Your Life in Puzzle Pieces: the Professionally-Written Bio

Yes, I know I'm a little behind on this week's blog.  Chalk it up to writer's block, or more accurately, spring fever.  When I could have been writing my blog yesterday, I was instead enjoying the beautiful weather at Centennial Park.  Now that it's raining today, I guess I have no excuse, other than the writer's block which is more accurate for today.  That's probably because I've been writing a lot of artist bios lately and am just about spent. 

This last bio I thought for sure would be apparent that I was about tapped out for attention-grabbing words to tell the unique story of a new rap/hip-hop artist out of DC.  I figured I would have to do more revisions than usual after sending an initial draft, which usually requires at least one revision with minor changes and tweaks anyway.  But to my pleasant surprise, the artist responded to the initial draft with an "It's perfect!  I love everything about it!"  I was thrilled.

But, no matter how many bios I write, I'm always able to find the words that the client just can't seem to find, or doesn't feel comfortable writing themselves.  For me, it's like putting together a puzzle.  I gather from conversations, meetings, and questionnaires with the artists pieces of their stories and make them fit in a way that makes sense to the reader.  It's fun, but just as with a puzzle, sometimes you have to break away from it for a little while and then come back to it in order to finish it.

Anyone who's had to sit down and write their own bio knows how difficult it can be.  But it's true that it is more difficult to write your own bio than to write someone else's.  I think that's why I've been writing so many for other people lately.  They just don't know where to start when writing their own bio.  When I've completed an artist's bio, I step back and look at it with a sense of accomplishment as I would if I had just finished a 1,000 piece puzzle.  Often times, I wish the bios I've written for my artists were my bio!

So if you're struggling with getting started on your own bio, let me know.  I'm here to help.  I know that my writer's block will dissipate and I'll be able to tell your story in a way you've always wanted to, but didn't know how. 

The Latest Men's Fashion Trend

Photo from http://www.fashionising.com

 Below is a men's style report I shared just last week in my March newsletter.  If you're not already a paNASH Style newsletter subscriber or if you've missed out on past issues, subscribe today.
 
Since about 50% of my clients are men, and since I'll be speaking at this year's Southern Gentlemen's event in Franklin March 9-10, I wanted to share in this month's newsletter the latest men's style trend for 2012:  loose, relaxed tailoring.  This new trend of tailoring includes seamless shoulders, loose cut jackets, loose pants, and yes, even pleated pants which are making a comeback.  This loose-fitting trend applies to both casual wear and formal suits.  The good news is 1) the look is different (read "better" and "more modern") than the loose tailoring of the '90s, 2) the look is NOT replacing the slim/skinny cut we've been seeing in men's clothing (especially suits) the past year or two (thank goodness!), and 3) the look is just an additional style option or alternative for men who are tired of the current crotch- and thigh-hugging pants trend.

For more style advice for men, check out the following topics:

• ways for men to dress for their body type and look taller, broader, or slimmer.
• men's job interview attire.
• and one of my most popular blog topics of all time, what women really think about men's shoes!

Source:  http://www.fashionising.com

The Door to Your Calling

I recently read a blog about a young lady who felt called to a specific career field, but couldn't understand why God kept closing the door on her efforts to follow her calling.  She was seeking the advice of the author of the blog on why this could possibly be happening.   His response was that, if you're good at the thing you feel you're being called to do and others are affirming that you are good at it, then it's safe to say that indeed this is your calling despite doors that seem to be closed.  If not, then it's probably not your calling which is why those doors are indeed closing.

I immediately started picturing the times (and we've all done this) when I was trying to enter some place and was pulling on the door when I should have been pushing on it to get it open.  Sometimes we are so hung up on having our calling our way that we try to open the door by pulling it toward us (making everything about ourselves or expecting everything to revolve around our own individual universe) instead of pushing it toward God's way of wanting us to accept our calling.

Working mostly with recording artists, I know numerous people who have had plenty of doors slammed in their faces but have continued working very hard to get to where they are because they knew this is what they were made to do.  God has His will for us, but He also expects us, and also equips us with what we need, to do our own part.  Perhaps God sometimes unlocks a door for us but expects us to reach out, take the initiative and push it open.   Just because some things don't come easy doesn't mean they're not God's will.  It just means you shouldn't give up on what you know God has made you to do!

