Boost Your Success With Etiquette
June 29, 2008
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Etiquette. What does etiquette have to do with my success?
Etiquette is an often overlooked but critical factor in our professional and financial success. It extends beyond table manners and permeates our daily social interactions. Treating people with respect, consideration, and honesty defines good etiquette. It’s quite simple: The nucleus of a prosperous relationship depends upon how you make a person feel.
Golden Rule of Etiquette
The golden rule of etiquette that has contributed to my business success and expanded clientele is making people feel comfortable, valued, and appreciated. Recently, I competed against larger competitors for a sizable contract and won. According to the client, my personality and awareness of the company’s culture outshined the competition.
In today’s fiercely competitive business world, technical knowledge and expertise is no longer enough to ensure workplace success. The ability to get along well with others, demonstrate good manners, cultivate relationships, and deliver superior customer service is essential to business growth and career success. Companies hire individuals who fit the image and culture of their organization. People do business with people they trust and who mirror their value system.
Think about it. Who would you want on your team, Larry the know-it-all genius who complains non-stop and interrupts your concentration or Bob with good social skills who effectively communicates and interacts with colleagues while confidently conducting himself in the workplace.
Perception
Bad etiquette is costly and impacts morale — resulting in the loss of profits. People equate bad manners with incompetence and poor upbringing. Negative body language and gestures such as a weak handshake or shifty eyes convey the lack of etiquette. Unfortunately, employers won’t tell you the real reason why you weren't hired; thus, you must be conscious of how you want others to perceive you.
Practicing good manners should be a way of life and etiquette can differentiate you from the competition. Without proper etiquette skills, upward mobility in the workplace is simply unattainable.
The Challenge
Learn the etiquette skills to boost your success as well as ways to improve your professional image, savvy, and awareness. Understand the principles of proper etiquette and how dress, body language, communication and social skills can enhance or undermine your workplace success, business growth, and reputation.
Shawn E. Gilleylen is the founder of Administrative Support Associates, a firm providing business etiquette training to help businesses and individuals gain a competitive edge by strengthening their professionalism, corporate image, and productivity. Shawn created the Success with Etiquette™ Training Program and conducts monthly seminars, speeches, and workshops.
Visit http://www.adminsupportassociates.com for more information and to subscribe to a free Success with Etiquette™ Tips Newsletter.
Administrative Support Associates, Success with Etiquette™ Training Program. All rights reserved.
Finding Mentor Relationships That Work
June 25, 2008
By Candis Best
Mentors can serve multiple roles. They can provide a knowledgeable sounding board for your ideas. Senior level executives within your own organization often have a high level view of the direction that the organization is taking and can help you avoid missteps. Beyond that, they've usually been at it longer than you have. No matter how smart and talented you are, there is no substitute for experience. So why not learn from the experience of others?
Ideally, your boss should be your mentor. He or she will be evaluating your strengths and weakness and can give you assignments that help you to grow. If that's not happening on its own don't be afraid to ask for more feedback about your performance. Supervisors typically give the least feedback to those they consider to be their best employees. But in this instance while it may appear that no news is good news, that's not necessarily the case. We all have room for improvement. So if you aren't being given specific suggestions for how you can improve your skills - ask.
Unfortunately, most people do not have supervisors who they would consider mentors. In that case, don't be afraid to seek out relationships with others in the organization. One way to do this is to participate on assignments involving participants from more than one department. This is a great way to find out who in your organization others respect. Clearly you want to seek out someone whose talents and experience can augment your own. Also keep in mind that you can and should have more than one mentor. If you don't have access to an appropriate person within your organization, seek out a professional who works for a different company in the same industry (although be careful about any potential conflicts of interest) or a different industry altogether. Good management skills are transferable and so is good management advice.
Once you identify a potential mentor the best way to proceed is to ask them directly if you can speak to them from time to time for advice. Most people will be flattered and are usually happy to help. Once you find a potential mentor, make sure you respect that person's time. You picked them because they're successful which means that their time is in demand. Whatever you do, don't start off by asking for a favor (like a job) or for any information that would put that person in an uncomfortable position. Get to the point, thank them for their input then ask if you can stay in touch to keep them informed of your progress. They will almost always say yes. After that, the responsibility for maintaining the relationship will almost always fall on you, at least in the beginning (they're busy remember!)
