Q: I perspire a lot, even in winter. What can I do to manage this and avoid stains?
A: These stains are caused not by perspiration alone but rather by the interaction of sweat and the aluminum compounds found in most antiperspirants. With that in mind, look for a brand with lower aluminum content and use only a thin application. Allow it to dry completely before you dress. Wear layers so that you can self-regulate your temperature more easily. Opt for loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers (such as cotton and linen). Remember that sweat stains are most conspicuous on light colors.
—Carol Davidson, Carol Davidson, president, StyleWorks of Union Square
Q: For my LinkedIn profile picture, is it O.K. to use a casual shot of myself playing tennis?”
A: If you’re in a creative field (author, artist) or physically challenging job (personal trainer, professional athlete, mountain climber, etc.), a picture of you in action fits the bill. If you want to work in a more traditional field (such as finance or law) and use LinkedIn to gain clients or referrals, use a professional headshot.
—Kelly Machbitz, owner, Totalfashionmakeover.com, Clearwater, Fla., and author of Wear This, Not That! Stylish Solutions to Flatter Your Figure
Q: People are always late to my weekly staff meeting. How can I stop this?
A: Send an automated e-mail reminder a half-hour before the start of your meeting. Include a timed agenda, with the start time in bold type. One or two minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin, ask attendees to take their seats. At the official meeting start time, close the door and begin. Don’t be tempted to wait for latecomers. To encourage punctuality, begin by addressing the most pressing matters first. Be sure that you lead by example: Arrive prepared and on time.
—Carol Davidson, Carol Davidson, president, StyleWorks of Union Square
Q: When someone invites me to a business dinner, should I mention beforehand that I’m a vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Business dinners are a great way to connect with bosses and co-workers you might not normally spend time with. Instead of worrying about whether or not you’ll be able to eat what is served, politely mention your vegetarian preferences when the offer is proffered. If you are to dine in someone’s home, offer to bring a vegetarian dish. If you will be dining in a restaurant, most likely you will find something on the menu that suits your needs.
—Kelly Machbitz, owner, Totalfashionmakeover.com, Clearwater, Fla., and author of Wear This, Not That! Stylish Solutions to Flatter Your Figure
Q: I have a small budget for client gifts. Should I skip it this year?
A: Regardless of your budget or the economy, now is not the time to neglect your best clients. Show your appreciation without breaking the bank by taking your client out for a festive holiday breakfast instead of lunch or dinner. Or send a candy assortment or food basket the client can share with the team. Making a donation to your client’s favorite charity in his or her name includes the client in the altruistic spirit of the holiday. Since the donation amount will not be announced, you can manage your costs.
—Carol Davidson, president, StyleWorks of Union Square
Q: Can you recommend a foolproof Secret Santa gift?
A: Put your trust in gift cards. Some of my favorite retailers that work for both genders and most tastes: Starbucks, Macys, Amazon, and American Express. Be advised that most retailers consider a gift card like cash—if you lose it, you’re out of luck—so keep a close eye on it until it gets to the intended party.
http://www.businessweek.com/management/business-etiquette-and-corporate-style-tips-07012011.html
