Latest "Etiquette Edge" Posts
September 18, 2014
Did you know that it takes only one-tenth of a second to make up our minds about people? Within a blink of an eye, those we meet decide who we are—our character and trustworthiness. And once that first impression is made, it takes a very long time to dislodge our initial perceptions.
That initial contact we make with others can make or break professional or personal relationships. And that contact doesn’t have to be in person. Introductions, especially nowadays, come in many forms: in person, written, e-mail, on the phone, on Skype, and of course, through social media networks.
It doesn’t matter if you are trying to land your first job, build your professional network or increase sales – how people perceive you is crucial to building a strong personal or professional brand.
On September 30th, I’m hosting a FREE one-hour webinar that will give you the tools you need to maximize your personal impact.
From our one-hour high impact webinar you will learn:
- How to make a good first impression
- Maximize your personal impact
- …and more
Learn how to communicate more effectively and boost your confidence!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette and tagged Free etiquette webinar
September 11, 2014
In a recent Time magazine cover story, Millennials were referred to as lazy, entitled and selfish. This sweeping characterization of the Millennial generation is unfair, and can wreck havoc on the dynamics of today’s workplace—a place where as many generations are working under the same roof.
The truth is this: each new generation possesses qualities that baffle those before them—each one believing “their” way as the best way. Millennials, for example, have high expectations for their life and of themselves. They are passionate about what they do. Ask a 20-something-year-old this question: “Would you rather have money but work at a boring job you hate or work in a job you’re passionate about and live a more frugal life?” and the answer will more than likely be the latter.
To shift the focus from what this new generation is doing “wrong,” let’s take a look at what we, the older generations, can learn from these young bucks!
Embrace technology
Let’s face it, this one’s a no-brainer. I have an iPhone and still don’t take full advantage of its capabilities. With to-do lists, calendars, GPS, cameras, Skype—and apps for absolutely everything, Millennials are using technology to make their lives so much more efficient.
Do good
The Millennial generation wants to be part of something good. They seek out opportunities to work with companies who are making a difference in the world in some way. I love that this generation feels so empowered – that they realize that “one small step” really does matter.
Challenge yourself
You’re never too old to try something new. If you’re stuck on the “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” mentality, it’s time to take notes from this next generation! Millennials understand that in order to compete, they need to stay on top of trends–to keep learning. They also know that there is ample opportunity to learn new skills online, so there are no excuses.
Partner up
Millennials are very self-motivated, independent thinkers, but the way they approach teamwork differs from generations before them. Nick Morrison, a 22-year-old graphic designer told me: “I like working in a space where people are similarly-minded, but not necessarily working on the same thing. Being able to have someone to bounce ideas off of, instead of two people working on the same thing is great. It’s about learning from other people’s strengths.”
Leave things better than you found them
There is no doubt we as a collective society are far more environmentally conscious today than we ever were. Remember when we didn’t have a box for recycling? According to a recent Pew survey, young people are more supportive of stricter environmental laws and more likely to favor environmentally friendly policies, such as green energy development and tax incentives for hybrid vehicles. Eighty percent of those surveyed said they want to work for companies that care about their impacts.
Another interesting thought: One of my biggest pet peeves is the loud-talker — the one who is invading us with their conversation in public. If you’re hearing someone’s phone conversation, it’s probably not a Millennial. They are more inclined to text than to call (which is SO much quieter in public places!) 🙂
Do you work with Millennials? What have you learned from them?
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette, Everyday Etiquette and tagged millennials
September 4, 2014
Do the words “job interview” make your heart race and your palms sweat? You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, preparing for a job interview can unnerve you.
If you have a job interview scheduled, here are some things you can do before, during and after your interview to shake off the nerves and make a positive impression.
BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW
- Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with. Learn about the company’s culture and find out the dress code. If you’re unsure, choose to dress “up” rather than dress “down.”
- Organize your portfolio, and bring along a copy of the job description and a fresh copy of your resume.
- A day or two before your scheduled interview, scope out the location. This will help you determine your travel time, as well as where to park when you arrive.
- Make sure that your car is clean. Sounds odd, I know, but sometimes employers look at how you maintain your car as a reflection of how you’ll manage your job
DAY OF YOUR INTERVIEW
- Choose an outfit that is clean and doesn’t need repair. Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothes and extravagant jewelry. Ladies, choose a modest outfit—something that is not too revealing.