Stay in touch but don't be a nuisance. That means don't reach out to them unless you really have something to talk about.
Otherwise, check in with your mentor on a regular basis - two to three times a year just to say hello and give them an update on your progress. You are building a relationship which calls for an investment of time. Eventually, if there's a genuine connection between the two of you, the relationship will become more mutual and your mentor will initiate contact with you as well. If that doesn't happen, don't be discouraged. Just like personal relationships, some mentoring relationships are only meant to last for a short time. If you've gained valuable insight and been a responsive and respectful listener, everyone benefits.
Dr. K. Candis Best is a department chair and college professor from Brooklyn, New York. She is also the author of Leaving Legacies: Reflections from the Prickly Path to Leadership. She makes her expertise available to corporations and individuals as a consultant and coach in the areas of Leadership Development, Career Management and Change Management.
Proper Networking Etiquette
June 24, 2008
It goes without saying, "First Impressions can be Lasting Impressions.". "People will only do business with those they like and trust." "You must earn respect and trust before you can build a strong relationship. " "Do onto others as you would like done to you." Although these are age old cliches, in the business world, these are tips and strong advice that professionals can live by.
In regards to networking, etiquette is extremely important in the way business is conducted. It is a credibility factor that can be leveraged to gain new business, meet people and excel in networking endeavors. Soft skills are many times overlooked or disregarded as important because people do not tend to see the value in it.
But in sales, customer service, marketing and advertising many of the key selling points involve similar aspects of soft skills and etiquette. These aspects include, paying attention to detail, knowing your customer/clients needs, offering value and quality products, listening to your customers, clients or colleagues and offering solutions, following up and showing appreciation for loyalty and support.
How can professionals use etiquette as a skill in networking to build relationships and grow their business or meet their professional needs? How can business people make a great impression that will lead to referrals and promotions? How can professionals use different aspects of networking to polish their professional approach?
While meeting and connecting with others at events, the way that professionals introduce themselves and start conversation is very crucial. Professionals should not intrude or barge into a conversation. Instead they should wait until they are ushered into the group or conversation. It is helpful to step back or hang around and be included into the group instead of pushing or intruding. And when a person is invited into the circle or group, make sure to introduce themselves properly or give a quick 30 second speech. At this point, it is not appropriate to pass out business cards. A person should take the time to get to know their counterparts and their businesses. Then, if that professional feels a connection or has interest in the other person, that would be the appropriate time to exchange business cards.
During conversation, make sure that you are paying attention to what is being said. Focus on the nature and direction of the conversation. Always try to make comments and suggestions that support the present conversation or ideas that are being presented. Changing the subject or focusing on your personal interests can be a quick turn off to your business counterparts. Also, people will appreciate someone that is attentive and listens to others. While speaking in the conversation, exercise patience by waiting for others to finish speaking and avoiding cutting people off or interrupting.
These types of etiquette and soft skills while networking can greatly impact your professional and social image. It will give professionals a clear edge or advantage which will make them attractive for business and relationship building.
Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities … The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com
Ringtone Etiquette
June 11, 2008
By: Grigoriy Anoshenko
Ever noticed how at a busy, dull, board meeting a particular gentleman keeps coughing at regular intervals and his hand covers his mouth only a few seconds after he has ‘coughed’. And you couldn’t help wondering how sick he really was to be doing something so unhygienic? Well, the next time you witness such ill – timed ‘action to sound’ occurrences, you might want to re – think the entire situation. A closer look and you will know when he looks towards his phone, that the ‘cough’ was actually his mobile phone ring tone! Talk about ingenuity!
Mobile phone ring tones have come a long way from the standard beeps, ringing tones, the famous Nokia ring tone, to slightly pleasant sounding monotones; which were easily forgotten with the invasion of polyphonic ringtones. And now with the way this industry is burgeoning, ring tones have become a force to reckon with: videotones, ring back tones, sing tones, the list is endless.
