Posts tagged "etiquette tips"
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 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
March 3, 2011
Chat rooms are great places to “meet” people from all around the world. But it’s important to remember involvement in virtual communication still requires proper etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone in the room.
For those of you who are new to chat rooms, I’ve put together these etiquette tips before you enter a chat to ensure you have a flame-free experience!
- Review the “rules of engagement” when you join the community.
- If it’s your first time in the room, try “lurking” for a while to get a feel for how the chat room operates before jumping in.
- When you’re ready to participate, introduce yourself first. Just like you would when meeting people in a “real” setting.
- Avoid using profanity or offensive language. Keep it clean!
- Typing an entry in all caps can be considered rude, and is the equivalent to YELLING. Constant “shouting” will turn off other chatters. Keep the “noise” to a minimum.
- When addressing someone in the chat, use their screen name. Chats move quickly and it can be difficult to catch the conversation if you’re not clear.
- Don’t get too personal. Don’t use your real name or reveal any personal information in a chat room.
- Avoid direct confrontations with abusive users. If a chat host is available, alert them of the abusive chatter, but don’t engage them.
- Don’t do ALL the talking. Respond to questions and comments. Be part of the conversation, but don’t fill the chat board with “all about me” entries! Listening is part of communication.
- Welcome all newcomers that enter the chat room. Remember when you were a “newbie”?
There are so many opportunities for people to connect online. It still amazes me at how easy it is today to connect with someone half a world away!
No matter where you meet people online, following just a few common courtesies will ensure that
the experience is enjoyable for you – and for your new friends!
photo: ChristylnsDesign
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Tips and tagged etiquette tips, Chat room, common courtesy, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products
February 25, 2011
“You wouldn’t believe how many people applied for this job! The competition is fierce. I’m so nervous about the interview.”
Emily looked miserable. If this young lady was going to impress anyone, her confidence needed a serious boost.
I decided to level with her. “Emily, you are absolutely correct. The competition IS fierce. That’s why it takes more than just skills and education to land a great job.
“Qualifications can get you an interview – but class can get you the job.”
Now I had her attention. “Making a classy impression doesn’t usually happen by chance. It’s all about preparation!”
Here’s what I told her to do:
- Research your potential employer, the industry, and any recent developments or initiatives. Commit a few key facts to memory and mention them when the opportunity appears.
- Select your outfit the day before, making sure it is clean, pressed, fits well and flatters. Refrain from wearing anything low cut, short, tight. If you’re unsure about the dress code, dress “up” rather than “down” (i.e., dress a more formal way rather than a more casual way).
- Be freshly groomed, including nails, hair and face – and remember, no fragrances.
- If you carry a purse or portfolio, make sure it’s well organized so you can retrieve information quickly and easily. After all, spilling your private belongings across the desk is the antithesis of class.
- Make sure the vehicle you drive to the interview is clean. Some employers view how you maintain your car as a reflection of how you’ll take care of their tools or equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with your destination so you are sure to arrive as scheduled.
- Arrive early enough to make a quick stop at the rest room to check your hair, teeth, and clothing.
Each step sets you up to feel relaxed and confident when the pressure is on.
Once you get into the interview room:
- Stand when introduced to the interviewer and do not sit down until invited to do so.
- Place your belongings on the floor, not the table or desk.
- During the interview, show interest, confidence and deference.
- Stay focused. Don’t fidget, repeat yourself or move objects around.
- If you are being interviewed over a meal, follow your host’s lead. Don’t order any alcohol, unless you are interviewing with an alcohol-related company.
- No matter what: never criticize a former employer.
When the interview comes to a close, be sure to request a card from your interviewer(s) so you can send a handwritten ‘thank you’ note within 48 hours. In the note, be positive and genuine, and if appropriate, refer to something that was discussed in the interview.
Social grace under pressure, specifically, the intense pressure of an interview, always makes a strong impression. It implies a certain degree of personal power, insight and self control, uncommon qualities that any employer would value.
It will give you the “etiquette edge” you need to ace your next job interview!
photo: MyTudut
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, manners, interview etiquette, job interview tips
February 16, 2011
Let me start off by saying this: I LOVE to travel. I love to go to new places and learn about new cultures. I enjoy meeting new people (even at airports!) and sharing stories about our journeys–the good, the bad, AND the downright ugly!
It will come as no surprise to anyone reading this that air travel can be stressful. No matter what the destination, you’re likely to meet some kind of resistance to your well-planned departure.
