How to Give a Great Handshake in Business July 3, 2018 | Rachel Wagner A great handshake in business communicates a message of warmth, sincerity and trust. However, while a great handshake might not get you the deal, you don’t want to risk giving a poor one. For example, if your handshake is limp or just grips the fingers, it sends a message of weakness. If it’s a bone-crusher,… Read More
How Do You Eat a Wedge Salad? July 3, 2018 | Rachel Wagner “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 June 22, 2018 | Rachel Wagner 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 April 20, 2018 | Rachel Wagner 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 April 18, 2018 | Rachel Wagner 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 April 13, 2018 | Rachel Wagner 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 March 16, 2018 | Rachel Wagner 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
10 Things You Should Never, Ever Say Over Text or Email February 16, 2018 | Rachel Wagner 10 Things You Should Never, Ever Say Over Text or Email Before you hit the send button on that text message or email, read this list of things you should never communicate through a screen. I was honored to be one of the “etiquette experts” interviewed for this Reader’s Digest article. Using good “screen” etiquette… Read More
Should You Use Emojis in Your Business Email? 5 Tips You Need to Know February 11, 2018 | Rachel Wagner Emoji Business Etiquette The question, “Should you use emojis in your business email?” is one of the most reactionary topics in my popular “Email Etiquette” training session. We all use email in business but rarely do employees receive any type of formal training in the do’s and don’ts of what makes business emails professional, including… Read More
Hot Tea Etiquette – 8 Tips to Appear Socially Refined January 25, 2018 | Rachel Wagner | 3 Comments Hot Tea Etiquette – 8 Tips to Appear Socially Refined While January is recognized as National Hot Tea Month, hot tea etiquette is important in business and social settings all year long. We’ve come a long way from the straight-laced Victorian tea times when afternoon tea was first established (and even the post-Edwardian period…think Downton… Read More