- Skip the cologne or perfume. Many people have strong allergies to scents and you d you may be in close quarters with your interviewer.
- Make sure your hands are clean and manicured. If you wear nail polish, go for something understated and neutral.
- Remember this: “To be early is to be on time and being on time is to be late.” Arrive early enough so that you can take a moment to stop by the rest room to check your hair, teeth and clothing.
- Stand up when being introduced to your interviewer. Make eye contact, shake hands (depending on the culture – in North America, palm to palm with two quick pumps.) Greet the person and say how pleased you are to meet him or her. Research shows that that the first impression, or first seven seconds, shapes outcome.
- Follow the interviewer and sit down when you’re invited to do so.
- Never place your handbag or briefcase on the interviewers desk or the conference table. We recommend that ladies bring a clutch and place on lap or behind back on chair.
- Relax. Avoid fidgeting or shaking your leg up and down. Relax, sit up straight and be confident.
- If being interviewed during lunch or dinner, observe all dining etiquette rules. Follow your host’s lead. Avoid ordering alcohol, unless of course you’re being interviewed for a position in an alcohol-related industry.
- Listen carefully to the questions and answer confidently. If you don’t know an answer, be honest and simply say that you don’t know.
AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW
- Within 48 hours of your interview, send a handwritten thank you note to the person who interviewed you. To make it more personal, and make yourself more memorable, refer to an incident that occurred during the interview.
When it comes to job interviews, being prepared and knowing the job interview etiquette tips ahead of time is a great start! Be confident and you will shine!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette and tagged job interview etiquette
August 29, 2014
Earlier this month I boarded a plane for a 30-hour journey to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali and Tokyo. Exciting stuff! I love to explore new places and experience different cultures, but I also know that flying can be stressful.
After you’ve made your way through the body check and long security lines, you have to squeeze yourself into an ever-shrinking plane seat. That isn’t the best way to start your exciting journey!
If you’re getting ready for a long plane ride, here are some etiquette tips to consider that will help ensure you and your fellow passengers have a pleasant flight.
- Skip the perfume. Many people have strong reactions to perfumes and colognes.
- Board with your zone.
- Carry your bag in front of you when making your way to your seat.
- Place your carryon bag in such a way that it allows room for others.
- Use the space in front of your seat to store your purse or small bag.
- Check behind you before you recline.
- Use armrest to balance yourself when you get up from your seat. Avoid grabbing seat in front of you!
- Keep your shoes and socks on, please.
- Listening to music or watching a movie on your computer to pass the time? Make sure you have good earphones!
- Wait your turn when exiting the plane. Allow the people in front of you to make their way out first.
- If you are sick, don’t fly. If you can’t change your plans, and you’re coughing or sneezing while in flight, do so into the crook of your elbow. And keep fragrance-free hand sanitizer at arm’s length.
The bottom line, when traveling or otherwise, is to do your best to make others feel comfortable. If you’re popping up and down in your seat or assaulting your seatmate’s senses with the smell of yesterday’s leftovers, you’re infringing on their comfort level. Manners go a long way when you’re going a LONG way – and in the end, the journey will be pleasant for everyone if you consider these few etiquette tips.
Safe travels!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Etiquette Tips and tagged travel etiquette
August 7, 2014
Often, people avoid introducing themselves or others, because they are uncomfortable doing so and perhaps afraid they might not follow proper protocol. In truth, it’s fairly simple: always state the name of the most honored person first. An example would be, “Melinda Gates, I would like to introduce to you my roommate, Jane Drake.”
Then, add a snippet of information on a common interest to help them connect and begin a conversation. Add information about their career, education, place of origin, hobbies, interests, family or a host of other areas. Here is an example “Jane is in my Spanish class. She’s just returned from a trip to Cancun. Aren’t you planning a trip there this winter?”
When presenting one person to another, look at the most honored person first, then turn to the other person. Remember to distinctly pronounce the names to provide respect for those you are introducing.
If you are in a more formal setting, or when there is an obvious age difference, it’s best to use titles and last names, such as: “Mrs. Jameson, I’d like introduce to you Mr. Robertson.”
When you are introducing yourself to others, always include both your first and last name and say your name slowing so people can catch it. Then add something about yourself to help move the conversation forward. Then, ask for the other person’s name. Repeat the name of that person, such as, “It’s great to meet you, Joan.”