With so much already having been written and said about the way this industry is growing, it’s not surprising to hear talks of taming it down. It’s true. Ring tone etiquette is been taken seriously and people are being expected to brush up on their social behaviour in public places. Extremely loud and annoying ring tones often invite scowls from co – passengers on board trains and/or buses. More often than not, a couple of the annoyed co – passengers would think, “He blew up money over that?”.
The modern day definition of a ring tone, is something that clearly sets one apart from the masses ;and spares him/her the embarrassment of jumping every time a phone with a similar ring tone rings in close vicinity. Yet, the fact that individuals, in their attempt to stand out in the crowd, opt for ring tones that are extremely unpleasant and distasteful for a public environment, cannot be disregarded simply on the grounds of freedom of expression. Researchers have identified such behaviour as being incongruent with social norms.
There have been reports of a particular behavior in public places which has managed to successfully infuriate the majority of those subjected to it. It has been observed that no sooner has an individual purchased a new phone, or probably even due to lack of any constructive activity, than the individual attempts to go through each and every ring tone available on his/her mobile phone.
And quite understandably this urge happens in public places and/ or long journeys that must be endured listening to what may seem like at that time, the world’s most irritating variety of mobile phone ring tones. One of the foremost rules of ring tone etiquette, according to experts, undoubtedly is that fact that ring tones must be played out and tried only in the privacy of one’s home.
Recent reports have also highlighted trends within this industry that attempt to evade the etiquette rule book. ‘Coughing’ and ‘sneezing’ ring tones at meetings allow one to slip away easily without being too conspicuous. Some of the other popular ones have been borrowed from the environment. Natural sounds such as those of birds twittering, leaves swaying, and bees buzzing, only make it that much easier to alert the user of an incoming call or message, without actually attracting any unwanted attention.
Although it’s being persistently argued by ardent mobile phone ring tone fans, that ring tones are a personal choice that allow an individual to make a style statement; one cannot disregard the fact that style statement’s cannot be made at the cost of another individual’s comfort.
About the Author
To find out more and download free ringtones please visit free ringtones website. Also find lyrics for ringtones at music lyrics.
The Top Ten Business Etiquette Faux Pas
June 9, 2008
By: Robert Ing
In the world of business, it's not what you do but how you do it. With one small gesture you can impress, insult, appear cultured and educated, or simply become a social outcast. In a competitive business environment whether you're looking for a job, a raise, negotiating a major deal, interacting with peers, or knocking on doors for customers you will be ultimately judged on how you conduct yourself.
Here's the top ten business etiquette faux pas that will keep you out of the executive suite and will land you on the "bush league" list. See how you stack up.
10. Wearing a digital or oversized watch with business attire.
9. Shaking hands without removing gloves.
8. If sitting, not getting up when introduced to, or shaking hands with a business associate.
7. Sending a FAX without a cover sheet.
6. Accepting someone's business card but not offering yours in exchange.
5. Offering a client an inexpensive plastic pen (under $20) to sign a deal worth thousands. If you're worried about losing, or someone accidentally pocketing your favorite pen, have your initials or name engraved on it. Engraved pens seem to stay with their owner longer!
4. Not responding to e-mail messages within 24 - 36 hours.
3. Calling people whose telephone numbers you obtained from your "Caller ID" service that didn't leave a voice mail message.
2. Having your mobile telephone ring during a meeting and making matters worse by taking the call.
1. Not leaving your telephone number on a voice mail message because you "know" the person has it.
Another sixteen fatal mistakes worthy of note are:
Men wearing lapel pins that have no significance; if asked about them, how do you explain these things without appearing a bit green around the edges?
Wearing excessive jewelry (more than three rings, more than one lapel pin, a large chain and medallion, etc.) with business attire.
Wearing extra strong cologne or perfume with business attire.
Leaving long voice mail messages (lasting over 180 seconds).
Ladies wearing skirts or dresses that go well above the knee in a business environment.
When asking for the name of a person on the telephone or in person, using the phrase "What was the name?" This is a definite cultural faux pas and an indirect insult to the person you're speaking with.
