tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8093617710514491312024-03-13T13:37:01.574-07:00SimplySuSuhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-50415085193894216872022-08-08T20:20:00.008-07:002022-08-09T19:02:24.873-07:00Grandfather's Love<p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWTYpbJHMuyXLDAZA1eVUtxXLR8cbzQMk_JdGcQdsvw9sJEZLnoHQ3-ju9d_obxGY-aM6NX13gC7dv-MgCKCrUPDgtFLh-JRRCbgjE29q_-zCon6DuclGkMdBtt9MyQWpeZbJEdzhRzkTxGS38uk3WWP6Y6TQxcb3TkiQGX_wXDUsCwXwFxwoMWow0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWTYpbJHMuyXLDAZA1eVUtxXLR8cbzQMk_JdGcQdsvw9sJEZLnoHQ3-ju9d_obxGY-aM6NX13gC7dv-MgCKCrUPDgtFLh-JRRCbgjE29q_-zCon6DuclGkMdBtt9MyQWpeZbJEdzhRzkTxGS38uk3WWP6Y6TQxcb3TkiQGX_wXDUsCwXwFxwoMWow0" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">I was overwhelmed with love for a stranger sitting next to my table. I felt the urge to hug him But of course, I didn’t, so as not to alarm him. He reminded me of my grandfather who I’ve never seen. I silently sent my love to both my grandfathers. It is because of who they were that we are who we are. And it is because of who we are that people around us are. All the more important I turn up more as myself. As I am.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">We’re never only just ourselves though, isn't it? We are the amalgamation of so much love and energy of those before us. Of parents, grandparents, and those before them. Of relatives and friends and teachers and even those we don’t really know.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Relationships are amazing. They teach us who we are and possibly who we can be.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Grandparents’ love is unconditional, selfless. They are so doting, so pampering, so caring. One is fortunate to have enjoyed their love. We need that as children. Play and pampering. Well, we need that always. We receive stories and values that are passed on for generations. We receive their wisdom and experiences. The hard times they went through and the good times…they are a perfect example of the hero’s journey. It is another kind of love. A beautiful thread that binds grandparents and grandchildren. They have gone through so much to give us so much.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">We must honor them by doing the same and we do. Take care of our loved ones. We must love them through gratefulness and giving.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">We carry our grandparents with us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">I’m wondering what it would be like to adopt grandparents. To experience their inexplicably beautiful, pure love.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p>Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-35341203953845500782022-07-13T03:10:00.001-07:002022-08-09T21:18:20.993-07:00Never Feel Homesick<p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">I’ve been thinking about Home and what/where is home. Trying to figure this out since I like to and want to travel. Is my home within me? I’d like to think so, but I’d like the concept to be clear to me and sink in.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Well, there is the physical concept of home – its warmth and comforts. What is Home? Home is your space – a physical space but not just that – it’s a space of love, peace, joy, caring, nurturing, a space where you’re comfortable with yourself, your guard is down, you are more yourself, you are relaxed. Can you feel that within yourself so it’s not very different when you travel? So you won’t feel lost.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">External circumstances and environment may change. What doesn’t change?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">My anchor and my radar!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">So, what’s your anchor? – my values, my experience, my confidence, my belief in myself, my priorities.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Your radar? – is the direction I want to take, the kind of life I want to live. Am I clear about that? Yes, I am.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Learning, Growing, Experiencing. I want to be more present to myself so I can experience life to its fullest. Ways to do that – exercise, meditation, focus on breathing, being aware of your thoughts. (Incorporate into daily routine)</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Nature, different thinking, cultures, learning new things, being open. Living life in each moment. Fully.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Then why do we feel lost at times? When we take on and live other people’s energies/lives/way of thinking/expectations. Let’s be more aware of that. Behavior and reactions should be yours, not influenced.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">Important to be most comfortable with yourself, just the way you are – accepting, loving, being your own best friend, enjoying your own company.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">They say Home is where the Heart is. Focus on and choose more and more of those activities (and people) that fill you with Joy. Focus on yourself. The more Know Yourself, the clearer you’ll be.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilQJN9rWwjK8iHku9dIIWjhFOeTaZYwfT8Nt4x2OX-cfOowtNE9ytU5NEa7lTEiHPdcAuWnWpiuES3Q-5iJ56UJRuaFefodwXHU9BNvH2Mcd5GorZbSS1pBu8UEr_3CK_gqwFM8Pl_Nnwb6qW0FpeMKd393mn5DvMwHth4lLGcHOI0ZMkMTOJeO5RQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1248" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilQJN9rWwjK8iHku9dIIWjhFOeTaZYwfT8Nt4x2OX-cfOowtNE9ytU5NEa7lTEiHPdcAuWnWpiuES3Q-5iJ56UJRuaFefodwXHU9BNvH2Mcd5GorZbSS1pBu8UEr_3CK_gqwFM8Pl_Nnwb6qW0FpeMKd393mn5DvMwHth4lLGcHOI0ZMkMTOJeO5RQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">How does this translate for me?</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">1. Love and be kind to yourself, no matter what</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">2. Exercise, meditate, focus on breathing, focus on thoughts</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">3. Focus on all that brings you JOY and LOVE</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times;">4. Remember Anchor and Radar always, especially when you’re lost – that’s Home. You can stay in that place or go to it anytime, anywhere.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p></div>Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-42180499095047348832022-07-03T09:58:00.054-07:002022-07-04T19:53:05.746-07:00Judgement<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Judgement is ego poking at us from fear or pride. It is an idea of perfection in our head, based on our conditioning. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Judgement prevents us from being present because we’re addressing a situation or a person from our pre conceived ideas and notions that may be unclear.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Once we let judgement go, life becomes more peaceful. We start accepting situations and people more readily. We're able to see and hear the other person better by being present to ourselves and others. Connections become more comfortable and relaxed.</span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">It's also about respecting the other for who they are. Once we decide we don't want or need to judge and be judged, we react differently to situations and people. The other person has the right to be treated without bias. So do you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Anything of course that we want to apply to the outer world, we must apply to our inner world first. So if it’s no judgment of another, then it's no judgment of myself too! Hard yet important. Worth trying. Its freeing yourself from pressure!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Once you become more accepting of yourself as you are, you tend to become accepting of others just the way they are. Its liberating not just for you but for the other person as well. Nobody's under any pressure or wearing masks. </span><span style="font-family: times;">It opens you up more to this amazing world and to connections. Beautiful<span> </span>new connections surprise you. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghyU0k4xcDElauUhRQaehYwwVXqlOBCMJptp7BOX3lwxzkFpiEnjT6XfUJn2lvDD-cWA7rRZoLqyoLbDcBCV-JC7P1SC1ZdVoQdEjDj8jzOzQBD8IkxJ9EgonCZtj_lytkSFIw4jJ4pHY6oD_sRpgKu67eqgzDxf40RBfNV5H48OUPvvv4OApaqZZY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1030" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghyU0k4xcDElauUhRQaehYwwVXqlOBCMJptp7BOX3lwxzkFpiEnjT6XfUJn2lvDD-cWA7rRZoLqyoLbDcBCV-JC7P1SC1ZdVoQdEjDj8jzOzQBD8IkxJ9EgonCZtj_lytkSFIw4jJ4pHY6oD_sRpgKu67eqgzDxf40RBfNV5H48OUPvvv4OApaqZZY" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">How does this translate for me</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Become aware and say ‘nah ah No Judgy’, when I'm forming opinions based on my ideas or conditioning or experience </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">When I'm being hard on myself... I say to myself... It's okay I still love you. I love you just the way you are. It’s okay. You're okay. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-42427740575817117772022-06-18T02:03:00.007-07:002022-07-03T22:34:14.879-07:00Spaces<p><span style="font-family: times;">I have been fascinated by spaces between musical notes... Its spaces that make a piece of music so special. The meaning, the emotions change.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">It's similar to life. Spaces make relationships special and valued. More exciting too. You look forward to spending time with someone and that time spent is more valuable, more fun and exciting because you dont know when you'll get it again. You don't take the person or that time for granted. