SmartTips® Video Tutorials

Take a moment to think of once great companies in our history that are no longer in existence: Pan Am, Montgomery Ward, Countrywide Financial and Circuit City, to name just a few. Why did they fail? What sent these industry giants into a state of decline? In this SmartTips video, we take a look at five reasons great companies fail.

Enhance your professional image by always making the right impression with your appearance. This SmartTips video offers basic tips on how to achieve the best look for conveying your professionalism without going overboard.

What type of employee are you? This SmartTips video defines the positions of employee, independent contractor, temporary employee, seasonal employee, non-exempt employee, and the exempt employee. Knowing which category you fall under will give you a better idea of what your employer expects from you.

People who are chronically late disrupt the worlds of everyone who manages to get to places on time. This SmartTips video emphasizes that businesses count on employees to get to work and appointments on time and explains why it's essential to always be punctual.

It is often a surprise when a coworker confides in you that he or she has decided to leave the company. This SmartTips video reveals how to respond to news like this and suggests specific actions you can take to ensure a smooth departure and transition.

Despite the popularity of text messaging and emails, phone calls are still an important business tool for which there are specific recommendations. This SmartTips video reviews how phone calls should be handled and how to craft effective voicemail messages for colleagues and contacts.

There is a common belief that at least one person is going to go wild at an office party and do something embarrassing. To make sure it's not you, follow the advice in this SmartTips video to have fun without jeopardizing your professional image or marring your reputation.

People often judge and make assumptions about you as soon as you are introduced, so in order to have people see you as you want them to, it is important to make a strong first impression. This SmartTips video offers some important considerations to bear in mind when meeting new people.

What kind of reputation do you have? Does it precede you? Is there room for some improvement? Reputation is an important component in attaining professional success. This SmartTips video reviews how to build and sustain a respectable reputation.