Manny Cantu

The Taxonomy of Casual and Formal Wear

Remember: You will always find yourself in situations where dress style matters, don’t be the person that doesn’t know how to dress yourself!

Casual Wear Active wear such as yoga pants, norts, gym shorts and compression shirts belong in the gym. It’s why it’s called gym clothing!

Rugged Casual is your “helping a friend move” clothing. This is your old clothing that you don’t care getting dirty or lounging in.

Sport Casual is the daily clothing that one should wear wherever they go. Hanging out with friends, going to eat somewhere etc. This clothing includes, jeans, long or short skirts, plain t-shirts, V-necks, polo’s, hoodies and sun-dresses.

Semi-Casual Smart Casual is your clothing to a more upscale restaurant, going on a date or a night downtown. Men’s clothing should be collared or for women, a nice blouse. This can be accompanied with a cardigan on the top, chinos or a dark wash pair of jeans. For women, a nice pair of jeans or leggings work just fine this occasion.

Business Casual is almost identical to Smart Casual except for one thing, no jeans. This type of clothing is what you would find in the work place. Chinos, dress shirts and a recommended tie for men. For women in the work place, a pair of slacks, a collared shirt or a dress. No spaghetti straps. This clothing is also ideal for Smart Casual if you choose to go a little bit more dressed up.

Formal Wear Black-Tie is strictly a tuxedo and long dress event. Anything else such as a dark suit will look under-dressed in this situation.

Black-Tie Optional shows the informality that goes along with the event. Now make no mistake with informality, this event just gives you the option to either wear a tuxedo or a suit. For women, no long dresses are required and this event can be attended with a short black dress.

Cocktail Event which are more commonly attended than a Black-tie event, requires a dark suit for men. For women, a short black dress or cocktail dress will do just fine for the occasion.

How to Give a Really Good Toast

Preparation is essential: ❒ It is appropriate to use note cards. ❒ Use phrases to jog memory. ❒ Research the history of the bride and groom. ❒ Use a mirror, a timer and friend to practice giving the toast.

The content of the toast is important: ❒ Remember many family member are meeting the new family member for the first time. Choose appropriate stories. ❒ Avoid inside jokes. ❒ Position yourself at an angle where you can make even contact between the wedding party and the audience. ❒ The overall feeling of the toast should be positive.

Pertinent details to keep in mind: ❒ Know when is appropriate to give a toast. ❒ Limit alcohol consumption before giving a toast. ❒ Identify yourself as soon as you take the podium. (Name & Title) ❒ Too avoid fidgeting, hold glass. This will help segue to the actual toast. ❒ Clarify that you are concluding, “Now lets us toast to Jack and Jill”.

Jim Thompson

Danielle Florina

How to Have a Successful Job Interview Over Dinner

“It’s not just dinner…it’s business. Professional dining skills are an essential part of an

executive’s basic ‘wardrobe.’ A relationship can be built, or a job lost, over a simple meal.”

-Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert & founder of the Protocol School of Texas

Identify the situation and conduct research

Research the company and become familiar with its language, culture, social media

presence, major company news, values, and mission statement.

A good interviewee knows his or her audience, so research your interviewer via Google

or LinkedIn.

Research the restaurant’s menu and verify location to ensure prompt arrival.

Avoid Alcohol– It’s a trap!

The “Imbibing Idiot Bias” study, conducted by Scott Rick and Maurice Schweitzer,

showed that job candidates who ordered alcohol in simulated interviews were

perceived as “less intelligent and less hirable– though no less likeable, honest or

genuine– than those who did not.”

Declining a drink from a potential employer shows that you are not one to cave under

pressure and can stand your ground.

Acceptable alternative beverage options are sparkling water or iced tea.

Exude Confidence

Even if you are not feeling confident, fake it.

When you look the part, you feel the part. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts and

that the hard work you put in to prepare will pay off.

“Confidence in dining situations frees one to pay closer attention to the business at hand.

