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April 26, 2011
In the “real” world, would you randomly approach an acquaintance and ask them for a favor? Consistently talk about yourself without any regard for others around you? Jump into a conversation with strangers without introducing yourself? Accept a gift without saying “thank you”?
The same rules apply to social media etiquette as they would in real relationships. (And if you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you might need to brush up on your social skills – both online AND offline!).
Here are a few social media etiquette tips, for Facebook and Twitter, that will not only save you from experiencing a “foot-in-mouth” situation, but will also help you understand some of the rules of engagement in this new world of social media.
Facebook Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- When sending a friend request, include a personal message of introduction.
- Be a “real” person on Facebook. It is about sharing who you are and what you do, but your personal page should be personal.
- Acknowledge when someone posts on your wall. It’s a conversation.
- Post on your friends’ walls. Stay engaged.
Don’t:
- Don’t bombard your friends with group invites—Ask once. Move on.
- Don’t use your personal page as a platform to sell your latest gadgets. If you’re using it for business, be transparent about it – set up a fan page and let your friends decide if they want to join.
- Don’t use profanity on your wall. If it’s not something you’d want your kids or your grandmother to see – don’t post it!
- Don’t tag people in unflatter pictures. Think before you tag. This is definitely one of those “Do unto others…” type things.
Twitter Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Update your profile with your personal information, and a profile picture. Think of it as your business card.
- Acknowledge when someone retweets your tweet or mentions you. It’s the “Twitter” way of showing gratitude.
- Promote yourself. But mix it up. Share interesting articles, competitor’s links even. Keep it interesting.
Don’t:
- Follow everyone and anyone – or use an automated tool—just to raise your # of followers.
- Don’t use profanity. Again, a no-brainer here. It’s just in bad taste, online or offline.
- Don’t tweet just to tweet. If you don’t have anything to say…don’t say anything.
Remember, every time you submit a comment on a blog, tweet about your new product, or share a link on Facebook, you’re leaving your signature. It tells people who you are. Behind the computer screens are real people who will form an opinion about who you are – and whether they want to do business with you – through all those random posts and tweets. And it’s permanent.
So, before you hit “send” or “tweet,” think about how it will reflect your identity.
Speaking of social media, it wouldn’t be good “etiquette” if I didn’t invite you to connect with me. You can follow me on Twitter, “Like” me on Facebook, and I’d love to connect on LinkedIn. See you there!
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, Facebook etiquette, guide to social media etiquette, social media etiquette, social media manners, Twitter etiquette
April 14, 2011
I’ve been out of the country this week–traveling through The Netherlands, visiting with family, attending the Global Speakers Summit, and enjoying the miles and miles of sandy beaches. It’s been quite magical and I am trying to savour every moment of the journey. It’s always so exciting to me, to immerse myself in another culture.
I’m traveling with my son, which makes it all the more special. We’ve learned about the history of Amsterdam while sailing along the various canals. And we took a boat trip around the harbour of Rotterdam–which was once the largest port in the world (now the second-largest). Rotterdam is very modern, with some of the most unique architecture I have ever seen. Cube homes and buildings with large overhangs across the street or water. Certainly much larger than the overhang over the Grand Canyon!
It has finally sunk in why the Dutch are so hard working… it’s the caffeine. Yesterday, I was determined to keep up but I had to quit at 2 espresso’s 2 cappucino’s and 2 teas. Even while shopping, I was issued an espresso. There’s no looking at clothes until you’ve had a conversation about life, and had your COFFEE!
The current fashion trend here is boots, boots, boots. Ninety nine percent of the women were wearing boots. Tall, tight boots are for winter and cold days and ankle length wide-legged boots are for warmer spring days. Apparently, then the air can circulate.
Another new fashion trend is “treggings,” — a cross between leggings and trousers. Tight legged is the norm, with stretch. No woman is caught in the main centers wearing jogging pants.
Tunic tops and longer tops are everywhere, with short jackets. Remember when we would not be caught dead with blouses longer the jackets? Well the reverse now holds true here. Silver is everywhere and the jewelry is definitely big and chunky.
Makeup is minimal.
Our last errand of the day was to buy flowers to take to my mother’s twin sister. The cost of 20 roses was 6.50 euros, or just under $10. Why wouldn’t you have your home filled with flowers??!!
The Dutch are so much more direct and open than we are, especially about body parts. When the women were discussing
breasts (and not in general terms but very personal terms)Michael, my son, was a bit uncomfortable. A Dutch man simply explained to him in his broken English – “Isn’t it nice to hear woman talk about their breasts”.