"What makes me think that what God has called me to will not cost me something?" Beth Moore

Getting Ready: Record Label and Job Interview Prep

So since we're on the topic of interviews (see last week's blog, "Phone Interview 101"), I was just looking back on some video clips of when I was asked to speak to college students about preparing for job interviews.  Presenting to college students is something I was used to doing since I used to work as a college career adviser.  But, the more I work with recording artists in preparing them for meetings with potential labels and for media interviews, the more I see how all the principles I used to teach at the college level apply to artists.

In fact, just a couple of weeks ago I worked with one of my regular clients to get her ready for an interview she had coming up with a publisher/label that was interested in possibly signing her.  Right after her meeting, she texted me saying how they asked her EVERYTHING that we had covered in our sessions together (much of which were questions I've included in my book Advance Your Image).  Because she was so prepared from our sessions, she went in having the confidence that came with that preparation, and it was that confidence along with her talent that impressed them.

One of the questions that any artist will have to answer to a label is, "What makes you unique [from other artists]?"  This is the same question as the common job interview questions "What is your greatest strength?" and "Why should we hire you?"  Answering with, "I'm talented!" doesn't cut it!  So is everyone else here in Nashville.  You have to be able to articulate what makes you and your talent different from everyone else.

While the following video is of me speaking specifically to fashion design students getting ready to interview with design firms upon graduation, both recording artists and job seekers in other industries can benefit from the advice presented as they prepare for label meetings or any type of job interview:

Next week:  questions you should ask in the interview!

Phone Interview 101

Okay, listen up everyone (recording artists too)!  Below is a post that one of my recruiter friends put as her status update on Facebook recently. 

Phone Interview 101 -
1- Be friendly and sound interested when the recruiter calls you (you accepted the invitation)!
2- Research the company you are interviewing for - it does make a difference!
3- The phone interview is very important --- it will determine if you are invited in for the next interview.

Now this is coming from someone who works in HR and conducts interviews on a regular basis.  My guess is more than one person has violated her 3 rules of Phone Interview 101 for her to feel the need to post this on her personal Facebook page.

What's interesting about this recruiter's frustration is that it is also probably the same frustration a radio DJ has when interviewing a new recording artist.  As I've previously shared in a past blog ("5 Things To Remember When Doing a Phoner") which evidently bears repeating, these rules apply to both telephone job interviews and radio phoners.  A DJ's Phoner 101 list would read very much like the one above:

Phoners 101 -
1- Be friendly and sound interested when on the phone with the DJ (you accepted the invitation)!
2- Research the radio station you are interviewing with - it does make a difference!
3- The phoner is very important --- it will determine if you are invited in for an in-studio interview or another phoner for your next single.

These are just the top three mistakes interviewees are making.  There are other common interview faux pas that I coach clients on to help them put their best foot forward in a variety of interviews.  Whether you are a job seeker or a recording artist trying to promote your latest single, this advice coming straight from the person actually doing the interview is advice you need to follow.  I promise, if you help make their job easier, they will love you for it, which will pay off with a possible job offer or increased spins of your song!

The Cost of a Valentine's Date

Since we're approaching Valentine's Day, I thought I would re-post the popular blog entry I wrote at this time last year.  It's an interesting topic of debate between the sexes and it really goes to show that there is an investment involved in looking your best.

Originally posted 2/8/11

Sunday night I was interviewed for the fashion segment of a local radio show  (my part was only about 10 minutes which meant I only missed a small part of the Super Bowl).  One of the questions I got was about what a woman should wear for a really nice date, such as a Valentine's date.  That question made me think of a conversation I once had with a guy I used to work with, a sweet, young (and perhaps naive) guy in his mid-twenties.  

He was complaining about how much money it costs to take a girl out on a really nice date.  I asked him how much on average does that typically cost him.  It was a fair, reasonable amount he quoted, but yet he seemed resentful of it.  That is until I broke it down for him the average amount a woman spends on getting ready for the really nice date nice date he's paying for.

