Mobile phone etiquette whilst on a train:

1. DON’T YELL – Mobile phones are usually more sensitive than regular phones so there is no need to shout. Yelling will not improve a bad connection or drown out loud background noise. Quite frankly nobody cares about your conversation.
2. RING TONE – Set the tone to an acceptable level. You don’t need to wake the person in the next carriage with your tone – maybe put in on vibrate or even better direct message bank.
3. KEEP BUSINESS PRIVATE – Business conversations contain information that should remain confidential. If at work you could only say it in a closed office or boardroom then it is totally inappropriate to discuss on a train. Also you never know who else is in the carriage, maybe a customer or possible future client.
4. DO KEEP IT CLEAN – Airing dirty work laundry by becoming emotional, angry and nasty will create an uncomfortably situation for the passengers sitting around you. If you need to take the call always use language that will not offend others.
5. DO ALERT THE CALLER YOU ARE IN PUBLIC – Tell the person on the call that you are in public so they can anticipate disruption or disconnection.
6. DO KEEP IT SHORT – If you must answer the phone then keep it brief and to the point.

Is it really necessary that we answer all calls straight away? We often forget how only a few years ago we actually sat on the train and read a magazine or book. A crowded train ride is no fun for anyone. So next time your phone rings consider others, turn it off and enjoy the view – they can always ring back.

As parents we often forget that our teenagers, girls and boys, see hear and reflect on what we say and do without us knowing. I often receive calls from parents asking to help their teenager with self-esteem and body image confidence.

So I would like to share my 6 essential basic tips in relation to teenager body image.

1. Be careful what you say in front of your children (of any age) with respect to your own appearance and weight. By you constantly talking about how you “hate” your body, or how you need to “lose weight” your child automatically thinks about it in relation to them.
2. Lead by example and eat healthy and regularly. Sure it’s okay to eat some “junk” food but if most of the food in the house is healthy then your child will have no choice.
3. Accept that your young teenage daughter is going to wear some makeup. Teach your daughter the best makeup routine for her and discuss with her when it is appropriate to wear makeup and when its not.
4. Talk to your teenager about the importance of good hygiene and skin maintenance. With boys developing a good skin and body cleansing routine will eliminate embarrassing situations.
5. When I present to teenagers I always stress that NO BODY SHAPE is perfect. We are all unique and perfect in our own way. As parents we all need to instill this message in our children. One way I demonstrate this is to show a few YouTube clips that clearly show how magazines, movies and the media can manipulate pictures and photos.
6. Categorising our body shapes as pear, apple, square or round exists. I personally don’t like talking about it but I am quite sure it is here to  stay. So discuss it with your teenager and emphasis how all body shapes can look fantastic. 

I apologise as I don’t mean to preach but we often hear on TV how the media is manipulating our children and how they are the cause of poor body image. Magazines will never stop altering pictures. They will never stop photographing skinny models. I truly believe positive body image starts at home. We need to encourage our children by leading by example. If you feel magazines are the cause of poor body image then don’t buy them and don’t leave them around the house.

Teenage body image should be about positive self-esteem and feeling confident with who they are as a person. Body image neess to be discussed regularly.  As parents we need to dispel the myths and remember that we are their ultimate role model.

What is the 1 essential tip you would give on teenage body image?

We spend most of our waking hours surrounded by employees and colleagues. It is natural that emotions and feeling can be misinterpreted as romantic feelings. But most office romances leave a trail of whispers, resentments and shattered work relationships.

So here are some Do’s & Don’ts  to possibly minimising the pain to both your emotions and career.

1. Do date with discretion.  Be assured that others in the office have worked out there is love in the air. Do avoid any public displays of affection or favouritism. Also don’t record your romance by sending emails or text via office technology – someone in the technical department is bound to read it.

2. Do tell your boss before somebody else does. When you come out as a couple, some colleagues with disagree and be threatened by it. Before anyone else give your boss the respect of telling him or her first. They can then help you manage the whispers and stares in the office.

3. Do keep it off Facebook.  Facebook is not the place to be showing off your romance or even breaking it up. It is a minefield for other employees and colleagues to view and start the whispers.

4. Do be professional.  At the office and all work functions your goal is to conduct yourself in a professional manner. It should be extremely evident that your relationship with all colleagues is equal.

5. Do check your employee code or conduct policy.  The organisation may have an employee manual or code of conduct policy. It is in the your best interest to review all policies.

