How to Make A Great First Impression

First impressions are so important in so many aspects in life--work being a big one. So you nail the interview, get the job, and now what? You're still the "new" guy or girl at the company, so you feel like you need to prove yourself. Well, what a better way to do that then to create a great first impression on everyone you meet--clients, co-workers, superiors, everyone. 

Here are some easy tips:

Use the person’s name! If you’re bad at remembering, associate the persons name with something…another person you know, similar word, something you like. Believe me—this makes a difference.

Be yourself on a good day. You want to show that you are a real person with a personality, sense of humor, creative side. It it’s an interview, if you’re at your best you will sell yourself! I’ve had many opportunities because I made a little funny in the cover letter or introduction.

Be humble. Don’t take all the credit. Something go wrong? Admit you were as much to blame as your colleagues. Don’t “care too much.” Everyone makes mistakes. It’s better to realize, admit learn and apply than to deny!

Be genuinely interested. This means eye contact, body language and listening! Often times we get so wrapped up in trying to “show ourselves off” that we don’t listen to the question and in result, we answer wrong. This automatically leads the person to believe you aren’t interested.

Dress to impress. You always want to dress for the job you are trying to get. Even if you're in an entry level position, start dressing like you're the boss and people will be able to envision you there.

Smile. Possibly the best and easiest way to impress someone. Everyone likes a girl (or guy) with a great smile!

How To Make Your Day Better



Today has just been one of those days. As always, Pittsburgh weather likes to surprise us and make it sunny and warm one day, then there are days like today, a little chilly and rain, rain and more rain. My office is freezing and all I can think about is tonight's season finale of Gossip Girl--Blair and Chuck paleaseee make something happen this episode. I'm sick of Dan Humphrey. So as I'm sitting here moping at my desk, I started to think, how in the world can I make this day better? First thought was to get my butt up, go for a walk down the street and get myself a nice hot green tea. And that's exactly what I did. Here are some other ways I like to motiviate myself to smile when I'm having a bad day:

If it's early in the morning, step out and go get some breakfast. I usually eat some breakfast at home, but there are days when I wake up and just know it's going to be one of those days. So I get to work a bit earlier and treat myself to a toasted bagel with veggie cream cheese.

Go out to eat on a day you packed your lunch.

Take a walk during your lunch break. I always try to walk during some part of my day--I'll either skip the shuttle and walk in the morning or on my way home, but if I'm feeling a little groggy a mid-day walk is usually the cure!

Get a hot coffee or tea and indulge, savor and relax--even it it's just for 10 minutes.

Turn on some music. Pandora used to be my bff here at work, but when my computer was updated, I was no longer able to access the site. So I browsed around and settled on I Heart Radio--it's amazing how less stressed I am when I have music playing in the background.

Drink lots of water--this makes you feel refreshed!

Take 15 minutes out of your day and call that one person you've been meaning to call for weeks. I have lots of friends who moved away from Pittsburgh, so catching up and hearing their voice always makes me smile!

Read the news! You really should be doing this anyway, and in many fields it's a daily requirement. But for me, about an hour or so into my day, I'll take a little break and browse Yahoo for the latest stories.

Tidy up your office once a week. I designated Friday as my cleaning day. That way I leave for the weekend with a clean office and come back Monday with a clean office! Plus the smell of my lemon cleaner brightens up the feel of the office.

So there you have it. Happy Monday!



This Work Space...

is happening. I love it--the cluttered yet clean look of the space is just what I like.

For me, it's important to have color and inspiration surrounding you, but at the

same time I hate when I feel over-cluttered, mainly with junk. 

I recently moved into a new office (new job--more on that to come!) and 

I've spent the past few days gettind rid of any old files, boxes, etc. 

The space not only looks better, but I feel better working there. 

It still has photos, plants, posters for that creative inspiration and the homey feel, 

but all the unnecessary items are now gone. 

I'm also on the look-out for the perfect print to hang in my office--

this one is pretty great, looks like I'll be searcing Etsy for this quote!