As a public relations and communications professional today is our ‘superbowl’, the ‘gold-medal’ event for people who wish to stir, educate, inspire and send a message far and wide.  Some send messages in their job with a touch down, or an eighth gold medal, but today it is with something truly mightier than the sword.  Words with a message.  A voice that sends out a vision.  A time to invigorate and motivate.  A time to promote, this time an idea called CHANGE.  A way to speak to many with tools valued by those who love the word, the message, and the delivery.

I do not believe in discussing politics at work, but anywhere else it is always top-of-mind for me.  Not a surprise to those who know me best to those who have read my profile on newlycorporate.  I do encourage our readers to take a moment and reflect the words from the past that inspired a country every four years from men who were called by their nation to lead her.  The following are excerpts from our last four Presidents.  

I kick off this celebration for Communicator’s, with ‘the great communicator’ himself;

Ronald Reagan – January 20, 1981

…The crisis we are facing today does not require of us the kind of sacrifice that Martin Treptow and so many thousands of others were called upon to make. It does require, however, our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, with God’s help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us. -

George H.W. Bush – January 20, 1989

…And so, there is much to do. And tomorrow the work begins. And I do not mistrust the future. I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger. Our challenges are great, but our will is greater. And if our flaws are endless, God’s love is truly boundless. ??Some see leadership as high drama and the sound of trumpets calling, and sometimes it is that. But I see history as a book with many pages, and each day we fill a page with acts of hopefulness and meaning. The new breeze blows, a page turns, the story unfolds. And so, today a chapter begins, a small and stately story of unity, diversity, and generosity—shared, and written, together

Bill Clinton – January 20, 1993

…And so, my fellow Americans, at the edge of the 21st Century, let us begin with energy and hope, with faith and discipline, and let us work until the work is done. The scripture says, “And let us not be weary in well-doing , for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.  From this joyful mountaintop of celebration, we hear a call to service in the valley. We have heard the trumpets. We have changed the guard. And now, each in our own way, and with God’s help, we must answer the call.

George W. Bush – January 20, 2005

…History has an ebb and flow of justice, but history also has a visible direction set by liberty and the author of liberty. When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said, “It rang as if it meant something.” In our time it means something still.  America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world and to all the inhabitants thereof. Renewed in our strength—tested, but not weary—we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.

*If you can, tune in online form your desk, grab your ipod earphones and listen.  For words on this day are more valuable than a trophy and more costly than gold.  Seth travis is a generation Y young professional that values communications, and offers is thoughts on that and other top-of-mind ideas at work and play.

Unemployment is at an all-time high. Companies are cutting back on office supplies, and US! That’s right they are shrinking their base costs by finding ways to cut jobs, and even departments. If you are coming out of college or graduate school in January on the job hunt for the first time, or a seasoned professional who has recently been laid off you may be worrying less about your perfect resume and more about how you can afford that perfect interview look.

In my first post on style, Communicate in Color, I discuss the power of color in our day-to-day dress in the office, in front of the boardroom and with the boss. This would be a great post for those of you who missed it during the holidays! Now it is time to tackle another style stumper.

How can you afford to look like the best choice for the job, when you are looking for your first real one? What if you have been laid off, and have all your bills, still coming and the unemployment check just does not cut it? Each scenario is real to a growing population of generation Y professionals.

Graduates, do not panic! Though it is a tough time for the economy hopefully you spent your last semester planning your escape to the real world, and I don’t mean the one with 7 strangers picked to live in a house. Your plan hopefully involved saving money for your job relocation, rent fees, and moving expenses, and your new big-kid digs! That is right, no more ripped A&F jeans, or hoodies displaying college pride. If you’re young and new to corporate America, you will need to look the part, and look the part for less in these times.

For the recently unemployed, looking for an edge on the interview process

consider temp agencies! Most positions are business casual. Also, if you are in the market for a new career, perhaps the job you want doesn’t call for a suit at all. I worked for a fortune 500 Company and I never saw anyone in more than a button down and slacks. If you think your closet still needs resuscitated, then join the newly graduated and check out my tips on looking the part for less.

