I am not a fan of navy ties with navy suits for several reasons. Mainly it’s all of creativity. It also rarely matches the right tones when wearing a monochromatic outfit. It to my eyes usually looks like a guy who is very new to wearing a tie and suit (or never ventured far from that stage). However, when done rightly it can also produce a look for a seasoned dresser that represents a bold and brave approach. Here its use is neither. In the midst of 4 meetings, I attended a funeral for a passed fellow Boy Scout district board member and chose tie from Florence with fleur di lis on it (both the Florence Italy symbol as well as Boy Scouts of America). To add some interest I chose my Prince of Wales blue shirt with green accents and a navy and green pocket square to pick up those colors in the tie. Still in mourning for my friend Tim, the Guinness cufflinks felt appropriate. Navy Byford OTC socks, J Fitzpatrick captoes, and my Seiko 5 finished off the OOTD.

Anyone can have an idea. They're everywhere. Cheap. Easy. Disposable. The real test? Can you stay committed to yours when you're the only one who still believes in it? Because the crowd will get bored. They'll move on to the next trend. The next "big opportunity." The next flashy distraction. While they're chasing new... You're still here. Day after day. Year after year. Executing. Building something that lasts. That's the divide. Dreamers love the start. Builders love the fight. Most people can spark the fire... Almost nobody can keep it burning. If you can? You have something that 99% of people don't. That's what makes you dangerous. Don't let anyone convince you to water it down. It's a true gift. ~ Andy Frisella

I am not looking for a job. In fact I plan for the one I am working at now to be my last. I wanted to share some techniques that I use(d) when interviewing that has some benefits, some draw backs, but makes the interview more of a two way conversation than a "they" question and "you" answer their interrogation. 1. I do my homework on the company or person offering the position. If it is a corporation I look at their profit and loss statements, annual corporate stockholder reports, and comments and statements made by the corporate leadership. I want to be able to speak to what their goals are and if those goals align with mine. 2. I ask questions. I want to know what their view and opinions are on telework, health care, work-life-balance. Have in mind what is important to you and if that company is once again, aligning with your values. 3. "Why?" should I come work for you. "What?" makes you better than the guy across the street. 4. Pay scales. You know what you are worth. They are always going to low ball an offer. It they advertise a position with an expected salary range, then I expect to be hired at the top of that range. The number one overhead expense for any employer is salaries. I value my expertise, work history and time. I have an expected price tag. 5. Check out the surroundings. If you are interviewing on site, be nosey. Look around and see what the conditions of their offices and work environment are. Look at he break room if any. Bathrooms. How much do they value their infrastructure that I may be putting 40 hours of my life in each week. 6. Dress for success. Dress for the position you want to have. Pay attention to the small details. Be articulate, enunciate your words. Avoid slang and maintain eye contact. If it is a board interview make eye contact with each person. Repeat their question in the form of your answer. In the end thank them for their time. You can even follow it up with an email if you are focused on obtaining that position.