John Steinbeck said it best with “A journey is like a marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you can control it.”
Ways to make your journey more enjoyable for yourself (and for others!)
Be organized
Best laid plans being what they are, it’s still good practice to plan your itinerary well ahead of time.
Be courteous
Open doors for others and smile at people. It’s hard not to smile if someone smiles at you. It’s contagious.
Be ready
Have your boarding pass and ID in hand to minimize delays during check-in and boarding.
Be patient
We’re all in the same boat (or plane…) here. An impatient person offered me $100 to jump ahead of me in a long airport line. Can you believe it?
Be flexible
Be willing to switch seats to allow a friend or family member to sit together. What goes around comes around, and one day you may want that favour extended. And, it’s just good manners!
Pay attention
Know the rules of the airline and don’t try to bend them by shoving your over-sized duffel bag underneath the seat in front of you.
Don’t stink up the joint
If you bring food on board, make sure it’s not something that has a strong smell. As much as I love Chinese food, the smell of garlic chicken isn’t something I want hanging in air for a 6-hour flight.
Turn it down a notch
Be aware of how loud you’re talking in the concourse, and on the plane. And if you’re plugged into an iPod, and the person next to you is singing along to the music, you’re probably disturbing SOMEONE with your tunes.
Be aware
Don’t fling your seat back without taking note of the person seated behind you. Make sure you’re not intruding on their (limited) leg space.
Keep the kids happy
Flying with your children can be tough—for you, for the kids, and if things get out of control: for the people seated around you. Bring lots of “sit-down” activities for the kids to do. Whatever you do, don’t expect the flight attendants to manage your kids.
Don’t hang out in the “loo.”
Be mindful of how much time you spend in the bathroom. This is not the time to refresh your makeup or throw some curlers in your hair.
Stay dry before you fly
It’s best not to consume too much alcohol before AND during a flight. You could be blocked from boarding if you’re tipsy, and the effects of alcohol are much greater at high altitudes so it’s best to keep the celebrations to a minimum while in the air.
And remember this: The joy of the journey is in the ride. So, be patient, even if your flight is delayed—you never know who you’ll meet while camped out on in an airport terminal.
Life’s just like that, isn’t it? All you can do is “go with the flow.”
photo: caribb
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Tips and tagged etiquette tips, air travel etiquette, good manners
December 18, 2010
With the holiday season fast approaching, I’m sure you’re wondering how you will thank those people in your life who provided you with services throughout the year. Your hairdresser? Your caregiver? The groomer who clips your pooch’s nails just right? You want them to continue to pamper your every whim next year, don’t you?
Tipping during the holiday season has always been a way to share your gratitude with those people who have made your life just a wee bit easier during the year. But how much should you tip? And does it have to be cash?
Here are a few tips for holiday tipping to help you plan for the season.
1. Hair Stylist / Barber: A good rule of thumb, assuming you tip well all year long, is to add 50% to your regular tip. It’s tough to find someone who “gets” your hair. Make sure they know how much you appreciate the time they rescued you after you decided to give yourself new bangs.
2. Mail Carrier: A small gift is a nice way to thank your mail carrier for lugging that package from your grandmother through the snow-covered sidewalk to your front door. Rain, sleet, snow…you get the picture.
3. Housekeeper: If you have someone coming in to keep your house spic and span, be sure to acknowledge them for their hard work. Suggested tip is the equivalent of what you’d pay for your cleaning. Dishpan hands leads to more manicures, which is costly. Avoid that cost now by showing your appreciation to your house cleaner. She (or he) deserves it!
4. (Speaking of) Manicurists: I suggest $15 – $20 for your manicurist. ($30 if she has to bring out the hand sander and goggles for your pedicure)
5. Live-in Nanny: If you have a full-time nanny, a Christmas bonus equivalent to a week’s salary is appropriate. Caring for your child is such personal thing, so if you really want to show your appreciation, make it more personal. Bake your nanny some cookies, have your child make her a card, and buy her a personal gift. Something you know she would never buy herself. She’s caring for your most precious gift, so be sure you express your gratitude in a way that shows how much that means to you.
6. Day Care Provider(s): A gift from you, or cash ($25 – $70), and a small gift from your child. Be sure to add a personal note.
7. Teenage Babysitter: Don’t forget to pick up a little something for your part-time sitter. An iTunes gift card or an Amazon gift certificate, perhaps?