As for me I’m just going with the flow. While in Holland I will do as the Dutch do as I explore my cultural roots.
Next up? A bicycle tour! (stay tuned for more on that!)
Life Explorer
Margaret
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Posted by Margaret in Just for Fun and tagged Amsterdam canal, culture, Holland, travel, vacation
April 8, 2011
With spring comes weddings, lots and lots of weddings. And if you know someone who is tying the knot in the next few months, you’re probably invited to a bridal shower (or two…or three). And if you’re the maid of honor—and it’s your first time with this honor—you probably have a few bridal shower etiquette questions.
Q: Who should host the bridal shower?
A: Traditionally, the maid or matron of honor hosts the wedding shower.
Q: When should a bridal shower be held?
A: At least 4 – 6 weeks before the wedding.
Q: Who should be invited to the shower?
A: Showers are intimate gatherings for people close to the bride—not a way to fill the kitchen cupboards! If you’re planning the shower, ask the bride for a guest list. Don’t invite anyone to the shower who is not invited to the wedding.
Q: Does the hostess traditionally bring a gift for the bride?
A: Yes. It is customary for the hostess to get the bride a gift for the shower, along with the guests.
Q: How much should I spend on a gift?
A: Appropriate gift etiquette is to give as much as you can afford. The average price range for a bridal shower gift is anywhere from $20 – $100.
Q: When does the bride open her gifts?
A: Gifts are opened at the bridal shower. The bridesmaids typically take notes during this time so that the bride has a reference of who gave her what, to use when writing her personal thank-you notes.
BONUS: Just For the Bride
During the bridal shower, be sure to personally thank each guest individually. Thank them not only for coming to the shower, but also for the gift.
Be sure to send thank-you notes to all the shower guests, as well as those who couldn’t attend, but sent a gift. Thank you notes should be sent out within 48 hours of the bridal shower. I know it sounds obvious, but please don’t email your thank-you notes. Even though weddings are becoming more and more casual, there are some things—like handwritten thank you notes—that will always be in style.
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Posted by Margaret in Wedding Etiquette and tagged bridal shower etiquette, bride, gift giving etiquette, wedding, wedding shower etiquette
April 1, 2011
It was a pretty spring day on the Sunshine Coast. A perfect day for a stroll. I was quietly admiring the scenery, when a man—obviously late for a very important date—brushed past me. Without breaking stride, he turned his head to apologize, and that’s when it happened.
I was immediately overcome by the gift he left me as he hurried down the trail. The overpowering scent of his cologne stopped me in my tracks. There was nowhere to turn. There wasn’t even a breeze to help escort the scent away from me. It hung in the air like a balloon that was clinging to its last bit of air.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the scent of perfumes and colognes, but it was the pure volume of the scent that made me dizzy.
So, here are some tips that will ensure that you’re not “that guy.”
- Use the Two-Foot Rule
Fragrance is a personal thing. It’s something you give those you allow to get close to you. Don’t give it away. Use restraint when applying your perfume or cologne. Spraying it in the air and walking through it is one tried-and-true way of ensuring you’re not going overdoing it.
- Choose Scents that Complement You (and the occasion)
Your perfume should enhance your image, not distract people. During the day, choose a lighter scent, and save the heavier perfumes for evening.
- Know When to Say No
The two places you should never wear perfume are hospitals and airplanes. And if you know you’re going to be around a lot of people in an enclose space, like a theatre, conference room or church, use discretion when applying your perfume. Remember “a little dab will do ya!”
- Apply in Private
A lot of people have sensitivities to scent. Be considerate of other people—and their allergies—and don’t apply your perfume in a public place.
- Don’t Compete
If you’re attending an event where a part of the experience is aroma—such as a cooking class or a wine tasting—ditch the perfume for the occasion. You won’t win any friends by bringing along your own special scent to a gourmet wine pairing. And it’s unlikely you’ll be invited back!
Following these fragrance etiquette tips should keep you in good standing with your friends and co-workers.
Do you have a story about a fragrance “assault” that you’d like to share? The woman on the plane next to you who freshened up her perfume while you were next to her? I’d love to hear it!
Looking for more etiquette tips? Be sure to sign up to have blog articles sent to your mailbox and don’t miss another manners tip from Miss Maggie!
image: Jennuine Captures
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged good manners, fragrance etiquette
March 25, 2011
When you give someone your business card, you’re introducing yourself on paper. A business card is a representation of who you are so be sure that the card is in pristine condition before you hand it over. You wouldn’t wear a wrinkled suit to an interview, would you?
