Happy New Year! I'm not one to make resolutions however I do like to designate a theme for each year. My theme for 2010 is "reading, writing and reinvention."
I've heard that a person can become wiser if he reads at least 30 minutes per day. My goal is to read something positive, uplifting or educational, particularly a business or self-help book, daily.
Writing and journaling are also on my to-do list. I am currently reading The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. In the process, I am learning the therapeutic properties of putting pen to paper and in doing so, I'm unleashing my creative side. This book is helping me express myself and become a better writer.
And I am forever striving to reinvent myself. Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, once said, "If you aren't continually reinventing yourself, your company, and your brand, it's only a matter of time before you become obsolete, irrelevant, or go out of business."
And speaking of reinvention, you may have noticed that I am kick-starting this year off with a redesigned newsletter AND blog! To see my new blog, click here.
Kudos to my talented designer, Karen Lewis, for her ability to create a professional look and capture the essence of my personality. To read what went on behind-the-scenes of my newly designed blog, click here.
My blog is a vehicle to share "Whit-Bits," ideas, trends, and maybe even a recipe or two. I invite you to SUBSCRIBE to my blog if you wish to hear from me on a regular basis and get to know me more personally.
Another part of my reinvention or "New Year's Makeover" involved getting brand new headshots! To accomplish this task, I assembled my mighty dream team. A special "thank you" goes out to the super-fab, beauty photographer, Kristi Furg, make-up artist, Megan Hill, and stylist and image coach, Susan Bigsby, for transforming me from glum to glam! To view some of my new headshots, click here, here and here.
Here's hoping that 2010 is a year filled with success, joy, prosperity and good health for all of us!
Cheers to YOUR success,
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Salary Negotiation Tips in a Tough Economy
By Jorie Scholnik, Protocol School of Palm Beach, Inc. Intern
Delay the discussion. Timing is everything in salary negotiation. Make sure you are familiar with the details of your job description and have a written offer in hand before you begin the negotiation process. Don't discuss salary in the first interview unless the interviewer brings it up first.
Know what you are worth. It is a great skill to know how to sell yourself and convince the interviewer of your worth. Tell the employer what you can do for her company. Explain ways in which you can increase the company's efficiency, help to solve problems, initiate new projects, increase revenue or their client base.
Look at the entire package. If the salary is non-negotiable, look at other job perks such as the benefits package, options for retirement, tuition reimbursement, vacation days, flex time and more. These things can often be worth more than a salary increase.
Do your homework and be aware of your resources. Average salaries based on job title, level of experience and location can be found online and at your local library. Some websites that may be of use are www.payscale.com and www.salary.com.
Leave the past behind. You won't impress the interviewer if you bash your former employer. Besides, you may one day want your former employer to give you a job reference so don't burn any bridges.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, keep your options open and continue to interview with other companies until you get a job offer or receive a rejection letter.
Jorie Scholnik has been interning seasonally at The Protocol School of Palm Beach, Inc. since June 2006. She will be graduating in May from the University of Florida with a M.Ed./Ed.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling and Mental Health Counseling. Some of her other etiquette articles can be found on Jacqueline Whitmore's blog.
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How to Interview with Confidence
By Jorie Scholnik, Protocol School of Palm Beach, Inc. Intern
Know when to talk and when to listen. During an interview, try to limit your responses to one minute or less. The worst thing you can do is keep talking until the interviewer cuts you off. Remember there's power in the pause. When you're asked a question pause briefly before answering it. This creates anticipation and gives you time to think about what you're going to say next.
Be aware of body language. If you see the interviewer starting to gaze away, tap a foot, fidget with a pen, or worse, check his Blackberry, these signs may indicate that you no longer have his attention.
Brag modestly. An interview is your time to shine and talk about your accomplishments. Keep in mind that others will be sharing their accomplishments too. Talk about what you bring to the table, your transferable skills and how you can benefit the company.
