.  Setting an intention, different than setting a goal, allows you to focus on “being” in the present moment.  Let go of goal-oriented outcomes and instead look inward and ask yourself, “Where do I want to be (with my business/with my life)?”

Just Do It.  So you’ve been thinking about starting your own business for a few years, but just haven’t had the time…  What’s stopping you?  Fear? Don’t know where to begin?  Call me for a free consultation and we’ll get you on your way.

Kindness. Kill ‘em with it.  

Love thy neighbor.  I recently reached out to a number of local small business owners for advice and I couldn’t have gotten more genuine, helpful responses.  Your community wants you to succeed- reach out!

Mentor.  Don’t have one? Get one. Feel you would be a good one?  Sign up here: http://www.mentoring.org/

Network.  With your facebook fans, with your chamber of commerce, with a local women’s group. You never know where your next customer will come from.

Optimism. Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t… You’re right. 

Pay.  Not a copywriter? Don’t pen your website. There is good value setting aside money to pay for expertise.

Question. Ask it:  “Do I have your business?”  You can’t be shy about this.  You have to close the deal.  Here are some additional tips: http://www.startupnation.com/business-articles/1138/1/AT_5-Tips-For-Closing-Deal.asp

Read.  About your industry, about your competition, about people who inspire you. Then share those good resources with your network.

Stamina.  If you are thinking about launching your own business, or are already self-employed, you know that it takes stamina and endurance to keep going.  Think of yourself like an athlete who is in training for the race of your career.

Travel: Outside of your comfort zone.  Sometimes we have to do things that make us uncomfortable just to break down the door and move past it.  It's good for the soul.

Underminers.  You know those folks in your life who tend to be on the more negative side? If you let them, they’ll just bring you down.  Avoid them at all costs! 

Vision.  Ever created a vision board?  I can walk you through 3 simple steps to achieve your most important goals in business, and in life.

White Board.  Oh how I love my white board calendar.  Thank you Board Dudes!  Organizational tools like this one help me visualize my to-do list and gives me a snap shot of my schedule so that I am able to stay on my game.  Are you on your game?

X factor. What will Simon Cowell be looking for on his new show?  The indefinable “something” that brings unique star power?  What is your businesses Xfactor? Let's define it together.

Yard Sale!  Cleaning out the clutter in your space allows you to focus on the task at hand. If you work from home, ensure you have a quiet, comfortable work-space free of distractions, and full of inspiration. 

Zero-tolerance.  Adopt it for ignorance, hostility, arrogance, wastefulness, dishonesty, and the complacent.

Ready to get started?  Call me to set up a free consultation.

www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com

Travel Tribulations

Recently I asked my Facebook Fans to share what their most dreaded part of traveling for business was.  Although I’m pumped for my next trip out of town I can’t help but be a little wary knowing my history.

I seem to give off a vibe when I travel which results in wackiness such as the time:

·         My hotel gave me a key for an already occupied room. (Thankfully no one was inside at the time I entered)

·         My hotel gave me a key for an already occupied room (and a couple was getting cozy- YIKES!)  Total mortification.

·         I went to London amidst a Tube-strike and still had to figure out how to get to and from various client meetings while fighting for a limited number of black cabs.

·         I was getting settled in my quaint London suite when I heard the toilet running. After jiggling the handle a few times to no avail, I lifted the porcelain tank cover and it fell to the floor into a million pieces. Total mortification (again). 

·         I went to Cleveland for a day trip and got stuck overnight unexpectedly. No toothbrush, no contact solution and it was so late when we arrived at the hotel that the hotel store was CLOSED.  Since my hubby was also out of town at the time I had to arrange for my cousin who lived 30+ miles away to check in on my dog 3x! Argh…

o       When we finally did touch back down in DC there was a security breach and our “people mover” bus was held up. When everything was safe and we were finally released, my Creative Director and I were in the Amazing Race to make a client presentation. Those were the longest 2 days of my life, and I really needed a long hot shower.

·         Vendors took a few of us ladies out for a night in New Orleans.  All I can write is that ‘What happens in Nawlins, stays in Nawlins.’ 

Amazingly I can now look back on these events and laugh more than cringe. The lessons they’ve taught me? Flexibility when you travel is key. None of these situations was under my control and despite the challenges; I still had a job to do. 

If I hadn’t been working on little sleep after the Cleveland debacle, my adrenaline for next days client presentation might not have been as high. We hit that presentation out of the park and I was so glad to get home, take the dog for a walk and have a glass of wine.

I also learned that sincerely apologizing diffuses most uncomfortable situations. Whether it be to the nice couple who didn’t expect company in their hotel room, or the hotel concierge who probably could have raked me over the coals for a replacement tank cover, I came out of it unscathed and with good stories to pass on to pals like you.

Wish me luck this week as I head out for my trip. Or don’t, and if you’re lucky I’ll have some funny story to share with you when I get back.