Look the Part for Less
1. Borrow clothes from friends for an interview.
(Guys, give your best bud a call, or dad if he is still GQ! Ladies, you all have huge closets raid each other’s.)
2. Hit the sales NOW, what are you waiting for GO!
(Retail store are hurting right now, so they are cutting prices on suits and such, this is a perfect time to snag that Suit or evening attire for your big Winter Gala with the office team.)
3. Make it a game…scavenger hunt!
(I love the “hunt” for clothes. If you have not shadowed a TJ-Maxx, or Marshals or other discounted clothing shops, what are you waiting for! Nobody leaves broke or empty handed.)
4. Mix it up!
(Have you looked at stores you normally would never go in? Did you know Ralph Lauren has an inexpensive line at J.C.  Penny’s!)
5. Make style sacrifices
(Maybe you are a Sarah Jessica Parker gal, or a ‘Hello my name is Earl’ guy…sometimes we just have to tone it down; or take more time with the iron and mirror to turn up our game.)

I am excited about being a part of the Newlycorporate team; if you have an idea for a post or a question just e-mail me! seth1travis@gmail.com. Also, checkout my blog at http://xyzforsuccess.blogspot.com/

I had a lively discussion with a peer of mine who happens to work in human resources. The discussion was great and hit on many topics. We discussed diversity at work, performance, and other topics. One of the things that sparked an idea for this post was that this person said that what impressed him the most about an employee, was their CORE. The funny thing is that it was such an abstract statement, at the time, the CORE of a person. But I knew what he meant.

What makes a person tick? What drives them? What are their values at work? Are they committed? Authentic? Trustworthy? Tough?  With so much great dialogue on my last post I thought this would be a great “virtual” round table discussion!

I think about the different roles I have had in Radio, Television, and Commercial Sales & Marketing; and my trait that existed within my CORE, was determination.  I always was stretching myself.  I never took a job that I knew I could do on day 1.  I always wanted to learn more and achieve at higher rates than physics would grant me.

So, with that said. What 1 or 2 CORE traits get you noticed at work or help you succeed in your day-to-day operations.

Photo Caption:A person’s traits, or values reveal much about their abilities.

I live in the northeast, and right now all I can see is white. Yes it should be a white Christmas, this year. That got me thinking about color! White has always been a representation of peace, yellow as friendship, and red for love. Growing up my father always talked about the “power tie”, and if you didn’t know the color of a power tie, it’s red. Did you know that the color of your suit and tie, dress, or other articles of clothing say something to all of your co-workers? Well they do. And it can be fun to communicate with color at the office or in the boardroom.

Red is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility. Red is used to indicate courage.

Great, so you know what red says about you, now check out what all the other colors say. I did most of my research on the meaning of each color at; http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html.

Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation. Orange is not as aggressive as red. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. Orange is symbolic of strength and endurance.

Yellow is associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black. Yellow indicates honor and loyalty.
Men usually perceive yellow as a very lighthearted.  Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety.

Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money. Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. Green indicates growth and hope.

Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. Blue is a masculine color; according to studies, it is highly accepted among males. Dark blue is associated with depth, expertise, and stability; it is a preferred color for corporate America.

Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic.

White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. White can represent a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity.

Black is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery. Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the unknown. Black denotes strength and authority; it is considered to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color. A black suit or dress can make you look thinner. Black contrasts well with bright colors.

No matter what kind of business your in, you can establish credibility, create a unique look all your own, and differentiate yourself from others by incorporating color in your wardrobe.

As a young professional you may be concerned about cost, functionality, or rocking the “boat” at work with fashion. It is ok to stick with the staple colors for work like; black and white, grey, khaki, and many other muted neutrals. Try adding bright argyle socks to a neutral suit if you want to play it safe but still want to say something more than I am here to blend in. If you’re a woman, you can try adding a new belt, or piece of jewelry with bold colors.

I worked with a woman who wore the staple pearl earings and necklace and sweater set, but she added some color during the winter months by wearing a simple light cashmere scarf draped around her neck. What did she accomplish by wearing the scarf? She made herself memorable, she made herself approachable, and she showed confidence by taking a risk with color and fashion at work.

I hope you will take a look at your wardrobe and find pieces that can speak volumes about you in the boardroom without even uttering a word.

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”

-Georgia O’Keefe

Ralph Lauren Spring 2009

This is a guest post from Seth Travis, a Gen Y young professional who is excited to share his experiences in one of the world’s largest corporations. This week he fills us in on the answers to basic questions every Newly Corporate worker asks about on-site gym workouts.

Remember the days back in junior high when you had to wrestle with the thought of changing in the locker room and getting pegged in dodge ball class? Just when you thought you put the gym class days behind you, you find yourself sweating it out next to the Senior Human Resource Manager at your company’s on-site gym. Yes, working out at work is a great way to distress and stay healthy, but how do you ensure you are keeping it professional while working out at work?

