6 Etiquette Mistakes That Even Smart Professionals Make Good business etiquette skills go a long way to increase your influence and position you for career advancement. But, sometimes, even the most “seasoned” professionals drop the ball and make mistakes when it comes to proper business etiquette. Consider how you can set yourself apart as a more credible and polished professional by avoiding these… Read More
No Phone Brunch – 3 Reasons to Put Your Phone Away There’s a new trend called the No-Phone Brunch. But, the concept can be applied to any restaurant meal or when out having drinks with friends. Here’s how it works: Everyone puts their phones in the middle of the table, and the first person to reach for theirs has to pay the entire bill. Sounds harsh,… Read More
5 Power Words and Phrases to Use at Work Using power words and phrases at work helps inspire a more enjoyable workplace environment for everyone. Power words help motivate, encourage and build mutually respectful relationships with team members, clients and customers. Negative words can tear down, intimidate and discourage. Pick the power ones. It’s part of good business etiquette. You can’t go wrong with… Read More
How to Give a Great Handshake in Business A great handshake in business communicates a message of warmth, sincerity and trust. While a great handshake might not get you the deal, you don’t want to risk giving a poor one. If it’s limp or just grips the fingers, it sends a message of weakness. If it’s a bone-crusher, it conveys lack of confidence.… Read More
How Do You Eat a Wedge Salad? “How do you eat a wedge salad?” is a question that comes up often in my corporate and university dining etiquette training sessions. I normally suggest not ordering “difficult-to-eat foods,” especially at a business meal. But, with the ever-popular Iceberg Wedge Salad gracing restaurant menus everywhere, I wanted to give my attendees the confidence-building tips… Read More
5 Items to Pack for Travel to China My first trip to China was approaching. I started a packing list. Walking stick for the Great Wall? Check. Eddie Bauer ‘moisture-wicking’ shorts and tanks? Check. Comfortable shoes ? Check. (Don’t ask how many pairs I took!) But to enjoy and appreciate this people-crammed, but gorgeous country to the max, I learned while there,… Read More
10 Timeless Business Etiquette Rules to Be Impressive Business etiquette is the polish that helps create courteous and respectful business environments and relationships with coworkers, clients and customers. High standards of professional manners are what makes interacting with others enjoyable and pleasant. And makes you look impressive! Here are 10 timeless business etiquette rules. Do a little self-assessment. Consider these marks of professionalism… Read More
Bike Trail Etiquette Bike trail etiquette is timeless; it knows no seasons. Warm spring days are an especially busy bike trail time in my area. I am grateful for a city bike trail that borders my backyard and allows me such easy access. In addition to the hundreds of daily bicycle riders, including a local bicycle club, it… Read More
After-hours Work Emails – proper etiquette for responding You just sat down for dinner and your phone alerts you to a new work email. So, what is the proper etiquette for after hours work emails? Do you ignore them or respond to them? How do you draw the line between work and personal time? I was honored to be one of two business… Read More
7 Things Not to Post on Social Media After You Get Engaged You just got engaged! How exciting! If you’re planning on posting about your engagement and upcoming wedding, here are seven pieces of social media engagement etiquette you need to know. As an etiquette expert, I was honored to be interviewed for this article in WeddingWire. Once the initial shock and excitement of the proposal dies down—a.k.a. once… Read More