In Good Company Workplaces

Adelaide Lancaster and Amy Abrams are two smart, talented ladies you want to get to know.  They are the proud founders of In Good Company Workplaces.  If you are a NYC entrepreneur- you need to visit their space, but if you are hundreds of miles away like me, I recommend subscribing to their newsletter chock full of resources, small business news and innovative ideas.

our story

Our years of consulting to many talented and enterprising women helped us to identify several common themes and challenges that affected our client’s success. We frequently met and worked with entrepreneurs who felt isolated as business owners; had difficulty finding affordable office space; lacked a collegial community with whom they could share resources and tricks of the trade; and struggled with where to go when faced with challenges. Not only were these challenges pervasive but they resonated with us strongly as business owners ourselves! We began to wonder if there was a solution that could address these common needs of women business owners. And so the market research and business planning began...

Flash forward 18 months later, and In Good Company WorkPlaces is launched! Finally - an innovative business that is designed with women business owners’ success in mind!

In Good Company’s purpose, practices and policies reflect our core beliefs about women entrepreneurship and their offerings are based in our overall mission to elevate the status of women entrepreneurs, which we do by providing solutions and connections that enhance the success of women-led ventures. In Good Company is also committed to finding ways to collaborate and support other organizations and non-profits who are also promoting the professional development of women and girls. Organizations include: Nest, Step Up Women’s Network, GEMS GIRLS, WIBO, Make A Wish Foundation, and The Vibe Theatre Experience.

A complaint I often hear from my clients is that although they love fulfilling their dream of being a business owner that they miss the collaboration and camaraderie of previous work environments.  The community that Amy and Adelaide have created empowers women business owners to come together to work, meet and learn - all in good company.  Kudos ladies! 

SCORE!

If you’ve utilized the small business association to help get your business off the ground, you may have also heard of SCORE.  For those of you that haven’t, SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide.

Want a free online evaluation of your business?  Click on the Small Business Assessment.  After a quick questionnaire you will be presented with customized report with resources and topics that will interest you in your current phase of business.

The resources they provide are fantastic- suggested books, articles, and websites to review.  Also, don’t forget to check out what webinars are coming up.

If you want a little bit more interaction, you can email questions directly to business experts.  Prefer an in-person consultation? You can easily find an office in your area to set up a personal appointment.   When was the last time you were offered 24/7 mentoring advice for free?

SCORE has a proven track record of helping small businesses. Ever hear of Jelly Belly Candy Company? Vermont Teddy Bear or Vera Bradley Designs? Yep. All have used SCORE.

If you’ve worked with SCORE- we’d love to hear about your personal experience.  For the rest of my budding entrepreneurs- check out SCORE today!

Stay Organized, Look Professional & Travel with Ease

Career Bags had me at free shipping- on all purchases and returns exceeding $50. And for a durable, fashionable work-bag, I'd be willing to pay more than that.

Check out their best sellers- I'm sure you'll laptop will be happy to be toted around in one of these gems.

“If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen”

Do you recognize the quote? Its one that I can’t seem to get out of my mind since Conan O’Brien’s last broadcast. I’m not a die-hard late night TV watcher. Heck, I’m lucky if I see 10 o’clock. But I will say, I was excited when Conan took over The Tonight Show from Jay Leno. I saw the very first episode and 7 months later I was disheartened to see NBC folly.

If I wasn’t already on Team-Conan, he had me during his last two broadcasts. It was a professional and humble final speech which included an inspirational goodbye and the fabulous quote I mentioned above.

I have not been able to stop thinking about how true his statement is. I’ve been known to subscribe to the “Work Hard. Play Hard.” mentality but in all honesty, who wants to work and/or play with someone who isn’t nice? I’m sure all of Jay Leno’s staffers would stand up to say that their boss is the king-of-nice for saving their jobs, but I can’t help thinking that his ego brought him back to the Tonight Show without any regard for the career and livelihood of Conan O’Brien and his staffers.

I for one look forward to September to see where Conan lands. He’s already had offers from an adult-film company and the Mrs. Fields cookie company. Not sure those are the directions he is likely to head, but wasn’t that kind?

The Underminer

Everyone has at least one in their professional life. An Underminer.  A person who knows you so well that they can casually destroy your career. 

• Are you going to wear that to the presentation?
• I was unaware you could work from home the day after taking a personal day. Have the policies changed recently?
• "So how's the job hunt? Ugh, what a difficult time to find work, much less do something fulfilling.  Please let me know if I can do anything, 'kay?"
• "Oh wow I see you're putting your resume on blue paper, with a Helvetica font! Wow, how nontraditional.... You are always pushing the envelope, so to speak. And it's great.  People need to see that kind of resume every now and then."

In his satirical book, Mike Albo describes The Underminer as a passive-aggressive master.  We've all had a colleague like this. He/She knows exactly how to pull the rug out from under you- just when you thought you were finally standing on firm ground.