Work out attire

Do your clothes tell your boss too much about you?

Does your t-shirt say something with a double meaning from your days in a frat? If it says more than your Greek affiliation, substitute it with your favorite Big Ten T-shirt, who knows maybe it will be a great conversation starter for that tough-to-crack co-worker who loves to talk Penn State football 24/7.

Do you look like you just ran a marathon rather than a quick jog on the treadmill?

If you are set on losing some pounds, and putting on some muscle, your workouts are likely vigorous which means you are sweating, a lot. Remember that saying, “Never let em’ see you sweat?” It’s almost 2009, and thanks to Nike, Under Armor, and other brands, there are some great workout clothes that wick the sweat from your skin, and help you stay cool, and dry. This dry-fit technology is great, comfortable, easy to launder, and most importantly it keeps you looking calm, cool, and collected even while running your 5^th mile on the treadmill.

Taking Classes

Are you afraid of what others may think of you?

Don’t worry; everyone in that classroom is thinking that. You are at the gym, and you are there to be challenged, get fit, and blow off some steam. Chances are this may be the class you take where you run into a co-worker that you have been meaning to catch-up with.  Without talking business through the entire T.I song, make a connection, and let them know it is good to see a familiar face in the class. Networking happens everywhere, even during abs class!

What to do about the “gym class” hero in spin class?

From personal experience, I have attended classes where my co-workers seem to “live” for spin. All I want to do is get in a good workout, and enjoy the mix-cd that’s blasting. If you experience this, and think the answer is to skip the class, consider two other options first. 1. Invite some of your co-workers to the class, this way you will focus on them rather than the one “gym hero”. 2. Ask the trainer to consider reviewing etiquette during spin class; a friendly reminder that others are in the room may bring “super-spinman” back down to earth.

iPod etiquette

Can I wear my iPod to the gym?

Yes! Be sure your music is in good taste, or your volume is turned down. The louder those ear buds are, the easier it is for the person next to you to hear you jamming to Vanilla Ice, which is fairly embarrassing, but not as bad as a co-worker or boss hearing explicit lyrics booming from your head as you build those biceps. It may be a good idea to consider your play-list if you NEED to pump up the volume, while you get pumped up.

Free Weight Training

Can I lift heavy at work, if I am trying to bulk up?

Find a friend in the cube next to you who you see at the gym a lot and ask them to spot you. Don’t take on so much that everyone can hear you huffing and puffing, or worse you injure yourself and have to be escorted to the on-site medical center for a strained muscle. You do not want to portray that you take your workout more serisoly than your job. No one wants to be known for that at work. This is a great place to remind everyone you are always revealing your personal brand at the gym.

That’s My Machine!

How do I get my workout in, if I need certain machines to be available?

Plan your workout smart. If everyone floods into the gym at noon, start your lunch earlier, and get in and out before the rush on the treadmills, and in the showers. Also, stay at your machine. Take :30 secs between each set, and continue. If you stick to this, you will only occupy a piece of equipment for a little over 3 minutes. If you are taking more rest, and doing super-sets, offer to let someone “jump-in”.

No Sweat

Should I bring a towel out on the floor, while I workout?

Yes. Most every gym requests that you have a hand towel. They are great if you are lying on equipment and you don’t want to leave sweat spots and like to stay on top of the sweat running down your face. Also, they are great during cardio; you can workout hard, while hardly sweating.

Hit the showers

How do I keep it professional in the Locker Room?

Skipping the shower is not an option; you still have 6 more hours to work so consider taking your under-garments to the shower area, and change into them after showering and drying off. Now you can be dressed and back to the office in 5 minutes without feeling exposed. This issue of concern is more important to some and less to others, so find your comfort zone and stick with it. Finally, if your boss and or co-worker feels like chatting it up while your dressing and your not comfortable with this, just respond to them with a smile and tell them you would love to catch up later in the day.

Don’t forget to eat right at work with healthy cube snacks as well! Do you have tips to share about at-work fitness?  Please leave a comment!

It’s been a month since my last post on men’s fashion which garnered a great response from readers. Google Analytics shows that men are very interested in tips on how to dress. While I’m not a total metrosexual, I do have a trendy girlfriend who makes sure I look moderately presentable. I ride the Tube with investment banker types everyday and while I don’t rock a suit, I do drink in the same pubs as these folks after work and don’t want to feel under-dressed in social situations… call me shallow! Continuing with fashion tips, let’s dive into one of the most important parts of men’s dress… shirts!

