Manners at Work

I love beginning a new year and always have. It’s so invigorating to feel as though you have a fresh start. I’m always energized, both professionally and personally. Sometimes you have things on your to do list and you never quite get around to doing them. Starting the new year allows you to re-evaluate your list, making a real point to prioritize and work hard to make sure the important things get accomplished.



Work place gift giving is a tricky area, especially in a year when people don’t have a lot of extra money to spend. It should not be considered mandatory, but it is wise to find out what the company’s policy is on exchanging gifts at the holidays. If you are unsure about what to do, find out how the company has handled holiday gift giving in years past.

On November 7, I was so honored to be named 2009 Woman of the Year by 
Choices Atlanta: Women Balancing Life. The luncheon was held last Saturday
 at the Marriott Alpharetta.

Choices Atlanta is a non-profit organization that celebrates the gift of
 being a woman. The group hosts a series of luncheons and workshops to 
promote womanhood in all dimensions: corporate, community and charity. Every 
other year they honor a woman of the year at an awards luncheon.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to host a luncheon with a featured
 speaker who shared a message that I will not soon forget. John O'Leary
 delivered a very emotional and powerful talk on the qualities of true 
leadership. It forced us all to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we
 are demonstrating these qualities in our own lives.

A business partnership is every bit like a marriage, and needs to be
 approached with the same thoughtfulness and consideration. When all is going 
well, everyone is happy and everything falls into place, but when problems 
arise, relationships can go down hill fast. Before you know it, the lines of
 communication dissolve, and people get nasty and behave in ways you never
 thought possible.

On Friday, September 4, I had the privilege of appearing live on CNN in a
 segment called "Women in the Workforce." The interview offered insights in to
 the shifting dynamics of the economy and why more women are making their way 
into the workforce.



We're calling it a "man"cession in that 82 percent of people who have been 
laid off are men. For the first time, women are poised to take over 50 
percent of the workforce. The industries that we are employed in are not the 
industries that have been hit the hardest.


One of the most difficult tasks as a business owner is establishing and maintaining a company vision. Having this vision is essential because you can use it as a compass for each decision made along the way. When we were just starting out at firstPRO, our mission was to be all things to all people, but we quickly learned that this is an impossible task and a formula that will never result in a profitable business.

When it comes to writing new and original material, it is always important 
to stay current and relevant, but I also believe it is important to compile 
these thoughts and ideas in a clear and compelling way. That means always following
 the rules of writing and using proper grammar. I also have to be
 very mindful of my audience and the message I wish to convey.



In today's uncertain financial climate, it is more important than ever to
 approach business and social situations with grace and thoughtfulness. We
 need to be mindful of others' circumstances and add value to everything we
 do. Whether you have experienced a change in your financial security
 personally, or you are one of the fortunate individuals experiencing "life
 as usual," a conservative attitude is the order of the day.

Conducting business in conjunction with a social activity can be a great way to network and build rapport. These events typically coincide with a meal; they can be anything from a breakfast, lunch or dinner with just a few people to a much larger function.