Summer Office Attire: What Not To Wear To Work

By: Robert DiaGiacomo

http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/workplace-issues/summer-attire-what-not-to-wear-to-work-hot-jobs/article.aspx

No matter how high the temperature rises, the right business clothes still make a strong statement in the workplace.

Experts say that no matter how hot it gets, flip-flops, shorts and tank tops remain fashion don’ts in most offices — and even workers in creative professions, high tech industries or other fields with liberal dress policies should be wary of showing too much skin.

Here are five tips for maintaining your professional look during the warm weather months or in any temperate climate.

Don’t Take a Vacation from Professionalism

To image consultant Sherry Maysonave, women in tank tops or men in shorts send a message that they’re not fully engaged with their jobs.

“It’s like their goal is to go on vacation,” says Maysonave, the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success. “Too much skin in the game doesn’t score any career points for women — I hear it over and over. Guys do wear shorts, but I think it demotes them.”

Don’t Ignore the Rules

It’s especially important for anyone just starting a career to understand his company’s policies for summer office attire, according to workplace consultant Lisa Orrell, the author of Millennials into Leadership: The Ultimate Guide for Gen Y’s Aspiring to Be Effective, Respected, Young Leaders at Work.

“If a company doesn’t have an official policy, millennials should take time to talk to their bosses, although a lot of it boils down to common sense and being tasteful,” Orrell says.

Don’t Reveal Too Much

The latest styles for women and men may call for tight-fitting designs that reveal or show off well-toned bodies, but those looks are still more appropriate for free time than for work hours.

“If you’re a young woman wearing short-shorts and super-tight tank tops that you would wear to a friend’s house, that’s probably not appropriate, no matter what kind of workplace you’re in,” Orrell says.

It’s also not appropriate for a guy to wear cargo shorts and flip-flops the day a potential new client is coming in, she adds.

Don’t Flip-Flop

Although you’re likely to see flip-flops, Crocs and those FiveFinger “barefoot” shoes frequently in Silicon Valley workplaces and other unconventional offices, they’re still not considered a way to put your best foot forward in most professional settings.

In some traditional offices, even wearing shoes without socks is a major no-no.

“I know of one man who did not get a promotion because he went to a meeting with the CEO and was wearing shoes without socks,” Maysonave says.

However, women may have more leeway with footwear because not all flip-flops are created the same.

“You can buy a $300 pair of flip-flops, and they can be very classy,” Orrell says.

And What About Tattoos?

Conventional wisdom dictates keeping tattoos on arms, legs and shoulders covered, but with so many young adults making fashion statements with tattoos, attitudes are evolving, according to Orrell.

“For job interviews, companies are realizing that if they have a no-tattoo policy, they’re going to eliminate half the talent pool,” she says. “I tell companies, ‘Don’t judge the young person just because they have a tattoo showing. For all we know, the person was a valedictorian at Harvard. It doesn’t reflect on their personal values or work attitudes.’”

The Rules of Workplace Style: Fashion Tips For Men and Women

By Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs

http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/workplace-issues/the-rules-of-workplace-style-hot-jobs/article.aspx

The power suits for men and women may no longer set the style standard in today’s business-casual workplace, but how you dress for the office still matters.

“People who dress better are typically treated better at work,” says David McKnight, a New York City-based image consultant. “They are usually given more responsibility and are shown much more respect.”

Here are tips on what to wear — and what not to wear — so you can make the best impression on your boss, colleagues and clients.

The Big No-Nos

Business casual isn’t a fashion free-for-all, says Susan Bixler, president and founder of the Bixler Consulting Group.

The Atlanta-based consultant has created guidelines for business-casual dress for those just starting out, workers at mid-career and those eyeing the executive suite.

The “baseline” look starts with three no-nos — no flip-flops, no jeans and no visible tattoos — and calls for tailored trousers and long-sleeve shirts or tops for men and women.

The “midstream” look is similar but with an emphasis on higher-quality fabrics. The executive version ups the sartorial ante by recommending jackets for men and trouser-style suits for women.

“Any time you want to add authority, put on the jacket,” says Bixler, the author of seven books, includingThe New Professional Image: From Business Casual to the Ultimate Power Look.

