Well-deserved Hype about Skype

Connecting with Clients and Colleagues

I first heard about Skype from a friend living in Hawaii, who encouraged me to use it so we could “see” each other and talk for free. Skype allows you to make calls to other users via the Web, FREE-of-charge, while incorporating video conferencing. While I was a little slow on the uptake (i.e. taking the time to arrange a camera), I recently signed onto the medium in order to better communicate with a West Coast tech-industry client.

I could barely contain my grin all morning long after my first Skype conversation. My bewildered coworkers thought I was crazy. I kept saying, “This is brilliant! Why have we not been using this before? Why isn’t everyone Skyping? We should use this at work to communicate better with designers!”

The process was simple (no harder than using Instant Messenger), the costs is FREE unless you are using it for direct-line phone calls or other services, and the personal connection you are able to make with coworkers, friends or clients outside your office is, in my view, invaluable. Thank you to the developers of Skype for enhancing my ability to communicate.

Frumpy vs. Fabulous

Building a Polished Professional Wardrobe

This one is admittedly for the ladies... In any profession, but especially public relations, it is important to dress appropriately. Halloween aside, PR professionals are not only representing themselves, but also their employers and/or clients. There are varying degrees of stylishness and overall effort, and this diversity is welcome, but essentially, strive to at least be two things: appropriate and polished. For some this comes naturally, but others need some assistance.

I may sound like Emily Post here, but if you are not sure whether or not your attire is appropriate, then it is probably not. You should feel confident when you leave the house, not brimming with self-doubt, feeling breeze from your backless top or mini skirt. Let's just say if you cannot cross your legs at a meeting without two thirds of your thigh showing, you have made a terrible mistake.

Yes, some organizations have more casual dress codes, or year-round “summers.” Even jeans or a maxi dress can look polished when paired with the right peep-toe flats or a lightweight scarf. Just give it some thought and think of what you would want to be wearing if a client visited.

Recent graduates have it the hardest, since it takes some extra cash to invest in timeless, quality pieces capable of mixing and matching. To get the most bang for your buck, look for blouses and dresses that can be worn to work and also out on the town. If you don’t know where to start, try the oh-so-helpful Anne Taylor or Anne Taylor Loft. Other excellent inspirations are Banana Republic and J.Crew.

In the mean time, here are a few suggestions for every PRofessional lady:

Business Attire Staples

· Black skirt suit made of high-quality construction
· Solid-color blouse to wear with suit (should not have plunging neckline)
· Simple jewelry such as stud earrings or pearls
· Classic, professional-looking bag
· Black pumps with closed toes and without scuffs or heel damage

Suggestions for not Scaring Away Clients

· Hairstyles should be polished and presentable.
· Makeup should look semi-natural, enhancing but not distracting.
· Stick to nail polishes in natural tones and pale pinks.

Guys, the best advice I can give you is to learn how to tie a tie. If you are willing to take a leap, try a bow tie, but keep in mind that only a select few can make this work (in my opinion). Joshua David Aubuchon continues to set the standard for excellence.

* I would like to thank my coworker for reminding me that blogging requires consistent updates in order to attract readers.