Shirts are probably the most visible part of the male wardrobe. I’ve heard from some women that they look at mens shoes the most and from some other women that a watch is the most important. Regardless of what women are checking out, a good shirt definitely enhances your presence. The following recommendations, while common sense, seem to elude a lot of folks, especially where I work in IT. Don’t even get me started on engineering!

Business Casual Dress Tips on Shirts

Buying good shirts

Most important of all – BUY A SHIRT THAT FITS! The seams on the shoulder’s should be resting on the edge of your shoulders when the top button of your collar is closed. Get measured for free at any department store. You’re an adult now, these measurements shouldn’t really change in your 20s. Polo shirts are barely acceptable, but aim for better and get a man’s shirt with more than three buttons. Avoid Seagull, Eagle and Moose logos. Ugh, this is so college, you’re a young professional now! Striped shirts are great, but be sure to have some solids too. Mix it up a bit! Be on the look-out for shirts with a nice texture/weave. Herringbone shirts are spiffy. Flat fabric is nice, but look at some of the more expensive shirts like Joseph Abboud and you will see the quality in the weave.

As a trendy fellow, you should really try to buy fitted shirts. Take a look at the mannequins in the store, notice how nice the shirt hugs the torso. You should also notice the number of pins holding the shirt back to make the shirt look like it would actually fit a man nicely. Be disappointed when you get home and unfold the shapeless potato sack you’ve just been sold. As nice way to avoid this is to actually purchase fitted shirts. The Gap and Banana Rep. have some decent fitted shirts, any higher end department store should have these as well. It’s proven that women like the tapered shape from men’s shoulder’s to waist and we don’t want to disappoint!

I’m not sure what an appropriate number of shirts is, but I’d say at least ten is a good number. Even if you spend $40 bucks a shirt, for only $400 you have pretty much half of your wardrobe. I went nuts at Century 21 in New York and for $350 I got about 12 shirts when I found a big selection of 14 1/2″ 32/33 which is pretty hard to find. They have Big and Tall stores, I think there is a business proposition in ‘Short and Small’.

Bonus points: cuff-links

Old Man points: monogrammed shirts. Seriously. Might as well monogram D. BAG on your forehead.

Cleaning and pressing

So you’ve got a bunch of nice shirts.. sooner or later they’re going to need some cleaning. You can be like most people and drop it off at the dry cleaner. Unless you specifically ask for dry cleaning (you will know by the fact that your bill is huge) you’re probably just laundering your shirts. This means they’re basically washing your threads in a common machine with other people’s shirts as well. Grody. Save yourself the money and wash your shirts on your own in the washer. Wash similar colors together on gentle cycle, remove the collar stays first and hang dry. Be sure to use stainstick or something else around the collar to keep shirts fresh. Don’t dry them in the dryer as it ages shirts quickly. I started doing this after my dry cleaner ruined about $250 worth of Express MX shirts when they pressed them and burned the edges. I’m sure I’ve saved a ton of cash over the years, maybe I should use this saved money to justify my purchase of GTA IV…

You could have a closet full of D&G shirts, but if they’re a wrinkled mess you’re not impressing anyone. Despite Abercrombie’s attempts, a wrinkled shirt is not acceptable! The easiest way to make sure you’re always wrinkle-free: learn how to iron, even if you dry clean. If you’re new to ironing be extra careful around the collars, only iron the backside to prevent singeing the edges, especially with dark collars. With light colored shirts, especially cotton, be sure to starch them to keep them nice looking. If you’re really bad at ironing, which apparently a lot of people are, invest in Brooke’s Brothers wrinkle free shirts. I know a ton of people (like my buddy Tad) who swear by these things.

Undershirt of no undershirt?

Personally, I prefer to wear a v-neck undershirt so you don’t see the trademark American undershirt sticking out. I like black tank tops as well as I feel like a bad ass when I take my button down off after work and leave my belt, pants and shoes on. Anyone else get this feeling? This is a gray area for me, I’d like to hear what other people have to say about this.

There you have it. A few suggestions on men’s shirts. Most seem pretty reasonable in my eyes, but then again, I’ve seen some real slobs in my job, at all levels. Of course, looking nice is no subsitiute for solid perfomance, but subconsciously I think you start from a position of strength when people realize you can actually dress yourself and look good in the process.
Holla back. Let me hear your thoughts. Especially you… Polo boy.