Third Image Forum a Roaring Success!

Hotel Celeste Makati was abuzz with interest and enthusiasm as members of the Philippine Chapter Initiative of the Association of Image Consultants International and their guests trooped to the fourth floor function room to attend the much-awaited Third Image Forum.

Extra chairs had to be brought in to seat the blockbuster audience.  Delby Bragais, the President, was beaming with pride and pleasure as she welcomed members and guests alike.  Karen Agustin-Ostrea, the President-Elect, hosted the event and called on Abby Arenas-de Leon to introduce the main speaker, Dina H. Loomis.

Dina regaled the audience with her action-packed and fast-moving talk entitled “Multiply Your Income with Presentation Mastery.” She called on one of the guests, Julius Magno, to deliver an impromptu talk using the outline that she presented.  Instant feedback and suggestions for improvement were given by Brooks Loomis. A great roar of delight came from the audience when they were treated to a fireworks display on the screen followed by a rain of confetti at the end of her presentation.

Karen introduced the second speaker, Toastmasters International Champion speaker, Orly Tugob, who spoke on the topic “Effective Negotiation Skills.” A quiz was given to everyone to determine each individual’s negotiation style.  Orly’s talk elicited a flurry of questions and comments and a high level of excitement.

Delby quipped, “Dina and Orly you have both gained an instant fans club tonight.”

Photo Captions from the Slide Show

1. Jewel Lobaton-Pimentel registering for the image forum, while Karen Agustin-Ostrea looks on.
2. Abby Arenas-De Leon, Ms. D, Karen Agustin-Ostrea, and Baby Doble prior to the start of the program.
3. President Delby Bragais, AICI, FLC welcomes the audience to the 3rd Image Forum. 
4. Ms. D gestures while demonstrating effective delivery skills.
5. Ms. D explains three opportunities for speakers.
6. Audience participation with Julius Magno, who gave an impromptu talk.
7. Ms. D ended with a bang…(Note fireworks display on the screen)
8. …followed by a rain of confetti.
9. Audience was asked to participate in a negotiation quiz.
10. Orly Tugob discussed the different negotiation styles.
11. Orly Tugob recommended reading selected books on negotiations before the end of his talk.
12. President Delby thanking the audience and inviting interested parties to join the Philippine Chapter Initiative.

Recession-Proof Shopping

 

 “I never have enough money for the items I need to buy.” Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? “Why did I ever buy that perfume? I have more than a year’s supply at home.” How about this familiar gripe? “Everything is too expensive. The only thing that doesn't go up is my income.”

The recession that started in America, spread to Europe and infected the rest of the world has caused so much anxiety among the average income earners and of course has stifled the ordinary shoppers.

There has to be a way to shop without going bankrupt. Here are a few suggestions to sail from payday to payday without spending everything you have earned.  In fact, you can still shop, save money and even have fun in the process.

1. Practice delayed gratification – Avoid buying on impulse. “This is a common weakness among people and can be avoided by making a list of things to buy ahead of time and crossing out items that are not absolutely needed.

2. Veer away from the “bargain syndrome” – I used to be “sucked in” to a buying spree every time I saw any of these signs: “Buy One Take  One,” “50% Discounts,””Closing Out Sale,” etc.  As a result, I ended up throwing it away when I discovered it in a secluded corner of one of my closets and noticed the expiry dates.

3. Canvass first – Take time to visit several shops first and compare quality and price before buying. Sometimes, cheaper is not always better.  Especially when it comes to clothing apparel, the best gauge to determine its value is how often you can wear it until it starts looking old. Food items are even more critical. Our stomach and health could be adversely affected, if we buy based on price alone. You may decide to buy the lower-priced item only if the other item is of the same quality.

4. Cook your own food – Eating at restaurants or buying food from delicatessens can add up to a lot of money. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much you have saved simply by eating at home or bringing a lunch box to your office. Others take their lunches at reasonably-priced canteens.

5. Bring bottled water – This will save you money and save your health as well. You will be tempted to buy bottled beverages or cans of soda if you don’t have bottled water with you.

This is just a short list to start thinking about buying only what you truly need and not whatever you want. It helps to ask God for will power to resist the numerous temptations to buy what you see on TV ads or huge billboards around town as well. The money that you save today could help build your “nest egg” for tomorrow. 

Winners for Ms. D's Seminar

Congratulations to the winners of our blog and Facebook raffles.


But first, here's what we did:


1. We printed out the comments in the blog and in Facebook.

2. We cut it up, rolled it and put it in a glass bowl. One for the blog entries and one for FB entries.

Blog Entries

FB Entries

3. We drew the winners. And they are:

Blog - Mr. Angel Henson

Facebook - Bless Baltazar!

Congratulations to our winners!


