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
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
10 Things You Should Never, Ever Say Over Text or Email 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 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 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
How to Introduce Yourself to Others at a Business Social or Networking Event Knowing how to introduce yourself to others and engage in conversation is a vital part of business, social, and networking etiquette. Using a process and employing a strategy will help reduce anxiety and increase your confidence. First, try to arrive to the event early. It’s not so daunting to walk into a room and approach people… Read More
How to Address President Trump and Barack Obama How does one correctly address the newly elected President of the United States? In the media, he’s being correctly referred to as President Donald Trump or President Trump. However, did you know that the President’s name is never used in his presence? And, on a related note, how does one refer to a former President?… Read More
Email Etiquette – 3 Ideas for Effective Email Subject Lines The first part of each New Year I receive an influx of email inquiries about my business etiquette services. Companies and organizations are planning their professional development for the year, and I’m always thrilled to share how I may serve them. However, in these inquiry emails, several things catch my eye, including the lack of… Read More
6 Ways to Be Positively Polished at the Office Holiday Party Tis the season for workplace holiday parties. They’re a great way to unwind and get to know co-workers better. But, employees have to remember that it’s still a work event. Even though it’s called a party, it’s not the time to let loose. You’re on stage, being observed by coworkers, supervisors, and maybe even a… Read More