When we are nervous, we cannot give one hundred percent of our concentration to our

fellow diners, and this could lead to disaster in business. Knowing how to handle one’s self

with poise in dining situations adds to an individual’s overall effectiveness when

representing an organization in social and business events.” -Diane Gottsman

to NOT Take Too

Follow these steps:

1. Be more like Ben Kronberg

- Use sarcasm when appropriate

2. “Don’t worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about

itself.”

- “Lighten up,” and don’t stress

about the small things.

3. Use impressions and accents

(appropriately)

- Comedian, Tony Scarpelos says,

“…shifting into another character makes

other people feel good…”

Serious

ly

Serious Not

Serious

How To Effectively Swear

Mike Costanzo 2013

Know your audience

Take note of anyone who may be easily offended

Say it like you mean it

o Read: Watch Your F*cking Language: How to

swear effectively by Sterling Johnson

Be conscientious of people who may overhear the

conversation

Pay close attention to the setting of your

conversation

Use strong language to express strong feelings

o See web article: The Proper Use of Profanity

http://goodmenproject.com/

Realize that life is not a rap video or comedy movie

Know the consequences of your words

Be ready for objections

Know when it is not appropriate to swear

o See web article: Know When to Swear

http://www.pement.org/

How ToFacilitate an Effective Discussion

In Five Simple StepsBrought to you by Meredithe Mimlitz

1. Have a Strong Openinga. Introduce everyoneb. Create objectives

2.Establish Ground Rules a. Create rules and expectationsb. Ask “How do you want the group to work together?”

3.Keep Good Time Management a. Create an agendab. Stay on track

4.Evaluate at the End of the Meetinga. Complete gut check* b. Complete thumbs up/thumbs down*

5.Have a Strong Closing a. Keep minutes and send them out afterwards b. Complete a follow-up

*Gut Check- One to two word wrap up of how each person is feeling. *Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down- Exercise done with thumbs to gauge how each person is feeling.

How to Pack for a Business Trip As if packing for a non-professional trip wasn’t hard enough.

Packing for a trip is a complicated process for most. Packing the appropriate clothing, the right toiletries, and having enough room to bring personal items are some of the struggles packers face. Since packing for a business trip requires all of these necessities, in addition to job supplies, packers should only bring what is absolutely needed.

Job Supplies Packing materials for the business aspect of the trip is the most important part of the packing process. One embarks on a business trip to do business, so it is vital to have all the supplies and materials needed to be prepared for work-related tasks during the trip.

Binders, folders, files, or other important papers Necessary office supplies, such as pens or paper

clips Flash-drive to back up or save important files Laptop, iPad, tablets (only if absolutely needed) Ziploc® baggie to hold miscellaneous items, such

as extra office supplies, bandages, or snacks

Clothing A traditional business trip is typically two to three days. Bring only enough clothes for these few days.

One shirt for each business day

One pair of dress pants One casual outfit (one

shirt, one pair of pants) One pair of dress shoes,

one pair of casual shoes Lounging attire and

sleepwear Undergarments for each

day of the trip

Toiletries If you stay at a hotel, remember that shampoo, conditioner, and soap are usually provided. Only bring the toiletries you will not have, such as toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream and razor, brush or comb, daily pills, vitamins, or medications, etc.

Personal Items Pack some items that will keep you busy or entertained when you are done with the workday or have a day off.

Cell phone Laptop Movies, books, or

magazines

Other Considerations Always look up the weather before embarking on a business trip. Clothing for certain weather conditions may be needed.

Winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, snow boots

Raincoat, rain boots, umbrella

Frances Case

How to Welcome a New Employee to the Company

The Five Principles

I. Facilitate Friendships

Small talk, get lunch together, show them around store, include in other activities

II. Help the Person Succeed

Teach them what they need to know

o Follow the Three Step Training Program!

Three Step Training Program

1. Have the new employee shadow seasoned employee.

This allows the new employee to observe company procedures, learn

product knowledge, and create a mental list of what they need to focus on.

2. Have the Seasoned employee shadow new employee.

This gives the employee to demonstrate what they have learned and any

areas of strength or areas that need improvement. They will continue

learning and become more confident in their work.

3. Check back on the new employee. Give necessary feedback.

Follow up with the employee after allowing them to work on the sales floor

on their own. Ask if they have any questions and clarify when necessary. Be

sure to give them positive feedback on their performance as well as any

areas that need improvement.