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Its the same with your relationship with life. Create spaces. Don't stuff it with things, to do lists, relationships that stifle you. Spaces will help you listen, tune in to your rhythm. Tune in to the rhythm of the Universe. Be quiet. You'll understand you know it all. That life runs within you. That the Universe runs within you. You are the Originator, the Creator. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Its the same with your relationship with yourself. Give yourself the space to Be. Then one can Learn and Grow and Create. Allow space. We are made of spaces. Of a rhythm that flows through us. If we can sing to our own music, we can experience a freedom and space of our own. A place where we can be ourselves. Free of everything. All need. All want. All bonds. We could learn to go that place anytime and stay there. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">So let's contemplate on Spaces in ourselves, our relationships, our lives and living. Maybe that'll help us find and tune in to our own rhythm and make our lives a beautiful piece of music. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-K498X1_Cli3CDdglS_TYSl-gPMeQ8aBtQ2gIBf28Pd6Dg5ym6nY69YRg-t5cNfblYj4WSYMAmIyd7z2GxIFV-2Fxia4pO9RNn7PMWFM4dD7t6YRv-fnnSbj8Ea1kko4tqH42uqdHa9Zq_xgLPidliR5R1CPUWM9EPq7swqq64l7XMq0Hx-K8ryU/s2236/18050-musical-notes-music-notes-symbols-images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="2236" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-K498X1_Cli3CDdglS_TYSl-gPMeQ8aBtQ2gIBf28Pd6Dg5ym6nY69YRg-t5cNfblYj4WSYMAmIyd7z2GxIFV-2Fxia4pO9RNn7PMWFM4dD7t6YRv-fnnSbj8Ea1kko4tqH42uqdHa9Zq_xgLPidliR5R1CPUWM9EPq7swqq64l7XMq0Hx-K8ryU/w400-h179/18050-musical-notes-music-notes-symbols-images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;">How it translates for me </span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;">You don't own or control anything or anyone. You came with nothing. You are a creation of The Divine. You are here to make music. To sing to your tune. If you have forgotten it. Find it. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Don't hold on to anything or anyone too tight. Allow them their space. They have to live out their karma and their lives. Even though it may not be easy, allow it with kindness and peace. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Create space and time and love for yourself. You and others around you will be better off. Experience life for yourself. Go within. Alone. Minus dependency on any name, place, animal thing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Do share how it translates for you. Maybe I can try them out too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-76088560724701114032015-07-26T22:43:00.000-07:002015-07-26T22:45:31.290-07:007 Tips for Business Travel Etiquette<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Weary business travelers have an unsaid camaraderie about them when they see each other at the end of the day waiting impatiently for a delayed flight, picking up souvenirs for the family to avoid the guilt of being away. Some have the ‘feeling important’ look, being the special chosen ones from their company to travel for a meeting. Some like to look busy, barking away orders on the phone. Others quietly retire into a corner with their laptops either keeping up with their emails or their reading. It is fun to watch and observe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you may have guessed, I’ve been travelling on work for many years now. Here are some tips I’d like to share based on my observations:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Pack well</b> – Pack only what you need but do pack an extra set of clothes. You could allot some space if you like to shop for local stuff like traditional arts and crafts or even souvenirs. Try and pack clothes that will not get crumpled. You could carry a travelling iron. It’s also okay to use the hotel laundry to have your clothes ironed. I carry separators that I put in space saver bags between clothes so they don’t move too much or crumple. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Dress professionally</b> - It is important to look your best for meetings. Dress professionally and carry a combination of clothes you can mix and match if you are staying over a few days. You could carry an evening shirt or blouse if you think you may need to go out for dinner.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Maps and addresses</b> - You have set your appointments but make sure you have the updated office addresses and phone numbers in place before going to meetings. Map distances between meetings and the approximate time it will take. Keep in mind your phone just may not find good network signal in that city or may run out of battery. Carrying a backup battery or power bank may come in handy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Rental car</b> – make sure your car arrangements have been decided before you land and the driver knows the locations you need to visit. I’ve asked for a change of driver if I’m not happy with the one I get for whatever reasons. Do tip the driver when he drops you back. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAM1YC6Xebk/VbW5YyCSpdI/AAAAAAAAC9s/SUNlYnX3gCg/s1600/business-travel-tips4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAM1YC6Xebk/VbW5YyCSpdI/AAAAAAAAC9s/SUNlYnX3gCg/s320/business-travel-tips4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Hotel etiquette</b> - If we are nice to hotel staff, they are nice to us. This is even more important if you are a frequent guest at the hotel. So what if the company’s footing the bill. We need to behave well and follow the right etiquette. Tip the staff well. Do take time to give feedback when the hotel asks for it so they keep in mind your needs when you visit next.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Safety precautions</b> – we need to take adequate safety precautions when we travel to a new place. Don’t stay out late by yourself without having checked if it is safe to do so. Go out with people or friends you know. Ladies need to be extra cautious and on alert when travelling to a new city. I’ve refused to stay at hotels I’m not comfortable in. I’ve asked for a change of car drivers if I’m not comfortable. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Eat light & keep hydrated </b>– One doesn’t have time to eat when one has a packed day running from one meeting to another but it’s important to eat well, eat light and stay hydrated to avoid feeling tired. Carry a snack or a fruit when you leave the hotel in the morning to take care of hunger pangs.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why don’t you share your tips as well?</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-55574037114391735412015-07-21T02:24:00.000-07:002015-07-21T02:28:21.308-07:0010 Tips on Office Etiquette<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA5lg0XlOMA/Vay2p3tZVhI/AAAAAAAAC50/HRbPSlK_c8o/s1600/Office%2BEtiquette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA5lg0XlOMA/Vay2p3tZVhI/AAAAAAAAC50/HRbPSlK_c8o/s320/Office%2BEtiquette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don’t we all have that one colleague, who talks too loudly on personal calls? Or the one who sneezes all over without an ‘excuse me’? Office Etiquette is very important in the work environment today. What people think of you is dependent on a lot of factors other than your performance. It is always a good idea to put your best foot forward, whether at your office desk or at the lunch table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here’s a list of things to keep in mind around your office:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Stay at home when sick:</b> Why would you want to infect the rest of the office? Its okay to take a day off if you are sick. If you do end up going to office with a cold or a cough, do be careful to use tissues while coughing or sneezing. You can excuse yourself from shaking hands with others. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Eat lunch in the cafeteria:</b> Most offices have a designated area for lunch and coffee breaks. Avoid eating food at your desk. Your room as well the rest of the office area will start smelling of food you’ve consumed (read ). At the lunch table, clean up after yourself. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Keep phone volumes low: </b>I’ve seen people at offices do conference calls with the door open or use speakerphones in open offices thereby disturbing colleagues. If you are working in an open area, you could try and be soft or step into a meeting room while making or receiving calls whether official or personal.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSHEimedLn8/Vay394tTz5I/AAAAAAAAC6k/d9KQXjLQhgg/s1600/Accountemps_Workplace_Etiquette_Speakerphone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSHEimedLn8/Vay394tTz5I/AAAAAAAAC6k/d9KQXjLQhgg/s320/Accountemps_Workplace_Etiquette_Speakerphone.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Keep mobile ringtones in check:</b> Ideally keep your ring tone on low volume or on vibration so you don’t disturb your colleagues. Bollywood songs, whistling or other such ringtones are highly avoidable in the corporate environment.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Don’t gossip:</b> A highly avoidable habit is gossiping about colleagues and indulging in politics. Everyone stands to lose this game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Don’t take things from people’s desks without asking: </b>The stapler may be company property but it is still not advisable to take it off someone’s desk without permission. Always ask to borrow things and be mindful to return the item as well.