WB-Peter Lamas Affiliate Program...25% Sales Commissions 35% Referral Commissions Plus, Free Hotel or Cruise & Airfare Benefits

http://www.peterlamas.com/jointheclub.php

Sisters,

FOCUS (family,outreach,community,unity & schools) has designated April 2011 as mentor a teen parent month.  It's no secret that we are in a crisis with this issue and  loosing girls everyday.  Black women are needed in the schools and communities to help these young people as they attempt to be  teenagers,  a parent, and a student.  Some only need our wisdom and a loving embrace just as we would our birth child.  

Think about when you struggled with issues about sexuality, the jr.high crush, self-eseem, wanting belong to the popular clique. Remember you parent/child conversations that made every situation okay?  Remember seeing mom, dad or grandma at the football game to support you or mom working the concession stand as a band booster ?  Most teens don't have this support system which makes them more vunerable for making poor choices.

Black Professional Women the time has come for us to take a proactive stand and help families with challenges.  These are our daughters so we must step to the plate and not attempt to tweak this situation any longer.

For ideas about getting involved or building rapport with a teen mom please email: wheniamlearningtoloveme@gmail.com.

In Sisterly Love,

Michelle Chaisson

I wanted to share an interview I did recently with CNBC.com  

1 new result for chantay bridges

Time For Spring Cleaning Your Finances CNBC.com Chantay Bridges, a real-estate agent in Los Angeles, and her spouse have always been diligent about their finances but a recent death in the family, and subsequent conversations about was there a will, what would happen to the kids, etc., ... See all stories on this topic »

Published: Tuesday, 22 Mar 2011 | 6:01 PM ET

Text Size

 Spring is a time for renewal, a time for out with the old, in with the new. So, while you’re cleaning out the closet and the garage, it’s a good time to give your finances a good spring cleaning, too.

Brigitte Sporrer | Getty Images

 Think about it: The government is already forcing you to do an audit of what you made and what you spent last year with your taxes; what better way to kick procrastination than to take that momentum and check off everything on your financial to-do list—from rebalancing your 401(k) to reviewing your life-insurance policy, checking your credit score and planning out your spending for the year?

 “You get involved in your day-to-day life. You’re busy trying to get ahead, taking care of the kids, earning a living and enjoying yourself a little bit. Organizing your finances isn’t something people typically enjoy doing,” said Marie Hoffman, who runs FamilyMoneyValues.com, a web site designed to help Boomers with money management. “But if your goals are to keep your financial house in order and make headway on accumulating assets, then this is just a chore that needs to be done like cleaning the bathroom — so do it!” 

.

 Chantay Bridges, a real-estate agent in Los Angeles, and her spouse have always been diligent about their finances but a recent death in the family, and subsequent conversations about was there a will, what would happen to the kids, etc., made them expand their spring checklist this year. They suggest you:

• Check yourr credit scores.
• Get your legal business in order (A will, living trust, etc.)
• Make emergency plans. (Buying gold and silver, stocking up on emergency supplies and establishing emergency contacts)
• Check all of your policies to make sure they’re up-to-date (insurance policies, bank accounts, investments, wills, etc.)
• Make sure your beneficiaries are correct.
• Do a debt check — Is everything paid off or is there anything outstanding?
• Check interest rates on your credit cards and any outstanding loans.
• Check your 401(k)s and get financial advice on their distributions.
• Take stock of stocks — check in to see what’s performing, what they should sell and if there’s anything they can write-off due to low or limited dividends.

From A Writer's POV is looking for Blogtalk Radio Hosts that interview authors. If your interested and would like more details, click here: http://thepovlounge.wordpress.com/wac-blog-talk-radio-hosts-sign-up/

Thanks!

I'm not going to beat myself up because I didn't reach all my goals. Life gets in the way but I am proud to have planted the seeds that will grown in the next quarter and beyond. I am ready to be, as LaShanda said in her new video - Profitable and Productive online.

Things I accomplished in Q1 2011

1. Prior to January I sign up for e-junkie to help promote my services and did a New Year's Sale. I got two sales and additional inquires from that promotion.
2. To date I completed 8 web related projects, which included work for a recurrent client and two new referrals.
3. Decided to take a collection of blog post from my blog and turn it into an ebook. Hopefully releasing early April.
4. Most importantly, I kept pushing through all of the tough times, and there were a few.

What did you do?

The phrase 15 minutes of fame is very common and alludes to the fact that every person can somehow achieve fame for at least a short amount of time. However, the Internet has changed the concept of transient fame to one which might be easy to get, easy to maintain and last for ever. With the Internet becoming a great part of people’s lives, being famous has got a lot easier. 