All Suited Up

If you’re unsure about the dress code — or lack thereof — for a prospective employer, ask in advance. But McKnight believes you really can’t go wrong by donning a jacket or wearing a suit.

“A suit is a nonverbal way of communicating to the employer that you really want the position and that you are taking the interview extremely seriously,” he says.

Style Challenges

Bixler advises women to avoid too much of a good thing, whether it’s clothes that are too tight or too much makeup, jewelry or fragrance.

Men often make the mistake of showing up in casual clothing more appropriate for poker night with the guys than the office, or showing up at work unshaven or with dirty, unpolished shoes.

“There’s an expectation [for both sexes] to look professional,” Bixler says. “Women have more opportunity to make mistakes because there are more options for women. For men, it’s more straightforward.”

Too Much Skin

Edgy looks, especially those involving the baring of cleavage, skin or tattoos, rarely cut it at the office, unless you happen to work in a trend-conscious field like advertising or fashion.

“When you’re not sure whether something is appropriate for work, then there’s a 98 percent chance that it’s not,” McKnight says.

The Whole Look

Choosing the right clothing is just one component of your professional look, which includes good grooming and hygiene, as well as being well-rested and mentally ready to face the day.

“There are so many things we don’t have control over, but what we can control is the image of professionalism we show to the world,” Bixler says.

Cracking The Business Casual Dress Code

By Mary Lou Andrehttp://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/workplace-issues/business-casual-dress/article.aspx

The American workplace is much different than it was 10  or so years ago: Everything from corporate structure and hiring practices to work schedules and compensation has been affected. But these important areas are not the only marked differences in today’s changing workplace.

The appearance of the American worker has changed as well. Not long ago, everyone from the most seasoned professionals to entry-level employees had a common understanding of appropriate business attire. Thanks to the creation of the “khaki culture” and increasing popularity of business casual dress, it’s no longer that simple.

So how do you dress down for work without looking like you’re headed to the beach? Here are a few easy rules to live — and dress — by:

Consider Your Work Environment

If you’re meeting with clients or having business lunches, err on the conservative side. It’s a sign of professional respect, and you can save the khakis for a time when you’ll be in the office all day.

Strive for Consistency

If you wear tailored and conservative outfits Monday through Thursday, Friday isn’t the day to show up like you just rolled out of bed. No matter what industry you’re in, consistency goes a long way in establishing trust and credibility with all your internal and external contacts.

Ask First, Dress Later

Show respect for both yourself and management by avoiding things like jeans, sneakers, hats and T-shirts. Some companies do take a more lenient approach to casual dressing, so be sure to check with your HR department or manager before showing up dressed for a barbecue.

Look Inside Your Closet

Finally, you shouldn’t have to run out and buy an entire new wardrobe just for business casual days. Chances are you already own many of the items you need.

Applying Business Casual

So now that you’ve figured out the rules and banished your suits to the back of the closet, here are a few ideas to bring you into the business casual corporate culture.

For Women

• If your company’s idea of casual isn’t quite jeans and sweaters, pantsuits are the answer. Not only are they trendy, but they can be dressed up or down. Choose a dark neutral shade like black, navy, brown or gray and opt for pants with a bootleg cut. Pair them with a light sweater, and you’ll be ready to go from your desk to a client meeting without a second thought.
• The most current dress style to own for work is a classic sheath, which is fitted to flatter the body’s natural curves without being too tight or revealing. Pair it up with a cardigan or a blazer in the same fabric and color.
• Stock up on different tops to give your wardrobe a bit of versatility. Crisp, cotton shirts in white and hues like chambray and chartreuse instantly add a casual element to your dress pants or khakis. Cardigan twin sets are also an easy way to present a softer look while still looking professional.
• Jewelry, scarves and other accessories will add a polished touch to any outfit. Remember: Less is more.

For Men

• A sport coat instantly creates a pulled together look, especially in a business casual environment. It’s also an ideal choice for client meetings or presentations. Pair up a black, navy blue or dark gray blazer with khakis or dark wool pants.
• In addition to traditional dress slacks, khakis, Dockers, corduroys, wool flannel and linen slacks are also appropriate for the office, either with or without a blazer. Just because it’s casual day, it doesn’t mean you can turn up in wrinkled pants. Be sure to iron them beforehand.
• Casual button-down oxford shirts are a great alternative to dress shirts, with or without a tie. Skip the loud prints like plaid, and opt for basic white, chambray or pinstripe.
• Shoes are an afterthought for many men, but unkempt footwear can ruin an otherwise polished look. Oxfords and loafers in brown or black are a good match for khakis or corduroys, but save the sneakers and hiking boots for the weekend.