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQMf3RebUMM/Vay5o9oDWbI/AAAAAAAAC7A/VIfQY8UzUNA/s1600/candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQMf3RebUMM/Vay5o9oDWbI/AAAAAAAAC7A/VIfQY8UzUNA/s320/candy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Hold back on the perfume:</b> While it is great that you want to smell pleasant at work, do consider that your favorite</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> perfume may not agree with someone else’s sensibilities. Wear light perfumes at work.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ask before changing the AC settings: </b>Everyone has a different preference for the temperature in the room. In case you need to change the AC settings ask your colleagues. You may be surprised to know that everyone thought the room was too cold but decided not to say anything.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow the Dress Code:</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Diligently follow the dress code of the organisation. Even casual Fridays call for conservative dressing. Don’t wear colors that are too loud or clothes that are revealing. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Keep your desk clean and organised:</b> A cluttered desk does not indicate you are working very hard. While personalizing</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> your workplace is a good idea, going overboard with pictures is not advisable. One picture of your loved ones and an inspirational message should be good.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do share your list of dos and don'ts of office etiquette.</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-1165104423819793872015-07-12T23:53:00.001-07:002015-07-13T00:26:06.988-07:006 Tips to Conducting Effective Office Meetings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’ve been part of several waste-of-time Monday morning (compulsory) meetings as a junior rookie and wondered why we spent so much time not doing any work. With almost one work day wasted in office meetings, we were essentially left with 4 work days to do actual client work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Office meetings are important for obvious reasons if you look at things from the boss’ perspective. However, they tend to largely drag on or be a waste of everyone’s time especially if it doesn’t directly involve them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some tips to make office meetings more effective:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Invite only relevant people to join the meeting</b> – everyone need not be asked to join the meeting just to be nice to them or make them feel important. A meeting is not a PR exercise.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Encourage everyone to be prepared </b>– circulate the agenda in advance and ask people to think and be prepared before they get into the meeting so each person comes with their views. If you need to conduct smaller one-on-one meetings before the big one, do it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Stick to the agenda and goals. Don’t digress</b> - a business meeting with a defined agenda and goals is not the place to air views about other matters and get side tracked. In case there are pending issues to be discussed, set another meeting time.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYKDH-21U4A/VaNfUfElHfI/AAAAAAAAC2c/JgaPJiULPLI/s1600/dilbert%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYKDH-21U4A/VaNfUfElHfI/AAAAAAAAC2c/JgaPJiULPLI/s400/dilbert%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Someone leads the meeting</b> – If you have called for a meeting, you should be concluding it. You could moderate it or select another colleague to do it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Respect time </b>– Sometimes meetings run so over time that everyone loses energy and interest thereby diluting its purpose. Not to mention a serious waste of precious executive time and productivity. Set a realistic time and stick with it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Conclusion & Follow up</b> – summarize the meeting, set goals and responsibilities with timelines. Follow up with the concerned parties to ensure tasks have been completed as discussed in the meeting. This is absolutely crucial to achieving progress.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">There is of course meeting etiquette that one can take care of to increase effectiveness – the key being leaving gadgets out to rest. If one has the ability to listen and allow other points of view, that works well too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Viraj Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Pivot Management Consultants, shares some tips from his experience, “Many of us speak very fast. Be in no hurry, speak slowly to be heard clearly. Slowly, not softly, else you would be asked to repeat. Special attention should be paid to dressing for video conferencing (VC). I’ve seen many people fidget with chair knobs or play with cell phones while on a VC! This should be avoided. Remember to smile. Serious business can be done with a pleasant smile too".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please share your tips for effective office meetings.</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-20025766457181554872015-07-08T23:04:00.002-07:002015-07-08T23:24:50.771-07:00Want to know how to accessorize your work outfit? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Always wondered how to choose the right accessories for your work outfit? Read our tips on how to do it just right in today's <a href="http://bit.ly/1JQJYSe" target="_blank">Afternoon Despatch & Courier.</a><br />
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Check out our accessories board for ideas <a href="http://bit.ly/1IL9tTm">http://bit.ly/1IL9tTm</a><br />
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-59738609476745163732015-07-02T23:30:00.004-07:002015-07-02T23:33:50.341-07:005 Office Party Do’s and Don’ts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I bet the first thing that came to your mind when you read the title is obvious – the recent case where a young lawyer got drunk hanging out with colleagues after work and was responsible for the deaths of two people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all know what should and should not be done, yet we don’t mind crossing boundaries once in a while. However, that once in a while may be too heavy a price to pay for your reputation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of us socialize outside of the office with the people we work with. Whether it’s a celebration for the completion of a major project or a dinner invite to your boss’s home, or a party with your distributors and dealers, you want to be relaxed and at the same time put your best foot forward. You should be able to have fun at such events and return to office with your head held high.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow these 5 rules to be remembered as the life of the party for all the right reasons:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Do follow the instructions on the invite:</b> Firstly make sure you RSVP after you receive an invite. Read and adhere to the instructions mentioned – party theme and dress code. The invite will also tell you if you are expected to attend with your spouse or partner. If required do inform the name of your guest.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Do arrange for transportation after the party:</b> It is the prudent thing to think about your transportation back home after the party. Get colleagues who may live in your area to car pool that day and hire a driver for the drive back. If that’s not an option taking a taxi is the best solution.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Do use the opportunity to network:</b> Use the opportunity to network, make new friends and create a better rapport with colleagues across departments. Discuss hobbies and other interests for deeper connections with people. Network with people who you may not be directly working with but may play a role in furthering your career. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Do not get inebriated:</b> Needless to say, it’s highly inappropriate to be over drinking at an office party. Know your limits and stick to them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Do not talk shop or complain about your workplace and colleagues:</b> It’s very easy to get into the trap of gossiping and cribbing about one’s workplace and colleagues at office meet-ups. Keep away from joining such office groups. Your original seemingly harmless remark may get blown out of proportion and retold all over office. Work related discussions should be kept brief. If the invite is extended to spouses they may find the work conversation uninteresting. Small talk is what is required and expected at office parties. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: justify;">Do thank the organizers for their efforts. Making a good impression at office parties will help you build a good reputation.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-25908169867316911862015-06-25T22:06:00.000-07:002015-07-02T23:31:50.932-07:007 Tips For Successful Business Entertaining<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Business entertaining is a fine art. Many a deal have been struck not at an office meeting but in a more relaxed environment like lunch or dinner or on the golf greens. Sharing time with people, over a meal, away from the office environment can help build a more personal relationship and cement your working relationships. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hosting a business lunch or dinner should be a pleasant experience. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that the meal is a success. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure that your business lunch is remembered for all the right reasons.