6. Do keep a physical distance at work.  No kissing, snuggling, handholding, shoulder massages, or back rubs while at work – no touching whatsoever.

7. Do get a personal life  Extended long hours at work is not good for your emotions and personal life. Make an effort to socialise with others that are not connected with your work. This gives you a broader perspective on people and life in general.

With valentine in the air, romance is blossoming around all office corridors. Just be aware that for every one successful romance there are many more bitter angry break ups that leads to someone having to resign from the job they love. Is office romance alive in your office?

YES! It’s time for January

Welcome to a new year of great topics and interesting conversations. My first blog for 2012 can only be of the January Sales found in every store across the globe. I have a rule if the markdown is not at least 45% then its not a sale.

I have also noticed that a lot of the online stores are now offering the same deals so go out and buy wisely.

Here is a list of great stores to check out for the January  sales.

• Zantini Menswear – Great sales on shirts & men’s suits.
• Saba – Great sales on women shirts, trousers and jackets. A good time to buy suits for the year. They even have dark navy blue which is always hard to find.
• Karen Millen – Dresses for all occasions with matching shoes and bags. the complete look.
• Allanah Hill – For the romantic she has some beautiful shirts.
•  Jag – T-shirts for men & women at fantastic prices.
•  David Jones- there shoe sale is always a must to visit.
•  Edward Meller- Great price on European shoes. I pick up some beautiful navy heels & we all know how hard it is to buy navy shoes that don’t look ancient.
• Swimwear – because of the poor weather it’s a great time to buy swim wear especially if you want a classic cut & style.
•  David Lawrence -  Have great prices on 3/4 trousers for summer next year. But and put them away for next summer.
•  Sportscraft – They have a great sale on casual wear for everyday.

Now that we are into the sale many of  the stores have additional discounts, so go in and check out the bargains. But remember if you are not going to wear it there is not point buying it simply because its a January sale.

My final tip is, this time of year is great to buy neutrals and basics. Your classic pieces you know suit your look and personality and you can wear year after year. Stay away from the “in look” items as they soon will be out.

If you need advice or guidance happy to have a one-on-one consultation.

If you know of any great sales please share them with us. Happy January Sales shopping.

1. Drink less alcohol
2. Get a better job
3. Get fit
4. Loss weight
5. Manage stress

How funny that the most popular resolutions are all based around personal & professional image. We seem to believe that if we look good and feel good about ourselves we can achieve more.

So how do we make sure we succeed this New Year?

Step 1) Take a long hard look at yourself both physically and within. Be honest with how happy you are – be gentle, there is no point beating yourself up.

Step 2) Be realistic and pick something you will actually be able to accomplish. Pick realistic resolutions within your control. Unrealistic expectations will simply lead to failure.

Step 3) Write down each resolution and tick them off as you complete them – this will give you the drive to continue. You can write down one resolution or several and they don’t need to be 100% life changing.

I have a little gold pocket book with all my resolutions. Whenever I am in a café having a coffee I take it out and read them. My resolutions vary from loosing weight, cleaning my windows and doing Pilates. They may not change the world but they will my life a better one.

Step 4) To ensure success, research and make plans so you have all the resources you need. Plan for success so that you have no excuse. If your resolution is to go running, go out and buy sneakers and running clothes.

Step 5) When researching and planning you may determine you need help. It’s ok to ask for help – dietician, personal coach or image specialist.

Step 6) Certain resolutions may seem unreachable so you may need to break it into stages. Once you reach each stage reward yourself and then continue.

Step 7) Remember to think – “year round”. You do not need to complete your resolutions in the first three months of the year.

My last resolution for 2011 was completed in December 2011 – that was to build a gingerbread house with my niece. It was definitely not life changing but instead created a great memory between my niece and myself. So spread the resolutions throughout the year – it is less pressure.

Step 8) Celebrate your victories and allow for changes to resolutions. Succeeding part of a resolution is better than failing altogether.

For me a New Year Resolutions may be getting healthy, cleaning my windows or spending more time with my family, all-important to me. So take the time and make your resolutions count for you. They may not change the world but they will change your lifestyle and the way you see your self in 2012.

How are you going to make your New Year Resolutions count?

I was in the Queen Victoria Building – Sydney yesterday and the decorations are sparkling, the giant tree is shimmering with crystals and smiles are everywhere but the shops look a little empty. What does this mean???? SALES – SALES – SALES.

