by | Jul 29, 2013 | From the Heart, Inspirations |
Whatever field you may be in communication is vital and a necessity.
In this highly competitive business world, many small companies look for phone options small companies look for phone options that will give them the advantage over its competitors. In many instances, the success of a business is driven by how well its employees communicate with each other and with its clients. Strong communication skills, whether verbal and non-verbal, are essential to make any relationship a success; especially in the business world. Without dynamic communication skills, even a company with the best products or services will not survive.
In my experience, strong workplace communication is not only important but a necessity. Whether it is telephone conversations or email messages, I am in constant contact with co-workers, clients and external contacts, all throughout the day. About.com offers several tips for improving workplace communication, but here are a few of my own tips that have worked for me through the years.
JT at Work
1) Know who you are talking to.
If you are talking with someone on the telephone, or sending an email at the computer, you need know who is on the other end of that conversation. You need to know what your coworker’s role is with the company. Or if it is a client, what is that person’s relationship with your company. If you do not know who you are dealing with, you may say the wrong thing to them and can cause a potential project to be missed. For example, if your client prefers to be called Mr. Smith and you keep referring to him as Jimmy; he may not want to continue his partnership with your company. It is a simple mistake, but often times it is the simple mistakes that have the greatest impact.
2) Know what type of communication is appropriate.
Each person that you come in contact with during the day has his or her own style of communication. Some people mainly communicate on the phone; while others are exclusively email people. If you are new on the job or you are working with new coworkers, it is critically to know how they want to be informed of necessary information. You do not want to send countless emails to someone who never checks his or her email. Check with the person and find out for certain and make sure that in the future any communication is done with the preferred method.
3) Monitor your word choice.
Whether it is in an email message or on the phone, sometimes your word choice can make or break the success of that conversation. Sometimes your word choice may be too rough and people will not respond in a positive way or may not respond at all. Your word choice may confuse the people and produce undesired resulted. Take an extra few moments to construct your email message before sending it out. Or, have the telephone conversation in your mind prior to making the call. This extra time will produce the results you are looking for.
JT at work
The work environment is filled with a diverse group of employees. With a wide variety of lifestyles, viewpoints and backgrounds, it is vital to know how to communicate with each of these people. I have learned that the same method does not work for everyone. Through trial and error, I have learned what works best. But I have had to take the time and learn habits and learn what the specific needs are. If you make the same effort, I know you will have a successful work experience.
by | Jul 28, 2013 | Fashion |
Hi my Elegant Readers,
I hope you are having an awesome week and a great summer.
I am trying to tell you something so hold up and please read. Thanks! I will do an outfit post on this dress and how I styled it in a future post. I had to let you know about this sale on Boticca.
JTwisdom
I was recently introduced to a company called Boticca. This company features awesome jewelry and amazing accessories crafted by independent designers from all over the world. Boticca is currently has a sale through the end of July, so time is running out. My contact with Boticca has given me a discount code that my readers can save an extra 20% off their purchase of any sale item. By clicking here, you will go directly into the sale pages. The prices fit into everyone’s budget, from less than twenty dollars to over a hundred dollars. Although the company is based out of Great Britain, they will ship their items to anywhere in the world. And they also offer free shipping. Isn’t that awesome.
I really like that bottica.com is a marketplace where I can directly interact with the designer if I so choose. It makes me feel like I am walking into a virtual designer showroom.
After perusing through the sale items, I decided to purchase a set of beautiful earrings crafted by French designer Mademoiselle Felee. The earrings look so sophisticated, and have a sense of confidence. I have included a video where the designer describes what inspires her lovely creations.
I so love the designer’s quote about her inspirations.
“My muse is the Eiffel Tower because it is a real beauty. It is full of inspiring details.”
The earrings that I purchased are below. Don’t they look bold and beautiful? I think they look marvelous. I can not wait until I get them and get a chance to wear them. I will be doing another post with the earrings once they are delivered.
bottica.com Mademoiselle Felee
These earrings have the Eiffel tower inspiration and are only $14.80 with additional 20% off and free shipping.
Etoile Earrings Bronze
by Mademoiselle Felee
Another favorite piece I am eyeing right now is this collar below. This piece is $123.50 on the bottica.com site with an additional 20% off and and free shipping until July 31st.
Artdeco Collar Bronze by Mademoiselle Felee
bottica.com
The sale on bottica.com ends July 31st so take advantage of the free shipping and an additional 20% off. When I get my earrings in the mail I will be sure to post a review.
by | Jul 22, 2013 | Fashion |
Jessica Howard
Color blocking is a great way to expand your wardrobe. It’s so fresh and vibrant.
JTwisdom
Colorblocking came on the scene a couple of years ago as the next, big trend. Designers were incorporating it in their lines. Stylists had their clients wearing it everywhere. And fashion magazines were showing an abundant of photographs. Being a trend, it was not expected to stay. However, if it is done in the right way, color blocking can become an instant classic. I purchased this color-blocked dress on clearance. It retailed for around $118; but I purchased it on sale for $39.99.
Did I say that I do not really like showing my arms. Well you ask, “Why, don’t you workout?” Yes, I work out; but I have a scar on my left upper shoulder. As a young girl, I was pushed into a bathroom door and the piece of wood lodged in my shoulder. I know, TMI, but that what happened and I had to get stitches. I am stepping out in faith and showing my arms. I work out so that my arms are toned and defined. I have the right to bare arms.