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b>Send formal invites.</b> Sending out invites well in time will ensure that your guests are available to attend. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">An invit</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">e sent a week or ten days in advance is preferable. Ensure that you remind the guests a day prior to the event. The invite should give directions to the venue as well as the dress code.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b>It is all about the guest. </b>Keep the preferences of the guests in mind when selecting the restaurant. Ask beforehand if any of the guests have any specific restrictions or allergies and preferences like vegetarian or vegan food to avoid any issues later.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b>Visit the venue beforehand.</b> It is a good idea to visit the restaurant beforehand to make sure that they can cater to your needs. You may want to choose a table and reserve it – one that affords privacy. Guests should feel comfortable about talking business without being overheard. You may want to issue any specific instructions in advance. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Seating arrangements. </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">The position of honor is always to the right of the host. The second highest-ranking guest sits to your left. The third honored guest sits to the right of your first honored guest. Gender does not play a role in determining a seat of honor while rank does.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">It is not about the food.</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"> This is the most important thing to keep in mind. Food that requires too much attention to be eaten or becomes messy while eating should be avoided. Nobody wants to have to dig into a huge plate full of food and have to stop talking. Order small non messy dishes which will not interfere with the conversation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b>It’s not about the drink either.</b> The worst thing to do is to become inebriated during a business meet. Stay very sober so you can focus on the discussion and not lose control.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b>While entertaining international visitors, study their social norms.</b> Even inadvertently violating cultural taboos can cause great offence. Hence it is best to keep in mind the cultural variations with respect to greetings and eating time. For example while hugging is an acceptable form of greeting for anyone from Latin America, bowing is the best greeting for your guests from Japan. Americans and Europeans have early evening dinner time.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Says Vineet Thakar, Vice President at an MNC, "Business lunches are more about furthering the relationship. I
have observed that many executives keep their cell phones on the table and
take their calls at the table itself. It is important that you keep the phone
on silent and accept only the calls that are important after you excuse
yourself. Responding to every call, texting or messaging conveys a
message to the others at the table that they are less important than the
person on the phone."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do share your experiences and views.</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-81476930617144204672015-06-18T03:16:00.001-07:002015-06-25T23:08:24.350-07:00Suhasini's tips on Office Lunch Etiquette in Afternoon Newspaper<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Afternoon lunches in office are about getting together with colleagues and sharing some food and light talk. Right? However, what you may think to be harmless banter or chat, could affect your relationship with colleagues and how you are perceived could affect work in general. Remember it's still office, and office colleagues, hence office etiquette should be followed<br />
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Read tips from Suhasini on things to mind, and do's and dont's during those office lunches, in Mumbai's <a href="http://bit.ly/1JWkLW0" target="_blank">Afternoon Despatch & Courier. </a><br />
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Got questions? Have some thoughts or experiences you would like to share? Please comment below.<br />
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Happy reading and have a great lunch.<br />
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-20201955247420401272015-06-10T00:49:00.001-07:002015-06-10T00:51:26.554-07:00All about Women speaks to Suhasini <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
AllAboutWomen.in India’s foremost website for women catering to the contemporary and opinionated woman, spoke to Suhasini regarding Image Consulting and how it helps.<br />
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Read it here <a href="http://www.allaboutwomen.in/suhasini-ahluwalia-mehta-helps-us-with-image-consultation/" target="_blank">http://www.allaboutwomen.in/suhasini-ahluwalia-mehta-helps-us-with-image-consultation/</a><br />
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Feel free to comment and ask questions if any. You may also click on the connect tab above and connect with Suhasini.<br />
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Enjoy reading. </div>
Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-67834619634037076152015-04-28T05:01:00.000-07:002015-04-28T05:01:51.578-07:005 Tips For Reading Facial Expressions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We say a lot even when we don’t say a thing. Body language is a clear give-away of what we’re feeling or thinking. Awareness will help us improve our body language and read others too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">‘Lie To Me’ was a fascinating series featuring a deception detection expert who spotted criminals purely on facial expressions. It was based on the work of Dr Paul Ekman, the co-discoverer of micro-expressions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our facial expressions reflect what we feel on the inside and are therefore important to understand. Communication in offices today is done around a conference room table where body language like hand gestures, posture, crossing legs and facial expressions are noted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are 5 things to keep in mind to understand facial expressions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Should be consistent with our words:</b> giving mixed cues of verbal and non-verbal communication is confusing. Always be consistent in what is being said and how it is said. For example, you may be unwell and in pain and you go in for a first meeting with someone. Your facial expressions may be inconsistent with your language and may be wrongly interpreted by the other person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Eye contact:</b> Eyes are called ‘the window to the soul’ and are said to ‘speak a thousand words’. Maintaining eye contact when speaking indicates interest. While intense staring is interpreted as aggression, shifty eyes that can’t hold a gaze are interpreted as the person being insincere. For example, if a junior looks away when timelines are being chalked out, the manager may not feel confident that he will deliver. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is wise, however, to know the cultural impact of eye contact. Extended eye contact is not appropriate in certain cultures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Eye movement:</b> Blinking is a very minor movement but an important observation in a conversation. Blinking rate tends to increase when a person is stressed or uncomfortable. It also increases when the mind wanders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When someone is excited by an idea their pupils will be significantly more dilated. Similarly, looking down at the floor is a natural response when someone is not being truthful. Awareness about these cues gives may give you an edge in a conversation or negotiation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Micro Expressions:</b> Micro expressions are brief involuntary facial expressions that are difficult to fake and reveal the true inner feelings of a person. There are seven universal micro expressions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, surprise and contempt. They often occur as fast as 1/15 to 1/25 of a second.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For example – you may be speaking with an industry associate who may reiterate that he doesn't see you as competition but his facial expression says otherwise. You may detect that slight one sided slant that appears to be a smile but is actually contempt.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lips:</b> Pursed lips could indicate distaste or disapproval. Lip biting may mean stress. Covering mouth is indicative of hiding an emotional response. Slight changes in the mouth are subtle indicators of how a person is feeling – slightly up means happy, slightly down could mean sad or disapproval. A sincere smile will go a long way in establishing rapport with the other person. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An awareness of facial expressions will help us develop more empathy and emotional intelligence as it helps us recognize feelings in others and therefore helps us respond better to others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I take Image management sessions for my clients, non verbal communication is an important area that people come back and say has helped them in their daily lives.