III. Be Positive

Talk positively about the company, work environment, and other employees or

managers.

o Bad-mouthing any of these could instill worry in the new employee. They do not

need any more pressures or things to worry about.

IV. Reassure

Encourage the new employee and praise them for their progress and positive attitude.

Be patient with the employee. They are trying o comprehend a lot of information in a

short amount of time and under stress.

Reassure them that as they continue to make progress they will become confident and

their job will become easier

o Practice makes perfect!

V. Persevere

Keep up with the new employee offering encouragement and help when appropriate.

Continually check up on the employee to make sure they are making progress

*** Remember how it felt when you were the new employee! Take what you thought was helpful and

what was not and feed that into training this new employee!

HOW TO PROPERLY QUIT A JOB

BE PREPARED

ACT PROFESSIONAL

STAY CONNECTED

Quitting may not always be easy, but if done the right way one can prepare himself or herself to quit

properly and still maintain positive relationships.

Steps to take before quitting1. Have your new job secure2. Research your company’s policy3. Find out what benefits you are

entitled to4. Delete personal information

from your computer5. Get work up to date and

organized

How to properly give notice1. Tell your boss first in person and

in private2. Have a resignation letter3. Volunteer to train your

replacement4. Be prepared to leave immediately

How to maintain connections1. Exchange contact information 2. Maintain a positive reputation

up to your last day of work3. Ask for a letter of

recommendation4. Stay in touch consistently

1 2 3

4closure Fraud. 2011. [I Quit!!]. Retrieved from: http://4closurefraud.org/2011/02/23/chief-tax-collector-quits-job-of-28-years-to-avoid-foreclosing-on-any-more-friends/

How to Network at Social Events Form Relationships

Social Event any moment with a group of people

Networking the exchange of information or services

among individuals, groups, or institutions

My definition of Networking forming relationships

 

Know before “networking”

  Know while “networking”

 

Know where you want to be in the

future. -What will you

settle for

Do not force the relationship.

-Wait for interest before the pitch.

Try starting a conversation with

a stranger. -Find common

ground (Ex. Find the food)

Don’t worry… Networking takes

time. -It does not

happen overnight

 Know Yourself! -Turn negatives into positives!

 

Be professional and appropriate. Pretend the person you want to hire you will see everything you write. Don’t post inappropriate items on your social media websites. Be organized and make sure you have information balanced and in order. Keep it visually appealing. Have a good profile picture. Smile. Appearance can be “everything” to your audience and your first impression starts with your picture. Know and monitor your audience. Assume everything is public. Remember, your audience can see everything you’re doing, so be appropriate. But also keep in mind to monitor your audience. If you are associated with people who have bad reputations, it may look bad. Social media is a two-way street. Take advantage of it. Even though you don’t have to, it might benefit you if you checked out other people’s social media websites. You never know, it could open up an opportunity for you that you. Maintain a good reputation. If you follow all of these rules, you will have a good reputation. After that, the key is maintaining it.

(http://cdn.netrafic.c om/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/audience.gif)

Do you work in White Collar or a Business CasualEnvironment?

Fancier restaurant is fine (Rosebud)

White Collar

What is ok to order?

Conservative, easy food(Soup, salad, sandwich)

Casual restaurant is fine(Meatheads)

Anything that is not offensive

(politics, religion)

Casual

Just you andA co-worker?

Group of 3 or more?

It is ok to offer and pay for

him/her

Pick up yourown bill

Who picksup the tab?

If applicable, yes,15-20%

Congratulations, you just surviveda business lunch!

Lunch conversation

topics?

Tip?

Flow chart for navigating a business lunchThe purpose of this handout is to show the step by step process of the business lunch experience. This

handout will be handy to keep at your workplace for a quick reference.

Joey Grandinetti

If one-on-one conversation makes you nervous, sometimes the person you’re talking to is nervous as well. If

that’s the case, then you can tell them…

HEY

I’M NERVOUS..

YOU’RE NERVOUS..

LET’S BE NERVOUS TOGEGHER!

