Terrible Tuesday – Networking Etiquette

Networking is an integral part in developing a successful career and/or a successful business. Networking basically creates word-of-mouth referrals instantly, but only if you make a good first impression!  Other entrepreneurs will never put their reputation on the line to recommend someone they don’t totally believe in so you have to come to the table prepared and ready to put your best foot forward.  Knowing and showing proper etiquette skills will set you apart from everyone else. 

Timing is everything – Sometimes it’s ok to be “fashionably late” to some events, but that doesn’t always go for networking meetings.  It’s always best to show up promptly on time rather than a little late, especially if you are unsure of the format of the meeting.

Know and display proper introduction etiquette – If you need a refresher course in introductions you can scroll threw some of my previous “Terrible Tuesday” posts.  I recently posted a refresher course! 

Don’t overdo it on the business card handouts – There is a right time to hand out your business card.  Don’t give one to EVERY person you meet.  The only exception is if they all ask you for your business card.  Otherwise, choose who you exchange with carefully.

Continue your manners after the networking event – In other words, don’t start bugging those you connected with.  One note, phone call, or email is sufficient until there is a need for more. 

If you have any tips for network

Manic Monday – Be Organized From the Moment You Walk Through Your Door!

Can you imagine walking through the door after a hard day of work and it actually be a relaxing and enjoyable experience?  Well, I can help you make it a reality!  A few minutes of concentration in your entryway is all that is needed.  Just follow my tips below!

1.  Get an umbrella stand.  A ceramic one is best as it won’t rust or rot from wet umbrellas.  You can also store any other items that will stand upright, too, like baseball bats, for instance.

2.  Hang some coat hooks on the wall near the door.  They are great for coats, hats, purses, book bags, scarves, etc. and they make retrieving them extremely convenient!

3.  Corral your shoes and boots by using an old tray by the door.  Nothing is messier than a pile of shoes by the door.

4.  Create a station for your keys, wallet, and other essentials that you need as you walk out the door.  You’ll never lose your keys again! 

Now that didn’t take long did it!! 

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com

Terrible Tuesday – Make First Impressions Last…In a Good Way

First impressions can be perfect or they can be disastrous but they are almost always lasting impressions.  My objective with this post is to make sure you know how to ensure you make a good, lasting impression. 

When you meet someone for the first time your main goal should be  to make the other person feel welcome and important…not intimidated.  Make eye contact and give him or her your full attention, but also remember to respect the other person’s space.  Don’t be too touchy or stand too closely.

Before stepping into a situation where you will need to make a good first impression always conduct a thirty second check of yourself.  After all, image is everything!  Check your hair, your teeth, your nose, check for unbuttoned buttons or an unzipped zipper and always take a quick look at the back of yourself, too!

Here are a few more quick tips to make sure you ace your first impressions:

1.  Don’t chew gum.  It looks tacky.

2.  Always stand for introductions.

3.  Don’t fidget.  Fidgeting makes you look nervous and unsure of yourself.

Have I left something out?  Can you think of anything else that could help make a good first impression?

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com

Manic Monday – Getting Organized is Rewarding!

Getting organized is a huge undertaking so I like to use the reward system to keep my clients motivated.  If you are currently in the organizing process and find yourself stalling out, why not make a plan to reward yourself as you reach your organizing goals.  Below are a few of the rewards I use for myself and my clients.  Feel free to steal them!   

1.  Get your car washed and detailed.  There’s nothing like a squeaky clean car!

2.  Treat yourself to a movie or a play of some sort.  We all need some time to enjoy ourselves!

3.  Have all of your jewelry professionally cleaned.  This is the perfect reward for after you organize your jewelry draw!  

4.  Break out the fine china and order take-out! 

5.  Indulge in your favorite dessert.  After all…you worked hard enough to have already worked those calories off! 

Notice that none of my rewards entail adding to your disorganization.  Shopping really shouldn’t be one of the rewards because you will only be tempted to add to your clutter. 

Do you have a good idea for a reward?  Let me know!

Erin Sharplin Love

www,panachebyerin.com

Fashionable Friday – Four Fashion Rules for Every Woman

   As a fashion and image consultant I have noticed that these four rules apply to every woman and every figure. 

1.  Choose your best asset and play it up!  For instance, if you have great legs, accentuate them! Playing up your assets will draw the eye from you trouble areas.

2.  Wear the right colors for your skin tone.  The right color against your skin tone can make you look alive when you feel like you’ve seen better days! 

3.  Find clothing in YOUR size and stick with it.  Clothing too small can make you look bigger and clothing too big can make you look bigger.  Find your just right size and you’ll look perfect!

4.  All women want longer legs and there are ways to fake long legs.  The longer your pants, the longer your legs will look.  Just skimming the floor is perfect.  Another tip is to wear shoes that match your pants.  Or if you are wearing a skirt wear shoes that are flesh toned.  

I hope this helps!

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com

Wedding Wednesday – Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Caterer

Do you have an important event on the way?  Hiring a caterer will be the most important decision you make.  After all, a good portion of your budget should be allotted for the food and beverage segment of your event. 

 

Before the considerations for caterers begin, you must know a few things about your event.  For instance:

 

• Will the event be casual, semi-formal, formal, or black-tie?
• Will you be serving heavy hors d’oeuvres, or having a seated dinner?  What about a buffet or brunch?
• Where will the event be held?
• What is your estimated budget?

