Continue Reading "My Favorite Sales Associate – Wendy Levine"]]>

Gretchen Neels with Wendy Levine

I’ve known many, many sales people over the years and there is no one quite like Wendy Levine who works her magic in the designer department at Neiman Marcus at Tyson’s Corner (McLean, Virginia). She has a great eye and can really help put together looks that are fresh, modern and perfectly understated. If you don’t think there are any good sales people out there, think again! Here are five reasons why she should be your go-to sales person the next time you need to refresh your wardrobe, buy a new interview suit, or learn why that Gucci dress costs what it does.

1. Wendy knows her merchandise. You will save oodles of time if you call her the day before you plan to shop. Give her your sizes, budget and what it is you’re looking for, and she’ll have a dressing room waiting for you full of things you never knew you needed!

2. Wendy’s honest. She will tell you if the St. John pants don’t flatter or if the Armani jacket doesn’t work, and find you something that does.

3. Wendy understands the DC professional. Whether you work on Capitol Hill, K Street, or a DC suburb, she’ll always select what’s appropriate.

4. Wendy isn’t pushy. Of course she works on commission like everyone else, but her goal is to make you look great while building a long-term relationship with you. She’s so good at what she does, you’ll wonder what you ever did without her.

5. Wendy will look out for you and make life easier. Once she’s worked with you a few times, she’s happy to send things on approval. If you’ve read our I Hate to Shop! e-books, you know that stores no longer “buy deep,” and sizes are always an issue. Let her pull a few things in your size at the start of each season and send them along; what could be better than that?

Neels & Company hosts small, private shopping events at Neiman’s from time to time. If you’d like to be on our invitation list, just email us and let us know you’re interested. I’d love to introduce you to Wendy!

Continue Reading "Need Help with Performance Reviews?"]]> Anyone who has worked with Millennials (that group of new professionals born after 1980) knows that they crave feedback in the workplace. They want to know how well they’re doing (being eternally optimistic, that’s usually the starting point), how they compare to their peers, and when they will be able to do something different. Of the four generations working together under the same roof, Millennials are the most eager for performance reviews, followed by Gen Xers, then Baby Boomers. Traditionalists are the least interested in feedback; they’ll take a pat on the back and the gold watch when it’s time to go, thank you very much, but in the meantime assume that no news is good news.

Helpful feedback is a critical component to everyone’s professional development. Many managers, however, cringe when it’s time to conduct the annual or semi-annual performance review, often procrastinating until the last minute. If that’s you or someone in your organization, it’s time to consult the performance review guru, Sharon Armstrong of DC-based Armstrong and Associates. Armstrong’s latest book, The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource for Any Manager or HR Professional, is guaranteed to remove the anxiety and show supervisors step-by-step how to bring performance appraisals into the 21^st century. The book also covers such future-focused areas as job sharing, telecommuting, shared supervision, team evaluations, legal concerns, and accommodating particular employee challenges.

“Supervisors often complain they are required to focus on tedious written forms, but don’t have enough training in how to use them,” she says. “They also worry about getting hit with complaints or lawsuits when there’s even a hint of discussion in the review about ‘improvement opportunities’. And there’s also the frustration of measuring intangibles.”

What’s more, employees often aren’t any happier about the performance review process.

“Anyone who is in the HR business knows that many employees just plain dread appraisals, citing feelings of trepidation from one error that dragged on through 10 categories of the performance review, and frustration with perfunctory appraisals that neither acknowledge nor foster growth,” Armstrong adds. “As one employee told me, ‘The perception of the individual or relationship often dictates how critical or complimentary a supervisor can be.’ ”

Get your performance house in order this spring with a copy of The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource for Any Manager or HR Professional.

Continue Reading "Inside Scoop on Personal Stylists"]]> In today’s Wall Street Journal there’s a pretty good article on personal stylists, highlighting Chris Sharma who works out of Nordstrom’s Tysons Corner store in Northern Virginia. While I was at Nordstrom, Chris’s book of business was legendary. “How does he do it?” we would ask ourselves as yet one more customer came in on our day off to return everything she said she loved. Ah, those were the days!

If you want to learn better shopping strategies and/or how to work more effectively with a personal stylist, you need to read my e-books, I Hate to Shop! But Still Want to Look Great where I share my secrets that will get you in and out of the stores in no time, buying exactly what you need!

Continue Reading "Email Etiquette Teleseminar – a hit!"]]> Our FREE monthly Elegant Executive Teleseminar Series started with a bang yesterday with over 100 registered listeners! Email Etiquette was the topic and it’s clear that many people wanted to learn how to make their email messages stand out with courtesy and clarity.

If you haven’t already signed up for our Elegant Executive series, please do so today! Not sure if it’s worth 30 minutes of your time? Here are some testimonials from yesterday’s program:

“Excellent  teleseminar, Gretchen, I hope I can join the next one.”

