Tipping Etiquette: 9 tips on how much to tip service providers In the world of tipping…from the dog groomer to the pizza delivery person to the massage therapist…what’s the appropriate compensation? Diversity Woman Magazine tackled this topic in their summer 2015 issue, and I was honored to be the etiquette consultant they contacted for advice. Here are nine tipping dos and don’ts to help you navigate… Read More
8 Smartphone Mistakes You’re Making at Work Good business etiquette also means good smartphone etiquette. It used to be that one of the worst office blunders was taking someone’s food from the fridge or pushing the business casual envelope a little too far on Casual Friday’s. Now, some of the worst blunders are from cell phone mistakes. According to a nationwide survey… Read More
6 Ways to “Show a Little Love” in the Workplace…without flirting with your coworkers Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Perhaps you’re thinking of ordering flowers, picking up chocolates, or browsing the card aisle for that special someone in your life. While it’s certainly fine to “share the love” with those you love, don’t forget the workplace. No, I don’t mean buying multiples of flowers, candy and cards…or flirting with… Read More
National Pie Day: how to eat pie properly Pie is my favorite dessert… there’s coconut cream, Key Lime, pecan, Dutch apple, Door County cherry, chocolate, lemon with mile-high meringue, banana cream, mincemeat sour cream, pumpkin…and the list goes on. Pie became the iconic American dessert in the 1940s. Research by Crisco and the American Pie Council reveals that when asked what dessert Americans… Read More
Re-gifting: Yes or no? We’ve all received gifts at the holidays or birthdays that weren’t quite our taste or style. We give an obligatory smile to the giver and share words of appreciation for the “unique” gift. But, what might be the fate of such a gift? Wear/use/display it when the giver comes to visit? Donate it to a… Read More
Downton Abbey Dining Etiquette for Today Downton Abbey dining etiquette is not passé today. Even though most of us don’t sit down to a Downton Abbey-style dining table in homes that resemble Highclere Castle, many Edwardian dinner etiquette rules still apply today. If you’re a guest at a formal dinner party held in someone’s home or at an elegant restaurant, you’ll… Read More
Smart Phone Etiquette in Meetings Today more than ever, smart phone etiquette in meetings is a topic of frustration. Maybe you’ve had this happen: You’re giving a presentation and half the people in the room are checking their smart phones or texting at some point. Yes, even your boss! You’ve probably asked yourself this question: “How do I get my… Read More
12 Cubicle Etiquette Tips Working in a cubicle can be a tough endeavor. From a lack of privacy to noisy neighbors, getting your work accomplished in such cramped confines can sometimes be a difficult chore. But, cubicle etiquette is part of good business etiquette and office etiquette. I was honored to be interviewed for this article in BusinessNewsDaily.com on… Read More
8 Rules of Business Email Etiquette Most of us fire off dozens of work emails every day, often with hardly a second thought. But, it’s vital that your business emails look and sound professional. I was honored to provide these 8 rules of business email etiquette for Nextiva, a cloud-communication company. Using good email etiquette in the office is part of good… Read More
Handshake or Hug in the Office? When I speak on the topic of “business etiquette,” a frequently asked question by audience members is, “Is it okay to hug a client or coworker?” Well, it depends… First, always assume that a handshake is the most professional greeting. There is a line of professionalism and a line of respect that shouldn’t be crossed.… Read More