</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-85961457273856302762015-04-09T07:44:00.001-07:002015-04-09T21:23:09.475-07:007 Tips To A Good Handshake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A senior manager once told me that the key to creating a rapport, that first connection, with his clients is his smile and handshake. That’s the moment he’s got half the sale because he has set the tone of the meeting and made his clients feel at ease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">26% of hiring managers say that a weak handshake is a major turnoff for a job seeker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is not without reason that first impressions are called last impressions. A good handshake tells your story. It shows the person you are greeting, your personality as well as your attitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Messages a handshake can convey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• The Bone crusher or Vice handshake – bone breaking squeeze. Aggressive, overbearing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• The Dead fish or Limp handshake – weak and clammy hands. Disinterested, introvert, shaky, not confident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• The Claw – using only fingers in a claw-like grasp. Inauthentic, shallow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• The Water Pump – exaggerated up and down movement. Extreme, Insincere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• The Firm Handshake – palm to palm, 2-3 pumps, delivered with a smile. Warm, sincere, confident, leadership qualities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a humorous video to illustrate the above a bit more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A handshake is the first and last thing we do at a meeting so getting it right is important. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are 7 tips - </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Start conversation or an introduction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stand up while shaking hands to show respect</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Walk around anything (a table) that may be between you and the person you are shaking hands with</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Establish eye contact to let the person know they are important. Also helps avoid the ‘missed hand’ situation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Smile – is actually the handshake before the handshake</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shake hands – a full palm to palm, firm-grip handshake with a hand pump 2/3 times (shake from the elbow) is perfect</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dry hands – if you tend to have sweaty hands, keep a tissue in your pocket and use it before you know you are going to be shaking hands (not in front of the person). </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Vice versa – if you have shaken hands with a sweaty palmed person, do not wipe your hands immediately and embarrass them. Do it discreetly or later.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Protocol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• At work, there is no gender bias – you shake hands firmly with men and women. Be the first to put out your hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Socially – you can wait for the lady to extend her hand first</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• When you are traveling to different countries keep in mind traditions around greeting people including handshakes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Observe and practice handshakes with your friends and colleagues and get honest feedback. Share your interesting experiences with us and feel free to ask questions. </span><br />
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-32033140437417127642015-03-25T23:36:00.000-07:002015-04-09T07:55:02.941-07:00How to Wear Patterns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday, while going to the office I noticed a gentleman wearing striped trousers and a checkered shirt and it got me thinking about wearing patterns. Indian clothes and patterns are very vibrant and many a time we see people wearing several colors, textures and patterns combined together. This is nice but if we keep in mind some pointers when it comes to patterns, we’d be better off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Patterns create illusions about the size, shape and weight of the body. Patterns attract attention. For example thin vertical stripes can make you look taller and thinner whereas thick vertical stripes and horizontal stripes can make you look wider. Small scale closely space patterns will be better than large scale widely spaced patterns that make you look bigger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Patterns can be classified as classic or traditional and trendy. Classic patterns are ever green and include pin stripes, chalk stripes, pin dots, polka dots, coin dots, paisley, floral, tweed, herringbone, gingham checks, houndstooth, plaids, argyle. Trendy patterns are the ones in fashion for a while. These patterns tend to fade out quickly. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How to wear patterns?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Scale</b> – The most important point to remember while pairing patterns is the scale. Combine big and small patterns to create a balance. Generally, wear patterns that are mid or small scale. Large scale patterns attract attention. So wear small patterns in areas you want to draw attention away from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Add solids/neutrals to your outfit</b> – Break the visual space by adding solids or neutrals to your outfits. You do this with bags, shoes, accessories or another article of clothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Choose a color palette </b>– Using colors from the same family or one main color when mixing patterns can be visually stimulating. Prints in similar backgrounds also look good. Try a monochrome colour palette. Prints in a black and white color palette are great for a classic look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are a big fan of patterns, it’s advisable to stick to small scale geometric patterns at work, if not solid colors. One can experiment with other patterns, perhaps on Fridays at work and for casual wear. Choose patterns that will camouflage your body variations and enhance your body shape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My pinterest board <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/suhasiniamehta/wearing-patterns/">http://bit.ly/1bwc46f </a> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">has more options.</span><br />
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-19868584980354047182015-03-18T05:46:00.000-07:002015-04-09T07:54:58.940-07:00How to make monochromatic work for you <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monochromatic literally means having or consisting of one color or hue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In fashion it means dressing from head to toe in one color. However, it’s not as boring as it sounds. Wearing a monochromatic outfit makes a bold statement and can really make us look chic. The best part is we tend to look slimmer and taller in monochromatic outfits. We are familiar with the date night ritual of all black.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How to pull off a great monochromatic look?</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Different shades of the same color works well. Try shades of brown and rust or light and dark blues.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Play with textures and create an interesting effect. Interesting texture combinations can be created using - Silk (which has a natural sheen), Wool (the dull, more subtle texture), Lace, Leather (whether used for a jacket, skirt or as trimming for clothes). A beige silk blouse or shirt paired with a leather jacket in the same color will look attractive.</span></li>
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<br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We can make this work in the office too. Formal dressing works well in this scheme and the textures make an interesting statement. Use the duller fabric from the part of the body you want to draw attention away. The eyes get naturally drawn to the brighter fabric and this can be effectively used.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The key to pulling together a great monochromatic look is in the accessories. No outfit is complete without the right shoes and accessories. Accessories should ideally be of the same color but you can get away with a touch of another color. For example if you dress in a blue outfit, a silver necklace would be perfect.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, we are comfortable trying neutrals but do try combinations beyond neutrals like reds, pinks, oranges, rust. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Look into your wardrobe and pull out tops, bottoms and accessories of the same color and experiment with a new look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See my pinterest board for more monochromatic outfits http://bit.ly/1xecjg0</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-49609951833773705782015-03-05T01:39:00.001-08:002015-04-09T07:54:54.134-07:00Wear Colors Of Spring - Holi Hai!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When trees sprout brilliant green leaves and the
koels start cooing, we know spring is here. And it’s also time for the festival
of colors – Holi. We Indians enjoy wearing bright colors most of the time and
are perhaps most experimental with our color selection. However, some basics
need to be kept in mind when wearing colors. One can wear almost any color but
it’s the combination of colors that makes the difference. Its not only what you
wear but how and where you wear it.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So why do we need to pay attention to colors?
