Kay Hunter - Imagine . . . The Possibilities

Don't Be Dumb With Your Smartphone: Etiquette Tips

It seems everyone has a smartphone these days, and they are helpful in so many ways. There are times and places, however, when turning your ringer off and tucking your phone away will go a long way toward polishing up your image.

Here are a few places and situations that cry out to be smartphone-free.

1. Business Meetings - in person AND video:

Sitting in a meeting while something is being presented and ideas are being shared, is not the time to be trying to beat your high score on Angry Birds. Also, place your phone on vibrate and OFF the table where you are sitting. A vibrating phone on a table can be every bit as disruptive as a loud ringtone.

If you are sitting in a virtual meeting, or a video chat, the same rules apply. Looking down at your smartphone so that the other participants only see the top of your head doesn't bode well for your business image. Stay focused, engaged, and fully present in the conversation, whether you are physically present or virtually present.

Note: Be mindful of the ringtone you choose as well. Gangsta rap or Donald Duck ringtones are likely not going to win you any points with your supervisors or co-workers.

2. Business Events - lunches, dinners, networking functions, and conferences:

These situations are more likely to involve public venues. Phone conversations, flashing notifications, and always-attached Bluetooth headsets convey to others that whoever is communicating with you on your smartphone is more important than the people communicating with you face to face.

3. Court:

If you are in court or in an attorney's office on official business, now is a good time to turn your phone completely off. The middle of a deposition is not the time to be distracted by social media.

4. Theater and Live Performances:

There is a well-known viral video of an audience member's phone ringing during a Broadway performance. The actors on stage made the owner of the cell phone part of the show by ad-libbing, thus embarrassing him for his ringtone faux pas. Would you want to be that person? Wait until intermission to check your voice mail.

Movie theaters, while obviously not live performances, are still locations where smartphones need to be tucked away. Be courteous to those around you. A bright light on your screen, a loud ringtone, and flashing or noisy text notifications all take away from other moviegoer's experiences. Take your call to the lobby if you need to make or take a phone call.

5. Weddings:

Weddings are a very special time for the bride and groom. They are joining their lives together and speaking very poignant words of commitment. It's a time when your smartphone ringer should be silenced. Also, using your phone's camera during the ceremony, in any way blocking the professional photographer, is the ulimate in rude. Save your wedding paparazzi pictures for the reception.

6. Automobiles:

Lastly, for your safety and the safety of those around you, pull over and stop if you want to take a phone call or respond to a text, play around with your playlist, or update your Facebook status. It can wait.

Gym Etiquette: Impress While You Sweat!

Those of you have been my avid readers for the last ten years know how important etiquette is to your success. Just as table manners at important dining situations, workspace courtesies, and business etiquette are important at the office; there are some firm rules to follow when sharing workout space.   

Since losing weight is one of the top three New Year's resolutions, gyms are going to be particularly overcrowded this time of year - which makes gym etiquette all that more important. People go to the gym to relax, exercise and have a positive experience. So follow these important tips and make sure you don't ruin someone's workout and or quite possibly their day! A bonus is that you will make positive connections which could turn into a new client, a new boss or a boyfriend or a girlfriend!    

Clean Up - This is my pet peeve, people who do not wipe off the equipment when they are finished using it and leave it soaking wet with sweat! This is not right on any level. Wipe up after yourself and this doesn't mean a quick wipe-it means making sure the bench/seat is completely dry for the next person.    

Volume Control - There is no doubt listening to great music is motivating at the gym; just remember not everyone wants to hear your music.   


Turn Off your Cell Phone - As the picture above shows, it is very annoying to other people to have to overhear your personal conversation. Some gyms simply do not allow phones in the gym, but if yours does do yourself a favor and let yourself escape from your life for one hour - and leave your phone in the car. Texting can also be a hazard, if you are not looking where you are going you can easily run into someone or trip over a weight bar!    

Don't Think You are a Trainer - Unless asked for input, do not offer unsolicited advice. People do not want to be corrected or interrupted. Your intentions may be honorable, but a wrong suggestion could end up hurting someone.    

Dress Appropriately - Dress in current gym attire, not the old T-shirt you wore in college. The newer clothes that are made from synthetic fabrics are designed to specifically wick away the sweat, keeping you cooler and drier. Try Lululemon, Lucy, Dri-Fit by Nike or Double Dry by Champion. Ladies, the gym is also not the place to show off your cleavage and butt cracks. Wear a supportive sports-bra and make sure your butt/thong is not exposed. Also, be aware that gym pants that have been washed too many times become see through! Hold up your pants in the light (stretching them slightly) to see if you are showing your goods to the world! Men, this goes for you too - if you sweat a lot, wear a shirt that covers more of you than a tank top so it can absorb more of the moisture. Also, make sure your shorts are not too short when you are doing those sit ups and your legs are in the air!      
 