Chances are she's going to buy a new dress or a new pair of shoes, or both.  She's probably going to go to the salon to get her hair color touched up or at least pay for a blow out (ladies, we all know this isn't cheap!).  Most likely she will also get a manicure, pedicure or both.  She may be out of some of her blush or mascara and will have to buy some more of that as well.  Add in the amount of hair product used to style her hair and the time and effort it takes to put all of this together and ask yourself, are each party's expenses even and fair?  Ladies, we know it's most likely not because we know how much all of this costs us (a man's hair cut costs less than a woman's haircut, yet a woman still makes less money on the dollar than a man does...another topic for another time, but I'm just saying!).

My co-worker sat there with his mouth hanging open and his face turned white after I gave him the break down and comparison of cost.  Once he was finally able to speak, he said "I never thought of it that way before, and I will never complain again."  Even though it may cost us ladies more in money, time, and effort for a really nice date, that doesn't mean we don't appreciate what the guy shells out for our favorite entree, wine and dessert.  We do, and we hope our guys appreciate our efforts as well to look good for them!

I'd be curious to know the thoughts the men have on this topic.  If you want to share, just comment below.  This could possibly get interesting!

2012 Update:
Tip for the guys:  since your girl puts a lot of time and effort to look nice for you, reward her, either by doing the same for your appearance with the help of paNASH Style, or by treating her to a personal shopping day with paNASH Style (a great Valentine's Day gift!).  We currently have promotional offers available for both options through 3funding, allowing you to not only reward your sweetheart, but also reward local charitable organizations all at the same time!  Check it out here!

Super Bowl Style

Since it's Super Bowl time again, I thought it would be appropriate to share this fun little tip on how to coordinate colors in your wardrobe.  I shared this tip with the guys back in October ("This One's For the Guys: Don't Be Afraid to Sport Some Color") because I knew it would be one that guys would be able to understand and relate to, as well as you female sports fans.

Tip:  When in doubt about which colors go together without clashing, just look to your favorite sports teams and check out their team colors.  If their team color combination works for them, it can work for you too!

Bonus Tip:  When trying to choose the right accessories for colorful outfits, don't make the mistake of choosing ones that are the same color as the dominant color in the outfit's pattern.  Instead, choose accessories that are the same color as the accent color in the pattern (meaning the most subtle or the least of the colors in the pattern).

Enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday!!!  (Would the NFL powers that be please change it to Super Bowl Saturday so we can all have a day after the party to recuperate?)

How NOT to Botch a Handshake!

Meeting someone for the first time often involves the standard handshake greeting.  As we all know, how you shake someone's hand in a business situation can sometimes make or break a deal or a job interview.  Check out this video clip from when I spoke at a college on image and the job search last year.  You may be as surprised as I was from my research in preparing for this presentation by the number of possible ways you can really botch a handshake.  You will want to watch this before you head out to your next networking event, interview, or business meeting so you don't make the same mistakes!

Color Me Happy

Color Me Happy

By Ashley Balding

Photo by Anna Fischer

When working with my clients' wardrobes, I often get the response of, "Wow, I never would have thought to put those colors together, but you made them work so well!"  I always encourage my clients to take a little risk when it comes to putting colors together for themselves.  I don't believe in letting yourself be limited by some silly "what's your season" color rules. This is why I love guest blogger and O'More College of Design student Ashley Balding's latest contribution to the paNASH Style blog.  I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!  Thank you Ashley!

Lori

There are days when I walk out of my bedroom with the craziest color combinations known to man.  I see beautifully constructed works of art—outfits that work with intricately chosen, color-wheel-dictated combinations.  Upon my entrance into the real world (a.k.a. the kitchen) my mom usually gives me that sympathetic look, somehow communicating to me that my obviously brilliant choice in color is maybe not interpreted in the same light. 

"What do you think, Mom?" Her clearly confused facial expression is disheartening at best. 

"Well, I wouldn't have thought to put those colors together..." she begins hesitantly, "but then again you know I like my monochromatic neutrals."

