President, Neels & Company, Inc.
Areas Served: Washington D.C., St.Pete/Tampa FL
Services Offered: Personal Style Consult, Professional Style Consult, Personal Shopping, Color Analysis, Personal Styling + Outfits, Travel Planning, Workshops + Seminars, Wardrobe Management
Certification: Wardrobe 911
Fees: Project-based
Website: www.neelscompany.com
About
Communications expert Gretchen Neels helps professionals improve performance by fine tuning their soft skills, teaching them how to present themselves in a way that conveys trust, confidence and enough charisma to get the job or land the client. Throughout her career as an executive recruiter, she saw countless examples of candidates who had the technical expertise to do a particular job, but were unable to make successful connections.
“Social expertness is crucial to the success of today’s professional,” says Gretchen, “and it doesn’t stop at getting hired. In the current economy, it’s all hands on deck with everyone expected to develop business contacts at a minimum, and to add to the bottom line with paying clients.” Many lawyers, accountants and consultants are far more comfortable with doing the work, not necessarily finding it – that’s where Gretchen adds so much value.
As a coach, speaker and workshop facilitator, Gretchen gets to the heart of what it takes to be a strong performer: top-notch communication skills and looking the part. Popular workshops include:
- Networking for Business Opportunities – Projecting Confidence, Competence & Expertise
- Total Image ManagementTM – What Message Are You Sending?
- Active Listening – Do You Hear What I Hear?
- Emotional Intelligence – A Different Kind of SmartTM
- Color Me Confident – Discover Your Best Clothing and Color Options
- From Hi-Fi to Wi-Fi – Generational Differences at Work
Cisco Systems, Inc., Liberty Mutual and the American Council on Education have sought Gretchen’s expertise, as have a number of professional services firms, including: Bain & Company, The Brattle Group, Dechert, Skadden, Winston & Strawn, and Jenner & Block.
Gretchen has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Forbes.com, Fox Business, ALA’s Legal Management, and PINK Magazine. Last December, her newest product “The New Professional’s Guide to Success,” a 90-minute audio program that takes the mystery out of what it means to be a professional, was featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio. You can read Gretchen’s advice as a generational expert in Ron Alsop’s ground-breaking book, The Trophy Kids Grow Up.
Client Testimonials
Recently I availed myself of your personal shopping service. In my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined ending up with the fabulous wardrobe that you put together for me. I have a difficult time putting together “outfits” and you made the process so easy. Not only that, you revealed an uncanny ability to put together outfits that were perfect for my shape. I had heard how good you were at helping women dress for success, but since shopping with you, I only need to turn to my workplace for proof—I have received countless compliments (from my new boss and co-workers) on my new, professional attire.
Some women may think twice in this economy about spending a little bit of money on a personal shopper and quality clothing, but I believe just the opposite. With companies making decisions about who to keep and who to let go, investing in one’s personal appearance couldn’t be more important.
Please let me know if you would like me to speak with any of your prospective clients about my experience shopping with you. I feel absolutely blessed to have found someone as talented as you!
O. Hecht, Marketing VP
Thank you so much for the wonderful shopping trip we did together. Your sense of color, style and cut really helped me to pick out a new work wardrobe that fits me well, is comfortable, stylish and compatible. Your common sense was so refreshing – from “let’s start with the bottoms,” to “that’s not your size” are what I needed to hear in order to make some sensible choices. I can see now that it is really worth spending the time, the money, and getting some expertise to build a wardrobe – it gets me out of my “drive-by shopping” rut. Plus, we added some fun accents like a new scarf and jacket! It is such a boost to my confidence to feel good about how I look and to be excited about looking into my closet in the morning.
Thank you, thank you!
H. Milhench, CEO, Milhench Supply
Thank you for a wonderful time yesterday! I love my purchases and you made it so easy.
Thanks for everything; it really was fun working with you.
A satisfied client who wishes to remain anonymous