During the Walmart IT Summit at 8 P.M, students from across the country were presented with a business case and told to turn in an application design and presentation by 5 A.M.

Walmart facilitated a unique opportunity to bounce ideas off of other students from varying programs. Our team selected a concept that integrates applications to raise business value. As a finalist, we presented our application to the CIO and a number of Vice Presidents. Our team won first runner-up, and the group recognized me as most important contributor. I gained valuable presentation skills and practiced quick but deliberate decisions. The Walmart Summit was an excellent learning and networking experience between students and professionals.

Elizabeth Roberts

The First Day of Your Internship: What To Expect

By: Heather Trulock

http://studentbranding.com/the-first-day-of-your-internship-what-to-expect/

School’s out for summer! Although classes are over, my office is buzzing with students getting ready to embark on their summer internships. One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “What should I expect on my first day?” While this varies across companies, here are some general expectations to have going into day one of your internship:

• You are always “on.” Many companies convert interns to full-time employees. As such, you need to think of your internship as an extended interview. Know that you are being evaluated the moment you enter the office.
• It’s okay to be nervous….even if you are an extrovert or a leader of a student organization back at college. You are in a new environment with new people, and you’ll need to figure out where you fit. Put yourself out there, make introductions, and ask questions – it will make for an easier transition.
• Don’t be surprised if you don’t “hit the ground running” on your first day. Your computer and/or work area may not be ready, and you will probably be spending a lot of your day filling out HR paperwork and going through some form of orientation.  Go with the flow and use this as an opportunity to learn more about your position and the office culture.
• Your job description may not match up completely with what you are doing.  As a seasoned professional, I can confidently say that supervisors often make slight modifications to your position. Stay flexible and be open to change. Who knows – some of these changes may enrich your internship experience.

Having an understanding of what to expect your first day in the office will start you on the right path for your internship. Remember – if your goal is to one day work for the company you are interning for, make sure you maximize your entire internship experience. Best of luck this summer!

Being A Great Intern

By: Internship Finder

http://www.internshipfinder.com/members/office-life.php

The way you dress for work is an important way to command respect, build trust, and portray a professional image. Workplace attire can affect the image you convey to co-workers, influence responsibility, promotions and your future within the workplace.

It is common to dress in business attire for the interview in order to make a great first impression. Suit jackets and slacks are appropriate for gentlemen, while women may wear a suit jacket and knee length skirt. However, it may happen that your interview takes place on a “dress down” day. If you are unsure of how to dress for work, please do not be afraid to ask. It is better to inquire than to feel uncomfortable and make a less than perfect impression on your first day of work.

While business attire has no specific definition, there are guidelines that are in your best interest to follow. For women, a conservative, solid color suit with a complementary blouse is a respectful ensemble. Be sure to go light on make-up and jewelry. It is also important to wear your hair in a neat and professional manner, and have your fingernails clean and trimmed.

For men as well, conservative is a key word. Solid color suits, long sleeved shirts, and a conservative tie are very important. It is also important to remember small things about the apparel that make a big difference, such as wearing dark colored socks rather than light, manicured nails, and very little to no cologne or aftershave.

There are many companies that allow their employees to dress in “business casual” attire. While casual sounds a lot more comfortable and relaxed, it is still your responsibility to look professional. For women, khaki, corduroy, or neatly pressed cotton pants or skirts are completely acceptable. Sweaters, cardigans, and polo shirts will also look professional when worn neatly. It is important to remember that solid colors are better to wear in the work place than bright or busy patterns.

Men, cotton and khaki pants can be worn as long as they are washed and neatly pressed. Pressed long sleeve button down shirts, polo shirts, and knit shirts with a collar will make you look and feel good around the office. However, don’t forget about your feet! Make them look professional too by wearing nice leather shoes. Match them with a leather belt and you’ll be perfectly business casual.

