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Survey Says

By TIMES STAFF WRITER and Associated Press
Published September 17, 2006

A look at biz topics on Americans' minds

Be careful how you dress for success

What does your work wardrobe say about you? Whether you prefer khakis and a sweater vest or a pinstriped suit, your office threads speak volumes about your personality, says a survey of 2,245 executives by The Ladders.com, an online recruiting resource:

- More traditionally dressed employees are perceived as more senior level, 70 percent of surveyed executives said, while 60 percent said that they're taken more seriously.

- Buttoned-up employees are considered less creative and less fun than their casually dressed counterparts, and 16 percent said suit-and-tie employees come across as rigid.

"Seventy percent of executives said that clothes can help present the right image. I agree with them," said Marc Cenedella, president and CEO at TheLadders. com. "Presenting yourself in the best possible light, whether you're dressed for a relaxed or formal environment, can help to boost your confidence level."

- Associated Press

Moms don't redeem credit card rewards

Mothers may have one of the most rewarding life professions, but they often fail to reward themselves with their credit card points programs, says a survey of 539 mothers by Disney Credit Card Services, a unit of Walt Disney Co.:

- 41 percent use a rewards credit card. But more than half have yet to redeem points.

- 31 percent are unsure of the rewards their credit card offers.

- More than four out of 10 mothers are dissatisfied with their credit cards' reward programs.

- 34 percent said their cards don't offer rewards that their families want.

- Nearly one-third are frustrated by reward restrictions like blackout dates, high point thresholds and limited availability to use rewards for flights and hotel rooms.

"With the right rewards card, families can offset the cost of a family vacation with purchases made through the year," said consumer advocate and mother Robyn Spizman.

- Associated Press

Middle-market businesses for sale

If you own a middle-market business, chances are you're looking to sell, says a survey of more than 200 business owners by investment bank GW Equity:

- 80 percent of U.S. middle-market business owners are considering selling their business, and more than 75 percent anticipate selling within the next three years.

- 57 percent identified age as the primary factor motivating them to contemplate selling.

"While market activity in this sector remains strong, it is telling that owners contemplating a sale are motivated primarily by age concerns," said Gene Sartin, a GW Equity executive.

- Times staff writer

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 20:58:21]