 

 

The caterers you approach for your event will ask the questions above before they will be able to give you a sample menu to preview, so it is best to be prepared.

 

Now that the initial questions have been answered it’s time to move on with your search for the perfect caterer.  If you don’t have one already in mind there are a few ways to narrow your search.  Start by looking in the Yellow Pages and writing down any companies that strike your interest.  You could also ask friends who they’ve used in the past.  Once you are armed with a few names and numbers, start making phone calls.  Make a list of questions that you would like to ask the caterer.  Some of the questions you might want to ask are:

 

• Are you available on the date I have chosen?
• Can you work with my budget?
• Can I sample the foods before I choose?
• Can I attend a function you have coming up?
• Do you have a list of references?

 

Every caterer should be able to give you a list of references.  If they do not, find someone else!  Take advantage of the list of references.  You will be able to get some useful information out of the references.  For instance, they can tell you what the most popular thing on their menu was and you can be sure to request it. 

 

During your search for a caterer never rule out country club restaurants.  Many country clubs have top of the line chefs that would be perfect for your event.  There are also “catering companies” that specialize in parties and events.  And, of course, last but not least, most restaurants can cater your event as well.

 

Finally, never be afraid to ask your caterer questions.  You have every right to know exactly what will be going on at your event.  After all, the caterer is there to ensure a successful event. 

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com

Terrible Tuesday – The Ten Commandments of Computer Etiquette

The Ten Commandments of Computer Etiquette

 

1.       Thou shall not use a computer to harm others.

2.       Thou shall not use the computer to spy on others.

3.       Thou shall not use the computer to steal money from others.

4.       Thou shall not use the computer to steal information from others.

5.       Thou shall not use a false existence on the computer.

6.       Thou shall not knowingly send a virus to others.

7.       Thou shall not send unsolicited e-mail to others.

8.       Thou shall not take advantage of bad situations that may arise. 

9.       Thou shall not misuse any instant messaging program.

10.  Thou shall show respect for others while on the computer.

 

I recently read an Emily Post article about the fact that the computer seems to be making people forget proper manners.  I agree with Ms. Post and that is why I decided to post my “Ten Commandments for Computer Etiquette.” 

 

If I left something out, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com

 

 

“Manic Monday” – Organizing Your Cleaning Supplies

Every Sunday is “cleaning day” for me and I realized yesterday that my cleaning supply closet may have been the most disorganized spot in my house.  So I decided to organize it!  Let me share with you what I did:

1.  First things first!  I removed everything from the closet and in the process found a few things that didn’t really belong in the broom closet. 

2.  I took the few things that did not belong in the broom closet to their rightful places. 

3.  Alot of cleaning products come in boxes and I don’t like boxes.  You can’t see how many of the item you have.  For instance, I took everything out of boxes that is individually wrapped or is not toxic – like swiffer duster sheets.  I replaced the boxes with baskets. That way I can see what I have and I will know when I need to replace something. 

4.  I keep light bulbs in my broom closet, so I took each bulb out of their boxes, as I did in the previous step, and put them in labelled baskets. 

5.  I united all of the cleaning items I use into a carrying case that I can  pick up and carry from room to room with me. 

6.  I placed all extra items, such as, bulk items for refills in a seperate spot that is easy to get to. 

7.  When I organize a broom closet for a client I typically purchase a “broom/mop organizer” but I didn’t have one yesterday so I had to improvise.  I screwed some hooks into the walls and on the door of the closet that I found in my husbands shop.  Then I hung all of my brooms,mops, swiffer dusters, etc. onto those hooks to save floor space. 

Now next Sunday it will be so much easier to clean!!  I am not dreading it as much as I usually do! 

Happy Cleaning!

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com

“Manic Monday” – New Uses for Old Things

I got the inspiration for this article from an ongoing column that is featured in Real Simple Magazine.  Real Simple always comes up with interesting uses for things, but I realized that I actually do the same thing while I’m organizing spaces.  There is always a time when I need to come up with my own uses for new things and I thought they may come in handy for you, too:

Empty water bottles – I often use empty water bottles to help tall boots retain their shape.   I’ve also cut  the bottom off of a bottle and used it as a plastic bag dispenser.

Toilet Paper and/or Paper Towel Cardboard Inserts – I use the cardboard inserts, that are leftover when the paper towels or toilet paper runs out, to wrangle cords behind a desk.  I’ve also used paper towel inserts to organize christmas lights after they come off of the tree for the year.  simply wrap the lights around the cardboard and tuck the ends into the end openings. 

Ice Cube Trays – Fortunately, many of us have automatic ice makers so our old ice cube trays seem to be null and void.  Not so fast!  Those trays make great drawer organizers!!  I actually use them to organize jewelry most often. 

Old Pillow Cases – Don’t just throw those old pillow cases in the trash!  You can use them to cover your out-of-season clothing!  Just cut a small slit in the sewn end of the case and then slide the hanger into it.  Voila!  Instant clothing bag! 

If you have any tips for using old items in new ways…please let me know! 

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com

“Fashionable Friday” – Halloween Costumes for your Pets

Quiz:

Do you dress your pet up for Halloween? 

I do!  I really haven’t decided what Prada is going to be this year but here are my top picks!

Which one do you vote for?

Erin Sharplin Love

www.panachebyerin.com