Etiquette Now! Insights

  With leisure travel, you are representing only yourself.  However, with business travel, you are representing your company. The impressions you impart may determine your future business relationship with those you are visiting. Attire Your attire choices will play a major part in how you are viewed.  However, if time allows, dress in comfortable clothes to reduce stress and help you keep focused on your objectives.  These should still appear conservative, like slacks, a neat shirt/blouse, and a jacket/blazer.  Avoid clothing that wrinkles or clings. Track the weather and dress accordingly. Dress slightly more formal than your counterparts do. Pack an extra outfit just in case: unexpected meeting, unplanned trip extension, and mishaps.  Transportation & Technology Expect delays: pack makeup, backup battery charger (if allowed), antibacterial gel/sheets, noise-canceling headphones, pen and paper, business cards, and brea...

  Ensure that gift-giving is allowed in your workplace and if there is a dollar limit.  Then consider the appropriateness of the gift.  There may be religious, or gender issues attached to some gifts, such as perfume or jewelry for women and religious icons or pork products for some religions.  Gift for The Boss Simple gifts to the boss, so as not to appear like an apple polisher.  Homemade treats Anything for the desk: calendars, stationery, pens, letter openers, picture frame... Book Box of candy Associates to Each Other Gift giving is not equal, because we give gifts according to our relationship with the person. Not Close: Small items for the desk: ‘to-do’ lists tablets, coffee mugs, treats... Filled coffee mugs: candy, teas, coffee... A book Cute holiday -themed items: Santa bobblehead, etc. $5 Gift certificate: coffee shop? Those Who are Close: Consider the person’s preferences. Anything for the desk: calendars, st...

Typically, people dread holiday business events because it is not business as usual and definitely not social.  The rules, so clear to us when we are in our cubicles, become a blur.  During these events, there is often alcohol flowing liberally and staff appears to be enjoying themselves, even freely talking to the boss.  Yet, deep inside we know this is not an outing with our friends.  This is just another way for people to judge how well we perform.  Perform well, and we will receive some sort of recognition; perform badly and it is back to square one.  Plus-Ones? It is no less tricky for the tag-a-long date .  The date knows he/she needs to look sharp, be a good conversationalist, and make a good impression.  And we all know how difficult this is to accomplish when we don’t know these people well and the stakes are high.  How do you compliment people, listen intently, and smile as if your face will break and not seem condesce...

  Dear Rebecca, Does a lady stand when the president of the company comes to the table? Question on Table Manners Dear Question on Table Manners, Usually everyone rises when the president of the company arrives to the table.  If the men do, the women do.  Women are considered as part of the team in business, there is no gender bias. Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca Do I tip the server at a formal function? Interview: business meals & handshakes How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function

  Dear Rebecca, If invited to a VIP function with sit-down table service, is it proper to leave a tip for the server/waiter for your table at the end of the night? Visitor from Las Vegas, NV Dear Visitor from Las Vegas, NV, Great question!  No, it would not be proper to do so.  The waitstaff is compensated by the hosts.   Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca Interview: business meals & handshakes The Importance of an Elevator Speech Time to Polish Our Professional Presence

  Dear Rebecca , Is a bottle of liquor a good holiday gift for a boss? Sincerely, Liquor in the workplace. Dear Liquor in the Workplace, Most places of business frown on alcohol.  Your gift may be viewed in negatively. Plus, it could appear as apple polishing.  If you are remarkably close to your boss, you could give him/her something a bit less questionable, like homemade cookies . Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How to Dress for Business Cruise? When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors Should I bring a hostess gift?

Dear Rebecca I've been invited to a holiday company party that is being hosted by the general manager at his home. Should I bring a hostess gift ? Employee Baring Gifts Dear Employee Baring Gifts, The hostess deserves a little something and wine is usually very appropriate, especially for evening events. The only exception with taking wine as a gift would be if liquor is frowned upon in your organization. But since it is a holiday party at someone's home.  Wine, flowers, plants, and books are also good gifts. Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function How to Dress for Business Cruise? When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors

Dear Rebecca , Can you explain the importance of table manners in business? Thank you, RS Dear RS, I will do my best. In the workplace, you are judged based upon how you dress, how you treat others, and your manners.  If you have poor table manners, you limit yourself as to how far up the corporate ladder you can travel.  Some of us never entertain clients with a meal .  Although most of us share meals with our coworkers and perhaps those in higher positions than ourselves often, especially in common breakrooms.  It is crucial that our manners speak positively for us.  Our manners help define us. Just ask yourself, "Who will your boss choose for a business lunch with clients or the CEO of the company?"  Will he/she choose the person who doesn't know proper table manners or the person who does?  All etiquette is used and essential in the business world, especially table manners.  Your knowledge and implementatio...

  Dear Rebecca, I've read your comments regarding office gift -giving online.    What guidelines apply when gifts are to a departing supervisor?    When the departure also causes the termination of others on the supervisor's team, should they also receive gifts? Thanks, Michael Dear Michael , Good question.   It is always optional to give gifts , especially in the workplace.   So, there is no firm 'guidelines' about giving to departing supervisors.   However, if it’s customary to give gifts to those who depart in your workplace, then everyone who is leaving should receive one.   It would be expected.   The gifts shouldn't be expensive and could be a farewell lunch or office party with a cake and beverages. Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image       How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function Interview: business meals & ...

  Preparing for the Interview For over twenty years as an etiquette professional, I’ve trained countless job seekers.  Not much has changed in those decades, except our expanded use of technology.   Today, we can apply for a job using Social networking sites, such as LinkedIn.  We commonly use an email program to contact an organization’s HR department.  Additionally, we live on our cellphones.  Many times, we use these electronic appendages to reply to those HR departments and recruiters.  Some of those calls and emails could be the difference between a future job and a trip to the unemployment office.    Consequently, it would benefit all job seekers to follow a few of my suggestions.    Consider Your Use of a Cellphone Sure, texting is fast and convenient.  However, it’s not the best method to use for answering emails from a recruiter or anyone else who may be trying to a...

  How to Get Your Next Job It seems that Career Fair Season is upon us again.  Truly, depending on your specific career choice, recruiters may be looking for you all year.  As an etiquette consultant who routinely prepares job candidates, I’m often interviewed by local news media about this topic—which was the case recently. (video above) I always stress the importance of following a few simple rules.  So, if searching for a job or internship at the next career fair , please read on.  Take it Seriously and Do Your Homework! This just may be a formal interview for a real job or internship so take the job/career fair seriously.  Know what companies will be there.  Find out what the companies are working on and what they are doing so you can ask pertinent questions.  If you want a certain type of job, know what that job entails.  Dress the Part! Employers want employees they believe will fit into their corporate culture.  Therefor...

  How to Get the Job You Want Let’s face it, even with the best education, the job market is a tough place to be.  It is incredibly tight and expectations of the newly hired are high. So, what is someone with little work experience to do?  As an etiquette consultant who trains job seekers, I always suggest internships for those who are still in high school and college.  Still, all can benefit from what a good internship can provide. What are the advantages and benefits of an internship? As your coworkers and supervisors evaluate you and your work habits, you are best able to evaluate how it would be to work in that business and for that particular company full time.   The internship also provides an opportunity to develop a work ethic and polish your people skills. Dealing with the scary people and learning new skills. More than likely, you will be learning new skills, as the work required may be a new experience for you.  The busine...