Excellent Pet Photographer, Speaking of Image and First Impressions!
July 23, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
We just had a professional photo shoot for our two "kids" – our Pembroke Welsh Corgis. We've been thinking of having this done for several years but have been dissatisfied with various "people photographers" we've encountered throughout the years. From past experience with a pet photographer, we've learned that there is something that someone who deals only with pets can do to get an animal to sit up and catch that just-right look that photographers who shoot mainly people seem to lack. We finally found the pet photographer for us!
Actual Names of Professionals
July 22, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
On of the e-groups to which I belong, someone recently asked for a recommendation for a doctor in our local area. Another list member suggested a doctor whom her family uses, and the name was rather interesting for that type of doctor. Soon lots of people on the list shared names of professionals – beyond doctors – whom they either know, use, or know to be “real people”. The list got to be so humorous that I decided to compile the list to this blog. Remember that these are real folks!
Extreme Makeover, Baltimore MD “Girls Hope” Project – Life Skills Training
July 17, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
This ABC2 News (Baltimore, MD) report ran on Friday, July 16, 2010. Its main topic is the Extreme Makeover project that will be revealed Sunday for Girls Hope non-profit in Baltimore, MD. The subject within the clip, however, is about the group Second Chance, Inc. that donated architectural items to the makeover project. The sub-subject is the Life Skills Training that the guys at Second Chance receive, and THAT topic includes me and my business. I have a couple seconds on camera, as well as a couple of the guys in my class.
County Agency Gives Excellent Service – Montgomery County MD 311 System
I just had a wonderfully satisfying experience calling a county agency for large-item recycling pickup service! From the time a live person answered the phone (after only three rings), until the time I hung up after exchanging a light moment with a second person (who actually laughed at my wry humor), I felt listened to, respected, cared about, and service-honored. What a way to start a Monday morning.
Ties Are Knotty Subjects
June 21, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
Casual Fridays turned into casual every days over the last decade throughout the workplace. Lately, there seems to be a return to more business-like attire on the job. The Washington DC metro area has a high concentration of technology and biotech businesses where casual attire is still a norm. Yet the region also has Federal, State, and County government agencies, law and financial firms, and consulting companies that adhere to business attire dress codes.
Workplace Professionalism & Youth – Another Good Post
Joyce Gioia-Herman, a Strategic Business Futurist concentrating on workforce and workplace trends, is President and CEO of The Herman Group. She wrote a blog post titled "Teaching Professionalism" about the behaviors that HR professionals consider as demonstrating "professionalism" in the workplace.
Ms. Gioia-Herman notes:
HR pros and business leaders polled identified five primary characteristics of professionalism: 1) personal interaction skills, including courtesy and respect, 2) skills to communicate, and listen, 3) a great work ethic; 4) being motivated and staying on task until the job is completed, and 5) professional appearance, and self-confidence and awareness.
Life Skills…Important for Students?
Found this article addressing life skills and schools. What's happened to teaching young people the transferable skills they need and will apply throughout their lives (instead of how to pass tests)? Here's one perspective.
What Should I Tell High School Students?
May 26, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
To prepare to speak to a group of high school students, I asked my professional colleagues the question, "What one message should I communicate to high school students?"
The responses I received…from:
- (Roger) A message about freedom and responsibility.
- (Gayle) Accountability.
- (Janice) "Be" rather than "seem".
- (Bob) Love and sex do not mean the same thing.
- (Liz) How and when to say "yes", and how to care for yourselves.
Present A Professional Image…On Video (Introduction/Overview)
May 25, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
This is a preview of a program I developed for how to present a professional image on video (for video profiles). The video was shot and digitally edited by a professional videographer (Tim Fahey). The content was developed by me (Sylvia Henderson). I invite constructive comments as to whether you would invest in such a program for yourself or for your organization, as well as ancillary educational materials to help you put the concepts into practice.
Right Writeful Style Guide (Tongue-In-Cheek)
May 14, 2010 by Sylvia · 4 Comments
A friend sent this to me. If this makes you laugh, then you "get" it and already understand rules for writing well. If the following does not make you smile, then grab a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style or an online facsimile and start studying. I suggest you keep a dictionary, thesaurus, style guide, and instant word guide readily available anyway. I use all of these – hard copy and online – constantly. Enjoy!
Mini-Lessons With Great Content, From Great Experts
April 21, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
If you've got a short attention span, or want "just the facts" about a particular topic in about five minutes, I found – and subscribe to – a resource called Athena Online.
According to their own description, "Athena's SmartBytes™ provide a quick overview of subjects through online video, animation, and supporting material. Advice is presented by such leading-edge thinkers as Drs. Homa Bahrami, Judith Bardwick, Marshall Goldsmith, Mitchell Marks, Larraine Segil, Al Vicere, and many others. Topics range from coaching and feedback skills to merger and acquisition issues."
Public Speaking: Articles and Resources (“Sharing Ideas” Magazine)
April 7, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
This resource is for people serious about public speaking and making money doing so. I have a couple of articles in past issues. The magazine used to be a hard copy publication that arrived in my mailbox six times/year. Since its founder, Dottie Walters, died, the publication is now online-only.
Find excellent resources about and for the speaking profession.
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