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Dear Friend,

With three minutes, you could help my friend Michael Levin’s kids’ school receive a prize of $500,000.

Kohl’s is running a contest to give $10,000,000 to 20 schools across the country.  Hebrew Academy of Huntington Beach, where Michael’s kids attend, is currently close to the lead.  The competition ends on September 3, and this is the time when votes are most needed.

If you click on www.votehahb.com, you can vote 5 times for the Hebrew Academy of Huntington Beach.  It’s a fantastic school, and a half million dollars would go a very long way!

Thank you!

Exclusively for RENetworks Members…

The shape of our social network – whether small or more expansive, both internal and external – can also highlight the true collaborative nature of an individual or team. In other words, a group of individuals who only communicate and collaborate with one another already share the same …

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If you’ve read Relationship Economics, I refer to Return on Image™ as a quantifiable soft asset.  Mark Fonseca here in Atlanta is one such resource who "gets" the value of dressing for success.  Below is his monthly newsletter which I thought you may find of interest and value.  His contact info is also included should you have a need for his services – I highly recommend him as a trusted source and an insightful asset.

Best,

David

From: Mark Fonseca

Date: August 2010

Subject: News from Fonseca Clothiers

A Publication of Fonseca Clothiers, Inc. August 2010 "I believe that life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve." –Tony Robbins ___________________ MARK FONSECA Fonseca Clothiers CHECKS AND BALANCES Many businessmen hesitate to choose checked shirts, keeping to the more traditional solids and stripes. However, with foresight, there is no need to avoid this wardrobe-extending choice.   When choosing a checked shirt, the choice of tie pattern can be critical. The tie’s print, whether solid, striped, or patterned, should complement the shirt print by offering a visual change of pace. Pairing similar patterns, whether both are large or both small, in tie and shirt can create a feeling of heaviness. Instead, try out combinations with alternating patterns. Tightly-checked shirts require a larger tie pattern, while large checks can support a small, busier print.   Colors can be similarly brought into balance. Rather than limiting your choices to single shades of colors, harmonize the tones. The "seasonal" color scheme may help you decide if a certain red or blue is compatible with your shirt and suit tones, as fall or summer colors naturally complement each other.   A bold shirt, paired with a strong tie, may offer too much visual competition. Rather than pairing warring elements, balance a prominent item with a less pronounced one to allow one piece to create the eye’s focal point.   When choosing ties, try pairing several of them with the shirt, moving them into and out of place quickly to see how your eye reacts. After considering several options, you’ll likely get a feel for which options create a pleasing combination.   Keeping in mind principles of scale, color, and balance can help check shirts become a valuable source of variety in your wardrobe. FALLING FOR EARTH TONES Traditional suit colors, such as navy, black, and gray will always have their place in business. However, don’t let the safety of tradition keep you from tasteful forays into softer, earth-friendly colors. When weather is mild and corporate culture allows, the greens and browns of earth tones can bring a refreshing warmth to your attire.   When considering business or weekend attire, tans and earthy greens, like moss, celery, forest and olive, extend your traditional wardrobe. Trousers and sport coats are excellent vehicles for bringing in these refreshing hues as a welcome counterpoint to stronger colors.   Choosing warm tones for shirt fabrics can create a sense of calm serenity in an outfit. Especially suited for fall casual wear, earth tones bring the life and energy of the outdoors into your wardrobe. Email: mbf@dresstheman.com Phone: (404) 983-4121 Fax: (770) 509-9499 Web: http://www.dresstheman.com

Here is an interesting twist – send out a survey to your membership to decide your next annual convention’s keynote speakers!  I get what they’re trying to do – I’m just curious, is it lack of vision by a committee or trying so hard to be all inclusive? 

A mentor often reminds me that "(Blanket statement warning): HR is a low value, low contribution profession, into which people are shunted for two reasons: they can’t perform well in more important roles, or the company is trying to prove how "diverse" it is by promoting women and minorities (into non-imporant roles); and from which you cannot name me two CEOs in the last decade to have emerged in Fortune 500 companies."

Here is the interesting part – I’m in the professional speaking business and I’ve never heard of some of these people!  It takes a license to go fish, but amazing how some organizations will put any yahoo on a stage!  And then they wonder, why people don’t attend next year’s conference.

What do you think?

Businesspeople immediately equate ROI with Return on Investment. ROI is the ratio of money gained or lost on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. However, there is a considerable amount of time and energy invested in an organization’s activities in addition to money. Is there a way to quantify your Return on Involvement… also expressed as ROI, particularly when it comes to how much time is spent on activities outside your company designed to increase your market presence?

Many people believe that the sheer number of extra-curricular activities will enhance overall market presence – particularly in professional services, where it is considerably more difficult to elevate your intangible value-add. But, simply joining 15 boards and showing up for meet and greets will not suffice. Read the rest of this entry »

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Social Network Analysis, in its simplest term, is the process of mapping and measuring relationships and flow between people, groups, organizations, and other information/knowledge-processing entities. SNA provides both a visual and a mathematical analysis of human relationships.

Analysts are able to deduct key insights from a deep dive of “whole to parts” from…

Sign Up on RENetworks to learn more, get this and other weekly Relationship Economics Tip of the Week, get notified of our upcoming webinars, and get access to other resources like articles and white papers.

To learn more about how to become a member, click on the logo below: