Keeping your professional business cards on hand is a "must" when it comes to reinforcing a strong first impression. A professional business card is not only an essential tool in your executive tool box, but will positively influence how you are perceived by clients and business ... [ Read More ]
Flu Etiquette for a Flu-Free Season
With cold and flu season in full swing, we are all on high alert to prevent the spread of illness-causing germs. Here are some tips for navigating the flu season in the most courteous manner. If you’re sick, or have a temperature, stay home. There are those rare few that can carry a temperature ... [ Read More ]
New Year’s Fresh Start: Five Positive Workplace Habits
The New Year brings fresh energy and the opportunity to evaluate whether our behavior is bringing us closer to, or further from, our professional goals. I’m sharing simple tips to include in your routine, as well as some common pitfalls to avoid to help create some positive workplace ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Choosing the Right Watch for the Office
Watches are an essential part of a professional wardrobe, especially when you are working front and center with important clients. Despite what you might think, you should not count on your cell phone to keep you updated on the time. Glancing down is distracting and appears as if you are bored with ... [ Read More ]
Cleavage in the Workplace: How Much is Too Much?
I was recently quoted in Huffington Post Canada regarding the unspoken etiquette rules on cleavage in the workplace. When dressing for work, the line between attractive and provocative can be easily blurred. Often, the two terms can overlap. Studies have actually shown that women who dress too ... [ Read More ]
Professional Attire for the Office (Updating Your Fall Wardrobe)
Now that the season is definitely veering towards lower temperatures, it’s time to think about updating your wardrobe. Whether it’s switching out your clothes from one drawer to the other, or buying a few key pieces that will be long-term business investments, there is no better time than the ... [ Read More ]
Q & A: How to Handle Embarrassing Situations
From pungent co-workers to self-proclaimed wine snobs, here is my latest installment of Q & A’s from our readers about how to handle embarrassing situations. 1. How can I correct someone who continues to call me by the wrong name every time I see her? It’s insulting. Admittedly, it can ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Take Personal Emergency Leave
You never can predict when your preschooler will have 101 fever in the middle of the day, or you must unexpectedly attend to a family illness, injury, or other urgent matter. There is never a good time for personal emergency leave, especially when you are at the office. However, if you are prepared ... [ Read More ]
Tips for Living a Fulfilling Life
Life is moving along, even when you're not. Are you taking advantage of every opportunity? Here are a few business and social tips for living a fulfilling life to get you started. 1. Don't get stuck. Be willing to change or adjust as the direction of your interests and experiences grow. Don’t be ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Stay Positive in the Workplace
If you find yourself in an office rut, take affirmative steps to stay positive and get back into the game. A pleasant employee is a promotable employee. 1. Fill your cup. Literally. Make a point of nourishing your body and soul. Have more than a quick cup of coffee for breakfast, even if it is a ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Avoid These Common Career Mistakes
I was recently asked to address the topic, “Mistakes Women Make in Business.” While I am happy to share common career mistakes made by executives, they are certainly not limited to women. Both men and women can benefit from reviewing the business blunders below. You may find that some of these sound ... [ Read More ]
Umbrella Etiquette
Today is Friday the 13th and according to lore, both Friday and the number 13 are “unlucky.” Another superstition has to do with umbrellas. Opening an umbrella inside a building is said to bring you, and the occupants inside, bad luck. I agree that it’s bad business to walk in to a building or home ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Get Started on Twitter
As many of you already know, Twitter is one of my favorite business networking tools; I love quickly connecting with others, in the office or on-the-go when I see something tweet-worthy to share. In today’s post, I’m passing along a few helpful pointers on not only how to get started on Twitter, but ... [ Read More ]
Getting Ready for Fall Office Fashion
I always look forward to a new season, and Fall is my favorite time of year. Even before the temperature starts to drop, I am already thinking about fall office fashion and how to add, edit and update my wardrobe with small (and not so tiny) details. I am sharing a few of my ideas for those looking ... [ Read More ]
Friendship Etiquette: When to Let Go of the Rope
From time to time a situation comes up that clearly shows you who is in your corner and who no longer has your back. Perhaps someone that was a good friend for a long period of time has decided to move on. There should be no judgment in taking another direction, either for you or them, as long as ... [ Read More ]