Kay Hunter - Imagine . . . The Possibilities

Holidy Party Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts to Make You Shine This Season

Over the next 30 days you will most likely go to more social events than you do in the other eleven months of the year.  If you are like most people, you find yourself stewing over what to wear and how to act. There can be so much confusion over dress code definitions (i.e. "Business Social") to the right thing to do when it comes to gift buying - for everything from gifts for your boss to hostess gift dilemmas. Whether your event is business or personal, follow these tips to ensure your holidays are stress and faux pas free.  Enjoy the season!

Business Etiquette Applies Even on a Conference Call

Most of us know how to behave in a meeting room around a conference table.  We are dressed appropriately, we sit straight, we pay attention, and we are quiet while others are talking.  We do our best not to text, check email under the table, or make comments to the person next to us.

But, what about a teleconference – the same rules apply.

Yesterday, I spent a few hours watching tutorials led by experts in his field, learning more than one should have to in a day.  I was quiet while other people asked questions, so that I may continue to learn from the answers they received.  The bulk of the first one-hour call had all 15 of us muted.  The moderator/trainer was taking us through their software, taking chat questions from GoToMeeting panel. The final 15 minutes were opened up for all of us to speak.

Unsightly Injuries Can Make Everyone Uncomfortable

Until you have a temporary or permanent visible injury or condition, it is difficult to imagine what people who do go through every day.  Recently, I had two styes for almost four weeks on my eye.  Bad timing - I was booked with clients every day and didn't have a choice but to go to work and do my job.  As an image consultant, this threw a bit of a curve my way and for my clients. I hadn’t counted on feeling so “odd”.

What I did notice is that not only was I quite self-conscience of my appearance, but also very sensitive to the reactions of others.  In some cases, people showed repulsion at my appearance.  I would wear sunglasses when possible, but as the owner of my business, I was not able to just take three weeks off to heal.

This brought up a key question:

Do I bring up my eye situation to those I encounter immediately or simply act like it didn’t exist and move on for the consultation?

Holiday Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts to Make You Shine This Season!

Etiquette can be especially tricky at holiday time.  There can be so much confusion over the right thing to do when it comes to gift buying, for everything from gifts for your boss to hostess gift dilemmas.  Whether your event is business or social, follow these tips to ensure your holidays are stress free.  Enjoy the season!

• Don’t Bring Uninvited Guests – Unless you ask the host ahead of time, do not bring anf uninvited guest.  Be especially sensitive if you want to bring your children.  If children are not included on the invitation, the host probably wants to enjoy an adult only affair.

• Do Bring a Hostess Gift – Although it is not required by modern etiquette, it is always a nice gesture to bring a little something for the hostess (or host).  Your gift can be anything from a bottle of wine, a candle, a box of note cards, or flowers (Note: Do not bring flowers that need to be arranged, the hostess has enough to do without playing florist). 
  
  
• Buy A Gift For Your Boss: It Depends – The majority of the time, it is not expected or appropriate to buy a gift for your boss.  It can appear as “kissing up”.  Organizing a group gift with other workers is nice, as long as it is not too expensive.

• Buy Gifts for Your Staff: It Depends – This is entirely up to you, and the status of your company’s success.  If you just laid off workers or did not give traditional bonuses, it would not be appropriate to spend money on gifts for your staff. If the company is doing well, gifts are a great way to show your appreciation.  Be consistent and give the same gift to everyone.  Know your staff - most prefer gift certificates or money. Giving a gift they view as a waste of money (clock with the company logo), will not win you any favors.

• Do Cut Back – If your job and/or budget situation has changed, you can definitely feel comfortable cutting back.  It is best to let people know ahead of time.  There are other creative options that will still let your friends and family know you care about them.  You can plan an outdoor activity, frame a special photograph, make them a dinner, or bake and package up their favorite cookies.

• Don’t Apologize All Over Yourself – If someone gives you a gift and you do not have one for them in return, the situation is uncomfortable.  But, it does happen (more often than any of us would like!).  Simply thank the person and do not spend time making ridiculous excuses – and remember next year not to create the same mishap.

• Do Ask About Food Allergies – When you are hosting a party, always ask your guests if they have any food allergies or special dietary restrictions. Since I am allergic to gluten, this tip is especially important to me.  You do not have to change your entire menu, simply prepare at least one dish they will be able to eat.  If you are the guest, always offer to bring something.  This is not only polite, but you can bring a yummy dish you can eat.

• Don’t Drink Too Much – If you are the host, you have a lot of responsibilities to keep the party on track.  This means you need to count your drinks, and don’t allow your drink to be topped off every 10 minutes – you’ll think you only had one drink! If you are a guest it is never in good taste to drink too much, and take the chance of getting loud and sloppy.  Make sure you are invited back - drink in moderation.

