Poised for Success by Jacqueline Whitmore

25 Feb

My Mock Book Cover Has Arrived

I just received the cover mock-up for my new book, POISED FOR SUCCESS. As you can see, it’s a work in progress. Please let me know what you think. I welcome your comments and suggestions.

February 25, 2011 | Filed Under Book Writing | 6 Comments 

How I Met My Husband: A Valentine’s Day Love Story

I’m often asked how I met my husband, Brian. Believe it or not, I met my Prince Charming at the dump! Yes, the Palm Beach County dump!

Several years ago when I was still working at The Breakers, my manager called me into her office one morning.  She said that she wanted me to accompany 15 other employees on an “educational” field trip to the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority.

“What is the Solid Waste Authority?” I asked.

“It’s the county dump,” Dale replied.

Needless to say, I didn’t jump for joy about this assignment. Instead, I tried to resist.

“Do I have to go?” I asked.

“Yes, you do,” she said sternly.  “As you know, our hotel has started a new recycling program and I’d like for you to take pictures of our employees as they learn how glass, tires and paper get recycled. Then I want you to put some of the photographs in our employee newsletter,” she added.

Frankly, I had no interest in learning about rubbish. I already had a full schedule and I thought it would be a complete waste of time (no pun intended). But despite my reservations, I reluctantly agreed to board the bus with the other hotel staff members and go on the trip. Read more

February 14, 2011 | Filed Under An Etiquette Expert's Life, Inspiration, Networking, Networking | Leave a Comment 

How not to say thank you after an interview

In the job search, there’s nothing like performing well at the interview. And after researching the company, practicing your presentation and answering the interview questions with confidence, you want to follow up with something impressive. You want to thank the employer with a gesture that makes the company want to hire you — or at least bring you back for another round of interviews.

This is the point when some people come up with what they believe are clever ways to thank people for the interview. Sadly, these attempts at being memorable can leave the wrong impression with the interviewer.

According to Gladys Stone and Fred Whelan, Monster Contributing Writers, you should avoid these unconventional post-interview thank-you strategies in your job search: Read more

February 9, 2011 | Filed Under Gift Giving Etiquette, Interviewing, Thank-You Notes | Leave a Comment 

T-Minus 20

It’s time to give you an update on my new book.  The title has changed for the fourth time.  The new (and hopefully final) title is…

Drum roll, please…

Professional Polish: Mastering the Four Personal Qualities for Business Success

You’re probably wondering to yourself, “What are the four personal qualities?”  Well, I’m still trying to figure that out myself!  Just kidding!  You’ll have to read the book to find out.

I have exactly T-minus 20 days to finish the manuscript.  At the end of this month, I have signed a contract stating that I will turn my manuscript over to my editor at St. Martin’s Press.  She should have a fairly easy job editing my work, considering I have two editors on my end who help me polish the chapters soon after I finish them.

And just in case you’re wondering what an edited manuscript looks like, here are some samples. Read more

February 8, 2011 | Filed Under Book Writing | Leave a Comment