• You should get a thorough knowledge of the how the computer and the Internet work. Visit the library, get a few books and practice HTML. There is going to be a time when you’ll be able to change channels from CBS to ABC to Facebook or MySpace. You should have the basics of the Internet and computing under your belt so that you will be ready when the Internet and TV does become one.

• In order to build your own fan base, you should develop a website which will reflect your personality. People visiting your website must feel what kind of person you are and not as if an impersonal webmaster is running the website. It would be great if you would update the page regularly so that your fans will visit your website everyday.

• You should give your IM screen names, Net address, and URLs as much publicity as you can, and everywhere that you can. Reply to every comment which is sent to you. In a nutshell, act like your website is your home, and you should always be there to greet your guests.

• You could upload songs and videos which you like onto your web page. People with similar interests would visit your website often then. People who visit IStockPhoto.com can get images, streaming audio and video.

• You can make your web page and by extension yourself very popular if you make clever and thoughtful posts. If you can interest people with your posts, they will respect you and hold your name or user name in esteem. 

• You could search online on subjects which interest you, and discuss those topics on online forums or message boards. However, make it a point not to enter into arguments with others. You’ll become unpopular if you insist in proving how right you are compared to the other person. Always be polite and friendly.

• However, you should always be careful of the people you meet over the internet and not share too much personal information with them. At least not unless you are building a partnership on a business level that becomes personal.

Cheers,

Charlotte

Promote your business to other small businesses that are looking for what you have to offer.  I discovered an amazing site that's FREE to join and to connect with other small businesses.  To learn more, click on my personal website link below:

http://caldwell110.thecustomeradvantage.com/

Watch the video which explains about the business site and how to get started.  What's great about this, it's absolutely FREE, so you have nothing to loose and everything to gain!! 

Contact me if you have any questions!

Sheila Caldell

A vehicle needs a tune up every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. The key to keeping a vehicle in good working condition is scheduling regular maintenance.  Right?  Well, just as your car needs scheduled care, so does your business.  According to Browder, founder of National Association Women on the Rise, it is vital that entrepreneurs get in the habit of looking “under the hood” regularly.  That means reviewing your operations, marketing and financial processes.  So, are you performing regularly scheduled maintenance for your business?  Here are 3 tips to tune-up your business.

Change the oil

Regularly changing your car's engine oil and filter is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well.  Consistent maintenance to your business each year is equally important.  Take some time to look at your business processes.  Think about your accomplishments.  Is there room for improvement?  Here are two ideas.

• Reflect on the successes and failures of your professional and personal life.  Have you considered what changes you would like to implement this year?  As women entrepreneurs, it is important to look for ways to improve work-life balance.  Take some time to reflect on your business' progress and make plans on how you want your business to grow.
• Reorganize to get rid of clutter.  What have you accumulated this past year that is hindering you from functioning at your optimal best?  Write down all the things that are cluttering your mind, distorting your life’s vision.  Take each of the things on your list and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why am I holding on to this clutter?
2. What purpose does it serve?
3. How do I rid myself of it?

Clutter can be distracting while adding to the chaos in our lives.    

Check engine light

The "check engine" light is part of your vehicle's onboard diagnostics (OBD) system. If a problem in the electronic-control system doesn’t ‘fix’ itself, the computer that controls the OBD turns on a yellow warning indicator that's labeled "check engine.  Ignore the warning and you could damage expensive components. 

Just as your engine is vital to your vehicle, your clients are the engine that drives the success in your business.  Do you know who your clients are?  Have you refined your target market (clients) to increase your bottom line?  We all know that the success of your business depends on making sales.  To identify your target client, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you know who your customers will be? 
2. Do you understand their needs?
3. Do you know where they are located?
4. Will you offer the kind of products or services that they will buy?
5. Will your prices be competitive?
6. Do you understand how your business compares with your competitors?
7. Will your business be conveniently located?

By refining your target market, you are ensuring the success of your business! 

Balance the tires

Balanced tires are imperative to safe driving. When the tires are out of balance, they place pressure on the bearings, shocks and other parts of the wheel assembly. When your business is out of balance, you can lose current and potential clients which can cause the loss of revenue or worse, your business!

Is your business running smoothly? Re-examine contracts with your suppliers such as telephone service, business and life insurance policies.  Look for ways to cut costs.  Check out your current memberships; local chambers and business and civic associations to make sure you are getting the most for your money.  In addition:

• Create new revenue streams. 
• Find innovative ways to promote your business and attract potential clients.