Accentuate the positive. Talk about what you can do instead of what you can't do. A statement such as, "To be honest, I've never been in charge of managing an entire division," is a negative response not to mention it projects insecurity and self-doubt.
Keep it professional. Avoid showing too much skin or wearing too much make-up or perfume. In more conservative industries like law and accounting, neutral suit colors like navy blue, dark gray or black are more appropriate. And get a professional email address. Addresses containing names like "Honeybunny," "Princess," or MasterBlaster" are immature and may sabotage your chances of getting a second interview.
Be yourself. Stay true to your hobbies, interests and morals. You will come across as insincere if you start talking about a topic that you know nothing about. And if you don't know the answer to a question, tell the interviewer that you will find out.
Jorie Scholnik has been interning seasonally at The Protocol School of Palm Beach, Inc. since June 2006. She will be graduating in May from the University of Florida with a M.Ed./Ed.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling and Mental Health Counseling. Some of her other etiquette articles can be found on Jacqueline Whitmore's blog.
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Train-the Trainer Webinar:
How to Increase Your Business and Make a Profit with Social Networking
~Presented by Jacqueline Whitmore
 Have you thought about diving into the world of social networking but weren't sure how to get started? Are you wondering why business professionals are so excited about blogging, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn? Social media is not just for the college set. Learn to increase your visibility, gain more clients and customers and build your brand using social media as a tool!
Join me as I present this live and interactive webinar, "How to Increase Your Business and Make a Profit with Social Networking."
COST: $60.00, includes a complimentary webinar CD as my gift to you!
WHEN: This webinar is offered at two convenient times:
Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 12pm - 1pm, Eastern time
Monday, January 11, 2010, 4pm - 5pm Eastern time
Can't attend either webinar? No problem. You may still purchase the CD only for $60.00. If interested click here:
If you would rather register by phone, call (561) 586-9026 or email me.
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This Bud's For You: iPod and MP3 Etiquette
The popularity of iPods and other MP3 players has created a musical revolution for the workplace. IPod users say they aren't being rude, they are just tuning out the noise and focusing on their work.
Many young employees wouldn't think of working on a creative project without a little Black Eyed Peas for inspiration. But what kind of message does it send? Does it say "I'm focused on my job and being productive" or does it say "I can't be bothered?"
Here are five tips to observe if you plan to use your iPod at work:
Let your co-workers know you are plugging in because it helps you be productive.
Let others know you are not trying to be unapproachable and that it's okay to ask a question.
Don't play the music too loudly.
Take both buds out of your ears when you are talking with others so they know they have your full attention.
Don't drum on your desk and never, ever, sing along.
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What's On Jacqueline's iPhone?
I love the Pandora app. When I work out, I listen to Lady Gaga Radio or Donna Summer Radio. When I'm in the office, I listen to Govi Radio. And when I'm having a dinner party, I listen to Pink Martini Radio! To listen to your favorite music, visit www.pandora.com.
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Jacqueline's Favorite Cause
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. To read about my personal battle with cervical cancer and how YOU can make a difference and help stop the spread of this terrible cancer, READ ON. |
January Speaking Schedule
If you live in either the Tampa or Phoenix area and would like to hear me speak, READ ON. |
Jacqueline In the News
Polish Your Party Patter: Learn the Art of Holiday Small Talk
Louisville Courier-Journal, December 20, 2009
Don't Forget a Note of Thanks
The News Tribune, December 13, 2009
Holiday Office Party Do's and Don'ts
Yahoo! HotJobs, December 12, 2009
How to Give Gifts in the Workplace
[VIDEO] FoxBusiness.com, December 10, 2009
Gaga's Crown Yule
New York Post, December 9, 2009
Etiquette Coach in Hot Water Over Gesture
Orange County Register, December 8, 2009
The Office Politics of Holiday Gifts
Los Angeles Times, December 6, 2009
How To Mind Your Holiday Manners
Los Angeles Times, December 6, 2009
Give Wisely at Work
Wall Street Journal, December 6, 2009
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