8. Massage Therapist / Trainer: You know you will need their full attention in the new year, so don’t forget them now. The cost of a session is the best gauge for tipping. If you’re strapped for cash, a gift card for the movies or a local restaurant will show you appreciate their dedication to making your body the best it can be!
9. Pet Groomer: If you have the budget, a cash tip, the equivalent to one visit is a good rule of thumb. A small gift, or gift card, is also a nice way to let your pet groomer know you appreciate the care he or she gives to your pooch’s “do.”
10. Teacher: Give your child’s teacher a gift, not cash. Along with the gift, be sure to have your child write a personal note. That will go a long way the next time little Billy says, “It wasn’t me. Joey made me do it.”
Remember, there really aren’t any “rules” for tipping during the holiday season. But, in today’s economy, if you are able to tip generously, do. And if you’re a little strapped for cash, get creative. When looking for ways to share the love, let the holiday spirit (and your personal budget) be your guide.
photo credit: mysza831
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Tips and tagged etiquette tips, Christmas, holiday, tipping guide
December 2, 2010
If you think you’re the only one listening to the callers on cell phone or the music on your iPod… think again!
We tend to assume that ear buds, headphones and cell phones funnel sound directly to our eardrums, but in truth, a significant amount of sound escapes these channels, flowing freely into the environment around us.
This side-stream sound can easily annoy other people – or worse!
On Friday afternoon, Jason was carpooling home from a conference with several colleagues. It was nearly 5:00 pm when Jason’s phone rang; it was his wife calling, wondering when he would be home.
After a quick update, as they were about to end their call, Jason’s wife let him know just how much she was missing him with a spicy little comment that was clearly meant for his ears alone.
Unfortunately, her message reached more ears than she intended. Suddenly, everyone was blushing and looking out the window – everyone except Jason, who had no idea how many people knew about his very personal plans.
Here’s what else he didn’t know: One of the easiest ways to accidentally compromise confidentiality is to take a personal call in close proximity to someone else. As careful as you may be with your own words, your caller’s speech can easily reach those within a few feet of you. And in a small, closed environment such as an office or car, your unintended audience has no choice but to listen, like it or not!
Cell phones are not the only offender, though. As any frequent flyer can tell you, personal music players, portable games and movie players are just as guilty of earpiece sound leakage.
Gym-goers know it, too. We love to move to our own beat, but when we pump up the volume, it shouldn’t be any surprise when our immediate neighbors move elsewhere.
The key to conquering earpiece leakage: a little consideration – and distance! Lower your volume setting when around other people, and make sure you’re at least 10 feet away from an unsuspecting audience when you take personal calls.
These are such simple steps, but they can make such a big difference to those around you – and that, my dear reader, is the very essence of etiquette.
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips
November 29, 2010
It can take years to build a great professional reputation, but here are some quick, easy ways to please, respect, even impress the people you work with.
1. Always use diplomacy: Speak to your convictions in the calmest, most respectful way possible. Always.
2. Treat everyone kindly: Relationships with peers and subordinates are as important as those your carefully cultivate with superiors, clients and other key people.
3. Never leave your boss open to surprise: Keep her or him informed of issues, discretely.
4. Keep detailed notes on people: Use your contact manager to note personal details (spouse’s name, children, and other notable facts). This is such an easy way to reinforce a relationship.
5. Disparaging comments can do tremendous damage to a relationship, reputation, even a career in the blink of an eye. Be very careful with your words about others, as they will often be repeated.
These guidelines may seem deceptively simple, but they highlight an overall attitude of respect and service that is becoming increasingly uncommon. Adopt them, and you’ll stand head and shoulders above the rest.
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips
March 22, 2010
Common courtesy is still the best guideline for etiquette, in any arena, but with technology changing so fast, it can easily fall by the wayside.
Here are some simple rules to remember about e-mail etiquette.
1. Write a descriptive subject line so the recipient will know immediately where this matter fits in the larger picture.
2. Remember to include a greeting. It’s effortless, yet it makes a connection between writer and recipient.
3. Don’t waste people’s time. Think twice before choosing “reply to all” and delete any unnecessary information in forwarded messages (headers, addresses, etc.).
4. Always be respectful; e-mails are easily saved, shared and quoted in the future. If you feel the urge to write an emotionally charged message, go handle it in person.
5. Respond in a timely fashion – even if only to say, I can’t respond until (date).
It’s the little things that matter… but they really do matter! Remember, it only takes a moment to give yourself the Etiquette Edge.
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, email etiquette
