bizMe

The Corporate Body: Posture and Professionalism

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:30:54 +0000

The Politics of Posture

The word is out. Women are climbing the corporate ladder and breaking the glass ceiling. All one needs to do is turn on the television or read a newspaper to see the heights to which women can aspire. No matter where you are on the political compass, it’s hard to ignore and admire the accomplishments of Hillary, Sarah and Condi. Inspired by the endless possibilities for achievement, women are arming themselves with “all the right stuff.” (more…)

Working the Room @ Networking Events

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:30:36 +0000

The Art and Science of Schmoozing

The networking event begins at 8 AM, and the air is electric with the tingling energy of people anticipating meeting new people. The air is fragrant with perfume and cologne and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Your look is crisp and professional; your demeanor is calm, welcoming and open, your smile wide as you enter the event. There is a low hum of conversation, with people standing either alone or in small clusters. Though inside you feel a bit nervous and anxious you don’t let it show—you are a schmoozing machine with relaxed body language that says I’m confident, fearless, intelligent and ready to meet my fellow business people. You don’t giggle, stutter or tap your hands or feet nervously. Your shoulders aren’t bunched around your ears. Your arms are at your sides, you scan the room, looking for a person who is also new to this, evinced by their slightly nervous demeanor or their eyes scanning the crowd, and you approach, striding slowly and without hesitation. You look this pleasant person in the eye, stick out your hand, shake firmly and say, “Hi, my name is Susan Schmoozalot, with WXZ Widgets, it’s wonderful to meet you.” (more…)

Online Investing.101

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:22:45 +0000

In the old days, if you wanted to purchase a stock you had to call up your broker, give them your trade order, pay a commission, and sit by the phone to await their confirmation. With the ease of the Internet however, came brokerage firms offering immediate and discounted online trading. From Scottrade, to E-Trade, to Vanguard, these online brokerage firms offer “ordinary” citizens the opportunity to manage their portfolio on their own. (more…)

medEd by Doctor D: Tension Headaches

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:22:36 +0000

“I feel so stressed and have such an annoying headache today!!!!”

What is a tension type headache?
Tension-type headache, also known as stress headache or muscle-contraction headache, is one of the most common headaches occurring in the general population particularly in people between the ages of 20 and 50 and most commonly in women. (more…)

GPS for Finding the Perfect Assistant

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:22:12 +0000

You’ve been toiling your toned butt off for months, maybe years, and you just got the news you’ve been dying to hear since you collated your first set of office documents: you’re getting an assistant of your very own. For the first time since you paid your younger brother to handle all the grunt work at home for you, you now have someone you can dump—er, delegate—all the administratrivia that’s been piling on your desk for months, thus allowing you to focus on the really juicy, exciting stuff you went to college or graduate school for. (more…)

Flirting with Workplace Romance?

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:22:03 +0000

Nate Andrews had just started at a small video production shop in Madison, Wisconsin, just two months before. The 28-year-old production specialist enjoyed the casual atmosphere and the rapport that developed among the small, tightly-knit team. (more…)

Smart Schmoozing: Big Tips for Small Talk

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:21:46 +0000

I have two recurring nightmares. In one, I am suddenly back in my high school biology class. I realize I haven’t done a bit of the assigned reading all semester just as the teacher passes out our final exam. Scary, but a cakewalk compared to the other dream: I am all alone in the middle of a cocktail party, buck naked save for the lone pig-in-a-blanket and blaringly pink Cosmo in my shaking hands. The room full of movers and shakers stands around me, pointing and laughing. (more…)

Big Satchel Hott Look!

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:21:27 +0000

“Accessories are everything. To me, they’re more important than the clothes.”
—Rachel Zoe, In Style: A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty & Everything Glamour

Ahhh—Fall is when our big, oversized bags really get a chance to shine. We’re toting them to the gym, to the mall and then even out for dinner! (more…)

Resume Writing Tips (from a Recruiter)

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:21:17 +0000

I talk to a lot of candidates on a daily basis as a recruiter. Whether I am talking to an active or passive candidate, there are a lot of questions around what to include in a resume. Much to the disappointment to those who spend hours on their resume to perfect the document that is created to showcase the best display of why a company should hire them, I have bad news for you. I spend about 15 seconds looking at a resume to decide if it is worth reading on or not. About 30 seconds later, I decide whether I am going to call the candidate or not. Some may think that is rude and unfair due to all the hours you put in to make sure it best reflects your work history—no matter what, you deserve a phone call right? Unfortunately in today’s market there is just not enough time on the recruiter’s hands for that courtesy. Many job seekers are too thorough, add unnecessary content to their resume and do not focus on the right things, leading the recruiter to put it to rest . . . in the trash can. (more…)

Think you’ve got game? Try outrunning this volunteer!

editor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:19:47 +0000

Twelve thousand runners crossed the finish line and raised over one million dollars in the 10th Annual Komen Milwaukee Race for the Cure. Imagine planning and coordinating an event of this size—it’s an amazing accomplishment, especially when you meet the energetic and passionate director of the Race—Julie Kaiserling—she’s only 27! bizMe caught up with Julie recently and we chatted about her outstanding contribution of time and talent to her community and to breast cancer. Julie is quick to recognize the dedication and commitment of the 45 volunteers who worked tirelessly to put this Race together. (more…)