Always maintain eye contact with the person you’re being introduced to. Eye contact demonstrates that you are paying attention and the introduction is important to you.
Email Introductions
When introducing two people through email, here are some tips to follow:
- Like any other email, the subject line should the topic. Something like: “E-Introduction: Jane Smith and Larry Vance,” ensures that both recipients are alerted to the content.
- Most of the time, there is a specific reason for the introduction –Person One (Jane Smith) asked you to provide an introduction to Person Two (Larry Vance), for example. Open the email with something that indicates you’re making an introduction on their behalf. Then, continue with the introduction: “Larry Vance, allow me to introduce Jane Smith. Jane is a freelance designer and I think she could be of great assistance to you on your new web design project.”
- Close the email with a line that takes you out of the conversation. Something like: “I’ll let you two take it from here. All the best, Margaret Page.”
Want to learn how to keep up with etiquette challenges in our modern society? That’s where I come in! Be more confident when making introductions—and maximize your personal impact today! Find out more about business etiquette training.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Communication and tagged introductions etiquette
July 31, 2014
The great thing about where we are with technology today is that there is always something new and exciting just around the corner. Google Hangouts is one of the newest ways to communicate online in group discussions. Developed by search engine giant, Google, Google Hangouts is an instant messaging and video chat platform that launched last year.
With Hangouts you can bring conversations to life through photos, emoji, and group video calls across computers and mobile devices – for free!
As with any new technology, it’s natural to be a little apprehensive (nervous even!) to try it out, and Hangouts is no exceptions. To ensure that you have a pleasant experience—whether as a host or a participant—I’ve put together a few Google Hangout etiquette tips to keep in mind.
Participant Etiquette
- RSVP. Respond with a yes or no when invited to a Hangout. There are only 10 participants allowed on a Hangout at one time.
- Be prepared. If it’s your first or your twenty-first Hangout, log in 10 minutes before the online meeting to make sure you have all the technical requirements set up.
- Invest in a headset. If you’re participating in an audio conference of any kind, use a headset. This is not only important if there are others working near you, but it prevents feedback from your computer.
- Be on time. No matter what kind of meeting you’re attending—virtual or in-person, the “on time” rules apply. You can log into the Hangout and leave the window open while you wait for others to join.
- Speak clearly and wait your turn. You can use the chat feature to post your comments to the group, as well.
- Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking.
- If you aren’t “camera-ready,” you can turn off your camera (top right of screen) and your profile image will show up.
- Save your snacking for after the chat.
- Pay attention to the speaker.
Host Etiquette
- Invite up to 10 people to a Hangout (that’s Google’s limit for calls)
- Send out clear instructions for the Hangout well before the scheduled meeting time. There may be plugins to install or other technical details to follow so that the participant is able to join.
- Test your own equipment setup in advance of the meeting. This includes your microphone and camera! Attendees will want to see you!
- Have an agenda. Establish a timeframe for the Hangout – as well as an agenda. Like any other meeting, it’s easy to get derailed if you don’t have a plan.
- Begin and end on time.
- Ask participants to mute their microphones unless they are contributing to the conversation. This keeps the keyboard clicking distractions to a minimum.
- Share presentations and engage with the group. With online meetings, you can be as interactive as you are during offline gatherings. Share presentations. Ask questions. Poll the group. Have fun with it!
Google Hangouts are proving to be a great new way to communicate and collaborate with people across the globe – in real time. Have you participated or hosted a Hangout? I would love to hear about your experience!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Communication and tagged Google Hangout etiquette
July 18, 2014
I read this the other day and unfortunately, it didn’t surprise me: “Plan any event and chances are one in five of the people you invite will be late.” This comes from a recent study done at San Francisco State University that found that 20% of the U.S. population is chronically late.
All of us have encountered these 20% — the people in our personal and business lives who keep us waiting. And waiting….. However, punctuality, sadly, is something that we rarely discuss. The importance of it, that is, especially in the business arena.
When meeting for business, remember this: “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late.” Or another favorite of mine “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.”
If you’re one of the 20% that is battling lateness, there are things you can do to transform yourself into Punctual Pete (or Patricia).
- Plan ahead. Buy a coffee pot with a timer and set it up so your coffee is ready when you get up. Pick out your clothes the night before. Set your car keys in the same place every night. It’s amazing how much time is wasted running around in the morning. Planning is everything if you are hanging up your tardy hat.
