I just had to let you know how impressed I am with your firm. Everything was sent to me promptly, and I found it very easy to get in touch with you and your son. Most important for me, however, is that everyone at your firm is very pleasant. It's a pity how many business people DON'T realize how much business they lose by being rude and abrupt.

It doesn't surprise me that you've been so successful. I've already recommended your firm to two friends who have very fine pieces of jewelry (engagement rings) that they are considering selling.

Incidentally, as a former New Yorker, I LOVED your very sassy "News & Views from the Chairman." I read every one of them, and nearly fell off my chair laughing. It's nice to read the musings of a man who is very successful, yet isn't overly impressed with himself. I admire people who call it like they see it, regardless of how "un-politically correct" they may appear.

I could go on for hours on how many things I agreed with you on, but I especially liked your "Dress the Part!" essay. My fiancé just started a job as a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley several weeks ago. Even though we're not rolling dough right now (far from it!), I insisted that he get an Armani suit, something that he said that he had always wanted. Okay, well, we bought one on eBay, and then had it professionaly altered, but it's still an Armani suit, right? Long story short: it looks beautiful on him and makes him feel like a million bucks. I'm in a job right now where dressing down is de riguer, and I dress down to not stick out like a sore thumb. Quite frankly, I find it very depressing. Now that my fiancé is settled in a new job, I can't wait to find a job with my freshly minted MBA where I can (just like I did in NYC) wear a suit every day and feel like a professional again.

You offered to critique my résumé. Well, here it is. Greenville is one of the strangest places I have ever lived: every interviewing/job seeking tactic that I successfully employed in NYC, DC, California, France, etc. has proved unsuccessful here, despite the fact that I have toned down my "New York-ness" by about 10 decibels. I've made follow-up phone calls, delivered hand written notes expressing my interest in a particular company (Michelin), etc, did my internet research before interviews, i.e., I did all the "right things" yet I've ended up in a dead-end job as a contractor with GE in which I make $40,000/year for doing next to nothing. Most people would say, "Hey, great deal. What the hell are you complaining about?" (A)I didn't spend $30,000 on an MBA to sit around and do nothing all day or do mindless chores that a kid fresh out of high school could do, and (B) that's not what I'm about. I want to feel like I've accomplished something after a long day at work.

See what you think. I'll readily admit that I've become very stale after almost 4 years here, and it's hard for me to keep my perspective on things.

Sincerely,
Sharon L. Mueller
Taylors, SC