Monica Mistretta » My rules

73.- Rule for coping with PR Executives

Monicami — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:09:26 +0000

For Alcides León, Mauricio Romero, John Harorld Rodríguez, and the rest of the L.A. colleagues

Because of my job, I get to travel often as an invited reporter. It’s not the best way to travel, because everybody knows there is no such thing as a free lunch. But the inviting company executives’ also know that there is a limit to what you are committed to in exchange. Well, not all of them: there are the PR ones. Most of them think your attention span is infinite, your working hours are at least 12 and you are excited to learn even the tiniest detail of the company strategy.

That’s not the worst part. Some of them behave as nannies. Not happy with being behind you all day long, looking over your shoulder, they even call in the morning to wake you up!

When I stumble upon one of this cute PR Executives, I immediately straight things out the best way I can possibly handle. But to avoid unnecessary trouble and hard feelings, my advice is to ask for the personalized agenda well before you accept the trip invitation. If there will be no free time, no social activities and just intense business meetings in a two day trip that requires a 12 hour flight (one way), you are better off not accepting.

1.- Rule for Love

Monicami — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:16:25 +0000

First of all let me set it straight: love is overrated. Before one can think about a romantic relationship, all other basic needs must be fulfill: health and monetary ones, to be specific. So, take this from someone who has always been practical.

To succeed in a loving relationship you have to look to reciprocity. Whoever says that love is giving without expecting anything in return is a liar. Even between father and son, love needs to be nurtured and reciprocated.

The other basic element in a relationship is respect. I don’t have to explain myself here. Let’s just say that you should be appreciated by who you are and accepted as is. Billy Joel’s famous song put it this way: “Don’t go changing trying to please me […]I love you just the way you are”. If your significant other cannot sing you this song, find somebody else.

28.- Rule for presents

Monicami — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:17:01 +0000

I really hate people who say “I bought you this because I didn’t know what to give you”. And they come with a piece of crap. If you really don’t know the person, there are always “safe bets”: a bottle of good wine, a beautiful flower bouquet, a signature art craft, or –if your budget allows it—a branded ornament object.

When you really know the person, there is absolutely no room for excuses. Even if the person is extremely wealthy (and you are not), there are small things that she might actually not have. The best gifts ever have come from persons that had thought about what I might be missing after analyzing my day to day activities and preferences (and with a small budget):

-A Swiss Army knife card
-A good quality runners T-shirt
-A good novel I had missed
-An original (and fun) mouse pad

Of course, expensive (and good taste) gifts are always appreciated.

12.- Rule for success

Monicami — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:23:03 +0000

I believe what Bill Cosby said about this issue: “I don’t know the secret for success, but I know the secret for failure: trying to please everyone”.

242.- Rule for hosting

Monicami — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:21:47 +0000

I hate when my host (hostess) says that there is no coffee (or beer, or whatever there isn’t) because “we don’t drink it”. Hello! If you want to please your guests you think of what they like, not what you dislike.

33.- Rule for bearing with mother-in-laws

Monicami — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:20:14 +0000

Even if his son is perfect –and he chose you for being his wife–, you are not. So, don’t try too hard. Save yourself time and trouble and just avoid her.

55.- Rule for introductions (2)

Monicami — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:18:06 +0000

If you are hosting a friend’s reunion and there are people who don’t know each other, introduce each person adding a little background, as in: “He is Pete Summers, dentist, runner and father of two wonderful boys”. You will make it easier for everybody to start a conversation.

76.- Rule for drinking

Monicami — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:10:26 +0000

It’s a rule of thumb one should not mix spirits when drinking. So, avoid cocktails (specially the sweet ones), and always stick to straight drinks. There are ways in which you can “mix” to some extent. I enjoy having wine with dinner, but as an “after” sometimes I have a whisky rather than a dessert wine. Or, on the other hand, I may start with a classic Campari or a Tequila, and then switch to wine. If you are only going to have one glass of each, you are playing it safe. The “don’t mix” rule applies especially when you are going to hang out all night. Moderation is always a must, but also having the kind of drink that gets the “kick out of you”, as the song goes. You don’t want to fall asleep or make a fool of yourself. (I have a special respect for martinis. Ladies, beware!).

149.- Rule for discounts

Monicami — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:33:21 +0000

I used to be one of those persons who are ashamed to ask for a discount, specially in places like boutique shops, auto dealers or service vendors in general. Very recently I learned that discounts are for those who ask, as my husband says. Don’t be afraid. I have become addicted to discounts or, at least, to negotiate better payment plans. You will be surprise as how much people is willing to give in.

25.- Rule for dating 101

Monicami — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:45:02 +0000

If this is your very first date, and you don’t know much of the guy, needles to say you must choose a restaurant (or public place) where you are known by the owners. Other rules that apply:

Wear a sexy outfit but leave room for further surprise (just in case)
Don’t talk too much about yourself (again, be mysterious)
Keep positive…nothing is worse than listening to trouble, problems and tragedies
Don’t speak about your family (no details, I mean)
But most of all…LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. Let him do the talking, chatting, ordering, even singing or dancing. With all this information decide if you want to see him again.