Greetings!
 

I can hardly believe this weekend is Memorial Day, where has the year gone?  For most it is a three day weekend and plans are being made for picnics and parties with friends, family, and co-workers. Many will head to the parks, the beaches or gather around the pool and grill in backyards.
 

If you are one of the many that have been invited to such a gathering, remember that picnics and parties are yet another venue to showcase your image. Dress for the most part will be very casual with shorts, t-shirts, jeans, summer dresses, and sandals. Now is the time to check those toe nails if you are going to display them, and make sure they are trimmed and clean, and the same goes for finger nails. Keep the length of shorts appropriate for the group; short shorts are best left at home. And if there is going to be water activities, make sure your bathing suit or trunks are also appropriate for the group.
 

There will probably be physical activities such as tag football, softball, water polo, horse shoes and others so always pack a change of clothes (and a small travel size deodorant) in your bag. You certainly do not wish to mingle with guests after the activities with bad body odor.
 

Any tips that you would like to share with us, please do.
 

Enjoy the holidays and pause during this weekend to say thanks to the many men and women who are in the armed forces around the world keeping us safe.
 

Nyda
 

Greetings!
 

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a weekend conference. I was asked to be a speaker, vendor to sell my books, and conduct a live airing of my internet show The Magnolia. I was delighted to do so.
 

So what does the title of my blog have to do with this conference? The answer is image and impact.
 

When I arrived at 8am to get everything set up for the 8:30am opening of the conference, I saw name signs at the various vendor tables of banks, retail businesses, and major corporations. I thought to myself, this is going to be beneficial. Then I saw some of the people representing those companies in outfits that should have only been worn in the yard working in the dirt. People were dressed entirely too casual for a business setting and the impact was certainly not positive. Maybe they thought since it was Saturday they could get away with it. I thought at one point of the movie The Mask where Jim Carey yells out something like “Somebody please HELP me!” I could not believe they were wearing flip flops, t-shirts, and shorts.
 

When participating in a conference or convention, no matter the role, remember you are representing your company and you. Dress appropriately for the event…there will be plenty of other times to wear that yard outfit!

What have you seen of appearances at conferences, conventions and/or trade shows that had a poor impact? Any tips to share?
 

Enjoy the weekend,
 

Nyda
 

Greetings! 

I have run into numerous people at networking events that are looking for a job due to a host of reasons. Several reasons include downsizing, budget cuts, the economy, and companies and organizations repositioning their focus. 

One phrase that I keep hearing people say is they are “transitioning” to something new and/or different. I wanted to explore what is needed to do this transitioning and found several items I wanted to share with you. 

Here are a few of the best from my research: 

• Update your resume’ 

• Develop a strong 30 second commercial to include a key point about what you are looking to transition into so those that hear can help 

• Conduct a honest assessment of your skills and identify those that need to be gained and/or enhanced and do something about it now 

• Have a desire to change and do not be afraid to move forward in life…you never know what you can do until you try 

• Search firms not the want ads….look up the top 100 companies to work for and explore the type of jobs they employ as well as those companies and industries in which you have an interest 

• Find a mentor who will provide guidance, facilitate introductions and endorse your capabilities 

• Volunteer…the networking is great 

• When people ask you how are things, respond positively and include one key point of what you are interested in 

• Smile, walk tall, and keep your attitude upbeat….remember your image is showing 

• Network, network, and network. 

We are continuously transitioning in our lives from one stage to the next; it is just some times the need to do so comes a little faster than at other times. 

Please tell yourself that this is yet another opportunity of life and enjoy it!