Yep, she does. It's true. My mom always hears that she looks like Meryl Streep, to which I would definitely agree.  But my mom's style is more like that of Diane Keaton's.  Not Annie-Hall-1970s Diane Keaton, but menswear-inspired-creme-colored-creations, only-complete-with-a-fabulous-accessory-like-a-hat-or-some-gloves Diane Keaton.  I love this about my Mom.  It's a classic statement that gives her comfort and is easy on the eyes. 

I, on the other hand, somehow decided at some point in my young life that a place where I’d wear clothing without significantly bright hues was a world I wanted no part in.  I love every color I've ever laid eyes on. I love pink, purple, blue, green, brown, puce, citrus, gold, cerulean, lime green, neon yellow, tangerine—I could literally go on and on and feel the excitement grow inside of me with each color. Yes, folks, I am that obsessed with color. 

I think it is a great tragedy to live life without color. Color is so deeply connected to our psyche and our moods. Color is far more than a red dress we put on for a special dinner, or a pink shirt we wear in support of breast cancer awareness.  It is a statement of our personalities. It is a defiant yet subtle stand in what we want to feel and what we desire for those around us to feel. 

During the winter time, people often experience SAD, or seasonal affect disorder, which is said to be brought on (among other things) by the drab and dreary days that carry on until the peekings of the spring sun abound. How crazy is it that a gray sky as opposed to a blue sky can have that much affect on our moods? And so much so that there is an actual medical name for it?

Think about how you’d feel if you passed a million people dressed in black on the streets.  I’d feel nothing—just another black outfit on just another human being.  But show me someone with pink hair or a bright blue dress or red pants, and I'm immediately interested.  Even if it's not an attractive look to me, or something that I might choose for myself, I'm at least intrigued by it.  My brain is suddenly interacting with my surroundings and those who share my surroundings. In a society where we are all headed somewhere vastly more important than anyone else—iPod earbuds plugged in so we can plug out—it is so vital to reconnect with our surroundings and our fellow people.  I love the random conversations that can come from wearing my favorite bright blue vintage dress. 

My one piece of advice for those who don't already use color to their advantage is not to be afraid to experiment! I understand that not everybody will be comfortable wearing a red dress with royal blue tights, sky blue heels, and a yellow leather tote.  I'm okay with that (although, come on! Doesn't that sound at least slightly delightful?). Who says you can't throw just a little color in to the mix?  Take baby steps.  A brightly colored purse is a great way to say, "Hey, look, I CAN have fun," without diving into the color pool head first.  Any accessory in general is easy to exchange for a brightly colored addition. 

You'll be surprised at how color can change your outlook on your day.  Every day that I wake up and stand in front of my rainbow-infested closet, coffee tightly clutched in my hand, I think to myself, "How do I want to feel today?" Do I want to be calm and serene (blue)?  Do I want to be fiery (red)?  Do I want to be bright and happy (yellow)?  Do I want to be grounded and cool (green)?  It's a trick that I learned at a young age.  Use color to your advantage.  It can heave you out from your SAD days, or your just all around less-than-perfect days.  Color can be a tool in your tool belt.  It can alter your world and the world of those around you.  Color is a beautiful, natural creation that we are blessed to have. Don't be afraid to use it.

Go forth—be colorful!

Is Your Resume Getting You to the Job Interview?

It seems like as of late the majority of my work has been writing bios and resumes.  People in need of resume makeovers need them either because they just lost their job, OR they are realizing that the resume they currently have is not doing the job of getting them interviews they want.  In fact, one client I worked with last fall has been applying for jobs for about a year now.  She finally decided to get an expert opinion on the resume she had been sending out all that time and hired me to help her.  After I updated her resume, her response was, "Wow, now I know why I've not received any responses to my original resume!" 

I was recently interviewed along with other resume experts for an article by Anthony Balderrama on ways to turn your experience into an effective resume.  Check it out here.

New Year, New You: Is There a Makeover in Your Future?

Yes, I know my weekly blog is a little late in coming out.  That's because I'm in the process of revamping the look of this blog.  It deserves a makeover, so stay tuned to see the transformation!  Speaking of makeovers, perhaps you have decided that this is the year you're going to makeover some things in your life, whether it's your wardrobe, your resume, or your career.  Whatever it may be, let me say congratulations!  Good for you!  Now that the intention is there, don't let the initiative dissipate.  I know it can seem overwhelming to start a makeover project, but paNASH Style is here to help you break that process down into manageable steps and give you the direction you need.  Contact us so we can help you in achieving your goals for a successful 2012!