In conclusion, by taking control of your business and keeping it running at peak performance, will increase your chances for success and profitability!

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Sylvia Browder is founder of National Association Women on the Rise, a virtual community for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs. The association’s mission is to provide professional and personal resources while uplifting and empowering women entrepreneurs through collaboration, education, mentoring, spiritual and peer support, leadership and networking. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004.  For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com.  She can be contacted at info@nawomenrise.com.

• Become a fan of ‘National Association Women on the Rise:’ http://bit.ly/9qqvWW
• Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/sylviabrowder 
• Are you LinkedIn? http://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviabrowder 
• Join ‘National Association Women on the Rise’ on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/dsd5E0 
• Join our community on NING, www.nawomenrise.com

“There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.” Madeleine K. Albright

We all want to believe that women are all busy connecting, supporting and empowering one another, but reality is that some are not doing their part.  What is causing women to lack compassion or become envious of other women?  Why would you not want to share your knowledge or resources?   

In a recent MSNBC interview, Elura Nanos, an attorney and a managing partner of Morange, an educational firm for law students, has seen tons of women, including herself, not helping other women but doesn’t think it’s about being “bitchy.”  Nanos said, “Many women are too busy to help each other. I own a business, work full time, I have two small children, and does charity work hobbies. I have a wonderful husband, but he doesn’t do half the amount of things I do.”

Yes, we are all busy wearing many hats, but is it really a good reason not to help others?  Think how you would feel if you needed help and nobody wanted to help you.  By putting yourself in their shoes, allows you to be more apt to find time to help them overcome challenges so that ultimately, everyone can achieve their goals and aspirations. 

Last week, two women from my virtual community, felt compelled to call me for advice.  Both gave me permission to share a little of their stories:     

·         Lisa (not her real name) works full time at a non-profit agency that provides career training to several rural communities.  In her spare time, she offers coaching services in a virtual setting. In a recent meeting with her immediate supervisor, who is also a business owner, she was surprised to be given an ultimatum; either stop her coaching business or resign from the company!  Mind you, her business model is very different from that of her employer.  So, she contacted me for a listening ear and advice. 

·         Diane (not her real name) recently started a human resource firm but struggling with deep personal issues which has caused her to doubt her abilities as a business owner.  She feels unworthy and was recently told by her mentor, a prominent business woman, that she should just give it up until she gets help with her issues and find a real job!  Can you imagine how devastated Diane felt as she shared her story with me?  After talking to her, I found her to be extremely experienced and capable of running a successful business! 

I could have easily used my jam packed calendar as a reason not to talk to these ladies, as I am as busy as Nanos is, i.e., employed as a full time director of a non-profit agency; run two virtual businesses, “National Association Women on the Rise” and “Browder Consulting Group;” have a very active family; hold two board positions, an avid motorcyclist and attend church regularly.  But, I didn’t think twice about my schedule when Lisa and Diane contacted me.  In fact, it was my pleasure to schedule an appointment to talk to both.  So, why are some women reluctant to help others? 

To help, here are 3 ways every woman can make a difference.   

Mentor

Successful business women understand the importance of having a mentor.  In fact, developing a portfolio of mentors to meet different aspects of your life, both personally and professionally, is paramount!  By becoming a mentor allows you to visualize someone in your image who you’ve helped to become as successful as you someday!  After talking to Diane, I volunteered to mentor her monthly with weekly emails that includes action steps and affirmations.  In addition, I connected her with one of NAWR’s expert spiritual advisors.  

Network

Many of us know the value of networking.  It is less about handing out your business cards and more about paying it forward.  When you are talking to people, think about who would be a good connection for them.  For example, at a recent chamber event I attended, I met a woman who was a writer for a newspaper and currently freelancing technical and ghost writing services.  Immediately, I thought about another business owner who wanted to start a blog but didn’t have time to write articles.  I was able to later connect them.

Peer-to-Peer Support

Why not form a peer advisory group?  This group of entrepreneurs could be from diverse industries and get together on a regular basis to share best practices, solve problems and be a source of support for the group.  

I have a dynamic group of peers who serve as expert advisors for NAWR’s members.  We are all supportive of each other.  Having a strong and solid relationship with this group of women makes it easy to give and receive business referrals.

In conclusion, we must strive to make it a part of our personal mission to support and be great role models to others.  When one of us succeeds, we all do!