It is not only how you look around the workplace that matters, but also how you conduct yourself. First and foremost, it is crucial to be able to carry on a conversation with a co-worker.

It helps build relationships between the people you see and work with on a daily basis. While learning about a co-worker’s skills is a good idea, asking or talking about their personal life isn’t. It may be slightly more difficult to stray away from the personal lives of your co-workers in a small environment, but for your integrity and the integrity of your workplace, it is imperative to set boundaries. Although there is no clean cut line, it is best to stay away from topics that may make someone feel uncomfortable. Even if you are not the person saying inappropriate things, you will definitely encounter someone else saying it to you. In this situation it is best to turn the conversation back to something work related as quickly as you can.

Also, working with the same people for thousands of hours a year, you are bound to develop close friendships with your co-workers. It is important to fully trust this co-worker. If the friendship starts to put a strain on your work environment, it is in the best interest of both of you to give each other some space. Lastly, if you have an issue with a co-worker, address what you can do to help solve the problem. Talk to this person honestly, directly, and privately.

7 Tips For Internship Preparation

By: Michael Matthews

http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelmatthews/2011/03/31/7-tips-for-internship-preparation/

“I’ll meet you at the subway“, said Tom, a former classmate and now summer intern whom I’d be borrowing floor space from for the next couple weeks.

I arrived at 125th Street and Broadway in Harlem, confused and dripping with sweat from carrying my luggage. At the top of a long escalator was the “1 train” subway platform but viewable across the street was a Subway sandwich shop.

“Wait, did he mean Subway or subway?”

I nervously chuckled to myself (after all, this was my first time to New York City) and hauled my bags across the street and inside the sandwich retailer. Turns out I was right and Tom arrived forty minutes later to guide me back to his 5’x5’ dorm room. The next morning I put on a suit and arrived in SoHo to begin my internship at a mid-size advertising agency.

Soon, we’ll begin to see the arrival of summer interns. And this year in particular, we’ll see a whole lot of them. According to a National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, 93% of the 266 surveyed employers plan to hire interns. In fact, those same employers are hiring 7% more interns than last year. The main reason is cheap labor in a down economy. A lessor, but more refreshing reason, is the need employers have to maintain relevancy by hiring digital-is-second-nature-to-me students.

The former reason poses a bit of a problem: those incoming interns who are seeking notice and eventual full-time employment may get left out in the cold come next season. But while factors like fierce competition and less full-time hiring are difficult obstacles to overcome, there are definitive steps interns can take to increase their chances of landing a salary. What’s number one? Knock the chip off your shoulder. I recently posed a question on what the biggest cultural issue with interns is to a room of fourteen HR directors. Their answer: entitlement.

So in a cultural world that’s all about me, what are the keys to success? The following tips – many done before you even walk through the door on your first day- are for interns who want to become irreplaceable and respected by their employers:

1) “Learn your industry”

Read trade publications. Advertising interns, read AdAge and Advertising Week. Public Relations interns, read PRWeek; social media interns, readMashable. Finance interns, Wall Street Journal. Accounting interns, The Journal of Accountancy. Take specific note of the topics, trends, major players, holding companies and thought leaders.

2) “Google yourself”

Ensure the search results are what companies wouldn’t consider “risky”, but don’t be afraid to show up in the ranks. Everyone knows and expects you to have Facebook beach pictures and strongly worded blog comments, just make sure privacy settings are secure and overall results show up favorably.

3) “Develop your online persona”

In accordance with above, be present in those search results. Read what industry leaders are saying in the social space and actively comment. Author your own blog and online forums. Don’t focus on your overall industry (you’ll only feel overwhelmed), rather focus on a niche topic you care about (i.e. QR code campaigns in Singapore). Be the smartest person in the room on a topic. Lastly, when deciding on how much of your personality to share, follow this mantra, “don’t be a robot but don’t be Kanye“.

4) “Know new media”

There is an expectation that new media is second nature to you. If you happen to be one of the resistors, it’s time to get over it. More important then using social sites for personal reasons, you’ll need to understand why Foursquare,Facebook and Twitter, for example, are relevant to your industry and company. Go to the data. Observe the trend line of media by demographics, mediums and industries. Make an educated decision on what technologies are purely novelty and which have lasting value. You superstars have already bought a book on SEO or mobile marketing.