Presenting your business card
Always present your business card in your right hand, or in both hands. Never (and I do mean NEVER) pass out your business cards as though you were dealing a poker hand. If you travel for business, you’ll save yourself embarrassment by following this rule. In some countries, presenting your business card in your left hand is a serious insult.Look the individual in the eye and smile when presenting the card. Not only is it good etiquette, it shows them you’re engaged with them.
Receiving a business card
When being given a business card, accept the card in the same way it was presented—either in your right hand or both hands. Take a few moments to study the business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.
Don’t ever slide a business card into your back pocket and sit on it. Always keep your business cards in a separate case. When you are back in your office, add the information from the card into your database as soon as possible. You never want to be in a position where you have to ask that person for another card. That’s a big etiquette faux pas.
Business cards are an internationally recognized means of presenting personal contact information—so be sure you have a good supply on hand.
If you travel abroad for business, do a little research on business etiquette for your destination before you go. The etiquette “rules” in the UK, for example, are far more relaxed than in Japan. Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable and will help build trust when building business relationships.
Do you have etiquette questions? Follow me on Twitter, LIKE me on Facebook, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, first impressions, manners, good manners, business etiquette
March 22, 2011
On a flight that took me through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) en route to Canada, my fellow travelers and I were told to pick up our luggage and go through customs.
We made our way to the baggage-claim area and positioned ourselves around the luggage carousel, watching bag after bag tumble down the ramp. As the area filled up with travel-weary folks, people started peering over each others’ shoulders and jostling for position.
Granted, some of this is to be expected. After all, everyone there had just been on a long flight, and everyone was preoccupied with their own agenda.
As I stood there waiting and chatting with a new acquaintance, a late-comer arrived with two small children, a large, bulky backpack and a luggage rack in tow. He stood behind us, waiting to spot his bags, and every few minutes I heard him scold his son. “Stop running around and bumping into people!”
Within moments of saying this, he spotted his bags. Without a word, he pushed himself between my acquaintance and I, smashing his backpack into my arm as he reached for a bag. Turning, smashed into me again as he carried the bag to his cart.
Moments later he was back for the next bag, again pushing his way through without a word… until I heard him snap at the boy, “Stop it! You’re bumping into people left and right, and someone’s going to get hurt.”
Isn’t that the way it goes sometimes? We’re so concerned with the misdeeds of others that we develop a blind eye to our own ways. It’s not hypocrisy so much as a simple lack of awareness.
As I made my way to the next gate, rubbing my shoulder as I went, the wise words of Emily Post came to mind:
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.”
Do you have an etiquette lesson you’d like to share? Love t0 hear your story below!
image: Theerin
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged air travel etiquette, good manners, common courtesies, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products
March 18, 2011
I came across an article the other day that reminded me of an etiquette question that I get asked all the time.
Question: “When you invite someone out to lunch, are you supposed to pick up the tab?” (The answer to this question might surprise you!)
Answer: If you invite someone to lunch or dinner, you should always expect to pay.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a business lunch or dinner with an old friend the same etiquette rules apply. You invite. You pay.
You wouldn’t invite a friend to your home for supper and expect her to bring their share of food with them, would you? Bringing a bottle of wine to dinner is nice gesture (and much appreciated by every hostess I’ve ever met), but even when you’re entertaining at home, you should expect to foot the costs for the entire evening. Be prepared! Don’t assume your guests will show up with your favorite bottle of Cabernet or a plate full of gourmet brownies.
Now that I’ve shared the “you invite, you pay” rule of good manners, I’ll share an exception. If you and your girlfriends regularly “do lunch,” with an understanding of how the bill is split, you are not expected to foot the bill EVEN if you chose where to meet for lunch.
Now, I’m dying to know. Do you agree with the answer? Do you pick up the tab when you’ve invited your neighbor to lunch? Love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comments below!
Do you have an etiquette question for Miss Maggie? Feel free to post your question below and we’ll share the answer in a future post!
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Posted by Margaret in Ask Miss Maggie and tagged etiquette tips, good manners, dining etiquette
March 12, 2011
You walk into a room and a friend approaches you and says, “Wow, you look fantastic! Love that color on you!” Or you’ve just given a presentation—one that you were probably sweating over for weeks—and your boss catches up to you after your big debut and says “Great job on the presentation. You really nailed it.”
What’s your first response? Do you immediately look away or start mumbling something about the weather?
Sound familiar?
When given a compliment most people brush it off, talk over it, or even argue the compliment by saying something like “Really? I’ve had this dress forever” or “I didn’t think so. I stuttered the whole time.”
