Making an Impression

Have you ever wondered why other people are getting promoted when you know that you have more knowledge or skills? A possible reason is that others, including managers and supervisors, may not really know what talents you have. This may be partly their fault if they are not very observant. However, you may be expecting too much if you haven't showcased your skills appropriately.

The first thing to do is to identify a deficiency in the business or institution where you could highlight your particular skills. In particular you should look for areas where supervisors have significant problems that do not look like they will be solved in the immediate future. You will make more of an impression if you solve an intractable problem they have rather than one that only affects you.

Develop a plan and seek support for your methods. This doesn't have to involve a cost. In fact, it is better if you can propose a solution that is cost neutral, or even better, one that will provide cost savings.

If the solution doesn't work, look for other opportunities to follow. On the other hand, if it is successful you need to broadcast this to others, particularly those who are likely to make decisions regarding your career. This should be done in a timely fashion because there are usually many others who will take the credit for your work if you don't do so.

When presenting the solution it is useful to spend a lot of time in preparation. For example, you may be tempted to put a few boring PowerPoint slides together to showcase the work. This will cause an impression, but perhaps not the one you want. It may give the impression that you are not prepared to put in the time and effort to make a professional presentation. Take your time and look at other good examples. Try to reduce words and include more images. Research has shown that visually exciting presentations are remembered longer than simple bullet points.

Another important way to make an impression is with your attitude. There are many things you are going to be critical about in your workplace. It is acceptable to make your criticisms in a professional manner by identifying issues. However, some people are tempted to include personal attacks in this context, particularly when using email. Try to avoid this. Remember that supervisors are looking to promote staff that tends to be providers of solutions rather than those who create problems.

Choosing Your Own Fashion Style

Fashions can be trendy or classic, and what you decide to wear can often depend on your own personal tastes and needs.

Fashionistas will pay any cost to wear the latest fashions. Those who view fashion in this manner are definitely trendy - and in some cases trendsetters in their own rights!

On the other hand, there are those of us who prefer to collect timeless styles that can be worn from season to season, and year to year. Those who view fashion and style in this way are ones who appreciate classic styles that are everlasting.

So, how do you know what fashion style, whether trendy or classic, is right for you? First, it is important to consider a few details about yourself before choosing a fashion style. It's something you might not like to think about, but it is a very important step in choosing the perfect style for you. Things to keep in mind before jumping into a fashion-shopping spree are your body's shape and skin tone, hair color and what you love or hate about your body.

Every piece of clothing that you own or purchase, should be selected because it makes your best features stand out and hides your figure flaws, so you will need to be aware of your body shape and the specific colors that flatter your hair and skin tone.

The best styles of clothes you will need will be determined by your body's shape. Pick clothes that will emphasize your favorite (and not so favorite) features of your body. More often than not, classic clothing styles will be perfect for camouflaging imperfections, while trendier clothes will often require you to be slightly more adventurous.

Additionally, trendier colors will often be short-lived. Colors such as tangerine and chartreuse may be hot in the summer, but can disappear for good once fall arrives. Those classic fashionistas who opted to buy a tangerine tailored suit for the summer, just might find themselves with a quickly outdated tangerine suit come fall! So when choosing classic styles, it might be best to stick with classic colors such as white, black, gray and brown.

Most importantly, choose the best fashion styles that will make you happy and comfortable. The latest fashion trends might not be what make you happy, and if you are unhappy in your clothes, others will notice.

So take time to experiment with different colors that make your skin glow, hide your height and weight flaws if that is a concern to you, and make you feel just fabulous! When you are able to express who you truly are, your clothes will be of second importance!