BY: IAN WALKER

Brendan Riley10/20/13Tips Handout

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING

The Reality• Three of out every four people have speech

anxiety and these people suffer when they try to deliver public speeches

• “No one is born a public speaker.”• “Speaking is a skill that anyone can develop if

youʼre willing to put the work in.”

Tips•Gather information and develop knowledge of your topic! How will you be credible otherwise?•Analyze your audience. Avoid controversial topics like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation.•Focus on your delivery and make sure it is appropriate. Watch your body movement, volume, pitch, and rate of your voice.

Why You Should Know This• At some point in your life you will need to do it• Impacts your professional career• Impacts your relationships with friends and

family

Questions to Answer on your Linked-In Profile

Handout by Jenny Carvell Photo Courtesy of: http://www.linkedingratis.blogspot.com

1)Where are you located?

2)Where do you or have you worked?

3)How would you describe yourself professionally?

4)What are your professional skills?

5)Where did you go to school?

6)Who are your connections?

7)What companies are you following?

8)What projects are you working on?

Tip 1: Eliminate Distractions

Tip 2: Face Speaker

Tip 3: Listen for Main Points

Tip 4: Take Notes

Visual Aid by: Ramona Meadors

References:

Beall, M. L., Gill-Rosier, J., Tate, J., & Matten, A. (2008). State of the Context:

Listening in Education. International Journal Of Listening, 22(2), 123-132.

Schilling, Dianne. (2012). 10 Steps To Effective Listening. Forbes. Retrieved Septemb er 30, 2013, from

http://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2012/11/09/10-steps- to-effective-listening/

Stanley Washington

How do I say “No with class?”

Possible Scenarios “Hey! Can I borrow ____________?” “Would you like to buy___________?” “Can you volunteer for ___________?”

Well what should I do?

Assess the situation by weighing the pros and cons. Understand that you cannot please everyone. Use a tone that makes people understand that you aren’t trying to hurt their feelings but you are also very serious about your answer. Live with this decision and be comfortable having said no.

How should I respond?

“No, I’m sorry, I don’t have it to loan to you.” “No thanks, I’m not interested right now but I may get back to you later.” “I’m sorry. I already have a lot going on and I would not be able to fully commit myself.”

“Tone is the hardest part of saying no.” ― Jonathan Price, Put That in Writing

Google Images. N.d. [Image of saying no nicely]. http://tx.english-ch.com/teacher/sophia/level-b/saying-no-nicely-/

How to Improve your Credit Score

10/20/2013

3 main credit scores

1. PLUS credit score model

http://www.experian.com 2. Vantage Score

http://www.vantagescore.com

3. Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) score

http://www.myfico.com (bankrate.com, 2013) (myfico.com, 2013)

Ways to Improve Credit Score

1. Check your credit score and see what it says for your personal credit score.

2. Setup payment reminders to help you pay bills on time.

3. Reduce the amount of debt you owe.

4. Make sure to leave (good) old debt on your credit report.

5. Pay bills before the statement date.

(quickmeme.com, 2013)

6. Make multiple payments for

each account.

7. Ask for a “good-will

deletion” if you had a late

payment.

8. If the “good-will deletion”

does not work offer to pay off

the creditors to get bad credit

off your credit report. (myfico.com, 2013)

Bryan Baker

1.Use a planner

2.Tame your desk

3.Minimize distraction

4.Break projects down into

smaller steps

5.Go to a quiet workplace

©www.vertex42.com. Image use under fair use for academic purposes only.

http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/weekly-schedule.html

©marialombardic.blogspot.com. Image use

under fair use for academic purposes only.

http://marialombardic.blogspot.com/2011/10/

pictures-of-books-stacked.html

Can Managing

Information

Overload Help You?

(Become a faster and more efficient worker!)

Decrease the amount of time you work on homework, finish with better

quality, and be happier if you follow my tips to work smarter!

Five Strategies for Effective Conflict Mediation

Designed by Christina DiCristofano

Avoid Brick Walls

Neutrality

Use neutral language and

focusing on the process

rather than the people Take gradual steps in

order to continue the

dialogue and choose your

language wisely