There is really no excuse to buy any present for family or yourself full price. Christmas shopping should be fun. Spend the day looking, drinking coffee and don’t feel pressured by the salespeople.

Here are my suggestions on what to buy for Christmas:

• Ages 0-2yrs -  Buy for the parents, the child will never know.
• Ages 3-7yrs – Anything is a big box so they can rip it apart and play with it for 5 minutes until the novelty disappears.
• Ages 8-11yrs – Electronic game
• Ages 12-20yrs – Money. My two children have begged me to tell their relatives to give money. It doesn’t have to be a lot but it is better than a present they just don’t like. Also they have discovered they can buy a lot more after Christmas when sales go crazy.
• Ages 21- 30yrs – Tickets to a concert or a subscription for their favourite magazine. Some may even appreciate cooking classes.
• Ages 31yrs+ – Its time to tell this age group Santa no longer exists and the best Christmas present you can give them is getting together for Christmas lunch.
• Work Colleagues – Nothing to personal so maybe Lindt chocolate or chocolate covered snakes.
• Your Boss – A good bottle of Australian wine.
• Teachers – Forget the decorative cup or book voucher go for a personalised Christmas balls or a good bottle of wine – heaven knows, teachers have earned their end-of-term tipple.

Here is my suggestion on What NOT to buy for Christmas:

• Diet books or gym vouchers
• Ridiculous slogan T-shirts
• Holiday boxer shorts
• Santa earrings or any santa jewellery
• Any kitchen gadget, cleaning product or platter

Christmas has become known for unwanted presents, re-gifting and refunding. Presents. It has been a tough 2011 but we can always give thanks for our friends and family.  Is it time to reflect on what Christmas is all about? After all gifts should be a simple token of your appreciation and love not a display of your wealth.

Do you have any suggestions on What To Buy For Christmas?

Yes it’s that  time of year when invitations to attend clients Christmas parties come rolling in or maybe your company is having a big Christmas bash. It is essential that you remember that it is not a time to let your guard down have some beers and party. This Christmas party is WORK – Whether it’s a clients party or your work party you are still there as a representative of the organisation. Here are some tips to ensure your reputation and professional image does not go down the toilet.

1. Check out the dress code: Make sure you are dressed appropriately. It is not a time to dress as if you are going to a nightclub or boys bash. Clothes that are too tight fitting or show too much send the wrong message.
2. Mingle, Chat to all & be polite: Work the room and talk to as many people as possible just don’t be rude. Be generous with compliments and leave all work issues and troubles behind.
3. Don’t overindulge in alcohol or food: It’s okay to have a glass of beer, wine or champagne at a party but set yourself a limit and stick to it. Careful on the amount of finger food to eat. Remember your manners they say a lot about a person.
4. Watch  out for cameras: Never let yourself be photographed holding a drink (or two) in your hand. You don’t want your photo to appear on Facebook or the office bulletin board.
5. No Snuggles & Kisses: This is not the time to snuggle and whisper to your colleague you have the hots for them.

Work parties are just a different setting for colleagues, clients and future clients to build rapport. So watch what you wear, say and do – YOU don’t want to known as an embarrassment to the organisation and yourself.

  Do you have a story about someone  who is the Office Christmas Party drunk????

I am constantly speaking to women of all ages, including teenagers, who tell me they are a pear or an apple. Why are we labelling ourselves? Has the media added to our poor body image by constantly saying , “ We need to be an hour glass, not a pear” ?

Quite frankly I am getting tired of this body image labelling. No two women are the same so you cannot label them a fruit. I have decided during my image consultations that I will no longer categorise women as a fruit but rather say:

 “ No shape is an idle shape and you need to accept who you are. You may not like parts of your look and together I will show you how to look fabulous in your own way. It is all about looking at balance and proportion. Deciding what you would like to emphasis and what not. BUT YOU ARE NOT A FRUIT. Poor body image is a key element to poor self esteem”

What are your thoughts on labelling women a fruit? Do you believe the media is responsible for labelling and causing poor body image   or are we women doing it to ourselves?

Why is BLACK the Corporate Uniform?

As an image specialist I spend quite a bit of time in the city (Sydney). If I am early for a meeting or presentation I like to sit at a coffee shop and people watch. The standard uniform is black, black, and black. So I ask you-

1. Is it because black is all that is in shops?
2. Is black the new business casual?
3. Is it just easier and you don’t have to think about what to wear?

