Poised for Success by Jacqueline Whitmore

23 Oct

Caption Contest!


This is my dog Oliver (on left) meeting a new friend. Can you think of a clever caption to go along with this photo? Best entry gets a free copy of The Thinking Life by P.M. Forni.

Contest ends at 12:00am Eastern time on October 28, 2011.

Congratulations to Alicia Hughes for coming up with the most clever caption! Thanks to everyone who entered this contest! ~Jacqueline

October 23, 2011 | Filed Under Caption Contest, Giveaway | 19 Comments 

One Happy Author!

Jacqueline Whitmore, author of POISED FOR SUCCESS


Look what arrived in the mail yesterday: my new book, POISED FOR SUCCESS!
Isn’t it beautiful? I am so excited, I can hardly stand it!

If you want a sneak peek at the contents, click here. And while you’re visiting Amazon.com, please do me a HUGE favor and pre-order my book. It officially goes on sale November 8. I greatly appreciate your support!

P.S. What do you think of the book cover?

October 15, 2011 | Filed Under Book Writing | Leave a Comment 

Handmade Leather Journal Giveaway

In my forthcoming book, POISED FOR SUCCESS, one of the four qualities that distinguish outstanding professionals is PASSION. One of my passions is writing.

In keeping with this theme, my good friends at Renaissance Art have generously agreed to donate a gorgeous handmade journal to one of my lucky blog readers or Facebook fans. If you are the winner, you may choose from one of these three styles:

Refillable Journal for Kids and Young Adults, value $60.00. This refillable journal makes a great gift for the child or teen who desires a positive, creative outlet. This journal holds two, 40-page refills (80 pages total) with two, leather bookmark tassels. It also features two inside pockets for papers, cards, and mementos, and a custom cloth carrying case.

Classic Refillable Journal, value $79.95. This 5.5 x 8.5, 128-page refillable journal is perfect to keep on your desk or your nightstand. It is machine sewn with four different closure options (traditional, wrap and tie, flap and snap, and single strap).

Medieval Journal, value $84.95. This journal has 144 permanently-bound pages with a strap closure and is small enough to fit inside a handbag or coat pocket. Because it is so lightweight, it is a favorite among backpackers, hikers, and nature lovers.

GIVEAWAY TIME! There are three easy ways to enter:

1. Go to my Facebook fan page. Don’t have a Facebook account? That’s okay. Just enter by clicking here.

2. Tweet the following message on Twitter: I entered @etiquetteexpert ‘s #giveaway to win a handmade journal by @Renaissance_Art! http://ow.ly/6SO3z

3. Comment below with your answer to this question: “Why do you love to journal?”

The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. This sweepstakes begins on Monday, October 10, 2011 and ends at midnight on Friday, October 14, 2011. Good luck!

Congratulations to my lucky winner, Charles Dennis! Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway! I wish I could give you all a journal!

October 10, 2011 | Filed Under Giveaway | 138 Comments 

Tips for Taking Better Headshots

As the chief marketing officer of Me, Inc., always think of yourself as that one-of-a-kind brand called You. According to Dan Schawbel, the leading personal branding expert for Gen Y and the author of Me 2.0, everyone should have a personal branding tool kit. And in this toolkit, you’re going to need a good-quality photograph of yourself. Why? Because the right photo can help establish credibility, build trust, and promote engagement.

A well-done current photograph is an important part of your professional packaging because it can be used on your business cards, Web site or blog, and social-networking sites. Furthermore, if you’re ever featured in a magazine or newspaper or asked to speak at a conference, you may well be asked for a photograph and you’ll need to have one on hand that you can e-mail in an instant.

The key is to get the right headshot, one that captures the real, authentic you. Here are a few suggestions.

Read more

October 5, 2011 | Filed Under Personal Branding | 1 Comment 

How To Remember Names

Are you good at remembering faces, but can’t seem to remember names? If you wish to improve your ability to remember names, you must first start with the desire and then be patient and willing to practice every day. These strategies in this video will help you perfect this vital business skill.

For more tips on how to remember names, check out my new eBook, How to Mingle, Network, And Remember Names.

October 4, 2011 | Filed Under Remembering Names | Leave a Comment 

Steer Clear of Difficult-To-Eat Foods During a Business Meal

Oscar Wilde once said, “The world was my oyster and then I used the wrong fork.” During a business meal, nothing gives away your lack of table manners faster than using the wrong utensil for the wrong purpose or presenting yourself poorly at the table.

If you want to look as chic as possible, avoid chewable challenges. Even if succulent spare ribs, Alaskan king crab legs, and escargot top your list of favorite foods, it’s best to avoid these delectable delights during business meals. Steer clear of foods that are slippery, stringy, messy, cumbersome, unpredictable, or difficult to maneuver. Instead, order items on the menu that are easy to eat so you can give your full attention to your clients.

In this amusing clip, Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts) accompanies her wealthy boyfriend, Edward Lewis, (played by Richard Gere) to an upscale restaurant to have dinner with Edward’s potential clients. It’s evident that Vivian needs a crash course in etiquette. Notice how many dining mistakes she makes in the course of an evening.

October 2, 2011 | Filed Under Dining Etiquette | Leave a Comment