Colors draw attention to a particular part of body, they create illusions and
they communicate moods and messages. For example Navy Blue communicates
authority, stability and is classic, dignified. Orange communicates activity,
adventure, creativity and is joyful, lively. Generally the lighter color
attracts the eye, so if you want attention away from a particular area, wear a
dark color there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> It is recommended that 80% of our wardrobes
comprise of neutral colors and 20% accent colors.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are Neutral colors?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Muted or
less bright a color is neutral<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Adds
versatility to your wardrobe by helping mix-n-match<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Can
easily combine with other colors that are brighter or darker<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Neutrals
go with a wide range of occasions and moods<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Examples
- Colors in tints and shades of cream, beige, brown, olive green, blue, grey, black and white, etc. These colors build the basis of your wardrobe.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are Accent colours?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Colours
that add pop to your outfit are accent colours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Brighter
than the wardrobe neutral combined with it. They are strong, intense, flamboyant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Can
combine with very few other clothes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· These
depend on personal preference and even the current fashion trends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Examples
– fuchsia, shocking pink, lime green, canary yellow, tangerine, etc</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vejV6Xc321U/VPgeeeIV_OI/AAAAAAAAB6o/RDMd-5fmMks/s1600/accent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vejV6Xc321U/VPgeeeIV_OI/AAAAAAAAB6o/RDMd-5fmMks/s1600/accent.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How do you use/combine neutral and accent colors?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· You can
add accent colors to your neutral outfit by using bright colors as scarves,
ties, necklaces, dupattas and other accessories.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· At the
workplace accent colors should be used in very small proportion to neutral because you don’t want to distract co-workers. You need to be taken seriously.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· On
social occasions – one can use slightly larger amounts of accent colors</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mV8ee9hX4pA/VPgel2Obm6I/AAAAAAAAB6w/su9ADhb8uM0/s1600/bjp-mp-navjot-singh-sidhu-during-a-press-103084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mV8ee9hX4pA/VPgel2Obm6I/AAAAAAAAB6w/su9ADhb8uM0/s1600/bjp-mp-navjot-singh-sidhu-during-a-press-103084.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Someone who uses neutral and accent colors really
well is Mr. Navjot Singh Siddhu. We also admired Kate Blanchett's Oscar gown in black with the aquamarine accent piece.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wearing colors also depends on other factors
like personal hair and skin color etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Try creating different color combinations
using different amounts of accent and neutral colors depending on the occasion
and make your outfits chic and colorful. It is the festival of colors after
all!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />For interesting options on using accent colors in outfits check my pinterest board http://bit.ly/1GXATCe</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-22000711880719681692015-02-09T21:30:00.000-08:002015-04-09T07:54:48.934-07:00Jackets: the new Indian obsession <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know for sure one thing you have
discussed in the last few days - Narendra Modi’s jacket with his name used in
the weave. The country has developed a renewed interest in jackets. Wearing
suits and jackets used to be special occasion wear for our Dads worn for
weddings or formal parties. Over the years the jacket has evolved, become more
affordable, flexible and fashionable. It is has become part of a style
statement worn by both men and women for formal, semi formal and also casual occasions.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A jacket adds color, style, formality,
pizzazz to your outfit and makes you look sharper. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whatever the kind of jacket - sports jacket, blazer, suit jacket or
even a vest – the fit is what make or breaks the look. Large oversized jackets
with big lapels are for grandfather’s closet. How does one know how to select a
good jacket? </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some pointers to give you that edge when you choose a
jacket for yourself - </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Fit:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> A well fitted jacket will be soft and draping at the hips and shoulders
but brought in a bit at the waist and chest. You want the jacket to be
stationary while you move. The fabric should not crease, tug or billow with
movement. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Vents:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> The movement of the jacket is dependent on the venting - the
presence and number of slits running upward from the base of the jacket. The
double vented jacket is the one that offers the best and comfort fit that helps
with movement.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Length:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> The bottom of a formal jacket should cover the bottom curve of the
buttocks. This is largely for men. For women, it will depend on their body
shape.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Sleeves:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Ideally half inch of shirt cuff visible under the jacket sleeve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Lapels:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Lapels are the folded pieces of cloth that cover the chest. For a
timeless jacket the lapels should be 3 inches to 3 ½ inches wide. Narrow lapels
are more contemporary. Wider lapels are old school.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting the fit of the jacket right will enhance your body shape and
overall image instantaneously. One can pair a jacket with crisp shirts or
kurtas and well fitted dark jeans or trousers.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UtIq3mi4j4/VNmUhyIJP_I/AAAAAAAABvE/8s7yaQOM_3w/s1600/c5a9571a09bab2aab084abe98e6b6e21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UtIq3mi4j4/VNmUhyIJP_I/AAAAAAAABvE/8s7yaQOM_3w/s1600/c5a9571a09bab2aab084abe98e6b6e21.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNrjvwnrTsA/VNmUmTNeqbI/AAAAAAAABvU/Z3eT_qWQvBM/s1600/womens%2Bpink%2Bjacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNrjvwnrTsA/VNmUmTNeqbI/AAAAAAAABvU/Z3eT_qWQvBM/s1600/womens%2Bpink%2Bjacket.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A wardrobe must have is a blazer which is a navy blue jacket that is
cut more casually, has patch pockets and usually gold or silver buttons. For a
more casual look, pair a blazer with jeans or chinos in a lighter colour. A suit
jacket is to be worn with the suit only and is usually made of finer fabric. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jl_pp_cqfEA/VNmXILjVFuI/AAAAAAAABvo/n0zyfapBv70/s1600/womens%2Bblazer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jl_pp_cqfEA/VNmXILjVFuI/AAAAAAAABvo/n0zyfapBv70/s1600/womens%2Bblazer1.jpg" height="320" width="119" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Go ahead and add vests and jackets to your wardrobe. The colour,
