Business Dining Etiquette: 5 Foods Not to Order at a Business Lunch June 15, 2012 | Rachel Wagner At a business lunch, the focus should be on the client—not on a trail of ‘special sauce’ that escapes down the front of your shirt from an oversized burger. Two words: embarrassing, unprofessional. The best practice is to avoid ordering anything that would fall into the category of messy, awkward, hard-to-eat, or unpredictable. The benefit:… Read More
Courteous Customer Service: 10 Ways to Outclass the Competition May 30, 2012 | Rachel Wagner | 16 Comments After forty frustrating minutes at my nearby office supply store, I left without making a purchase. Two sales team members showed a lack of product knowledge—but even worse, a complete lack of customer courtesy. They didn’t get my order for 200 custom-printed note cards. Their competitor across town did. It was out of my way… Read More
Napkin Etiquette at a Business Meal March 26, 2012 | Rachel Wagner | 2 Comments Napkin etiquette at a business meal is an often overlooked aspect of good table manners. Many people don’t think to hone this simple skill because it doesn’t come to mind until you are in the moment. From the initial seating to final table departure, it is essential to know what to do with your napkin… Read More
Safeguard your job at office parties December 9, 2011 | Rachel Wagner With the holidays upon us, ’tis the season for office holiday parties. While office parties are a wonderful time to mingle with co-workers outside the office, partygoers should still adhere to business etiquette to make sure they don’t damage their professional image or jeopardize their jobs. Tulsa World Scene Writer Jason Ashley Wright interviewed me about… Read More
Tulsa Business Journal: Holiday Office Party Etiquette December 5, 2011 | Rachel Wagner Using good holiday office party etiquette is important since office events are an extension of your professional life. You are being observed by your supervisors and colleagues, as well as their spouses and guests — maybe even a few board members or clients. It’s a great opportunity to make a positive impression. In this article I wrote for the Tulsa Business Journal I provide 10… Read More
Business Networking: 3 Tricks for Remembering Names September 12, 2011 | Rachel Wagner Now, what was your name again? We’ve all been there–you’re at a business networking event and meet a new person…and immediately forget his or her name! But, remembering names and using them in conversation is important in business. It makes you stand out and creates a powerful impression. In fact, according to Dale Carnegie, “The… Read More
Top 10 Business Tipping Etiquette Rules September 11, 2011 | Rachel Wagner Tipping etiquette can be tricky. From dining with clients and colleagues to who you should tip and how much, there are so many subtle ways to fall short of showing appreciation. Follow these 10 simple rules and you’ll always maintain a gracious and image. Read the entire article on the American Express Open Forum.… Read More
Business Viewpoint: Mastering Business Dining Etiquette Adds to Professional Edge May 19, 2011 | Rachel Wagner This article about business dining etiquette originally appeared in the Tulsa World on May 19, 2011. The business lunch is more than a meal. It’s a time when business relationships are developed and strengthened. In today’s more casual business environment, however, employees may have the right job skills but may be at a loss as… Read More
Tip Sheet: Debunking Business Dining Etiquette April 14, 2011 | Rachel Wagner Having good table manners and business dining etiquette with colleagues and co-workers is essential for today’s professional. This American Express Open Forum article provides tips from me along with others about how to ensure you project a professional image at a business dinner. From extending the invitation to who picks up the tab to being… Read More
Essential Tips: Take the Fear out of Networking April 5, 2011 | Rachel Wagner Networking events and conferences can be intimidating for many business professionals. This American Express Open Forum article in which I and others were interviewed explains how to master the art of meeting new people in business settings. From introductions to small talk to making meaningful connections and graceful exits, these tips will help you feel… Read More