Archive | 2:14 pm

Viadeo for the Working Girl

18 Feb

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No, Viadeo is not the female Viagra. Though a working girl could use that too.

If you are living in France, I hope you are taking advantage of Viadeo (formerly Viaduc). This is the French equivalent to LinkedIn; a social network for professionals. Unlike its English counterparts, however, Viadeo’s users are more friendly and high-ranking. There are a lot of VPs, CEOs, etc, who use the program, and all you have to do is ask for their approval to communicate. Once in, you can ask them about job openings, advice, and other connections!

I have found it especially helpful for people in the luxury sector. Some of the executives actually want to meet you for lunch!

So get on there and create your profile. Your dream job might be a few clicks away!

www.viadeo.com

It’s happening: Lavinia trumps your corner store

18 Feb

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Slowly but surely the very fabric of french culture is being torn to shreds by American size stores.

Case in point: LAVINIA.

This massive 3-level store by the Madeleine is the Walmart of wine shops. They are bringing in a huge selection from around the world, offering better prices and promotions, and dazzling customers with the low level lighting and climate controls. Don’t get me wrong: this is a great store, and in America we would go nuts for it. They even deliver to your doorstep via online ordering.

But what consequences will Lavinia have for my adorable corner wine store? Will they move one step closer to closing their doors forever? Is this the beginning of the walmartization of France? On verra mes francophiles, petit a petit ca commence.

For once we cannot blame America. Lavinia is a Spanish chain that opened its first two stores in Spain, and now this third one in Paris.

Check out the threat to your neighborhood mum-and-pop stores at www.lavinia.fr

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