5) “Teach boomers new media”

Your understanding of new media will serve of value in your internship as you’re able to communicate and apply these technologies to senior management. The occasions to share will be rare but very critical. So, learn how to appropriately do so, now. Grab your neighbor, parents, or professors and learn to participate in a “knowledge share”. Take a topic (i.e. location-based services, transmedia storytelling, SMS campaigns) and make sure you only do half of the talking. They need to feel comfortable asking you questions and contributing. After each session, write down your observations with what worked and what didn’t. If they’re willing, ask your participants to do the same. As you prove yourself in the workplace, you will become a sought after intern because of your ability to listen, apply and communicate with your future boss. And that same boss will invest in you because you’ve already put in the work to invest in them.

6) “Thank you cards”

Write a hand-written note to anyone who assisted you in landing this internship (parents, teachers, internship coordinator, classmates who reviewed your resume, etc.). Get into the habit of personal gratitude. Throughout your internship and at the end of it, write to anyone who taught you something.

7) “Never say no”

Learn now to make a good cup of coffee and how to double-side print on a copy machine. Master the simple things so they become a non-issue in the office because you’ve got it covered. Ask your boss (only occasionally), “is there anything I can help you with?”. It can be a tough question for a boss to answer because they don’t know how much you can handle. But they do need help. So try and listen for those spoken or unspoken needs and be pro-active. When your asked to do something beneath you, do it, but do it better than anyone else.

Good luck interns.

10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Internship

By: Alison Green

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2011/01/17/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-internship

Internships have become a must for college students; without the work experience they provide, the post-graduation job search is significantly more difficult. But it’s not enough to simply get an internship. You also need to impress the employer during your time there.

Here are 10 ways to get the most out of an internship:

1. Know what to expect. Generally, the idea behind an internship is to give you some basic exposure to day-to-day work in your field. In most cases, you will not be doing glamorous, substantive work; you’ll be making other people’s lives easier. This means you may get stuck photocopying, filing, arranging meetings, and completing other tasks that may strike you as drudgery. In exchange, you get exposure to the field and work experience to put on your resume.

2. Gain trust early on. If you excel at the boring tasks and do them cheerfully, you may be given more interesting work. Now, you may wonder what being good at photocopying has to do with your ability to do, say, independent research. Here’s the connection: When you come in as an intern, you haven’t proven yourself in the work world. But if you do a great job on the boring work, you’ll show that you pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and care about quality. Keep up that track record, and eventually someone may let you try something more interesting. But do a bad job on the basic stuff, and no one will trust you with anything more advanced. So it’s important to go into the job determined to do every task well, no matter how menial.

3. Pay attention to the office culture. Observe how others in the office act, and mirror that. For instance, if employees modulate their voices when others are on the phone, modulate yours. If they’re compulsively on-time for meetings, you should be compulsively on-time, too. Lots of little things like this will help you appear professional. And while they may sound small, they’re likely to help you stand out compared to other interns.

4. Focus. Don’t use social networking sites (unless it’s part of your job) or text with friends throughout the workday. You may be confident that it doesn’t distract you or affect your work, but experienced managers have watched enough people to be confident that it does.

5. Take your work seriously. In school, if you made a mistake on a test or paper, it only affected you. In many jobs, mistakes are much more serious. If you do make a mistake, make sure you handle it correctly.

6. Ask for feedback. Every so often, ask your boss how you’re doing. What could you be doing differently? Make it easy for her to give you input that will help you grow.

7. Learn from your co-workers. Ask them about their own careers. How did they get into the field? What do they like about it? What do they find challenging? What advice do they have for you? Most people love to talk about themselves and will be flattered that you’re asking about their experiences. Best of all, it’s likely to make them want to help you.

8. Dress appropriately. There’s no “intern exception” in the dress code, and yet I’ve seen interns come to work wearing flip-flops, ultra-low-rise jeans, visible bra straps, and worse. If you look like you’re dressing for a class rather than a job, you’re signaling that you don’t take your job seriously.

