By Elizabeth Stearns

Dear Elizabeth: I have a big interview with a multinational conglomerate tomorrow in Lewis. I hear they ask a lot of case-based questions. How can I best prepare?
– Worried About Recruiters from Tyco

Dear WART,
My seventh rule of business is that business is personal. It always comes down to that in the end. Your customers likes to be thanked, your families like to be thanked, and I'd like to thank you.

Dear Elizabeth: I'm a first-year who's just moved to Seattle for the MBA program. While I'm enjoying the program so far and the workload is keeping me busy, I was wondering if you had advice about finding a life in Seattle outside Balmer. I like hanging out with my classmates, but I'm looking to join a recreational sports league or something. Any suggestions?
–Searching Puyallup Or Redmond for Things

Dear SPORT,
Thanks for your question. It reminds me of this class I was teaching in Australia last year. My sixth rule of marketing states Satisfaction = Performance minus Expectations. Deliver on your promises to your customer and you will engender customer loyalty. And don't forget, think "multichannel."

Dear Elizabeth: One of my teammates is driving me bonkers. She's so darn condescending. I admit she's better at some subjects than I am, but I can do ANOVA as well as the next guy. Still, she scrutinizes my work and smirks. What gives? How can I deal with her smugness?
–Tired of Accommodating Condescending Teammate

Dear TACT,
Your question reminds me of a Seagrams campaign I worked on. Recall my third rule of marketing: you are not your customer. Enough said.

Dear Elizabeth: When I came into the MBA program I thought for sure I was going to go into a career in finance. Lately, though, I'm really wondering if Wall Street is for me. My summer internship with a Seattle office of Piper-Jaffray was so stressful I'd break out into hives. Should I see a dermatologist or a career counselor?
–I Tried a Career and Hated it

Dear ITCH,
My seventh rule of business is that business is personal. It always comes down to that in the end. Your customers likes to be thanked, your families like to be thanked, and I'd like to thank you.