"Business Etiquette Essentials," Class, Friday, Nov. 8, 2013

"Business Etiquette Essentials," Class,
Friday, November 8, 2013, Twin Cities

Give yourself the competitive advantage!

Learn to Navigate the Nuances!

What do you do when meeting a customer at a coffee shop and find he is on a call?
Have you wondered who to introduce to whom?
What do you do when you realize you’ve given someone a poor handshake?
What do you do when you’ve forgotten someone’s name?
How many business cards to share at networking events?
Whom do you introduce first in a business introduction?
Can you “friend” a customer on Facebook?
Have you ever taken a call or checked your email while in a business meeting?
Do men get the chair for a female colleague at a business meal?
Have you ordered a salad at a business meal?
When do you begin discussing business at a business meal?
What does “business casual” really mean?
What body language can erode credibility?
Can you swear at work?What is "business casual?"

DESCRIPTION
During this program you will learn skills that will give you the ability to interact confidently and communicate more effectively, and the skills needed to put others and yourself at ease. Topics covered:

* Introduction of Self and Others
* How to Respond to Introductions 
* Basic Body Language
* Types of Handshakes and Their Meaning
* Business Card Protocol
* Techno Savvy
* Conversation Skills Basics
* Tips for Remembering Names
* Tasteful and Taboo Topics
* Business Dining Etiquette Skills (Host and Guest Duties, Understanding the Table Setting, Oops! What to Do, Gracefully Paying and Tipping, Alcohol)
* Impact of Color in Business
* Defining Business Casual Attire
* Handling Embarrassing Situations

9:00a-2:00p (registration 8:50a)
$179, Axel's Charhouse, Roseville, MN

REGISTER HERE

Name Badge Etiquette: Right Side

I was reading the Variety section of the Sunday paper this morning. There is a section titled "Face Time" which showcases scenes from events around the metro area.

 In reviewing the pictures of a recent event, I noticed that the majority of individuals had their name badges placed on the wrong (left) side. Of those where the name badges were visible, 11 out of 16 (almost 70%) had it placed incorrectly.

Name badges are placed on the Right side. As we shake hands with our right hand, our eyes naturally gravitate to the right shoulder. Avoid making the other person search for your name tag by placing it on your right shoulder. This small nuance can help in building the comfort level of both you and the individual you are meeting.

And by all means, never place the name badge in the center or on a hip pocket which causes the other person to look to your nether regions for your name. Oh my!

International Civility Awareness Month

As May is International Civility Awareness Month, each day I'll be sharing simple ways that each of us can demonstrate civility in the various arenas of our lives. I welcome your thoughts and examples too!

May 1: Look the store clerk in the eyes when you say thank you. This has more meaning than a quick, "thanks" as you fumble with your wallet with head down.

May 2: Let that semi-truck merge in front of you on the freeway...even during massive rush hour traffice.

Can I Apply Lipstick and Powder at the Dinner Table?

In workshops, I have often been asked if it is appropriate to apply lipstick and powder at the dining table. Etiquette guidelines have changed over the past 60-70 years on this subject which has led to some confusion. From an etiquette perspective, here’s the scoop.

In the 1950s, it was perfectly acceptable to powder ones nose at the table, whereas today it is considered inappropriate. Excuse yourself to the restroom for a quick powder touch up.

Regarding lipstick, if you are with friends, it is fine to quickly and discreetly apply lipstick after the meal (though no lip liner, and without using a mirror).

If you are at a business meal, applying lipstick and other makeup touch ups are best done in the restroom. You want to be remembered for your business savvy, not your makeup application savvy.