Dear Annette,I got into a predicament at lunch today with a female companion: each of us holding opposite sides of a double door, each waiting for the other to enter first. It felt like an episode of those singing chipmunks crooning, 'After you!' 'No, after you!' And to top it off, three or four parties scrambled in ahead of us while we had it out. Annette, please spare me future embarrassment by spelling out the rules of the doors.ChipDear Chip,I can't remember the last time I opened a door for myself - I have People to do that for me. But I can certainly recall the pleasure I felt the last t... view article details

The Beam family has preserved their reputation as dedicated and accomplished distillery owners, bourbon crafters, and businessmen for more than 200 years. Jim Beam’s quality bourbon has been in production since the 18th century and prevailed through prohibition. Seven generations later, the Beam company continues to evolve with the help of their determined employees. If you ask Marvin Stone, maintenance supervisor at the Booker Noe plant in Kentucky, he will tell you that Beam’s supportive environment is an essential piece to the companies success. “I have never worked anywhere before where th... view article details

Decisions, Decisions There are many times in life when a poor decision is going to cost you some money.There are the little decisions that bug you, like waiting too long to buy an airline ticket and the price jumps $60, buying a pair of jeans only to see them go on sale for 50% off the next week, or illegally parking your car for just a minute while you run an errand, only to find a $125 ticket on your windshield when you come outside.Then there are some big decisions. One look at Wikipedia’s list of most expensive divorce settlements – twenty-two of them more 50 million dollars! – wi... view article details

Growing up in the 1980s provided me a very interesting take on life in the businessworld. Rather than looking at work as dull and pointless, I've learned to view it like a video game. Projects are nothing more than quests. Office supplies are, well, supplies. The key to succeeding in the work place is realizing you have complete control over how you interact with the environment. You simply have to find the right strategy guide and you're on your way to winning!Look at your work like a video game and you'll master it in no time.DRESS FOR SUCCESSMario has a suit for every job. When he needs to ... view article details

Pleading ignorance isn't going to save your job if you show up for work inappropriately dressed. It's not a secret code. It's a dress code.Whether informally followed or clearly outlined line by line in an employee manual, trust us. It exists. Keep in mind, however, the corporate culture of your particular business. What might crisply soar through a law office might look a bit stiff in a more eclectically creative environment. Follow these tips to be sure you're a dressed for success, not disaster.Do sparkle The difference between 'sparkle' and 'flash' equates to the considerable mile... view article details