“I loved your teleseminar. Very informative, clear and concise. Exactly what you advised listeners to be while crafting their emails. You really walk the walk.”

“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed today’s Teleseminar on Email Etiquette.  Your suggestions are practical and right on the mark. I look forward to attending the next Teleseminar.”

If that’s not enough to get you to sign up for the next program, Thursday, March 1st, on networking skills, Working the Room, here’s the Elegant Executive Teleseminar Email Etiquette audio recording.

Here is the link to the 2012 schedule. Hope to have you on the next call!

Continue Reading "Transitioning from Employee to Manager Requires More Than a Better Suit"]]> Today’s post is courtesy of HR expert extraordinaire, Roberta Chinsky Matuson

They say it’s the suit that makes the man or the woman, but I believe it’s what’s inside that really matters. Now don’t get me wrong. You still have to dress the part if you want to be taken seriously. However, that’s just one dimension of leading with authority.

Presenting yourself as a strong confident leader requires the belief that you really belong in the position that you’ve been awarded. Getting the position is one thing. Keeping it is quite another. Follow my top ten tips on managing up in the top down world of business and it won’t be long before you are succeeding all around.

1. Decode your boss’s management style-I’ve yet to see a situation where a boss molds his style to that of his employees. You can be certain you will be the one doing the adjusting. Begin by observing how your manager uses authority, the way he relates to others, and his communication style as a leader. Most bosses typically fall into one of the following categories: Dictatorial, Laissez-faire, Bureaucratic, or Consultative. Once you determine the type of manager you’ve been handed, you can then study ways to work most effectively with this type of leader.

2. Prepare to play the game of politics-Politics is played in every organization; so the sooner you learn how to play this game, the better off you’ll be. Politics is the informal way that things get done in an organization. Pay close attention to how work really gets done in the organization. People who master this game follow unwritten rules that allow them to maneuver swiftly through the organization to obtain scarce resources, approval of prized projects and promotions. Can you see now why it’s important to master this game?

3. Shine the light on others-Compliment staff in front of others, and whenever possible, shine the light on those around you. The light from their reflection will make you shine brightly.

4. Presume good intent-It’s easy to jump to conclusions when you are asked to do something that at first doesn’t feel right. Presume good intent. Provide your boss with options on how to achieve the same results in a way that feels right.

5. Master the art of influencing-Influencing is communicating effectively with a goal in mind. Be specific in your request while highlighting why it’s in your boss’ best interest to comply with your request, and you will be on your way to mastering the art of influence.

6. Toot your own horn-For years we’ve been taught that it’s not polite to brag. But if we don’t, how will others know about our contributions? When companies put together lay-off lists, they exclude those whose contributions are well known throughout the organization. You may be the best singer in the room, but no one will know this if you never open your mouth.

7. Manage your own performance-Bosses are busy people and most would rather walk on hot coals than write a performance review. Prepare your own review, which should include ways you’ve added value to the organization as well as areas needing further development. Present this to your boss a week prior to your review, and don’t be surprised if what you get back closely resembles what you’ve submitted.

8. Continually maintain-Like any connection worth having, you will need to apply care and attention in order for the relationship to flourish. Continual maintenance is the key to sustaining relationships for years to come.

9. Hire a mentor or a coach-Every star player uses a mentor or a coach to help them improve their game. Find someone who is willing to hold up the mirror for you so that you can clearly see what your boss is seeing. Then adjust your style accordingly.

10. Attach your star carefully-You never want to be so closely associated with your boss that you find yourself on the outskirts the moment she is no longer in favor. Be your own person so others know you are more than someone’s sidekick.

© 2012 Human Resource Solutions. All rights reserved.

Roberta Chinsky Matuson is the President of Human Resource Solutions (www.yourhrexperts.com) and author of the , Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around (Nicholas Brealey, January 2011), a Washington Post Top Five Book for Leaders.  Her firm helps organizations create exceptional workplaces that deliver extraordinary results. Sign up to receive a complimentary subscription to Roberta’s monthly newsletter, HR Matters.

Continue Reading "Destructive Delusions #6"]]> 6. Worry, Fret, and Fear: “If something seems dangerous or fearsome, I must preoccupy myself with it and make myself anxious about it.”

Are you an expert when it comes to playing the anxiety tape over and over in your head, convincing yourself that something is dangerous and fearsome? If worry did anyone any good, I’d be all for it, but it only serves to make the worrier, and often those around her, miserable.

So much of life is out of our hands completely, so it makes sense to drop the worry beads, and trust that the world is unfolding the way it’s supposed to (perhaps not the way we would like it to, but…). A book that can help is Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Dr. Susan Jeffers. She explains why worry, fret and fear have no upside, plus practical ways to acknowledge fear and work through it. I give it three stars!