texture, pattern, fabric can be chosen according to the occasion (informal to
formal), place and weather. Light cotton and Linen jackets are great for
summers while blends work well for all seasons.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out interesting jacket looks on my pinterest boards </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1A7VLXU">http://bit.ly/1A7VLXU</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1uyeEAO">http://bit.ly/1uyeEAO</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> . If you
have any questions around blazers or jackets do write in.</span></div>
</div>
Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-25686437354079871982015-01-29T04:01:00.002-08:002015-04-09T07:54:28.854-07:00Introducing women at the workplace and socially<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKjDzj1GgtQ/VMoggo6YW-I/AAAAAAAABhY/w4eUioRpHbY/s1600/blog.meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKjDzj1GgtQ/VMoggo6YW-I/AAAAAAAABhY/w4eUioRpHbY/s1600/blog.meeting.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you believe in New Year resolutions? I do. One of my resolutions is to write
more often and share my thoughts, ideas and experiences. And so I got down to doing just that a couple of days ago.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was in a meeting earlier this week and when the
introductions were being made, I sensed that there seemed to be an awkward
moment of indecision (and fumbling) by a gentleman about how to introduce a lady
to the seniors attending the meeting. Have you experienced anything similar
sometime? We are all confused at some point on how to introduce a lady in the
workplace. Should the lady be introduced first or the seniors or colleagues? What
is appropriate? What about at a so</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cial gathering?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me share a few simple
pointers to make things easier for all of us. Here goes...</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The formal way to make all introductions is - </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Speak to the person you wish to honor first</b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What this means: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your boss or senior to be addressed first then a junior person
in the company.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Younger to older </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clients are always to be addressed first. Then your boss or
someone from your company. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A woman will not be perceived as a competent professional if
she acts or wants to be treated according to chivalry. A man who treats a female
client or colleague in a chivalrous manner will be perceived as
condescending.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Socially it is appropriate to introduce a man to a
woman. So a woman will be addressed first. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Within a work environment, consider only seniority and position
of the person while making introductions.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do add a point of common interest for both
parties involved. In a formal business
meeting that would mean a brief background/role of the junior member being
introduced to the senior. Socially too this ensures recall and the start of a conversation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So go ahead and make those introductions
with ease socially as well as at the workplace. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My module on Business Etiquette covers this and more.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have more questions or want to share some
experiences? Feel free to comment below and I will respond.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-55220779078982169462014-04-13T04:15:00.000-07:002015-04-09T07:54:39.179-07:00What really is Image Management?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffFE7EH8Pno/VMok09Jiw4I/AAAAAAAABhw/-vdh1M5RleA/s1600/management%2B-%2Bmedium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffFE7EH8Pno/VMok09Jiw4I/AAAAAAAABhw/-vdh1M5RleA/s1600/management%2B-%2Bmedium.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whether we like it or not,
whether we want to or not we communicate messages about ourselves. It is
therefore a good idea to step back and take a look at ourselves, our
perception, our image, what messages we subconsciously communicate to others
around us. A conscious effort to ‘consider’ ourselves outside & inside will
not only offer us insights but improve our relationships.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is there a ‘real’ ‘core’ ‘true’
self? Or is it who we ‘think’ we are? Or is it actually our ‘self image’ (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-image">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-image</a>),
made up of childhood conditioning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Self image is formed due to our
experiences largely during our growing up years. A child is told about
him/herself based on someone else’s compass or perception – parents, relatives,
friends, teachers, and societal norms. The child forms an image of his/her
personality and carries it through life. Reactions, behaviour, attitude,
actions, self worth, self confidence stem from self image. For example, a
person may be an introvert as a result of him/her being told in growing up
years he/she is overweight or underweight or too tall or too short or not so
good looking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At some point in our lives we all
decide to take a look at ourselves. The decision for internal introspection and
the actions we take for it are itself a positive step towards awarding
ourselves self worth. The paths we explore could involve studying a new
philosophy, a religion, exploring deep meditation, taking on a guru, physically
working out, adopting a new hobby or getting more adventurous and taking more
risks. The moment we decide to invest in ourselves we value ourselves more.
This becomes a turning point in our growth journey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve had several interesting
discussions on Image Management with a variety of different responses. Some
think it’s an outwardly change and there is no reason for presenting a
different image than who we are. Its artificial and a less ‘intellectual’
activity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is it really an outwardly change?
Think about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like I mentioned earlier, we feel
a ‘need’ to change. Once we’ve stopped blaming our circumstances, luck and
others for not moving in life or for not having what others have, we start
looking into ourselves. Initially reluctantly. We are hesitant to admit we need
to be worked upon. We are hesitant to get out of our comfort zone. However,
those who embrace internal growth & change, those who are more self aware,
are the ones who are generally happier. Image Management is actually
rediscovering, recognising and accepting who you are. It is being in sync with
your personality and projecting who you really are. There is no right or wrong. We are all
different from each other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Image Management is evaluating
and enhancing our image and how others perceive us and therefore respond to us.
It is about creating first impressions and more importantly an impactful presence.
Image Enhancement includes an understanding of ourselves, our tastes, our likes
& dislikes, our personality, our roles & goals. It includes improving appearance,
body language, and etiquette. It is about presenting an authentic image of ourselves.