- Track your time. Knowing how to “tell time” is a good place to start revamping your lateness routine. Track how long it takes to shower in the morning. The time it takes to get to the office, etc. You will be surprised at how far you are off the mark when you see those numbers on paper!
- Be realistic. Chronically late people are often unrealistic about how long it takes to do things—to get places. And that’s a slippery slope when you’re running from one meeting to another. If you know you’re going to have a 5-minute walk from one meeting to the next, avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings. Or, alternatively, schedule meetings for 20 minutes, instead of 30 minutes, allowing you time to juggle both.
- Buffer, buffer, buffer. If it takes you 30 minutes to get to the office, and you have a meeting promptly at 8 a.m., leave the house at 7:15. This extra 15 minutes of buffer time will give you a buffer for unexpected delays en route. Even better, check traffic before you leave the house. Yes, there’s an app for that!
- Test the route. Meeting a client at a restaurant across town that you’ve never been to before? Play it safe and map out the route the night before. With GPS apps nowadays, you can easily determine the fastest way to get there.
- Bring along reading material. Being early can be a blessing. While you’re waiting for the other person to arrive, you can catch up on some reading, listen to an audio book or catch up on email. With all the technology we have today, there is no reason you can’t be productive while you wait.
- Stay organized. There’s really no excuse to be late if you use the tools we have today to stay organized. Make sure your meeting calendar is synced to smartphone. Set a reminder for 15 or 30 minutes – giving yourself enough time to wrap up what you’re doing and move on to your meeting.
- Get some zzz’s. If you’re sleeping through your alarm and rushing around to get to work on time, you’re probably not getting enough sleep. Get your day off to the right start by getting in 7- 8 hours of sleep.
Being on time shows others that you value their time. After all, we all know that once it’s gone, we can’t get it back!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette and tagged business etiquette, being late
July 8, 2014
In a world where we are communicating more and more through email, text and social media, the value of a physical thank you note is being lost. Yes, it is amazing how easy it is to stay in touch nowadays – a quick text to see how someone’s day is going– but with something as important as a thank you note, I still believe sending a physical card is far more valuable.
After all, you can’t display an email on your desk or hang a text on your bulletin board!
Physical cards still have a longer shelf life—and greater impact. Because we get so many emails and text messages throughout the day, it’s such a thrill to open our mailbox (our REAL mailbox) and find a physical card inside.
But who has time for that, right? We have the best intentions – we really do want to send out more cards, but time gets away from us and it becomes just one more thing to add to our to-do list. Did you know that people intend to send out an average 70 cards a year for various occasions, but in the end only send out 10 because of the inconvenience? Unless you really plan ahead, when you think about sending out a card, you’re scrambling to find a stamp!
Well, that’s why I am such a huge fan of Send Out Cards. I love them.
SendOutCards, founded by CEO Kody Bateman in 2003 – has sent out over 100 million cards since its launch. The online service makes it so easy to send a personalized, printed greeting card to anyone. You choose a custom card, add your own personal photo and message – and then you just click SEND. They take care of all the rest – printing, stuffing, stamping and mailing the physical card for you.
My personal goal is to send out one card each day. And although I think email thank-yous are convenient and necessary, the arrival of a personal card is far more memorable. If you’re trying to stand out from the crowd, separate yourself from your competitors, sending a physical card will help you do that.
If you’re interested in learning more about Send Out cards, send me a note. I’d love to send you a Splash Code that’s worth about 50 free cards!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Communication and tagged gratitude, thank you
June 30, 2014
Did you know that the average person spends nearly 30% of their workweek on email? According to a recent report from McKinsey Global Institute, we’re spending about 13 hours a week writing, reading, sorting, deleting and sending email. That’s a lot of time!
Email messaging now exceeds telephone use as the primary form of business communication. And that’s not surprising. Whether you’re in front of your computer or using a tablet or smartphone, it’s quick and easy to send someone an email. So simple, in fact, that many people forget that by clicking “reply,” and typing up a quick response without giving it a second thought, your message can backfire.
As with any other type of communication, missteps have the potential to sabotage your reputation—especially in the business world. We’ve all heard the horror stories of emails intended for a colleague (with gossip about the boss) showing up in the inbox of the CEO. Side note here: Gossip is a no-no. Especially in business. And especially about the boss. And in writing? Ugh. Bad idea.