Continue Reading "Destructive Delusions #5"]]> 5. Others Cause Misery: “My emotional misery comes from external pressures that I have little ability to change.”

It’s known as the blame game and most of us participate in pointing fingers at others when the trouble lies within. Most unhappiness and misery is a direct result of the choices we make day to day, year to year.

Accepting that we are responsible for our own happiness is the first step toward full fledged adulthood and genuine contentment. When you think the thought, “I’m miserable because of what he or she is doing,” think again, and honestly look at how your thinking or your behavior is contributing to the negative situation.

Continue Reading "Free Elegant ExecutiveTeleseminar Series for 2012"]]> For three years, Neels & Company was a content provider to West LegalEdCenter, the largest provider of online continuing legal education in the country. We loved doing the programs for West, and wish to continue providing soft-skills training to a broader audience. Our new Elegant Executive Teleseminar Series is comprised of monthly half-hour programs designed to enhance the softer side of your career. We’ll offer tips, information and advice to make you a more effective and elegant executive. Our teleseminars are offered on the first Thursday of each month from 12:00 -12:30 (Eastern Time). Registration is required, but these professional development learning events are free of charge.

Below is the schedule with links to sign up:

Effective Email Etiquette – Thursday, February 2, 2012 Noon

Learn how to write clear and concise email messages that your readers will actual read and act upon. This session will also cover the business etiquette dos and don’ts to ensure your email messages are always well received. Click here to register.

Working the Room – Thursday, March 1, 2012 Noon

Master the art of small talk and learn how to connect with others at cocktail receptions, industry-related events and other networking situations. Get your personal professional development plan off to a great start by meeting new people and cultivating rewarding business relationships. We’ll cover effective communication techniques, three questions that will get anyone talking, and how to juggle a glass of wine, plate of food and a business card. Click here to register.

Confidence – What it IS and How to Get More of It – Thursday, April 5, 2012 Noon

High levels of confidence are essential to all professionals. In this teleseminar you will learn what confidence is, what it isn’t, and how to develop more self-confidence when necessary. We’ll speak with a mental health care professional and get clarity on the difference between confidence and arrogance. Click here to register.

Stress Management – May 3, 2012 Noon

It’s more than just saying “Ooohhhhmmmm,” but that’s a good place to start! In this program we’ll cover why managing stress is one of the best things you can do for your health, and what techniques are available to those of us struggling with too few hours in the day. Click here to register.

So, You Say You’re a Good Listener… – June 7, 2012 Noon

Most people think they have great listening skills, but few really do. Learn why it’s important to be a good listener, and how listening well can help you build stronger relationships and connect better with clients and colleagues. We will explore the concept of “active listening” and how you can begin to apply better listening techniques immediately. Click here to register.

Going the Extra Mile – July 5, 2012 Noon

While truly great customer service is a rarity, most of us have experienced it and know it when we see it. This program will define what exactly great customer service is, and what elements of it you can begin to incorporate into your business life so that your clients and customers genuinely feel cared about and appreciated. We’ll also address how to handle others when their customer service skills need an upgrade. Click here to register.

Telephone Etiquette – August 2, 2012 Noon

Because more communication is taking place electronically in the workplace, many people have forgotten their manners when it comes to speaking on the telephone and leaving voicemail messages. Talking by phone is often the basis of a first impression, so you’ll want to get it right the first time (and get your calls returned!). Click here to register.

Dressing to Impress (Men) – September 6, 2012 Noon

Our non-verbal signals to others start with what we are wearing. Like it or not, first impressions are based in large part on clothing and grooming within a blink of an eye, and in this economy, no professional can afford to send this signal: “I’m comfortable and couldn’t care less what you think of me.” We’ll cover appropriate dress for business casual and more formal office environments, what to wear to a client meeting, and review some grooming basics.  Click here to register.

Dressing to Impress (Women) – October 4, 2012 Noon

Our non-verbal signals to others start with what we are wearing. Like it or not, first impressions are based in large part on clothing and grooming within a blink of an eye, and in this economy, no professional can afford to send this signal: “I’m comfortable and couldn’t care less what you think of me.” We’ll cover appropriate dress for business casual and more formal office environments, what to wear to a client meeting, and review some grooming basics.  Click here to register.

What it Takes to be a Professional – November 1, 2012 Noon

Whether this is your first internship, your first job, or if you’ve been working for years but find yourself in a “professional role” for the first time, this session is for you! Learn what it takes to be a professional, the type of image you need to project, and how to make this early part of your career the foundation for a fulfilling and balanced professional life. Click here to register.

Connecting With Your Boss – December 6, 2012 Noon

The relationship you have with your direct supervisor deserves attention. Are you nurturing this relationship proactively, or are you simply responding to requests and hoping for the best? In this session, you will learn what supervisors of all types want from their subordinates, and specific action steps you can take to enhance your career. Click here to register.