• Do Have A Great Time – It is always a special time when you gather together family, friends, and/or coworkers.  Enjoy every minute, and do not cry or create a scene about slight mishaps that will happen.  Everything can be cleaned up in the morning!

Looking for the perfect holiday gift, Gift Certificates are available.

Kay Hunter is a personal image coach and corporate trainer, specializing in complete makeovers, business and dining etiquette, and is the president of Imagine…The Possibilities in Orange County.  She has transformed hundreds of clients into more successful and confident professionals.  Kay can be contacted at (714) 665-8866, kay@kayhunter.info  www.kayhunter.info.

Business Etiquette and Holiday Cards

This is business.  This is not the time to show how "green" you are by sending mass emails with stock greetings. It's not even about using Contant Contact, MailChimp and other systems to send your holiday greetings to your valued clients and suppliers.  This is the time of year to show appreciation individually.

Here's some advice, take the time to buy a box or five of tasteful business holiday greeting cards, unless  you truly know your clients and suppliers understand your humor. Are you sure they do?  You can't go wrong with professional greeting cards.  If you choose the religious themed cards, make sure you are sensitive to your clients and suppliers who may not believe as you do - try something a little more generic such as a theme of gratitude, peace, world peace, unity, winter.

Also, there should be someone in your company with nice penmanship. Hand-addressing each envelope is preferred over labels.  Some of us barely have legible writing, and in the case of one-person companies, you have to do your best.  A friend of mine opts for pre-printed return addresses on her envelopes to ensure that any returns come back to her.  She's aware of her less than legible penmanship.  She does hand address each person's address and the greetings inside. We'll keep our fingers crossed they all make it to their intended recipients.

The message should be focused on appreciation and the holidays, not plugging your product. Do not simply sign your name, if you do this, you might as well not send a card. Resist the urge to insert postcards and brochures, business cards.   It will undo the message of the holiday greeting.

Oh, and go the last extra mile and purchase holiday stamps rather than using the postage meter.  Create the festive mood from the moment they hold your card and read the envelope.

You need to at least act like you care what others are saying.

Last week, a close friend of mine asked me to do a special favor for his client. You see, she is a very successful business executive, although she is keenly aware that she intimidates people - both socially and professionally. She was attending a high powered meeting that weekend and wanted to be a part of "the club".

As I was coaching her, it became clear she lacks the ability to create relationships with people. I coached her on her body language, how she dresses, and about how to create productive and sincere conversation. She is so bright, with just one problem - she genuinely does not care about what other people have to say!

The art of Business Etiquette is about being gracious and making other people feel comfortable. I suggest she takes a deep breath, and realizes there are other bright people in this world that she could learn a lot from if she would just "listen."

Are there people in your company like this?  They may be wildly successful in sales, closing deals and taking charge, but does their personal brand image project your company image?  Could they use a bit of polishing.  It's uncomfortable, as a business owner, to have one or two staff members that make you wince when they are out in public representing the company.  Or, do you get embarrassed at the thought of them meeting with top management or another division within your company? If this sounds familiar, offering one of my Image and Business Etiquette sessions will make a remarkable difference for your company (and you).

What Does Your Handshake Say About You?

I like a firm hand shake myself.  As a woman, I'm often shocked by the limp handshakes that are offered by other women.  Seriously?  It's like holding a dead fish in my hand.

On the other hand, an overzealous fist pumping isn't fun either.  We are looking for the middle ground here. I like a firm handshake.  That sends the message of self-confidence.  Apply even pressure, look your new acquaintance in the eye and smile.

A proper handshake is neither dominant nor submissive.  If both persons play neutral, then that indicates a win-win situation for all.  Your handshake is one way your character is judged by others.  In the corporate world, you only get one chance to make a first impression.  Make your handshake a good one.

 

 

Ask Kay your questions about dining and business etiquette or your personal image.

Ever experience one of those awkward moments? If you ever have those situations come up in business where you are not sure which way to respond, what to wear or how to behave?  You can ask me all your questions here.  Post any question here, and I will answer usually the same day, unless it is a stumper.

Let's get the conversation going.

5 Basic Business Dining Etiquette Tips

Good manners complete your personal image and always improve your business.  It is important to feel confident about your dining etiquette, so you can focus on your guests or clients and not on which fork to use.  Follow these five tips and you will be able to sit back and enjoy!

Make a Great First Impression with Business Card Etiquette

Your business card and the etiquette of the exchange are key components to making a positive first impression.   This custom is like a handshake you leave behind.  Follow these five tips and you will enhance your professional presence!