Please email your contact details to beyondlookinggood@gmail.com.

Ms. D at the Fil-Chi Federation

Standing from left:  Saling Canonizado. Moring So, Jean Yao, Charo Lim, Stephanie Sy, Angela Natividad, Anna Lao, Loly Uy, Rosalina Tan, Annie Chua, Mary Ang, Nancy Tang, Rosario Lim Seated from left:  Lydia Castro, Evelyn Uy, Myrna Natividad, Rosalind Wee, Myrna Yao, Ms. D, Isabel Cu

The Filipino-Chinese Federation of Business and Professional Women of the Philippines held their first General Membership meeting of 2011, on January 18, at the Lopez-Rizal Rooms, Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

Myrna T. Yao, President, Rosalind L. Wee, Executive Vice President, and Attorney Amy L. Wong, Vice President for Internal Affairs, were on hand to welcome Ms. D, the guest of honor and speaker, who spoke on “Individual Style and Personal Branding.”

Ms. D with officers and members of the Filipino-Chinese Federation of Business and Professional Women of the Philippines last January 18, 2011. 

Ms. D. showing the four types of business dress and personal branding strategies.

An open forum followed the short individual style analysis given to two of the members. Several lucky members and the guest speakers brought home the super delicious “Tikoy” in preparation for the Chinese New Year.

PMAP Awards Ms. D

Ms. D being congratulated by Jesse N. Rebustillo of the Phil. Daily Inquirer and PMAP Past Director.

Ms. Dina H. Loomis received the “Most Active Participation Award” from outgoing People Management Association of the Philippines President Jimmy M. Isidro, FPM.

Gerry A. Plana, FPM, PMAP Executive Director congratulates Ms. D.

Ms. D with some PMAP members and incoming PMAP President, Bong C. Austero (4th from the left) and outgoing PMAP President, Jimmy M. Isidro, FPM (4th from the right).

This award is given annually to organizations that participated in General Membership meetings, annual convention, and learning sessions of PMAP.

WIN a Slot in Ms. D’s Seminar

Do you hyperventilate when the words you and public speaking are used in one sentence?

Do you suffer from mental block, dry mouth, butterflies in the stomach when in front of an audience?

Fret no more! Ms. D has a specially designed program to help you make effective presentations and working it to your advantage.

Not only that, you will also learn Effective Negotiations Skills from Orly Tugob, a USAID Certified Trainer.

A winning skills combination to help you advance in your profession and in life.

  

There are TWO easy ways to WIN!

First

1.    Leave a comment at the end of this article.

Second

1.    Like our Facebook page here .

2. Share this picture here.

3. Leave a comment.

       

We will raffle off two slots with one winner from the blog  and one winner from FB.

Increase your chances by joining here and in FB!

To know more about Ms. D click here 

To know more about Mr. Tugob click here 

For reservations and inquiries you may call 881.7358 or 883.2676 or leave a comment.

Making Travel Easy and Fun

Travel has been both a boon and a bane for travelers worldwide.” ”I accomplished so much during my business trip. I just wish I could have done it without traveling.”

How can we travel without so much hassle and pain? Here are a few ways to make the experience a little more pleasant and a little less of a strain:

1. Plan ahead – rushing causes heartburn and forces us to adjust our activities to fit our last-minute schedules. When this happens, we start our trip with a lot of tension and headache.

2. Make a list – nothing beats a list. Believe me, it’s worth the effort. My husband, Brooks, is proof of this. He has everything neatly in place anywhere we go, because he always makes a list. This also saves time and aggravation, since we don’t have to shop for things that we forget to bring.

3. Travel light – Most people don’t realize that on a one-week trip, they don’t have to bring a different set of clothes for each day. Men can have a shirt for each day, and one set of coat and pants to match the shirts, while women can have a blouse for each day and one set of blazer and skirt or slacks to match the blouses. This will greatly lighten their luggage and allow them some room for buying souvenir items.

 

4. Bring a favorite book, your e-book reader or your iPad – waiting in airport lounges or long flights will cease to be boring when we can enjoy reading our favorite book or browse through our iPads.

5. Be friendly - smile and speak to people who are not otherwise engaged in conversations with others. You will be surprised at how many interesting new friends or business contacts you will be able to meet at airports or hotels. My latest trip to the U.S. is proof of this. I was able to establish new business contacts in Japan and the U.S. simply by paying attention to other travelers and striking up a friendly conversation.

6. Get updated information on security at airports – Keep all items that could be confiscated by security agents inside your check-in luggage. You could be saving yourself the agony of having to give up some attractive gift or personal items.

Go ahead and continue with your travel plans. Make 2011 your banner year. Life can be more rewarding and adventurous when you can convert traveling into enjoyable events instead of unavoidable hurdles.

Can We Revive Civility?