The Best of 2011

As 2011 is draws to a close, I wanted to recap the year with the some of  my favorite and some of the most popular paNASH Style blog posts of 2011.  I have high hopes for 2012 and wish you the best in the new year!  Enjoy!

1. Empowered by What NOT to Wear
2. Most Commonly Asked Interview Questions
3. The Plight of the Curvey Woman, by Ashley Balding
4. "It's Not How You Look.  It's How You See."
5. Putting Yourself In Others' Shoes: A Step Toward Success 

Which is your favorite?

Do You See What I See?

I was reading this Onstage Success blog entry entitled "Things Can Blur When You're Too Close" as my eyes were trying to adjust to an improvement in my nearsightedness due to a degeneration of my farsightedness which comes with age (UGH!).  Yes, I now am having to wear reading glasses when I'm using the computer.  I was able to read it better and it became less blurry when I finally put on my new reading glasses (over the contacts I still have to wear for the nearsightedness I've had from a very young age - DOUBLE UGH!!).

The blog discusses the little things artists don't hear or see in their music and their performances that their team of producers is experienced in catching.  Let me just say, this goes for an artist's image and appearance as well.  Unless you own your own 360 degree mirror, there are things you, the artist, won't notice without the expertise of an image consultant/wardrobe stylist (I promise I'll be equipped with both my contacts and my reading glasses to help you!).

Take a minute to check out the article, one of several free articles from Onstage Success.  To receive exclusive articles, videos, and more from Onstage Success, click here!

What's Worse Than a Tacky Christmas Sweater?

Well, when I posted on my FB page asking people to respond with their worst garment  Christmas gift received, I think most if not all of the responses included garments received as a kid, because let’s face it, when you were a kid, getting clothing just didn’t carry the same kind of magic as getting a toy.  Getting socks or, even worse, getting underwear as a child was about as exciting as getting a fruitcake in your stocking (for those of you who don’t like fruit cake; I’m one of the few who does, but then again I like just about anything when it comes to food.)  

Speaking of socks, one response was from a guy whose entire family on his mom’s side worked in a sock plant.  Every year as a kid he got socks from everybody, but at least they made sure not to get him the same color socks.  Each person gave him a different color.  And then also speaking of underwear, as an adult this same poor guy’s ex-wife’s cousin got him themed glow-in-the-dark underwear that had light bulbs on them with the waistband message “You Turn Me On.”  Apparently the cousin didn’t get the meaning of the message.  I’m not sure if this is as bad as the person who received several pairs of her grandmother’s USED underwear that were three sizes too big, but I would say that it is because at least the boxer shorts warranted a good laugh!

In addition to this, another person wrote in about the time he got a pair of overalls that had been given to another family member who unwrapped them, wore them once, and then rewrapped and re-gifted them.  What’s worse, getting a re-gifted item or an item that you only get a $2.00 refund on because it had been on the sale rack?  That’s what one person described what happened when she tried to return the hideous Christmas sweater (this was years before the tacky Christmas sweater party craze had started) her grandmother had given her.

One of the worst Christmas gift garments I ever got was a homemade, hand-painted Christmas sweatshirt…that was (hopefully) accidentally painted on THE BACK of the sweatshirt!  It was from someone (I can’t even remember who now because it’s been at least 20 years now) that had drawn my name for a gift exchange.  You could see on the front where the person making it had started with the puffy paint and I guess they messed up and flipped the sweatshirt over as if it was a piece of paper they were drawing on!  The front was completely blank except for that one small mark of puffy paint, and then Christmas glee all over the back of it!  If I had worn it (which I didn’t), I guess no one would have noticed if I just walked backwards the entire day.  I’m sure the person who made it at least had their heart in the right place.

If you have an example of a really bad clothing Christmas gift that can top any of these, please share!  You can do so anonymously in the comment box below.  ‘Tis the season for re-gifting! 

photo by Mioara Dragan