To help ensure that you keep your stellar reputation in place – and don’t end up with egg on your face—here are some email etiquette tips to keep in mind.
- Stick to business. As noted above, before sending out an email to a colleague or client, ask yourself if the content is something you’d put on your company’s letterhead or post in the lunchroom for everyone to see.
- One email; one topic. Write the topic of the email in the subject line. One topic. Every email should address one specific topic so that it’s easy for recipients to reference.
- To whom it may concern. Always begin your email with a salutation, just as you would with written communication.
- Introduce yourself. If you’re sending an email to a new business contact, briefly introduce yourself. Don’t assume the recipient will recognize who you are through your email address.
- Use good grammar. Email can be a little less formal, but don’t forget to follow standard writing protocol. Spelling, grammar and punctuation matter anytime you’re drafting a communication.
- Keep it short. Just as your subject line should be clear, your content needs to be succinct. Get to the point. And make sure that the topic fits the subject line.
- Keep it down. Writing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS makes it appear as though you are shouting. Always use sentence case.
- Watch your tone. Or rather, lack thereof. Where you can pull off being clever or “joking around” when communicating in person, those “jokes” won’t fly in an email. Be direct and clear in your message so that your email is interpreted as you intended.
- No shortcuts. While it’s important to “keep it short,” business emails are not the place to showcase all of the texting shortcuts you’ve learned. Using “Gr8” and “TY” in work emails is unacceptable.
- Watch the “reply all.” Only reply to those who are of continued relevance to the communication.
- Sign your name. Close your email with “Sincerely,” or “Regards” or ‘All the best” – any of these are acceptable. Follow the closing with a signature has your full name and contact information.
- Pick up the phone. If the topic of the email communication goes astray—and questions and confusions are flying back and forth – best to pick up the phone and get back on the same page.
Do you have any email etiquette tips to share?
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Posted by Margaret Page in Communication and tagged email etiquette, business communication
May 8, 2014
With the multitude of apps available nowadays, the information you need is literally at your fingertips—just a click away. Whatever you need to find, you can be certain “there’s an app for that.” And that can be very handy in so many areas of business and etiquette.
To test out the sheer volume of apps for various needs, I opened the app store on my iPhone and typed in “How to tie a tie.” Up popped the app called “How to Tie a Tie Free.” The app features instructions on how to tie 30 popular neckties knots, plus bow ties, ascots, pocket square folds and men’s scarves! What’s really cool is there is a “virtual mirror,” so you can walk follow the instructions and see your actions right on your phone! (Gentlemen, looking good is easier than ever!)
Traveling abroad for business? Taking a little time to learn the cultural etiquette for the country you’re visiting will help you put your best foot forward when doing business globally. With your smartphone you have access to all kinds of apps to help you navigate business anywhere – with confidence!
Here are a few that will help you in your journey!
- Compare Cultures
This app provides intercultural tips and pointers and is great for those who are involved in intercultural business communication and global working. It illustrates where potential gaps exists between cultures, in a graphical format. Plug in two different countries (your home country vs. visiting country) to see the comparisons for “dimensions” such as Power Distance and Individualism. Click on the “dimension” for tips on how to overcome cross-cultural challenges. Example: In a cultures where there is a high Power Distance the relationship between boss and subordinate is rarely close or personal.
- Tipping Abroad
The comment I found on this app says it all “Heading to Europe next month. Insulted someone last time by over-tipping because I can’t keep track of all the customs!” This tipping app calculates the tip in the local currency of frequently visited countries. Handy to have when dining out abroad!
- QuickTip
This app is one of the most popular free tipping apps on the iTunes. The interface is very user-friendly, with an intuitive slider that allows you to easily adjust the tip percentage. You can see the total tip amount adjust in real-time. No math skills needed!
- Fast Talk
When it comes to business, it’s so important to avoid the “foot in mouth” syndrome! And that can be difficult when you’re in a country where language is a barrier. Download the app before you leave home to get access to hundreds of common phrases from five languages. You can save the phrases for easy access and listen to pronunciations of phrases by native speakers. It’s a great on-the-go way to brush up on a new language.
What apps have you found that helped you communicate and do business with different cultures. We’d love to have you share them here!
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Edge, Etiquette Tips and tagged culture, communication, cell phone apps