Calling a business or sales meeting without providing each attendee with a meeting agenda at least 24 hours in advance.
When charging a business lunch or dinner, not leaving a cash tip but putting the tip on the credit card charge.
Sending FAXes of more than six pages without informing the recipient beforehand.
Putting the person you called on hold. If you initiate a telephone call, you are obligated to complete it without interruption.
Sending a three page or less text document as an attached file to an e-mail message instead of pasting it in the body of the message. Maximize productivity & efficiency by minimizing effort! It will get read and handled faster in less time, and the recipient won't have to worry about whether they can open it.
Putting people on your e-mail distribution list without asking them first. You may e-mail them a request to be put on your list with a first edition of the material you're distributing, but they must respond to be placed on the list to receive further mass e-mail.
Leaving more than two consecutive voice mail messages. If you didn't get a call back on your first message, or have to update it, leave a second message. However, if you haven't received a call back from your second message, put at least 24 hours distance between your second and third message.
Leaving a voicemail message that tells the recipient to call you but not giving any hint of the purpose or general subject of the call. By doing this you can be assured that your call will not be handled as a priority and when you finally do get a call back, your caller will not have the necessary files or information on hand to make the call productive.
If you are a man, not letting women enter or exit the elevator first.
If you are a chauffeur, going around the back of the car to open the door. Professional chauffeurs to diplomats and royalty always walk around the front of the vehicle; it's a traditional sign of respect indicating you are not hiding something.
What Are You Thinking!
So by now you probably think that I’m some stuffed shirt old guy that is completely out of tune with the times. But before you dismiss the “old school” tried and true logic, consider how many people you have to compete with every day to get that job, that client, that raise, that level of respect and yes, even that special someone you dream about. You have to stand out. You have to make them remember you. You have to be different in a sane way.
The people you see in videos and films are bad examples on how to dress and act, if unlike them, you have to get up each morning and earn a living or negotiate with those who do. Use these etiquette tips as a tool to improve your chances of getting where you want to be and improve your life.
Dr. Robert Ing is a forensic specialist with appearances on North American news networks. He has provided security for celebrities and dignitaries. For more articles by Dr. Robert Ing please visit http://www.drroberting.com Copyright © 2005-2006 Dr. Robert Ing
Cell Phones At The Workplace
June 5, 2008
By: Douglas Stewart
Most workplaces do not appreciate if you use your cell phone while you are supposed to be working. Many companies have implemented rules prohibiting cell phone use in work areas. If you are a person who cannot stand to be without your cell phone, there are some simple rules to ensure that your cell phone use does not interfere with your job, your supervisor, or your co-workers.
The first rule that you should follow if you are bringing your cell phone to work is to shut your ringer off. Leave the phone on vibrate if you must have it on. This will keep your cell phone ringtone from bothering the employees around you. It can also prevent your boss from knowing how many calls you get at the workplace.
When you do get a call at work, it may be prudent to let the call be picked up by voice mail. This prevents other workers from complaining to the boss about the calls that you are receiving. It also eliminates any temptation that you may have to begin a conversation that you really should not be having.
While at work, you should only answer important calls. These include calls from your child, calls from his school, and emergencies that must be taken care of immediately. Chatting with your sister or checking on a doctor’s appointment that you have next week are not emergencies.
When you need to make cell phone calls, you should find an isolated place to do it. In the break room during lunch when there are twenty other employees sitting around is not a private place. Having a conversation in front of your co-workers that they are not included in is rude. If you chose a place out in the work place during your break time, it may distract the people who are still working as they try to overhear your conversation.
You should never ever use your phone in the public restroom. If one of your co-workers is going to the bathroom and the person on the other end of your call can hear them that is an invasion of your coworkers’ privacy. You might also consider that many bathrooms in the work place are large and echo so that any co-worker who is present may be able to hear the entire conversation.
You should not bring your cell phone to any meetings. Your concentration should be on your job and your boss will notice if you are paying attention. Even if you have your cell phone set on vibrate, if it rings it can disrupt the entire meeting as well as gain you some unwelcomed attention by your supervisor. You should also never check your cell phone to identify who is calling. Your boss will think that you do not care about your job.