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Sylvia Browder is founder of National Association Women on the Rise, a virtual community for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs. The association’s mission is to provide professional and personal resources while uplifting and empowering women entrepreneurs through collaboration, education, mentoring, spiritual and peer support, leadership and networking. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004.  For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com.  She can be contacted at info@nawomenrise.com.

·         Become a fan of ‘National Association Women on the Rise:’ http://bit.ly/9qqvWW

·         Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/sylviabrowder 

·         Are you LinkedIn? http://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviabrowder 

·         Join ‘National Association Women on the Rise’ on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/dsd5E0 

·         Join our community on NING, www.nawomenrise.com

Do you have it in you to join the elite brand of the rich and famous? Then bring out the star material in you; your strongest asset should win you accolades of success.

Push all your petty weakness down the drain, promising yourself never to lean on it for self-pity and remorse.Bring out the hidden lion in you; dare to dream big. Keep one thing in mind; only when you dream big, you can achieve that kind of big and stupendous success. If you wallow in your small and secure world, you will always remain so. Fame can touch you and turn you an overnight star, but that intense craving is needed. The real hunger and want for big success should be in your blood, so much so, that lady luck finally relents and showers herself on you! If you have it in you, you can join this fascinating field and attract the audience towards your performance.

Be exceptional in your talent, whereby no one dares to touch you or point you wrong. Be that unparallel and unique in your talent field – the ultimate best. Therefore, developing your inborn talent is very essential, in fact the first step to success. After honing your skills you need to market it in proper way. Your imagination and desires should be in tune with the reality world. Work out your potential talent, reshape it in accordance and start the action. This will definitely set the ball rolling in your direction. Be practical at the same time- aim for the impossible. Change your plan into reality by making unbending efforts that is within your reach. Hours of research and hard work may be required for attracting the right attention. Learn something from other people. The profiles and history of prominent personalities might give you an idea and motivate you. Their story from rags to riches may help you keep your nerve and struggle hard.

Daydreaming without moving a limb will take you nowhere. Watch lots of inspiring movies; subscribe local and international magazines. They can further your cause. There is an element of drama, literally in the lives of many high-profile Americans. So take a cue, bring out a surprise package through your performance for the audience to revel in it.

Once you are sure of yourself, go right ahead and market your talent, learn to sell and broadcast your skills. Tap the audience including event organizers, agents, managers and producers. If you limit and slot yourself into any particular category, it will be a big mistake for further growth. Famous personalities exude oodles of self-confidence and a distinct style of their own. Aim high and be ready to take on risks, you will surely succeed. And even if you stumble, remember ‘failure is the stepping stone to success!’ So have faith over your capabilities and dream on, who knows, the destination may be just round the corner!

Cheers,

Charlotte

I’ve noticed more and more that people forget why they become successful in life and in business. If you don’t build relationships and present some type of VALUE to your peers, business prospects and customers, why should you be in business to begin with?

Recently I’ve been getting a lot of emails and comments on my networking sites about joining different companies. Often I’m not even their “friend” and could not tell you the first thing about how they found me. Why is it so hard for people to introduce themselves to one another and at least find out what the other person is interested in before you jump into a pitch?

Over the past three months, my mentors have expressed the need of reaching out to people via phone and in person, not just online, and give people some type of VALUE. How do you manage to do this? By speaking with the people and finding out what it is that interests THEM and not you! So thank you Lorina Noble and Jeremiah Carstarphen for instilling in our team great business etiquette. Again Thank You!

Yes you will cross paths with people who know everything and are not open to learning anything new, but you will find that a lot of people like to talk about themselves. How do I know this? Check a couple of your Facebook friend’s pages. See how much information about their life they put on their page? See how many pictures they have uploaded? People like to brag about themselves. Why present them with products and business opportunities they clearly are not interested in?

As I look back on all the times I’ve been told to brand myself and bring people VALUE I feel like the more VALUE I give the more people ignore my purpose. It is sad that there are people out there who would rather build their business on dishonesty and branding a company (instead of themselves) than being truthful and helping others.

This is my insight for you and I will leave you with a quote that is referencing the true meaning of business networking.

“It’s about forming authentic relationships based on a mutual desire to help each other and a genuine willingness to contribute and bring value to the table” ~Earl G. Graves, Sr

 Miss Insight 4 U

I make quality bath and body products at affordable prices! Natural Lotions, Hand Scrubs, Body Butter, Soy Soap, Bath Salts, Soy Tarts for burning and many more are available at my website at http://www.uniquebodyblends.com.