My scarf spiced up the outfit. The soft and subdued print of the scarf compliments the rich and vibrant color in the dress.
JT in Jessica Howard
I wore this dress to a memorial service celebrating the life of a friend’s son who went to be with the Lord in a car accident. You may ask why you I do not have on black. Black to me does not seem like a color for celebrating life. Vibrant colors in a color blocking mode says celebration.
JTwisdom in Jessica Howard
These colors can be deceiving because the dress look like pink and black; but they are pink and navy. The photo looks like pink and navy blue. The day I wore this dress was nice but not too hot. The dress is made of 100% polyester that looks like shantung silk and is lined. The dress did not feel hot; but I don’t think I would wear it if the temperature rose above 90 degrees.
I am not the kind of person that wears a different bag everyday. I may change up every other day, every two to three days, or after a week. The handbag with this outfit offers a sharp contrast and not the same color. I even changed up the color of the shoes so it wouldn’t be totally matching. Can’t forget Gio and Vinny make sure the cut into the camera shot.
JT styling the dress in her mind
This post is linked up to Visible Monday.
by | Jul 21, 2013 | Fashion |
What do you do if you do not have a basement? Where can you find cheap and affordable storage space? What if you are looking for extra storage if you are moving into a new home?
I do not have a lot of space to store things in my house, so my husband and I really have to make wise decisions when it comes to the design flow of our home. I was reading an article from HGTV.com on 10 Smart Design Ideas for Small Spaces because I want my space to look beautiful but not over crowded.
Speaking of working with a small space, my doggie is fearful of thunderstorms. I am believing he is overcoming this fear. He took all my clothes down one day while I was at work because he heard thunder.
I know he was trying to seek protection from the thunder so I did not scold him, I hugged him. Did I say he took all my clothes down!
It took me a while to get all my clothes and shoes organized the way I had them because my closet space is small. The pictures came out a little blurred but you can see that my clothes are not where they are suppose to be.
Top five ways to make a small space appear larger
1. Clutter: Keeping rooms free of clutter and keeping it organized will always make a room look larger. If your dog’s toys are throughout the house and on the floor, it gives off the appearance of a small space. It is amazing how seeing the floor or an area rug can open up the room and give it dimension.
2. Large furniture / too much furniture: If you have large pieces of furniture or several smaller pieces of furniture in a room, please be mindful of how much space that it takes up. Too many pieces in one room can overpower the room and make it appear smaller. Consider the scale of the size before purchasing new furniture. If you are not able to move freely around the room because the furniture is getting in the way, consider removing one piece and reorganize the room. Look for the piece that is least used or not functional and remove it. See how the room flows without that piece. You may never even know that it is not there.
3. Going through mail and magazines: Sort through the mail as soon as you get it. Recycle any junk or unwanted mail. If you don’t need it, get rid of it. Place any bills or important documents into desk drawer or a file cabinet to be dealt with at a later time. Place any magazines, catalogues or reading materials in a location that is out of the way; but easy to reach when you are ready to look at it.
4. If you have things you do not need anymore, give away or have a yard sale: If you are not wearing those clothes anymore or you have not using that treadmill, consider putting it in a yard sale or donating it to charity if it is in good working condition. Sort through your clothes and look for anything that do not remember buying, pieces that are no longer your current size or items that are no longer in the best condition. These are pieces that you can recycle, give away or sell. If you have items in your house that you do not use, like a treadmill, or if they are being used in completely different purpose, like a treadmill that is being used as a coat rack; it is time to consider getting rid of it.
5. Consider putting your extra items in storage: If you are running out of room, but you can not see yourself getting rid of that extra furniture, the treadmill or your extra clothes, and you may have to consider putting your items storage. If you need to have quick access to the items, you may need to consider one that is close to your house. If you have antiques, you may need to consider one that is temperature controlled. If you have so many things you just can not part with, you may need to consider one that has a lot of square footage.
If you have a small space, there are options for you to be able to enjoy it.
by | Jul 15, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Happy Summer my Elegant Readers!
It has been hot lately; but this dress is even hotter. Ha Ha!
London Times
Dooney and Bourke
I added a green blouse for work because even though it is hot outside; it can get cool in the office. I am not complaining I just add my little shirt jacket over my dress and I am set.
Florals are a burst of color for summer. Every time I see bright colors it brings a smile to my face.
JT in London Times dress
Macy’s, in the Railway Exchange Building that opened in 1924, is closing. In a future post I will right more about the closing of the downtown destination. All their items are 40 to 60 percent off. I saw this dress and had to have it. I had never seen anything remotely like it. The detail work of the stitching of the garment is superb. I could of size down with this dress; but that’s okay. It is more of a relaxed fit. The flowers look like a vintage garden; but the blooms are not overpowering. The white background softens the colors and makes this dress a tried and true favorite of mine.
I will try to wear this dress in different ways because I believe that it can be a workhorse in the wardrobe. Did you notice I have a Dooney and Bourke color-blocked red and navy handbag that I am carrying. It is color but not overpowering. It does not compete with the colors in the dress; but it complements it very well.
Are you a bit apprehensive about color or do you step in with both feet and celebrate it?
This post is linked with Visible Monday.
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