Etiquette Tips
Etiquette Hotline
Table Manner Tips
The Art of Mixing and Mingling
TIP of the MONTH:
June 2014: Are You Allowing E-Mail To Control You?
How often do you check your e-mail each day? If your answer is more than four times,
you have lost control of your day. You let e-mail control you rather than controlling
it.
Time-efficient people focus. They spend their work day "acting" rather than "reacting" to each and every ring and ding.
Successful people are not available every minute of the day. Instead, they plan their daily work and then work their day's plan. They do not respond to every e-mail notification. Instead, they cluster their "work actions" and respond to e-mail messages early in the morning, mid-afternoon and prior to departing for the day. Are you controlling your e-mail communication or are you letting it control you?
April 2014: Seven Strategies For Enhancing Your Professional Style
1. Use a greeting and form of thanks in the first 12 words you speak.
"Good morning, Mr. Smith. Thank you for taking time to meet
with me today."
2. Make the connection by asking individuals something they shared with
you the last time the two of you spoke. "How was your trip to Seattle last
week?"
3. Be proactive rather than reactive by being the first to say hello.
4. Acknowledge people when they are within three feet of you with eye
contact, a smile, a nod or a verbal thank you.
5. Remember the power of a handshake at the beginning of a conversation
and when departing.
6. As you leave a conversation, mention something you heard the other
person say during your encounter. "It's been nice talking to you. Have a
safe trip back to Chicago."
7. Anytime you visit with someone for more than 15 minutes, send a thank
you. It will demonstrate your attention to detail and will be the beginning
of your relationship development process with that person.
March 2014: Eight Key Ways to Add Prescense To Your Business Dress
1. Dress for the position you want, rather than for the one that you have.
2. Invest in clothes that pass the "scrunch" test.
(Squeeze the garment. If it wrinkles, don't buy it.)
3. The "real" definition of business casual is to dress "one notch down."
4. Avoid confusing business casual with business sloppy.
5. Men -- give yourself that added presence by wearing a minimum of two
accessories (a belt, rings, watch, glasses and tie are considered accessories).
6. Women -- add to your presence by wearing a minimum of three accessories.
A pair of earrings, rings (no more than one per hand), a watch, belt
and glasses.
7. When using a pen, be sure it is a reflection of you.
8. Maintain your shoes before they look worn.
July: What to learn from people who act rude
When you witness or even are affected by situations where people act rude, see them
as positive experiences. The way to do so is to recognize that you learn two things
from everyone: What to do and What not to do.
August: How to properly deliver constructive criticism
Begin on a positive note using "you" in your words of praise, sandwich your constructive
comments using "I" so that your suggestions will be heard, and finally end on a positive
note using the term "you" to keep the person motivated.
September: Get others to listen to you through bridging
The next time you are ready to share your words of wisdom, wait before leaping into
the conversation. As what you have learned from the person who has the floor. Then
begin by summarizing others' words in one or two sentences before sharing your perspective.
This techinique is called bridging.
October: How to add presence to your business attire
* Hair - it's the accessory you wear every day. For that reason alone, make sure you get
a quality cut and use quality hair products.
* Jewelry - you don't have to wear the real thing - however, it should at least look that way.
Wear a minimum of accessories.
* Nails - Well-maintained. After your face, hands are the second thing people glance at
when meeting you. Women, if you wear nail polish, it should not glitter or glow.
* Shoes- The way you maintain your shoes is a tell-tale sign of your success. Whether you
have worn them for two months or three years, be sure they look like new.
November: 19 magic words to ask your manager for getting promoted
* Ask in advance of at least three days before the meeting. This shows a well thought
out reasoning.
* Thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
* Using the manager's name, ask "Where would you like to see this department in three
years and how can I help you get there?"
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
WHY SO MANY ORGANIZATIONS HAVE ABOLISHED BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE
HOW THREE RULES FOR USING A KNIFE ORIGINATED
WHY VEGETARIANS ARE SERVED THEIR MEALS LAST
HOW TO GET YOUR E-MAIL MESSAGES READ FIRST
HOW TO MAKE VOICE-MAIL WORK FOR YOU
THE ART OF HUMANIZING YOUR E-MAIL MESSAGES
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR CELL PHONE CIVILITY?
IS JOTTING A NOTE ON YOUR HOLIDAY CARD WORTH YOUR TIME?
DO YOU NATURALLY DRAW OTHERS TOWARD YOU?