You are judged by your Jacket

Contrary to the “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” musings, appearance is everything. Before you extend your hand, say your name, even smile for the first time, your counterpart is already sizing you up. I am not talking Tom Ford suits and Prada shoes, we’re talking about good ole’ fashioned grooming and etiquette. Combed hair and neat, clean clothing is not expected, it’s required.

A smart and inspirational gentleman I know lost a wonderful business opportunity because he did not show up looking the part. Maybe he was running super late that morning, maybe a fight with his girlfriend forced him to sleep on the backseat in his car – I don’t know. But there was no excuse for him showing up with bed-head and wrinkled and askew clothing.

Needless to say, the face of the company was NOT impressed with his arrival, said NO WAY to the deal, and the “dressed a mess” gent was sent away with his tail between his legs. One’s affiliations speak volumes about their values, and it was clear this company did not want to be associated with him.

He had brilliant ideas, new and innovative collaboration projects, but they will never see the light of day because he thought his mouth would be the only thing at the meeting doing the talking. Get your appearance etiquette together. Follow these rules provided by the Key Club to put your best foot forward:

Stick with traditional clothing.

* Dark suits are most appropriate for men.

* Both skirts and pantsuits are suitable for women.

* For men, wear dark shoes and dark socks.

* For women, refrain from wearing flip-flops, non-dressy boots, sneakers, and casual sandals.

Wear simple and classic jewelry.

* Watches are appropriate for both men and women.

* Rings should be limited.

* Earrings should only be worn on the ears.

Keep good grooming habits.

* Hairstyles should be classic and simple.

* Men should be shaven or closely trimmed.

* Nails should be clean and well kept.

* Women should apply make-up before arriving at an event or in a restroom.

Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things are judged by their jackets. ~Baltasar Gracian

Celebrities flock to Springfield for first SURE Women Conference 2010

SPRINGFIELD, MASS (The Lioness Group) May 17, 2010 –- The City of Springfield will host one of the most inspirational weekends in the last few years. Drawing big names in entertainment, television and fashion, more than 2,000 women are expected to gather at the MassMutual Center for a spectacular two-day conference of inspiration, empowerment and fellowship. Experience a mega conference like no other.

The SURE Women Conference 2010 has garnered national attention and boasts an impressive list of participating celebrities: National Award Winning Gospel Artist Marvin Sapp; National Award Winning Gospel Artist Vicki Yohe, National Best-selling author Michelle McKinney Hammond, featured in the New York Times, Essence and Ebony Magazine; National Financial Expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, seen on Fox, CNN, CNBC and Oprah; and former Essence Magazine Beauty Editor Andrea Arterbery. SURE (Strong, Unified, Real and Empowered) Women Conference will set itself apart as the finest annual women’s conference in New England.

The June 11-12 affair also promises empowerment speakers Elysia Rodriguez, news anchor/reporter for WWLP-22/NBC; Rev. Dr. Regina Shearer, executive pastor of Zion Church Ministries, Inc; Dr. Sarah Perez-McAdoo, OB/GYN, Asst. Professor Tufts University School of Medicine; and Kathy Tobin, former anchor/reporter for ABC 40/FOX 6 and Director of Development at the Friends of the Homeless.

The conference will attract women from all over the region who will come together to experience a time of transformation, unity, fellowship and spiritual uplift. Created by Minister and SURE Women Ministries, Inc. Founder and CEO Dr. Annie B. Watson, the SURE Women Conference 2010 is a catalyst for gathering and uniting women toward the goal of enhancing their lives and the lives of those around them. The highly-anticipated extravaganza kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. with a Community Unity Celebration and Gospel Artist Vicki Yohe and her hit song “Because of who you are.” There will also be entertainment by the SURE Women Praise Team/SURE Women Liturgical Dancers and SURE Women Unity Choir, with Watson as the keynote speaker of the evening.

Saturday will pick up with an 8 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. event, Unity Walk: 1000 Women “A Step for Unity.” Come out and witness women from all over the area walking in harmony to spark community engagement, inspiration and transformation. From 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., Michelle McKinney Hammond, bestselling author, will dazzle attendees with her wit and insight on life, relationships and spiritual enlightenment. After a break for lunch, things will pick right back up with a 1:30 p.m. talk from Financial Expert Lynnette Khalfani Cox, better known as The Money Coach. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a “Stepping in Style” fashion show with guest commentator Andrea Arterbery formerly of Essence Magazine. There will be four break-out sessions on empowerment, finances, health and networking at 3:30 p.m. Session leaders include Kathy Tobin, Rev. Dr. Regina Shearer, Elysia Rodriguez and Dr. Sarah Perez McAdoo. The day of celebration will close with the SURE Women Praise Team/SURE Women Liturgical Dancers and a special performance by national gospel recording artist Marvin Sapp and his hit song, “Never Would Have Made it.”

There has not been anything on this scale brought to the city of Springfield. “I want women to be able to excel and reach their full potential. I want them to go to the next level, whether in their personal lives, finances or spiritual aspect. It’s about engaging them in every aspect, on every level,” Watson said.

Sponsors of the SURE Women Conference 2010 are Baystate Health, United Bank, Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry, Partners for Community, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Jamrog Group, An African-American Point of View and the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information on the SURE Women Conference, visit www.surewomenconference.com or call (413) 313-3338. The conference registration fee for both days is $35 for SURE Women Network members, $40 for non-members and $45 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry at 1410 Carew St. in Springfield; Montenia’s Creative Comfort Cuisine, 137 State St.; Prosperity Unlimited III, 118 Parker Street, Suite 8; Solid Gold Beauty Palace, 40 Berkshire Ave. and The First Cathedral Bookstore, 1151 Blue Hills Ave. in Bloomfield, Conn.

Leading the Way

I am all about women in leadership roles. I think it is everyone’s duty, man or woman, to give back to society. Your income, age, education or gender should not hinder you from doing that. It’s called social responsibility. There are things I believe people are required to do as decent human beings in this falls right at the top of that list.


However, there are those of us that do not mind paving the way or being the initiator and I am slowly becoming one of those people. I am proud to say that I have recently been selected to participate in the Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political Impact. This is the pilot year for this program and my hope is that others will follow suit and apply for next year’s go round. Here is some more information about the program:

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts wants local women to make an impact on social change by getting involved in civic affairs including running for political office. To help develop future leaders, the foundation has created the Leadership Institute for Political Impact to train Western Massachusetts women in their civic leadership potential.

The Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political Impact is a non-partisan initiative designed to address the civic interests and the skills requested by women of our region. The 12-month institute incorporates intensive workshops, technology, the development of county cohorts and the expertise of mentors. The institute will provide women with education and increased confidence in their political leadership potential through emphasis on four primary focus areas that will build a cumulative portfolio of knowledge and skills. The focus areas include personal leadership, community organizing, legislative process and policy, and running for political office.

A year of educational workshops is scheduled to take place on full-day Saturdays that will cover the topic areas listed above. Participants will work in the large group as well as smaller, county-specific cohorts. One or two mentors will be assigned to each county to support them throughout the year and during the months that they are required to work on topics in their own counties. A completion ceremony will occur in May, 2011.

What initiatives are you getting involved with? Tell me about ways you are positively impacting your community. Share. Discuss.