Kay Hunter - Imagine . . . The Possibilities

Women's Leadership Forum - June 10, Marina del Rey

Dress for Success Donation Attendees are invited to donate new or “nearly new” women’s professional attire (suit, shoes, purses) to be collected at the event, to help disadvantaged women reenter the workforce and achieve economic independence. Learn about this organization >>

Join us for a day of leadership development and professional growth at the fourth annual Women’s Leadership Forum. From leadership in an era of economic uncertainty to strategic thinking, you’ll delve into key areas that differentiate you as a leader. Invest in your future, build your skills and ensure your long-term success—register today.

Plus, the day will include a special lunchtime celebration recognizing California’s top women CPAs and their tremendous contributions to the profession.

Lunch is provided for all attendees.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Women: The growth economy
• Professional presence: How does your personal brand impact your success?
• Strategies for recruiting, retaining and developing women leaders
• Rising as a leader in your organization
• The motivation equation: Four steps to inspire great results
• Eight trends shaping the future: Opportunities and threats for women leaders
• Dressing from the inside out
• Bringing it all together: A success story

DESIGNED FOR
CPAs and financial professionals interested in enhancing their leadership and communication skills. I will be speaking during a concurrent session:

PROFESSIONAL IMAGE: HOW DOES YOUR PERSONAL BRAND IMPACT YOUR SUCCESS?

• How your personal brand impacts your success personally and professionally
• How clothing and accessories impact how you are perceived
• What your body language is really communicating
• The physical and psychological impact of color
• Takeaways:
  Personal brand self-assessment
  Tricks and tips to create your intended brand
  Color chart

Congratulations to 2011 Women in Business Nominees OCBJ

I am proud to be included in this group of women in business from Orange County Business Journal.  What an amazing group of accomplishments in one list. 

THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS PROGRAM is designed to recognize Orange County women who have made impactful contributions to their professions as well as within their communities. Their tenacity and drive have established, nurtured, guided and transformed countless successful businesses. Women are influential members of the OC business community, whether in the corporate, entrepreneurial or not-for-profit sector. With 93,406 women-owned businesses in 2007, Orange County ranked 6th among counties nationwide according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners.

This is the perfect opportunity to recognize clients or business associates who have distinguished themselves through their determination, resolve, and achievements.

I'd like to share the list of nominees with you:

The right eyeglasses can take 20 years off your appearance.

Recently I was asked to assist a client with selecting her new eyeglass frames.  She brought along a colleague and he decided he also wanted a new pair of glasses.  We realized that his old glasses not only didn't fit properly but his prescription had changed.  With about 20 minutes of going through the frames, I helped him select a pair that took 20 years off his appearance.

  They were both thrilled. It's a great reminder to do both things:  make sure your prescription is current by getting an eye exam every couple of years and, when was the last time you bought new frames?  Are you still wearing glasses that looked great with your business attire from six years ago?  Are you  still wearing the same clothing?  If "yes", you need an update. They are not only functional, but an accessory that says so much about you, and will tie together your entire look.

If you are wearing the same suits and business attire from six years ago, perhaps it's time to review your wardrobe and thin out any pieces that may be ill-fitting or outdated and replace them with some complimentary pieces. Have you recently started a new job?  How about a new position?  Does your appearance or Personal Brand match your new responsibilities and company brand?

Here's a quiz:  What do you do with your old glasses?  Prescription glasses are always needed by those who cannot afford to buy new ones.  The Lions Clubs across the country are always accepting old glasses to help those in need.  Learn more from them here >>

Texas High School Graduates Learn to Dress for Success

It's never too early to learn how to present yourself in business and in the world.  By the time our teens are graduating, they need to know how to confidently present themselves to potential employeers, colleges and professionals they'll be interacting with from this moment forward.

If you have a teen getting ready to graduate or enter the business world through part-time or full-time jobs, do they know how to interview well?  Are they able to confidently talk about their abilities?  How are they dressing for these meetings and interviews? Is their grooming up to the expectations of those who will be judging them?

Here is a delightful story about Ernst & Young and the Upward Bound program making a difference in the future of these upcoming professionals:

Smartphone etiquette

Is cellphone etiquette any different than email etiquette? That’s a good question!  I am asked about cellphone etiquette as though by the mere existence of the device, courtesy and common sense do not apply.  The most commonly asked question is about checking and responding to messages when others feel it is inappropriate.  A few examples include: at the dinner table, during meetings, in church, or while in a conversation with another person.

Etiquette, in the simplest terms, is about behaving in a manner that demonstrates courtesy and respect through your actions.  Proper technology use, whether it be e-mail, iPads, or cell phones (including BlackBerrys, iPhone, Droids, anything requiring you to communicate with someone other than the person you are current with or event you are attending), does not include doing what you want without consideration for others or for proper high tech etiquette.

Courtesy and perception go hand in hand.  Without courtesy, the perception you give will tell people exactly what they need to know about you – and it will not be positive.  Follow these 5 tips to make sure your etiquette actions leave a positive impression: