Posts tagged "first impressions"
August 10, 2018
You’re often interrupted in the middle of a sentence. Colleagues railroad you when you try to make a point at a meeting. You’re introduced multiple times to the same person — and she never remembers encountering you.
I hear complaints such as these quite often in my coaching business. A client might blame others for being rude, overly ambitious, or thoughtless. Unfortunately, I have to explain that the problem isn’t other people — it’s the client himself.
There’s a simple explanation: All day, every day, we telegraph information about ourselves without speaking. Our body language and movements have a huge impact on the way others perceive us, interact with us, and defer to us.
The good news is that awareness is the first step to claiming your power as a memorable, compelling person. Here are five common mistakes that may be holding you back (and how to fix them).
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Posted by Margaret Page in Communication and tagged first impressions
September 14, 2016
You’re ready to take on the corporate world. Your work clothes are impeccable, your resume is polished to a perfect sheen and you’ve got the references, skills, and ambition to back it all up. That’s everything, right? Wrong.
When you’re prepping for a job search or promotion, don’t forget to clean up your social media accounts. Social media a pivotal tool for resourcing and building brand awareness — both for professionals and businesses — and it’s becoming a more prevalent screening tool for human resources departments.
According to themuse.com, a corporate job board and job seeker advisory, three out of four hiring managers check candidates’ social media profiles — even when they aren’t linked. But wait; it gets worse. One in three employers rejected candidates because of something on their social media profiles. That means there’s a good chance those photos of the wild weekend you had a few months ago could cost you a job, promotion or even your career.
It’s not just irresponsible content that can get you fired. Recruiters and HR departments alike can be turned off by anything, from the mildest profanities to politically divisive posts, provocative pictures, illegal drugs or alcohol, discriminatory remarks, poor communication skills and openly badmouthing previous employers.
In the digital age, even when you’re not working, you’re working. It’s vital to present a consistent, professional personal brand across all platforms. For more tips on how to execute your social media presence impeccably, visit our blog at www.archive.margaretpage.com/social-media-fiascos-avoid-scandal.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized and tagged photo etiquette, first impressions, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products, social media for employees
September 4, 2012
Last week I was attending an event and saw a very attractive baldheaded gentleman standing across the room. I went over, smiled and introduced myself to him. He smiled back and made a sweeping gesture with his index finger across his teeth and said, “Do this.” Yes, you guessed it — I had lipstick on my teeth! Talk about embarrassing! Instead of dazzling him with my smile – he saw red! Red teeth that is!! I was caught with lipstick smeared on my teeth! Not the impression I was trying to make. Especially in a business setting!
Even though I was mortified, I was also grateful that he felt comfortable enough to tell me that I was walking around with lipstick-smudged teeth!
If you encounter someone with lipstick on her teeth, return the favor. Discreetly inform them of the smudge.
How to avoid the colorful smile
First impressions are important, especially if you’re in a business setting. My advice, to avoid being left “red-in-the-face” when meeting with a new client or mingling at a networking event is to take a few moments and do a mirror check before you enter the room. Check that there’s nothing stuck in your teeth, and test to make sure your lipstick isn’t going end up on your teeth!
To ensure that you haven’t applied too much lipstick – which is the main reason we end up with some of it smeared on our teeth – you’ll need to perform the Finger Test. Follow these steps before you leave the house!
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Stick your index finger into your mouth as if you were pointing to the back of your throat.
- Close your lips around the base of your finger.
- Pull your finger out of your mouth while keeping your lips pursed around your finger.
- Wash your hands.
This is a really common technique for making sure that excess lipstick doesn’t migrate to your front teeth.
So, how do we avoid getting lipstick on our teeth, ladies? I’ve also hear that applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly works. What do you think? Do you have a trick?
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged first impressions, business etiquette
July 15, 2011
I live in a community that is known for its beautiful scenery, slow living pace and romance. We are not known for our great customer service, and I can see that we’re really not putting our best foot forward.Every summer my grandson comes to stay with me to take a two-week swimming class at the local pool. Last year I was somewhat surprised when one of the moms offered me her seat. I have to confess that on the one hand I was delighted with her manners, on the other I felt like my middle age was showing.
This year it’s a whole new story. Several times this week, tweens (under 14) were sitting in the seats at the pool while other parents stood by. And this morning a man kept his seat while a woman rose to offer me hers. I guess her mother taught her about good manners.
While I am delighted we are known for romance. It would also be wonderful if we were known for our manners and great customer service.
How can you do that? By having awareness and showing courtesy to those around you—no matter how old you are. And a note to the moms: If you don’t see it, we sure can’t expect it from your children.
The fact of the matter is this: Common manners aren’t so common anymore.
What about you? Have you been in situation where you found yourself surprised by someone’s lack of courtesy?
Share in the comments below!
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged first impressions, manners, good manners, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products
May 9, 2011
Happy National Etiquette Week! To celebrate, as promised, I’m posting etiquette tips, interactive quizzes, and more this week!
To kick off our celebration of good manners, I’m announcing the first annual “Miss Maggie’s Manners Moment Giveaway”!
The winner will receive the Cognito card set. Cognito-Modern Wisdom for Dining & Social Etiquette contains 52 illustrated cards presented in a custom-designed box. A great way to test your etiquette knowledge–and challenge your family in a game of “Where’s Your Manners?”
It’s easy to enter. Just do one (or all)of the following. You have 3 chances to win. You will receive one entry for doing each of the above.
~ Leave a comment below and tell me what you are doing this week to promote good manners in your house or at your office
~ Share an etiquette tip on our Facebook page
~Mention this post about our giveaway on Twitter, using the hashtag #NtlEtiquette
This is a great way to recognize civility and good manners!
This giveaway will close on Friday, May 13 at 10 p.m. PST. The winner will be announced on Saturday, May 14 on our Facebook page.
Good luck!
“Good social behavior has less to do with cutlery and and correctness than with courtesy and confidence. Doing the right things at the right times for the right reasons”
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Posted by Margaret in Just for Fun and tagged good manners, National Etiquette Week, etiquette tips, first impressions, manners
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 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 7, 2010
With so much public concern about the H1N1 virus and other contagious germs, hand sanitizer dispensers are popping up everywhere! We see them at schools, the grocery store, office buildings, and just about everywhere else we go.
While these alcohol-based gels are an extremely effective way to kill germs and protect our health without breaking stride, they do have one major drawback… clammy hands!
When the alcohol evaporates, it always takes some body heat from your skin along with it. This leaves skin feeling chilled until your circulating blood warms it again. The same thing happens when we wash out hands. A little body heat leaves your skin with the evaporating water.
While this isn’t generally an issue for most people… it can certainly make for an uncomfortable handshake – for both people! How can you radiate warmth and brilliance… if the first impression you give someone is a clammy hand?
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged first impressions, hand sanitizers, handshakes