While some companies have stopped the use of cell phones during work hours, the businesses that allow them encourage their employees to only use them in case of emergency. Otherwise, you should only make calls on your own time, such as during breaks and lunchtime. This gesture is just a common courtesy that you can extend to your bosses and co-workers.
About the Author
You just got a new cell phone or you want to personalize your current cell phone visit this article on cell phone accessories.
Conference Call Etiquette You Need To Know
June 5, 2008
By: D Ruplinger
I have worked for large company for several years and have been on more conference calls, tele-seminars, and tele-training calls than I can remember. Those experiences have led me to develop a list of “Conference Call Tips and Etiquette” that can help make conference calls more pleasant, run smoother, and help avoid embarrassment. I’m sure the list I’ve put together isn’t all inclusive but it does cover the major things I have experienced or learned about during the course of all those calls I’ve been on.
Find a quiet place. Background noise will be heard on the call and it can be very distracting to other participants. If you are at home and have small children playing nearby or have a noisy dog, try to find the quietest part of your house. The other participants on the call will appreciate it. If it is not possible to be away from the noise, mute your phone whenever you are not talking. Pressing *6 will mute most phones.
Avoid Using A Cell Phone. Try to avoid calling into a conference call from a cell phone whenever possible. Cell phones add tremendous background noise to a conference call. If a cell phone is your only choice, muting the cell phone is a necessity whenever you are not speaking. Also, make sure you are not driving when you are on you the call.
Be on time for the call. Don’t get on the call late and expect someone to catch you up with what is going on while everyone else waits. It is rude and disrespectful to the other participants to not be on time. It gives them the impression that your time is more important than theirs.
Don’t Use The Hold Button. Do not put the conference call on hold if your phone has hold music or those annoying beeps that sound every few seconds. To say it is a huge interruption and distraction for everyone else on the call is an understatement. I was once on a conference call for training on a new software product our company was introducing. Someone else put the call on hold for nearly 20 minutes and we ended up listening to her hold music for the entire time. If you have to leave a conference call for any period of time, hang up the phone and call back in when you are ready to rejoin.
Be Cautious With Cordless Phones. If you are joining a conference call from a cordless phone make sure the phone does not have a lot of static background noise. Usually static background noise starts when you start to get out of range of the phone base or is you get near another device that interferes with phone such as some small electric appliances and answering machines.
Avoid Shuffling Papers. One very annoying thing that some people do on a conference call is shuffle papers. It sounds very loud on the phone. Other small potentially noisy habits to avoid are : continually clearing your throat, tapping your pencil, drumming your fingers on the desk, etc.
Be Aware Of Whether Or Not Your Phone Is On Mute. If you do put your phone on mute while on a conference call, and it is always a good idea to do so whenever you are not talking, remember to take it back off mute when you talk. Likewise remember to put it back on mute when you are finished. Nearly everyone who has been on conference calls regularly can recount at least one memory of someone forgetting to put their phone back on mute and then saying something that was definitely not intended for the ears of the other conference call participants, such as a negative remark about something relating to the call or another person on the call.
Be Polite. Do not try to talk over another person on the call even if you feel you have a very important point to cover. It is in bad taste to do so and will result in everyone else on the call not being able to understand what you or the other person is saying. Be patient; wait until the other person has finished; and then talk.
Following the above tips can help make conference calls more successful, and more importantly, take up the least amount of time possible so you can get to 1,000 other tasks you have to accomplish like taking a time management course! But that’s another story.
D Ruplinger is a featured writer for http://www.conferencering.com. For more information about conference calls visit http://www.conferencering.com
New area on Call Center Cafe`: Business Etiquette
June 4, 2008
Business Etiquette
This category needs a home all of it's own and that is exactly what Call Center Cafe` and VIP Call Center Cafe are going to give it.
In this area of the Cafe you will be able to find articles and features all directly related to business etiquette.
From how to handle yourself on a conference call to business dining tips.
Hope you find the topics of interest and don't forget to share with your counterparts and or employees.
Thank you,
Call Center Cafe` Staff