The one you are most comfortable with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We need to introspect before we
understand our personality type. The clothes we choose to wear reflect our
values. Our mannerisms & etiquette reflect the respect we have for ourselves
and others. The colours we decide to wear reflect our mood. Our body language
and tone of voice can make or break a situation. Everything about us gives out
a signal that is received by people around us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are fine with the way you
are, great! If you feel the need to think about yourself more consciously then let
go of your fears. See your life change. Go ahead, do it. Press Refresh.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-33824043249145452762012-05-21T03:03:00.000-07:002015-04-10T03:04:01.073-07:00How to make PR work?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s always tougher to maintain a relationship than start one. How does one keep it exciting enough for all parties involved to stay interested? You have taken on a PR agency and/or have an in-house department. Its starts off well with good output initially.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Usually after a while PR exercises tend to lose steam. You take your PR agency/in-house department for granted. PR is an engaging exercise. The success of the agency/dept depends largely on the depth of involvement of the two parties. I’ve seen good PR agencies fail simply because their client servicing team is not spending enough time interacting with Business, Marketing and Sales teams. It could be because they have too many clients to handle and therefore too little time for <span style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">a</span> client. On the other hand, clients also assume that PR will self-run and agency/dept will keep getting results out of thin air. It eventually doesn’t work out.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what can you do to make it work?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For You</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20px; list-style-position: outside; margin: 20px 40px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be sure you need/want PR in the first place, not because your competition or friends have a leading agency on board</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay committed and get your team’s ‘buy in’ to the concept. PR and its impact has to be understood by the teams in house first, else there will be no knowledge sharing. I’ve this seen this several times, the last one being – a new sales team that had no clue of PR – was asked to manage the PR agency and include PR expenses in their sales budgets! Needless to say, the sales team soon decided they don’t need PR (for a growing brand)!</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get your agency/department to spend time with your key people across teams educating them on PR</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Share business progress, challenges and achievements with your PR team lead from time to time. It will help formulate focussed and meaningful strategies.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay focussed and involved in PR. You need not spend as much time later as you did in the beginning but one has to keep an eye on monthly plans, reports and success rate. It will help if you ask for these and review progress regularly so it’s not too late before you realise it’s gone off track.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the PR Agency/Dept</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20px; list-style-position: outside; margin: 20px 40px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Push the client for inputs even if you feel guilty about taking their time away from other important work</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do not wait for inputs/info. Go find it. Talk to key people in the organisation. Build relationships with them so there is an easy flow of information. It will be easier for you to spot opportunities and ideas where company personnel may not be able to.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you think there isn’t enough dough for PR, have an open chat with key people stating the challenges and find solutions. It also does help at times to take third party expert opinion. Stay connected/clued on to customers, media, competition regularly – you may be able get insightful ideas.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Only a long-term perspective and commitment makes PR really tick (this I say for both clients and agencies). This goes hand in hand with business goals. Short term targeted spurts are nice as long as they are in sync with long term objectives. After all, brands are not built in a day.</span></div>
</div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-45065298650222290932011-11-22T03:00:00.000-08:002015-04-10T03:01:45.315-07:00PR For Startups – How to start and stay visible in media<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">PR is about common-sense – give the target audience </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">what</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> they want and </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">how</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> they want it but you </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">decide what </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">information to give them. The key is to figure that out so it’s a win-win for everyone. You are a start-up ready to make your first announcement – what and how do you do it? There are two options – either have someone handle it </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in-house</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> or take-on a </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">PR agency.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you’ve decided to do this in-house you need to note the following – your target audience and therefore a media list i.e. what media do they use daily and geographies to be covered. Media list will also vary depending on your announcement. I recently helped a tech start-up make a funding announcement – the most important media – key financial & tech media – print and online. We decided to give exclusive interviews to a print business print daily and to one popular online media. It was then picked-up by lot of other media. Since it was also a US based company, we decided to give an exclusive to the most frequent site there as well. This was then later followed by some in-depth interviews in trade media. One can maintain visibility by regularly organising either – news releases, guest articles or interviews in media depending on the announcement and the target audience. In PR please remember there is no ‘one size fits all’ situation. Every situation even within your company will be unique and will be required to be handled differently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If and when you are selecting a PR agency here are some pointers.</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20px; list-style-position: outside; margin: 20px 40px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Call for a PR pitch from at least 3 agencies after briefing them. Go through references from other entrepreneurs you may know.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Choose the agency based on their past experience in your space (not necessarily top priority), your comfort level with the servicing team, team background, companies they have worked with, any references they can provide.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sign up for a long-term (12 months) contract with 1 month exit clause and a serious review every 3 months. That way you have their commitment and interest in working with you.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give a detailed brief and ask them to prepare a specific 3 month PR plan. You can usually get them to achieve this in almost half the time.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Giving a Brief to the PR Agency – Company Background, Key people/spokespersons background, Geographies covered, specific Target Audience(most imp), Key Messages(most imp), Overall business objectives</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Target media and story angles will be suggested by the PR agency accordingly</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The PR Agency will send you a weekly/fortnightly report and a dossier of coverage. They will track/monitor direct coverage as well as competition and industry.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some ways to evaluate a PR agency</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20px; list-style-position: outside; margin: 20px 40px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coverage received can be evaluated quantitatively (in terms of value of article space if you had placed an ad) and qualitatively (if key message(s) have been covered in articles).</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Has Target Media been covered or has the agency covered mostly irrelevant media?</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A survey amongst target audience can also be conducted before/during/after the PR exercise</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How to maintain visibility</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20px; list-style-position: outside; margin: 20px 40px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Press Release every 3-4 weeks or so</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keep company website updated</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spokesperson profiling</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Guest articles</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Quotes in industry articles</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking ops</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Media fam meetings</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Regular Newsletters to media, customers, potential customers</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you gain familiarity with the process and media, it will get easier to gauge what works and what doesn’t. So get started.</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809361771051449131.post-78411888500422290692011-08-24T04:47:00.000-07:002015-04-10T02:58:48.165-07:00PR for Startups: How to get the word around & build credibility<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJOL00-fR7A/VMolYbf9c0I/AAAAAAAABh4/4zIDmSwXRBQ/s1600/pr-tips-for-startups-badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJOL00-fR7A/VMolYbf9c0I/AAAAAAAABh4/4zIDmSwXRBQ/s1600/pr-tips-for-startups-badge.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being an entrepreneur is tough. I’ve been a part of and
worked with several startups over the years and seen their sheer grit to get
things done and see things through. During the early days and the growth phase,
public relations exercises have made a tremendous difference to companies in
building more credibility, standing out from competition and even attracting
talent. PR helps lend that aura around a name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the most important aspects of PR is to be honest
about who you are, what you do and to highlight that. Once, I was called in to
help build visibility for a mutual fund that was the black sheep of the
industry when it started. They refused to pay distributor commissions and sold
direct to the customer without levying entry loads, thereby saving on their
expense ratio. SEBI, of course, eventually abolished entry loads charged by
mutual funds. Since there were no advertising budgets, we used media relations
as a tool to get our point across. We reached out to all journalists who wrote
in that space and met with them. We did newsletters and guest articles that
brought home the point of view of the mutual fund. We simply focussed on
talking about what they did, why they did it and how the customer benefitted.
Soon, the company was being quoted and talked about in most mutual fund
articles. It was a small mutual fund standing up against industry giants. But
everyone took notice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No matter how small you are, you can still reach out and
find that someone is watching and listening. Most startups have very little to
spend on marketing. If you don’t have the budgets you can still manage your PR.
Contrary to popular belief that PR means high visibility in media, public
relations actually encompasses all of a company’s existing and potential
audiences – customers, employees, investors and partners. All entrepreneurs
dream of their name being splashed across the front page of leading dailies and
magazines. Please remember that media/press is a tool, a medium to influence
your larger goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What you will need is just one thing that is most scarce –
time. You and the team need to sit down and chalk out a plan on what audiences
you need to reach out to and how. If you don’t have the bandwidth, focus on
what’s most important to you at the moment and make short-term plans. Focus on
a few key outcomes that you want to achieve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few pointers include:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Write down outcomes you want achieved for each of your
target audiences in terms of perception and key messages</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- What media would you need to reach out to them and how
will you use these</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Timelines for the communication activity and who will lead
them internally</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Contribute time, effort and patience</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For example, one of the key messages for potential investors
could be strong team background. For this, one medium could be press. You could
do team profiling via guest articles by the team. Another medium could be
events and in terms of speaking ops for your team. One could focus on these
activities for a period of 3-6 months and then, use other media and tools.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s important to remember that PR is cheaper than
advertising, has better credibility and all it costs is your time. PR is not
just for the biggies. Startups can be seen and heard too. You can develop your
own unique do-it-yourself formula and win.</span></div>
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Suhasini Mehtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270934762708783133noreply@blogger.com0Mumbai, Maharashtra, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988