Weekend Reads: Dealing with difficult people, dress to impress and why customer service works

Something that every person does in the morning is scour through their closet to pick out their ensemble for the day. “Style Bible: What to Wear to Work,” written by Lauren A. Rothman, is a book outlining the dos and don’ts of what to wear to your workplace.
This book has fantastic tips for both men and women to dress to impress. Rothman makes her first important note by stating that first impressions are, “formed in less than five seconds.” Knowing your own personal style and the dress code of your workplace goes a long way. Uniqueness is an elusive trait these days, but this book can help the average person achieve a “dress-for-success-look” with the clothes already in their closet.
 
 
 
Are you an avid shopper that is always looking for the next best deal, steal, or discount? In a world where shoppers are increasingly hesitant to open their wallets for nothing other than a discounted item, “Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World,” offers insight into the mindsets of today’s “bargain junkies.” Author Mark Ellwood jokes that some people have a natural or hereditary ability to spot an inexpensive purchase, and also offers stories and knowledge of this new age of shopping.
 
 
 
It is true that businesses reach out to their consumer base through the use of advertising, but it is the customer service relationship that keeps them coming back. In “The Human Brand,” readers discover that consumers judge a business on the same components, warmth and competence, that humans utilize to develop an impression of another individual. Authors Malone and Fiske state that, “showing concern and interest in customers strengthens brand loyalty.” In a growing digital world, this book showcases that the business-to-consumer relationship is reinforced through proper customer service.
 
 
We choose our friends based on common interests and similar personality traits, but we don’t always have a say in the interactions we encounter with others. Whether it is at work or at a public outing, there are individuals that may irk us in some way or the other. Author Renée Evenson outlines tips and tricks to dealing with the difficult people who you may encounter in “Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People.” Tips like proper body language and thinking before speaking can lead to a harmonized workplace.
 
 
 
 
 Reviews provided by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm SEZ, and AZTB.