¤Maintaining eye contact is the best way to get what you want

¤Guide for tipping: a dollar a bag, a dollar a drink, 18-20% at restaurants, and for really great service, it's okay to overtip.

¤Put two scoops of coffee into your French press, add boiling water and press this down. It kinda makes it look like you're doing more than you actually are. For best flavor, use only fresh-ground beans.

¤When entering a room, body language is key. Chin up, chest out and with a hint of a smile, you'll own the room.

¤Do not get stopped up in one corner. Think "smile, make eye contact, shake hands" when you first meet and again when you leave. Keep moving and meeting people, excusing yourself to get away if necessary.

¤Before you buy those pearls, give them the tooth test: if it's rough against your tooth, it's real.

¤Does your gal speak a second language? Even if you don't know a word of it, you can learn to say "I Love You." No matter how badly you mangle the pronounciation, you can be certain she'll be touched by the effort.

¤When you perform, things backstage are often kind of crazy and hectic. If so, try to find a private corner somewhere, even in the bathroom, where you can stop, shake things out and breathe.

¤Most singers on Broadway use personal steamers because they're a really good, quick fix for whenever you feel congested or need a little extra moisture. I usually take out the filter and what I'll do is take a paper towel and wrap it around (the steamer) so you don't let any of the steam escape. Then put your nose and your whole face in there and just breathe in and out, normally, from your mouth and your nose.