Media

OUTSTANDING ARTICLES

Communicate with Confidence

Mississauga Board of Trade Magazine – August 2010

Guess what?  Mom was right!  When she told you sit up straight, keep your chin up, and look at people when you talk to them, she was teaching the fundamentals of exuding confidence.

Positive body language and verbal tone will instil in others a sense of your self-assurance.  People want to do business with people who are confident, passionate, engaging and successful.  And even if you haven’t sealed that 7-figure contract yet, you can certainly project to others that you are well on your way!

Sit up straight dear! If looking confident to your customers and colleagues isn’t enough to inspire a strong posture, consider some other benefits:

• Greater concentration & mental ability
• Minimizes risk of back & neck problems
• Optimal organ & muscle function for maximum energy
• Gives a much slimmer silhouette to the body

Look ‘em in the Eye! In North America we associate lack of eye contact with dishonesty, insecurity or fear.  Now, you don’t have to stare anyone down (that’s just creepy), but maintain it enough to show that you’re actively listening & interested in what the other party is saying.  The occasional head nod and a smile always help.  You’ll make your partner feel important & respected.

Put it there, son! One of my biggest pet peeves is weak handshake!  You know the kind…limp wrist, cold hand, no grip.  This can be seen as disinterested, intimidated or just plain disrespectful.   A handshake is the way we greet each other – it’s key to your first impression.  Make sure it’s warm, firm & don’t forget to smile & make eye contact.

Speak up! Whether you’re speaking to 2 people or 202, always ensure your message is clear.  Speak at a volume where everyone can hear you.  Enunciate your words & use clear, simple language so you don’t isolate or confuse your audience.  Some might feel that using big words or industry jargon makes them sound more intelligent, however, if your audience doesn’t share your academic background, if you’re not speaking in their first language or if they’re not in your industry, you stand a good chance of losing them.

Attitude is Everything! Confidence comes as much from the inside as it does from the outside.  Even if you look fabulous & do all the right things, you need to feel good about yourself.  Share that positive energy with those around you – you’ll be inspired as well as inspiring!

From Invisible to Outstanding

Mompreneur Magazine – October 2009

Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of the seemingly endless doom and gloom.  Granted, things are a little tough right now, but part of entrepreneurship is having the perseverance to weather the storms. You may not be able to stop what’s happening around you, but you can control how you react to it and what you do with it to move forward.

Why not use this opportunity to rise above and boost your personal marketing strategy along with your competitive edge.   Take hold of your company and make yourself indispensable to your clients and investors.  Become that vital resource for potential new business partners!   You can shine in tough times – here’s how:

Be visible! This is no time to sit on the sidelines waiting for things to subside.  Volunteer for projects; run for a community or association board; publish an article; write a blog.

Network!  Network!  Network! It’s a key way to gain more visibility in the marketplace, and meet potential clients and resources.  Join professional associations, organized business networking groups, community and volunteer organizations.  Once you start meeting people, keep a well-maintained database and be sure to stay in contact with your network regularly.

Communicate with confidence! Communication and relationship-building ranked 2^nd as a necessary skill for future leaders in a study by The Center for Creative Leadership. Most individuals polled noted confidence, an ability to relate to others and communication as key qualities in leaders from all walks of life – not just in the ivory towers.

Dress for where you want to go! Take a look around – do you look like everyone else?  If you want to be considered as top in your field, then look like it!  We have a certain expectation of what successful people look like and how they carry themselves – usually well-groomed, sharply dressed, charismatic.  Consider your position, industry and company brand and take some time to develop your signature style.

Toot your own horn! You are your best marketing tool!  Don’t be shy to let others know about your achievements.  After all, people want to work with successful people.  For example, if you’re vying for that big contract, don’t be afraid to drop some names and numbers – “Within the first year of working with XYZ Company, they showed an increase of 25% in sales.”  Just remember to talk yourself up with some tact.

Stay positive! Yes, things look bad, but instead of whining and worrying, make the best of it.  It’s not going to last forever.  Try to block out the static.  Tough times call for creative measures – think outside the box and come up with new ways to keep the positive energy flowing, not only for yourself but for your team.

Be present! The only thing we have control over is what’s happening right now – at this very moment.  So don’t focus anywhere else.  You may be saying, “That’s crazy!  I have to be concerned about reaching this quarter’s numbers or paying my suppliers by the end of the month!”  Sure you have to be concerned about it – so what are you doing at this moment to make sure your achieve those numbers and pay those invoices?  There is nothing else, except right now.

No one can guarantee us success – we have to make our own.  It may sound daunting, but it is possible – it just takes a little hard work, creativity and faith.  Opportunity is abundant – it’s everywhere and it usually shows up when we least expect it.  So get prepared and stop waiting for it – get out there and make it happen!

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments
 of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of
 challenge and controversy.”- Martin Luther King Jr.

