Tricks of the Trade

Within every trade there is a trick and even shopping has its own set of insider tips. If you’re a shopping enthusiast you may already be aware of these tips. I’ve picked a few of them up along the way from friends and family members who always seem to be up on the latest and greatest fashion trends.

It never hurts to network and all avid shoppers have friends in retail. From Nordstrom’s to Tiffany’s, it never hurts to treat your favorite salesperson like a best friend. I recall going shopping with my ex-mother in law…in every major department store or boutique, someone knew her on a first name basis. When the salespeople know who you are, they will often times alert you when they have a trunk show coming up, when a new collection arrives or if your favorite "something" goes on sale.

Regional shopping is also important when it comes to fashion. Trends differ across metropolitan cities. Throughout my travels I have found that what’s on the racks in Atlanta, drastically differs from what is most popular in Chicago or Miami. It has been stated that women in Seattle, Atlanta, and Dallas tend to prefer a more classic look, so some edgy items are more likely to sit longer on a shelf there much longer than they would in New York City or L.A. Conversely, if you have a more conservative style, what you desire may sit on the shelves and become a clearance item in New York City.

Another valuable tip is to be aware of when shipments arrive. Many sales reps will inform you when they get new arrivals, which is important if you want the best picks. Another rule of thumb is that whenever there is 50% discount off certain items, that means the hot new items for next season are in the back waiting to be unpacked. Depending on your relationship with the store, they may let you take a sneak peek.

Mother’s day is coming up and the tip I have for you is the 40% off sale going on at She-Tech. From now until May 5, we are offering 40% off the entire collection. Treat your mother this season to a new tote…treat yourself and stay connected!

How dirty are you?

The internet is a great tool that helps us our lives run a lot more efficiently. We can shop online, find valuable information on virtually any topic and even expand our reach across the globe. But unfortunately the benefits that the internet provide for the good also apply to the bad. By conducting a simple Google search, friends, relatives and potential employers can dig up “Digital Dirt.”

Digital dirt could be anything from old comments to blogspots, message board postings, membership in certain social networking sites or pictures and videos that paint you in a not-so-appropriate light. Ask yourself, “Is there anything out there that could potentially embarrass me, polarize me or tarnish my image? If so, you may have some cleaning to do.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, digital dirt is fast becoming one of the most menacing forces against executives attempting to transition to other industries or opportunities. Furthermore, according to ExecuNet, "35 percent of executive recruiters who used the Internet to research candidates eliminated someone from consideration based on information they found online.

The best way to see what’s out there is to Google your name in quotations (i.e. “my name”). In many cases you may not be able to undo what you've done online, but it’s nice to at least be aware of what third parties can find out about you. For the future, be aware of posting extreme negative blogspot comments, risqué face book photos and joining social sites that can be seen as offensive to someone.

We all like to have a little fun, and if you’re not concerned about keeping our cyber slate clean, have a response prepared in the event questions come up. After all, we all have lives outside of our profession and what you do after hours does not necessarily have a negative impact on your performance. Do some digital dusting this weekend. You might be surprised at what you’ll find. Stay tidy and stay connected!

Brand Awareness

Everyone’s talking about it. Companies are preparing for it. It’s all over the media. The dreaded economic downturn, also known as a recession, appears to be on the horizon, if not already here. In anticipation of a recession, nothing makes it more pleasant than the customary expense reduction initiatives. Many companies, perhaps the one you’re with, have begun enforcing strict cost containment measures. Now expense reports are scrutinized, interoffice entertainment is minimized and some departments begin to “right-size.”

Although nothing feels right about being laid off, you can certainly take action to recession-proof your career. How? Bolster Your Brand. According to Arruda and Dixson, co-authors of some best selling Career books, during a challenging economic period, highly differentiated self-branding becomes even more important. Building your brand will help you give your company the innovation and creativity it needs while making you an indispensable resource. Personal branding is the most effective way to clarify and communicate your value.

Unclear about your brand? Use this Online Branding Tool from Reach Communications Consulting, to develop your profile.

More often than most, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Reach out to former colleagues. Strengthen relationships with clients, relatives, friends and business partners. Invite those to lunch you normally wouldn't and meet up for coffee after work with those you wouldn't dare. Do whatever is necessary to rekindle those relationships in the event you should have to cross them. Network, network, network. Professional organizations are also a good way to network and provide the greatest opportunity to expand your professional reach outside the company.

Tech-savvy fashionistas will always be in demand, but it is critical that you differentiate yourself in the marketplace. Whether you’re a high-end couture goddess or a discount diva, position yourself accordingly. Get noticed, promote your brand and stay connected!

Gadgets To Go

Spring has sprung! And while this is the season to do away with clutter and unnecessary random items, it’s also the season to do a little shopping. For the tech savvy gadget enthusiast, there is always something new.

Giz Geek offers a multimedia Wireless Roll-up USB Keyboard. This keyboard is water resistant and virtually indestructible. It doesn’t have any sharp edges and fits nicely into a briefcase.

For the latest in Car Couture, check out GG Bailey’s custom car mats and accessories. Express your originality with car mat designs from plaid to polka dots.

Take a bite out of technology and nibble on byte-size lemon butter cookies available at Computer Gear.com. Cookies come in a variety of shapes such as computers, computer mice, CDs and more.

Perhaps you suffer from a dull finished laptop that’s practical but not fashionable. If you desire to be chic, these designer laptop skins are for you. Why not wrap and protect your laptop with a leopard print scratch-proof vinyl cover?

These are just a few gadgets to go for the spring season. I’ll take two of everything! You can make a fashion statement within every facet of your life. Express your personality, your sense of chic and stay connected!