“I just want to get things done. If people get unhappy with the way I run things around here, so be it.” People who are too focused only on the accomplishment of their goals and forget that they are part of a team often fall into a trap called incivility. It is the “success at all costs” syndrome that has wreaked havoc in many workplaces worldwide, because of the high incidence of rudeness that it has produced in people.

We don’t have to tolerate and perpetuate incivility in the workplace or elsewhere.  There are numerous ways by which we can start influencing others to demonstrate civility. These are simple, easy-to-do things that we inadvertently neglect:

Smile. Yes, even at strangers.  It is one of the most uplifting and affirming forms of human contact. A radiant smile can go a long way in easing a person’s day.

Give way. Crowded elevators, long queues in theaters and supermarkets, and traffic congestion are just some of the windows of opportunity for us to practice civility. By allowing others with urgent needs to get ahead of us in certain situations, we are setting a whole new standard of behavior in motion.

Observe other people’s private time and space. Control the urge to engage people in long-winded conversations, especially if they are engaged in activities like reading, writing or in deep thought.

Expressions of civility. Saying thank you, my pleasure, please, I beg your pardon, or I apologize, will create feelings of unity and teamwork in any setting.

 The 30-second spot. Introduce yourself with aplomb within 20-30 seconds of meeting people for the first time. This will put people at ease and is a sure indicator of your self-confidence, friendliness, and approachability.

We can start a “ripple effect” of caring concern for other people which will be felt and appreciated by the “surprised recipients” and get passed on to many others in return.

I truly believe that we have the power to revive civility. 

How about testing it now?

Photos from:

http://www.stock-photos-free.com

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Ways to Make Men Look Great!

Men are becoming more aware of their appearance and are spending more time and money in making sure that they look their best at all times.

Let’s review some simple ways of bringing out the best in men:

Color Assessment – The first thing that people notice is the color of your shirt and coat.

If you are wearing your best colors, your face will glow. Do you remember the times when you were complimented for your looks? What colors were you wearing then? What colors make you happy and comfortable?

You can experiment by holding colored shirts under your face. Ask a friend or family member which colors make your eyes and skin tone look brighter.

You can also look at a mirror and see for yourself.

Style – In buying a shirt, it is important to consider the collar size and shape. If you will have it custom made by a tailor, these details will help to balance your look.

• Thin face – medium width collar will make it appear fuller
• Round face – longer, thinner collar slims the face
• Long neck – raised collar minimizes it
• Short neck – lowered collar lengthens it 

Patterns or Solids – Solid is best for formal business wear, while patterns can add interest and vibrancy to a shirt. For the corporate environment, it is safer to stay away from prints of any kind. For casual or social events, checks or stripes which are thin and crisp will be acceptable for most professions. The wider and brighter they are, the more sporty you will appear.

Veer away from geometric designs, florals and pictures of any kind unless you are attending a Hawaiian party. 

Finally, take time out to do a fitting checklist: 

Collar – measure the lower part of your neck at the point where the collar button rests 

Cuffs and sleeves – cuffs should extend only a half inch below your jacket sleeves, while both arms should be measured, in case one is longer than the other. 

Shoulders – custom made measurement will ensure the best fit 

Torso – slightly loose line is most comfortable and will not cause extra bulk to show. 

When you find a shirt that fits you well and you really like, buy two or three, so that you will always have your favorite shirt ready to wear when you need it. 

Photos from: 
http://www.eu.forzieri.com/usa/shirtmaker.asp?l=usa&c=ita 
http://knol.google.com/k/antonio-centeno/men-s-shirt-collars/27cl1pj4s2ovi/4 
http://brooksbrothers.com 

How to Soothe Ruffled Feathers

Do you realize that mending fences and winning back unhappy or angry customers take much more than just a text, or an email apology?

Many customer service providers make the mistake of relying on the ubiquitous hi-tech tools like the cell phone and computers to send their regrets over mistakes and protocol transgressions.  The fact is, people will react more positively to a person that they can interact with.  Seeing a person who will apologize with contrite eyes and a gentle voice is a hundred times more effective than just reading a text or an email.

In some cases, a formal letter of apology with a symbolic atonement will produce stunningly great results. A case in point is the incident which involved one of my staff members who left an important message to the wrong person and did not reach a group of executives on time.  The group of executives went to the venue of our scheduled seminar on the date scheduled only to be told that it was rescheduled due to the unavailability of our Australian speaker.  

I took full responsibility for this carelessness and wrote the CEO of the organization with my deep regrets and enclosed a book and a DVD of our speaker for his corporation’s use.  The CEO responded warmly and thanked me sincerely and promised to send his people to our future seminars.

Just take the bull by the horns and own up to your mistakes and offer more than a lame “I’m sorry.”