I am so sure that you will like our products that we are giving away FREE SAMPLES, all you pay is shipping.  Go to http://bitly.com/feL3ss  for more info.  

Happy Shopping!!

Do not let the words “project management” intimidate you!  I’m sure you use elements of project management (PM) in your everyday lives.  Yes, the science of it is about the overall management of time and resources, recognizing and evaluating risks, and contract and change management, each of us do at least one or more of these things every day.  

As an example, let’s look at the household task of weekly grocery shopping.  To keep with the PM theme, let’s call this Food Management.  Before doing our weekly grocery shopping there are a few things (or tasks) that we do to prepare.  Here are a few:

• Determine weekly food budget.
• Decide meals for the following week (this is another project as well, let’s think Meal Management).
• Review recipes for those meals.
• Compare recipes to items we currently have on hand.
• Compile list of items needed.
• Arrange/Organize Coupons (this is another project as well, let’s think Coupon Management).
• Review stores ads to compare pricing (in the PM world this would be procurement management).
• Go Shopping.

After you decide the tasks that need to be done, then

• Assign “resources” or people to complete the task.  (in this instance, you may be the person who completes everything or maybe you assign certain tasks to different family members)
• Determine the order in which the tasks should be completed.
• Give each task a time frame or “duration time” to be completed.

Many of us probably don’t realize we follow all of these steps (and probably a few more) because some of it you just do mentally and it’s a part of your routine so you can go do it with your eyes closed.  This grocery shopping project demonstrates how we are ALL project managers in our everyday lives.

I hope you enjoyed my first venture out into the blog world and that I took a little bit of the “fear” out of project management.  In the weeks to come I will be writing more about how to incorporate project management techniques into your business (and home) routine and the value of having a trusted project manager as a vital part of your business team.

Twanna Gill is an experienced project manager and the owner of Empress.  Empress is a virtual business solutions company offering administrative support and project management services to small businesses.  For more information, please visit our website at www.virtualempress.net.

From A Writers POV now offers interviews and ads for business owners. We are looking to talk with business owners that have something a writer would be looking for. You must have a service that caters to writers such as Graphic Design, Editing, Publishing, Reviewing, etc. You can be featured on our homepage as business owner of the month. We will do a column on you about all of your endeavors and what your business offers. You will get a full page to yourself that will advertise you and your interview. Your ad and interview will be displayed on our magazine for one full edition!

To reserve a spot for this feature, email us at interviews_ads_eventspovmagazine@yahoo.com Please put Business Interview in the Subject Box and answer these questions:

1. What is the name of your business?

2. What service does your business provide?

3. What is the url for your business?

4. Give a short bio of yourself that can be used in the ad and interview. (Professional, written in third person)

5. Please attach a picture of yourself and a banner or logo for your business. (Professional headshot only

**We reserve the right to accept or decline any submission**

2011 Kids Business Expo

Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 10am - 2pm

Holiday Inn - Atlanta Capitol Conference Center

Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance.

**2 Vendor Spaces Remaining**

http://2011kidsbusinessexpo-atlanta.eventbrite.com/

Raising Entrepreneurs From The Start

Give Your Child The Best Gift Ever - An Opportunity to Learn How To Create A Financial Legacy

A lot of kids would like to start their own business of one kind or another, but they don’t know how and most schools don’t teach it.  Stacey S. McSwine, Founder and President of The Mommy Resource Network is proud to present this incredible workshop series centered on budding entrepreneurs across the country.  This program was created to foster their interest and understanding of being an entrepreneur.  Ms. McSwine dismisses the old thinking that figures kids are too young to learn about entrepreneurship.  She believes that this training is a healthy remedy for classroom boredom, restless energies and high dropout rates.

Attendees ages 6-18 will enjoy informational workshop series,  shopping with preferred vendors, and networking with other young entrepreneurs.   Speakers will present on the following topics:

• Can I Be An Entrepreneur?
• Profits and Entrepreneurship.
• What Type of Business Should I Start?
• Finding Passion - Outside of the Box.
  

THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT, SO RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY.

For more information, please contact Stacey McSwine at smcswine@mommyresourcenetwork.com or 708-754-1635. 

