Remember their coffee order

It's a very small and tactical item, but it is important to know people's coffee order. (We have a Starbucks walking distance so this is the coffee house I base my orders on - you do the same, whatever is close and most frequented.) We've all been up early and in line with a text out to those you work with - "who wants coffee?" But a little trick I learned is to write down the important people's drinks! (The boss, the clients and those who make your life easy or not.) You can either make a note or even save it under each contact name. Make a positive impression by remembering the small things.

Laugh!

A good laugh will go a long way! It strengthens relationships, allows for a release of energy and leaves you with a smile on your face. People you laugh with are more enjoyable to work with. And if you participate in laughter - your co-workers will associate you with it. And who does not want to be remembered for a good laugh, happiness and a big smile?? exactly.

Duly Noted

A few years in the work world will give you a good taste of things you should duly note along the way. 1. Write down, mark your calendar, and set a reminder of your hire date. This should be grounds for your yearly review and mid-year reviews. This date plays a huge factor of a pay increase (even if it is a small percentage) and personal feedback on how you are doing. 2. Save contact information! Microsoft Outlook has a "contacts" section for you to create a card and input contact information (don't forget the mailing info - you never know when you may need to mail them something!). You can easily forward them in emails and it's a great way to keep up with your clients, potential leads or a good resource. Side Note: I have also found using the "new contact" as a reference for websites user name and password. 3. Respond back with confirmation you received something. When people send something over for you to act upon, the sender always appreciates a "got it" or even a simple "thanks"!

Stay Positive

Expect the unexpected and as you go through it - stay positive. It's easy to complain or frustrated, but in the end staying positive will leave you feeling much better about the situation. And when you are positive it is easier to share that motivation with your fellow co-workers. High fives, laughs and a pat on the back will go a long way!

Bring healthy snacks!

I love to snack! And even worse I love something sweet. I quickly learned that the candy machine was not a good idea for a meal or snack substitution - trouble! Here is a quick list of things I've found to be filling, but a good snack!

- Granola (perfect to hold you over till lunch!)
- Oatmeal (the best breakfast and you can keep it at your desk)
- Raisins (they are sweet and tasty)
- Oranges (they smell your cube too :)
- Snack Bars (any kind that are low in fat)
- Fruit cocktail cups (better cold, but I don't think they have to be)

If your sitting at a desk, you need to eat healthy!

Read, Read and Read

I can not stress enough how important it is to read. News, industry articles, attending webinars and white papers are a few resources to absorb. You never know when you will hear or read something that either sparks a thought, idea or gives you the motivation or advice you need.

Webinars are great - and usually held during lunch! So bring your brown bag and start listening, take notes and share with your colleagues what you've learned. The boss will love this!

White papers and industry publishers keep you up to what is going on, trends, things to look out for - wins or fails. I find a quick glance at an industry newsletter keeps me up with my competitors (messaging and creative) and also allows me to quickly glance at what is going on (from a holistic, landscape view)

I know it takes time and sometimes I wonder why I printed out a 52 page report, but believe me in the end you will be happy you took the time to read it and thrilled when you can use that knowledge in the next meeting you sit in. Keep on reading!

Don't forget the flowers

Birthdays, celebrations, and "get well soon" occasions are all appropriate for flowers. As old school it may seem never underestimate the power of flowers.