So how do you combat an underminer?  First, take a deep breathe. Second, have a true friend wriggle the knife out of your back.  Third, smile gracefully, excuse yourself and run for the hills. In a sea of underminers there are also loyal, encouraging, respectful professionals who can talk you off the ledge of self-doubt.  Find those people, surround yourself with them and vow never to turn into an evil underminer.

The Role of the Emoticon in Business Correspondence

Consider this extra credit for the business etiquette course that you’ve enrolled in with Professor Schlesier.


When writing business correspondence, when is it appropriate to insert an emoticon?

:-)

My answer?

: <

Never.

Sources describe the emoticon as “a textual expression representing the face of a writer's mood or facial expression.”1 So I ask, what is the role of mood in business email? Does it have one? Surely we have all gotten in trouble with an email or two where “tone” was taken out of context. Upon reflection, didn’t we also realize that if we had just held a conversation instead of firing off that email, that perhaps a miscommunication may have been avoided? :-o

By now you’re thinking that I have no sense of humor and need to get a life. What do I have against the cute smiley face punctuating your email? Well, a lot. Scott E Fahlman, the inventor of the sideways smiley face describes that the emoticon was created for online bulletin boards in the 1980s to explicitly mark posts that were not to be taken seriously. ;-p

Instead of short and sweet, I believe business correspondence should be short and factual. You have your personal email to be sweet. Tweet sweet nothings in your 140 character space limit until the cows come home. Email your grandma with emoticons after every sentence, besides- she still thinks they are novel. But please, forget those keystrokes when you are at work.


1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoticon

Always Ride the Elevator

I’ve written before about what class I’d like to take over again if I could recapture my college days, but now I’d like to muse on what class should be taught before they hand out a business degree.


Business Etiquette 101. A pre-requisite Business Management.

I never fancied myself to be the Emily Post of the business world. But over the years, I’ve witnessed some major gaffes that had serious impacts on morale and business relationships, which in turn, ended up hurting the bottom line.

To follow, my six section course on Business Etiquette. Thank you for enrolling.

1. Always Ride the Elevator. In my most recent corporate job, focus on health was paramount. There was a fitness center on campus and we were encouraged to exercise regularly and eat healthy. Given this scenario, and if you were a manager at said-corporation, would you a) take the stairs daily, or b) ride the elevator? Answer: You should always ride the elevator. We’d like to believe that all managers are leaders, but that’s just not the case. Leaders are born. Managers, well, sometimes they are promoted because they were really good at the job they were doing at the time. A tip for all the managers out there: walk the halls and talk to your employees. It’s not a time waster. It’s a business mandatory. You are the barometer for success. You have the power to instill motivation and confidence. There is nothing worse than being inaccessible. Small talk goes a long way, so please, ride the elevator.

2. Be on Time. No matter what. No excuses. And, especially for meetings that you arranged. Period.

3. A Girls’ Gotta Eat. I steal this line shamelessly from my sister-in-law, who from time-to-time has accepted dinner dates from less than interesting suitors. Sometimes she goes when she knows there is no future. But does anyone really know on first glance? Although it has a greedy slant, doesn’t it make a lot of sense? You never know when “the one” is going to walk through the door- or when the next business partner, influencer or connector is going to walk across your professional path. And by all means, if the person who has invited you to a business meal offers to pay (and if there are no guidelines against this in your contract), let them pay! Not only are you being a gracious guest, but you may end up being able to return the favor when you realize you have a lot more in common with this person than you originally thought.

4. What Not to Wear. I’m a fan of the TLC show of the same name. Style gurus Stacy London and Clinton Kelly convert fashion-challenged folks into fashionistas. Now, I’m not saying you must be a fashionista at work. However, I am saying stretching “business casual” dress code to the limit by wearing an outfit to the office that should be reserved for walking your dog is another thing. Do you think we don't notice? We do. Even if you work from home, it’s important to put yourself in the work mindset. Don those kitten heels, sit up straight at your desk and wow them!

5. Tomato, Tomah to. Does pronunciation matter? Maybe not for tomato, but please, make every effort to learn how to pronunciate the name of your business associates. I myself have had numerous creative takes on my last name. Some quite humorous. I even built my company’s name around a nickname I had during my agency years which helped me get clients on board with how to say Schlesier (like SleeveShirt). For me, now I have a conversation starter in business situations. For you, don’t be embarrassed to ask a person for assistance with their name, especially at that all important first meeting. Everyone will be glad that you did.

6. Thank you. Gracias. Danke. Merci. Arigatô. Grazie. Manners are manners in any language. If you’ve received a great lead or some helpful information from a colleague, take it to the next level and break out a handwritten thank you note. My favorite tactful thank you is an email message to the person with a: cc to their boss. Not only are you thanking the person directly and quickly, but you are also shining a light on them which could be a favorable addition to their annual review. I bet when you do a few of these, your colleagues will return the favor. You’ll thank me.

How did you score on the final exam? If you have other business etiquette topics you feel I should add to my syllabus, feel free to submit them. I’d love to hear from you.