Guest Speaker

CYMIA

Cash Money Records Artist

Founder of Cymia's Pledge

Author of I Can't Be Bullied

www.cymiasworld.com

Guest Speaker

Marques Vance Pedescleaux

President - CoachMVP.com, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Author

www.coachmvp.com

Guest Speaker

LaToya Dockery

Founder - Heavenly Assistants

Founder - From Angels to Entrepreneurs Academy

Motivational Speaker, & Coach

www.heavenlyassistants.com

Shontae Powell

CEO and Founder of World Class Kuts

Motivational Speaker

www.worldclasskuts.com

Carol Dunlap

Certified Personal Trainer

Owner, Optimum Body Sculpting & Host of www.totaleefitradio.com

www.optimumbodysculpting.com

So anyone who knows me knows that I am pretty much obsessed with all things yarn related but I really have a special place for crochet and so I follow quite a few crochet blogs.  Recently I have noticed that quite a few of these blogs have this statement posted somewhere "This is not your grandmother's crochet" and I get it; I understand that they are trying to educate or show their readers that crochet has evolved that it is not about the afghans, booties, and blankets that your grandmother use to make.  Crochet is cool, hip and stylish now and is way beyond the afghan or so we think.  I first learned how to crochet from my Great Aunt when I was 7 years old and I remember the first thing I completed was a all single crochet dishcloth made from cotton yarn.  I was so excited that I had made something that I had actually made something from yarn.  I would sometimes just sit for hours and watch her crochet no pattern just yarn and her wooden hooks.  I was always expressed with how she knew exactly when to change colors, or when her yarn was about to run out; or how her hats always fit perfectly. 

You see this is where Don't Get It Twisted Crochet was born.  It was born from my Great Aunt's or in this sense my "grandmother's" crochet.  And although you will see colorful "Mohawk Hats" and "Spring Beanies" and "Colorful Shawls" as part of my crochet collection you will always be able to get an all single crochet dishcloth.  Because at the end of the day this will always be your grandmother's crochet!

Don't Get It Twisted Crochet

Don't Get It Twisted, Get It Crocheted

By: Carolyn Powery

Recently I took my 22 year old son for a job interview at a local bank. I decided to wait in my car to read a book, while he interviewed. Instead of reading, I spent my time observing what potential interviewees choice to wear for an interview. To my amaze, I saw mini skits, stilettos, and jeans. I even observed one of the interviewees walking out with their shoes in their hands. Did they not realize, what impression this could leave. How you dress can either make or break your chances of landing your dream job. A first impression is a lasting impression. The clothes do make the man. My son did land the job with the bank, wearing his black suit, white shirt, tie, black shoes, a leather portfolio for his resume, a positive attitude and he did his homework by being prepared.

Men’s Interview Attire
Do prepare yourself for the interview, research the company.                          
Do wear a smile, take a positive attitude and good manners
Do take a handshake
Do have good posture, it shows confidence
Do dress professionally, preferably a navy, black or dark grey suit
Do wear a belt
Do wear a silk tie
Do wear a long sleeve white shirt
Do wear conservative leather shoes and dark socks
Do wear little to no jewelry
Do get a fresh hair cut and facial trim
Do limit loud cologne and aftershave
Do wear manicured nails
Do take a professional leather portfolio or briefcase to carry copies of your resume

"Clothes and manners do not make the man;

  but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance".  Arthur Ashe

Women’s Interview Attire
Do take a smile, a positive attitude, good posture and good manners
Do wear a professional tailored navy, black or dark grey suit
Do wear a suit skirt at appropriate length with easy to sit down
Do wear an appropriate blouse, without cleavage
Do wear conservative shoes, preferably pumps
Do wear conservative jewelry
Do wear professional hair style
Do wear neutral pantyhose
Do wear light conservative make-up, and light perfume
Do maintained neatly clean nails
Do take a professional leather portfolio or briefcase to carry copies of your resume


Interview Fas Paux
Jeans
Gum
Cell phone/I pod
Tattoos
Coffee (bad breath)
Stilettos
Designer Pantyhose
Vanilla or Colored Paper folder
Mini skirts
Tight /Revealing Clothes
Crazy Hairstyle
Baggie hanging pants
Excessive piercing
Alcohol
Evening wear
Low cut blouse

Image Tip:

Remember, 80% of the first impression an interviewer gets of you is visual and is formed in the first two minutes of meeting you.

Author Resource: Carolyn Mercury Powery is the CEO & President of The Etiquette Touch Institute LLC located in West Palm Beach, Fl. The Etiquette Touch Institute specializes in helping children, university students, adults and young professionals develop and enhance their etiquette skills and knowledge, through classes, workshops and seminars. For more info, please visit: www.theetiquettetouch.com.

Carolyn M. Powery, MS, NAUEP, CEI
Certified Protocol and Etiquette Coach and Life Coach
“Refining Your Social Graces And Image”