Of what I can see everyone blends in together – nobody stands out for looking good. Nobody has a unique professional image. The way you dress is part of your personal branding and the branding of your company.

 So why black the Corporate uniform or the Corporate dress code?  I would love to know your thoughts….Men and Women

Everyone knows that effective branding is crucial to business success. But what exactly goes into creating a brand? Contrary to what many people think, branding involves a lot more than simply designing an impressive logo or placing a few advertisements. In essence, it’s about building an image that creates expectations in the minds of your customers – expectations that your business is designed to meet.

Sound too complicated? Actually, it’s a lot easier than you think. Let’s take a look at how you can develop a winning brand for your business.

Brand image – building an emotional connection with customers

Effective branding is all about ensuring that the image your customers have of your business reflects its value propositions.

In other words, it’s about managing what customers think and feel about your business so they believe you can offer them exactly what they need. Craft the right image, and you’ll build a strong emotional connection with your customers that will encourage new sales and a healthy level of repeat business.

How do you create this image? By ensuring that every time a customer encounters your business – through say a website or advertisement – they receive a strong, consistent and memorable brand message. Known as touchpoints, these encounters are key aspects of your branding mission and it’s essential to focus on those that matter the most.

If it all seems too expensive and time-consuming, think again. You don’t have to be a large organisation – with a large marketing staff and budget – to reap the benefits of successful business branding. Here are seven of the most important customer touchpoints for small business owners. Develop your business image around these and you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning brand:

1. YOU – It may seem a strange idea at first, but the fact is your personal image is part of your brand. Because in business, as the old saying goes, first impressions count. It’s a truth that plays out every time we meet a prospective customer at a function, conference or networking event. A quick handshake and a brief conversation is all it takes for most people to decide whether it’s time to do business – or time to move on.

But these customers are actually basing their decision on a whole range of subtle presentation factors – such as grooming, clothing and etiquette – that provide valuable clues as to your credibility, professionalism and potential.

You are your business, so it’s important to pay close attention to what your personal image says about you.

2. LOGO AND BUSINESS NAME – Your logo and business name are the cornerstones of your brand so it’s vital that they capture (in both words and design) exactly what your business is all about.

Make certain to include them on all your business communications such as letterhead, business cards, envelopes, invoices, newsletters, advertisements etc. Stamping your logo and name on building signage and company vehicles is another excellent way of advertising and spreading your brand message.

3. PRINTED MATERIAL – Make sure that all your printed business communication materials such as brochures, letterhead and business cards use the same fonts, graphics and colours. Doing so will help establish your business as a credible and professional organisation.

Printing on the highest quality paper you can afford will also give your business communications more authority and substance.

4. WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Worldwide, companies of all sizes are moving more and more of their marketing efforts online. Your website will often be the first point of contact for prospective customers who are searching online for products and services. As a result, it’s absolutely crucial that the site reflects your brand image.

Keep your website on-message by ensuring it is consistent with all printed materials (i.e. uses the same logo, colours and fonts) and update it every two years to keep it looking fresh, current and competitive.

When promoting your business on social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, keep the mood strictly professional – don’t include pictures of family or weekend activities.

5. OFFICE PREMISES – If clients visit your office or showroom, you should make sure that the décor complements your business brand. For instance, an accountancy firm might choose a sleek, modernist approach to office design, while a web start-up might opt for a funky or retro fit-out. You should also use the same colours and style elements that are found in all your other marketing materials.

6.  EMPLOYEES –Your staff are truly the key to your success and should be the best advertisement your business will ever have. Every time they deal with a customer, supplier or partner they are representing your brand and so should always be well-groomed and dressed appropriately for their role. It’s also vital that you provide them with the training and skills they need to appear credible, professional and knowledgeable at all times.

7. INTANGIBLES – You probably think of branding as something you can see. But it also covers aspects of your business that make it easy for customers to find and contact you. For this reason, you should consider getting website and email addresses that use your company’s name instead of the name of your internet service provider.

If you work from home, it’s also essential that you establish a professional image by setting up a dedicated fax and phone line, a post office box address, and an appropriate message on your answering machine.

As a small business there is no reason why you and your business should not be branded to give the right message. Sometimes it is not what you say but how you and your business is seen by others that guarantees success.