Receiving a compliment, graciously, is one of the most difficult things for many people to do. Some will even deflect the compliment by making a joke of it, and that can be uncomfortable for the person giving the compliment.
So, the next time you receive a compliment, I want you to follow these 5 steps. If you do, I promise it will get easier and easier to accept a compliment – and it will make the compliment giver feel more inclined to “share the love” with other well-deserving friends who could use a pick-me-up from time to time.
When receiving a compliment, do the following:
- Stop thinking and listen to what the person is saying to you. Don’t disregard or shoo away the words before he is finished. Let the compliment “giver” say what he wants to say.
- Do not, for any reason, respond with negativity. Not even with a negative tone. By doing this, you are inadvertently disrespecting an act of kindness from that person.
- The first thing you should say when you are given a compliment is: Thank you. Then, follow up with something that reflects the compliment the individual has given you. If your friend compliments you on how you look, say something like “Thank you. I just got this dress.” This will show not only that you are listening, but that you appreciate (and accept) the compliment.
- When someone is giving you a compliment, look them in the eye when you respond. This shows engagement and true appreciation.
- Don’t counter-compliment. It will come off as insincere. “You look great, too” doesn’t have the same effect when you’ve just received a compliment. Think about it. Tuck the counter-compliment away for another time.
- Pass on the kindness. Every time you receive a compliment (I mean, REALLY receive it), think about how good it felt. How much it brightened your day. Think about how much you can impact another person’s day with a few simple words. Implement the “bounce back” mentality and make someone’s day – every day.
Although accepting a compliment can be tough, it can really make your day. Think about a time when you truly accepted a compliment. Didn’t your day seem lighter? Didn’t you walk just a little taller? Give yourself permission to feel good about yourself. And then, pass it on.
What’s the first thing you do when you receive a compliment? I’d love to know your thoughts. Share with us in the comments below!
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged gratitude, good manners, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products
March 9, 2011
I love to travel to new places, but even I can get tripped up on what to tip once I arrive at my destination. The tipping etiquette from one country to the next can vary as much as the culture and the customs.
Did you know, for example, that Japan is — for the most part — a non-tipping country? Or that in France, a standard 10% tip over and above the service charges is considered good tipping etiquette for locals, but visitors are not expected to tip unless the service is excellent.
Knowing what to tip, who to tip, and in what currency to tip can be confusing!
In this infographic, by Mint.com, the basics on tipping etiquette–country by country, as well as a detailed guide on how much you’re expected to tip for various services here in the United States — are outlined.
Click on the graphic below to enlarge.
Click on the image - and then click again to enlarge
Let me know if this was helpful to you for an upcoming trip!
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Tips and tagged etiquette tips, tipping guide
March 6, 2011
With the economy squeezing businesses and the unemployment rate creeping up, networking events are swelling with people who are ready, willing and able to do business.
If you have an opportunity to make new connections, don’t be shy! Here are some sure-fire strategies to help you relax and engage people with confidence.
- First, remember: they’re not strangers, they’re future allies… and they want to meet you!
- When you greet someone, shake hands, smile and look them in the eye. A warm greeting is always a great icebreaker.
- Come prepared with professionally designed and printed business cards to give on request. Better yet, make a point of asking others for their cards.
- Listen well when talking with others. Use your ears, eyes, heart and brain to engage in a full conversation.
- Never look over the person’s shoulder to pick out someone else to talk with.
- Take opportunities to praise people for the contributions they make. Acknowledge their achievements. Letting them take a bow makes you both feel good! They will remember and appreciate you for it.
- If you find yourself in conversation with people who are badmouthing others, do the reverse. Say positive things instead; “good-mouth” them.
- Follow up your networking conversations with a call or e-mail within a day or two. For those on your key contact list, stay in touch by reaching out periodically, even when you aren’t making a request. Send cards, e-mails or letters frequently to congratulate people on their ideas and achievements. They will feel nurtured by your outreach.
- Always ask people how you can help them accomplish their goals. Get specific details and graciously follow through on any agreements you make as soon as practical. This builds loyalty and trust every time!
Do you have any networking nuggets of your own? I’d love to hear them! Please feel free to share them in the comments box below.
Super-size these nuggets and share them with your friends!
photo: MyTudut
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, first impressions, good manners, business etiquette, networking
In the “real” world, would you randomly approach an acquaintance and ask them for a favor? Consistently talk about yourself without any regard for others around you? Jump into a conversation with strangers without introducing yourself? Accept a gift without saying “thank you”?