9. Ask for advice. Talk to people about your career plans. Tell them you’d love any advice they have, either now or in the future. Your co-workers can be helpful to you by telling you about job leads, recommending you for a job, and helping you consider various career choices. Though most people are happy to offer this kind of help, they might not offer it if you don’t explicitly ask.

10. Say “Thank you.” Talk to your manager about what you’re getting out of your internship, and thank her for giving you the opportunity to work there. We all love hearing the occasional expression of appreciation, so don’t be shy about offering it

The COMPLETE Guide to Phone Interviews

By: Lauren E. Berger

http://internqueen.com/blog/2013/04/complete-guide-phone-interviews

Phone interviews are becoming a popular way to interview to future interns and employees. A phone interview sounds easy but it is important to be prepared as if it was a face-to-face interview. A phone interview can be ruined easily by background noise or being unprepared. If you are prepared, phone interviews can be a breeze. Here is a guide on mastering a phone interview.

Before the call
• Research company/position- This sounds obvious but it will be helpful to know the company at hand. It is also important to note the qualifications that the company expects from you. This will come in handy later when the interviewer asks questions related to how your skills match what their company is looking for.
• Select Interview location- location is important during a phone interview. You don’t want to be in a loud space, or an area that is distracting. Choose a place that is quiet, with low traffic. Also if you are choosing to use your cellphone make sure that you can get reception in the area that you are in.
• Print out resume- Have your resume ready for the phone call. It will come in handy when the interview asks you to list involvement, relevant experience, etc. It will be easier to have the resume ready and available than recalling all experience through memory.
• Practice makes perfect- conduct a mock interview in which you answer questions typical interview questions. This gives you time to prepare yourself for certain questions as well as catch those um’s and like’s prior to the interview.

During the call
• Smile- It may sound weird because they cannot see you. But if you smile throughout your phone interview it will project a positive and eager tone to your interviewer.
• Clear and Concise- make sure you answer the interviewers questions clearly. If you don’t understand the question make sure you ask again. Make sure you speak slowly and enunciate well when communicating. It just makes it easier for you and the interviewer.
• Acting- Act as though you are in a face-to-face interview. Don’t do things you wouldn’t do if you were face-to-face.
• Don’t text, eat, and chew gum.
• Take notes- Make sure you take notes. The interviewer may be giving you information that they expect you to know. Also if they are saying expectations of the company, you can apply it to answering a question later on in the interview.
After the call

• FOLLOW UP- This is one of the most important things. It may sound old school but send a thank you note, letter or email. It makes a difference. A thank you letter simply reiterates your interest in the internship.

How to stand out at your internship

By: Becca Lazarus, Intern Queen

http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/career/how-to-stand-out-at-your-internship

Experience is something that every employer looks for when hiring someone, and internships are a great way to fill your resume with relevant experience. Many companies hire a large group of interns or just a small team, but either way, standing out is always important — no matter how many people are your fellow interns.

• Be proactive. No internship coordinator wants to see his or her interns just sitting around chatting or browsing Facebook. Instead, you should see if anyone needs an extra hand with anything. Don’t be afraid to seem annoying — he or she will most likely be glad you offered to help.

• Always be prepared. Carrying a pen and a notebook around is a great way to make sure you’re organized and ready for anything. In meetings, taking notes — even if it doesn’t seem like you need to — shows that you care.

• Dress to impress. Remember that, when in doubt, overdressing is better than underdressing. Always make sure what you wear is appropriate for the workplace (and not too revealing).

• Ask your boss or supervisor to get lunch. Discuss topics outside of the workplace so your boss can get to know you on a personal level (but remember to stick to appropriate personal-life details). You can also use this time with your boss to learn about his or her career path if it’s one you’d like to emulate.

• Make sure you do everything with a smile. That shows that you want to be there and that you are excited about the opportunity. Enthusiasm is definitely contagious.

• Speak up in meetings or groups. Sharing your thoughts with full-time employees can be intimidating, but your supervisor will remember you for it. Remember that you might be imaginative, inspired and ingenious but no one will know if you don’t speak up. However, you should evaluate the situation to make sure it’s an appropriate time to talk — there will be times when it’s best to speak up and others when you should just be observant.

• Say thank you. When your internship is over, send your internship coordinator a handwritten letter thanking him or her for the experience. Sometimes even a basket of cookies or an edible arrangement work too!