Back to Business – Six Statutes of Style

Mompreneur Magazine – October 2008

As you’re shopping for the kids and getting them geared up for school, have you scheduled some time to update your own wardrobe?  With the cooler weather coming we need to say “goodbye” to short suits, wedge sandals and summer dresses and “hello” to tweed jackets, wool pants and leather boots.

Although it’s hard to grasp this concept as we’re still enjoying our iced coffees on the patio, now is the best time to re-familiarize ourselves with our fall/winter wardrobes and get re-educated with these Six Statutes of Style.

#1 – THOU SHALT CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET

Pull out everything for fall/winter…and I mean EVERYTHING! Not just what you think you might get rid of.

Try on everything…and I mean EVERYTHING! Especially if you havenít worn it in the last 6 months.  Those summer BBQs may have silently snuck-up on you!

Ask yourself, ‘Does it fit?’ Now be honest!  Does it REALLY fit?  Don’t get caught in the “I’m gonna lose 20 lbs. by the Holidays” trap.  Get over it and get something new!

Can it be altered? Is it worth altering?  Or is it too out-dated; too worn?  If it doesn’t fit, and it can’t be altered, get over it and get rid of it!

Can you wear it with 2-3 pieces in your current wardrobe?  Think versatility – coordinating is key!  And remember, it doesn’t have to match it just has to go.

Have you worn it more than once in the last year? No?  Get rid of it!

Does it still fit your lifestyle? Like that beautiful new track suit that you bought as a New Year’s Resolution, but you haven’t walked around the block let alone stepped foot in a gym.

#2 – THOU SHALT STAY CURRENT

Do you look like a throw-back to the 80′s?  Are your jackets long and boxy with linebacker shoulders?  To update your style (not to mention drop 10 pounds and 10 years) try shorter, more fitted jackets.  The most universally flattering style is one that sits just at the hips, is tapered at the waist with 2 or 3 buttons.  Pair it with wide-leg pants which are hot for the season and very forgiving for those of us who carry our weight in our hips and derrieres.  Dresses are still popular and can be worn with your fitted jacket for more of a business look.  Wrap-dresses are easy and comfortable to wear and are flattering on all figures.

#3 – THOU SHALT ENSURE A PERFECT FIT!

Despite what most fashion magazines want you to think, the average Canadian woman is not a size 2.  From my experience, it’s probably somewhere between 12 and 16.  So it’s important we wear what’s right for our bodies and not anyone else’s.  If you are curvy, avoid stiff fabrics that don’t allow movement, but always ensure there is some structure in the garment.  Anything too loose or flowy (e.g. baby doll dresses) can add more bulk where you donít want it.  More straighter or angular figures look great in crisper, structured styles.  Add some ruching or ruffles to create feminine curves or layers to add volume.

Embrace your figure!  Accept yourself unconditionally – your womanly curves or strong, athletic build; your baby flap that won’t go away short of surgery, but reminds us what beautiful people we’ve brought into the world.

#4  - THOU SHALT CHOOSE  UPDATED, COMPLIMENTARY  COLOURS

Are you still mixing primary colours with black and wearing matching earrings in large geometric shapes?  Why not join the rest of us in the 21st Century with some great neutrals mixed with more saturated, sophisticated colours.  When choosing colours, the most important thing to remember is wearing tones that are complimentary to you – not necessarily what’s hot for the season.  When choosing your best colours you need to consider your skin tone, eye and hair colour.  If your features are softer and more blended (i.e., freckled skin, strawberry-blonde hair, light green eyes), try softer, low-contrast colours like an off-white blouse under a light to medium teal jacket.  It won’t overpower you like a white blouse under a dark navy jacket which would be stunning on someone with strong contrasting features (i.e., ivory skin, dark chocolate brown hair and deep hazel eyes).

#5  - THOU SHALT WELCOME OBJECTIVE OPINIONS!

You’ll notice it states to welcome objective opinions.  Be open to constructive feedback on your wardrobe.  Remember we only get one chance to make a first impression.  Don’t ask for someone’s input and then get defensive about their comments.  Wouldn’t you appreciate knowing that your skirt is too short and everyone can see your bright pink panties?  You’ll also notice the rule welcomes objective opinions.  Don’t ask your husband or boyfriend – they usually don’t want to say the wrong thing and get in trouble.  Ask an honest girlfriend, sister or fashionably-inclined male friend.  Or, better still; seek the advice of a professional.  A few hours with an image consultant can save you years of frustration and hundreds of dollars from future shopping mistakes.

#6 – THOU SHALT FEEL FABULOUS!

Your clothing should uplift you!  It should boost your confidence and make you feel beautiful.  It should inspire you to inspire others.  When we look good, we feel fabulous and we send a message that we are confident, successful and significant.  Keep in mind these inspirational words from author Marianne Williamson…

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be?  You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.  There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.  We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”