In honor of National Ice Cream Month, I thought I’d share a few “hot” tips on the fun and friendly protocol of Ice Cream Etiquette! One of my favorite ice cream makers, Blue Bell Ice Cream, has been creating yummy flavors for 106 years. I asked Jenny Anderson, Public Relations Coordinator for Blue ... [ Read More ]
Wardrobe Etiquette: Summer Office Attire
With the spike of summer heat comes an opportunity to adjust your summer office attire for the rising temperature. Keep in mind that every work environment has a different definition of what’s appropriate, so the first rule of thumb is to check your office policy. When in doubt, look at what ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Tips for Success in a Virtual Workforce
I was recently quoted in an online Forbes article written by Steve Cooper, a Forbes writer and also the co-founder and editor of Hitched, an online lifestyle magazine for married couples. If you read the article, Master Your Virtual Workforce With These 6 Tips, you will note that we have been ... [ Read More ]
Body Language Etiquette: Nonverbal Messages
During an interview, your mouth is not the only thing that is speaking. Your body language is saying a great deal about how you are feeling and what you are thinking. In order to ensure your nonverbal messages are aligned with your words, be aware of the following gestures that are all signs of ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Misused and Outdated Terms and Phrases
I grew up riding a bike with high handlebars and a banana seat and thought nothing of asking my best friend, Joe Harris, to give me a “pump” home. I would sit against the “sissy bar,” between the tall front handles, or behind Joe, perched on the long, narrow seat. While I fondly ... [ Read More ]
10 Tips for Utilizing Summer Break to Find a Career
If you are a college student, you are probably looking forward to a summer break that includes visiting family, hanging out with friends, doing a little traveling and maybe hitting the beach for a summer tan. But, now is the time to prepare for your next phase in life…a job after graduation. ... [ Read More ]
Fashion Etiquette: Defining Business Casual
There are few terms that cause as much confusion in the office as “Business Casual.” A recent study found that nearly 90 percent of workplace dress codes have become less formal over the past 10 years. Now some employers are trying to reverse the declining trend and finding it difficult to get their ... [ Read More ]
St. Patrick’s Day Etiquette
Is there such a thing? Of course there is – there is an etiquette to everything, and a big part of it is simply behaving in a manner that allows others to be comfortable around you. Many of us look for opportunities to celebrate special holidays any day of the year. This year, St. Patrick’s Day ... [ Read More ]
Job Interview Etiquette: Follow-up Letter Q and A’s
The job interview isn't over when you walk out of the interviewer's office. The next step is following up. Just like the resume and cover letter that got you this far, the follow-up letter is another opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates. The interviewer is not only evaluating ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Accept Criticism
Criticism is a fact of life and a powerful training tool when we understand how to put it to use. We will almost certainly receive criticism (constructive or otherwise) from a supervisor giving feedback and possibly from a client at some point in our professional career. Add social media into the ... [ Read More ]
Cursing at Work: Replacing Profanity with Professionalism
If you think that cursing at work is harmless, think again: using foul language in the office may also be harming your career. A 2012 nationwide survey by CareerBuilder found that over half of employers (57 percent) said that they’d be less likely to give someone a promotion who swears on the ... [ Read More ]
Conversation Etiquette: Being a Good Conversationalist
It’s not easy to discuss your strengths without coming across as a boaster or bragger. But being a good conversationalist depends on finding ways to talk about yourself without turning other people away. Consider these tips to avoid being seen as a blowhard by colleagues or friends: Choose your ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Avoid Being an Annoying Coworker
We have all had a cringe-worthy moment or two when it comes to the office. Nancy in sales going barefoot after 2…Tom’s famous laugh…you get the idea. To be sure your behavior isn’t making your colleagues roll their eyes as soon as you leave the meeting, refer to my list of office annoyances ... [ Read More ]
Office Eitquette: Dealing with a Coworker Who Takes Credit for Your Work
Does your colleague take credit for your work? Not a good sign of what’s to come in your office future unless you handle the situation professionally and expeditiously. Here are a few mannerly suggestions for dealing with a coworker who takes credit for your work: First of all, ask yourself if ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: 10 Signs You May be Disorganized
Rushing from work to networking events, pilates, Whole Foods and home (not to mention managing your children’s schedules and traveling for business) is often a surefire recipe to feel overwhelmed. If after going through the list below, you find yourself “guilty as charged,” allow this to serve as a ... [ Read More ]