Wear Deodorant (not cologne/perfume) - Just like the office, people can be very sensitive or even allergic to cologne and perfumes. Use a good deodorant and avoid garlic the night before hitting the gym. We expect to sweat at the gym; a little preparation can go a long way.   

Learn to Share - Let's face it, this is a lot like getting along on the playground when we were in grade school. Don't hog gym equipment. If you are in the middle of a circuit routine and taking a short break, let others slip in between sets. Don't leave a towel on the machine expecting people not to use the equipment. Share and share a like. It is also courteous to not rush people who you can see are in the middle of a set. Asking someone if they are "almost done" while they are obviously using the equipment is not polite and will not win you friends.    

Avoid Breakouts - When we sweat it produces bacteria. Our normal response is to touch our face with our hands which spreads the bacteria and creates breakouts. The solution is to use your towel to blot (not wipe) your face not your hands. Another solution is to use disposable wipes or towelettes to wipe down your body (or face depending on the type you purchase) if you are not able to shower right after your workout. This will help you avoid breakouts and bumps on your back and other sensitive areas.    

Looking great and feeling great go hand in hand to make you feel confident and enjoy success. Every person views success in a fitness regimen differently. For some their #1 fitness priority is to work off stress. Other's simply want to have a healthy heart. For others it is all about weight loss. Whatever your fitness goals are, I encourage you to "dress for the body you are in". Don't WAIT to dress attractive because you are not the size you want to be. Enjoy the journey and be good to yourself along the way. If your fitness regimen takes you to the gym, I trust the above tips will help you have an even more pleasant experience - the other people will enjoy the side benefits too!

BBQ Etiquette for Hosting and Event and How to Eat Those Tricky Foods

Did you know that in Cuba, they don't pick up ANY food with their fingers?  Even French fries and chicken wings are eaten with a fork and knife.  This is a reminder to know your guests, and their culture so you can be respectful of their traditions.

But we are talking about the Fourth of July here - INDEPENDENCE DAY!  We Americans generally eat many of the holiday foods with our fingers. Fourth of July BBQ's and Company Picnics are just around the corner.  Already, when I hosted a BBQ already last weekend, I realized there are a lot of pitfalls that can occur at these events - both for the hosts and the guests! I found myself eaten up with mosquito bites and flinging my tomato across the table as I was removing the meat off my kabob skewer!  These etiquette tips will make your next event more successful and more fun!

Are you really ready to date? Are you sure?

by Janae St. John

I realize as we get older and find ourselves back out there dating that we will have some baggage.  Unless you are Sleeping Beauty, you aren't single because you are totally innocent, without a history, some bumps, possibly quirks and emotional bruises.  But, make sure you ready to date? Dating involves a bit of trust, lightness and MANNERS.

A very odd date happened to me recently.  I understand through well-meaning friend’s attempts at setting us up on blind dates and online dating services, we are all a bit cautious – as we should be.  Although, when your ice-breaker questions include - no joke:

"May I see your driver's license?"
(We were in a public restaurant - he asked this to confirm my age!)

"What is your credit score?"

"How do you look with no makeup in the morning?"

These were just the openers. I was so distracted looking for the door throughout the rest of the paranoid inquisition that I can't remember the rest of the inappropriate questions that he asked.  Of course, we all want to know the other person’s sorted details, but it seems some of that information needs to come out as when a relationship evolves.  Perhaps it's my own fault for taking care of meself, having a current sense of style and good oral care that would make someone wonder how old I am and if I'm "all real."  I'm not sure.

From a female perspective, these are questions I would welcome:

• "When you have NO schedule and it's beautiful outside, what's the first thing you want to do?"  Ash yourself, are they actually someone who would notice a beautiful day, or want to sit in and watch a game.
• "What about your career is your favorite aspect? Ask yourself, do they hate what they do, are they passionate, are they a workaholic, and does their answer involve something of integrity.
• "What three books best sum up your reading tastes?" "Why?" Ask yourself, do they like to read, if yes, are the books something they've read recently.

These are good questions because they give more you information than the questions present.

There is no wrong answer, but their answers will help you see if there is a match. If you are a sports TV nut, then someone who would prefer to catch a game, even when it's sunny out may be a good match for you. If you don't enjoy reading, someone who says they only read business books or magazines may be a good match for you.  It all depends on where you are heading, where you want to land.

Being a great guest in business and personal life.

Dining with friends and associates is a great way to get to know each other better. Unless someone forgets their manners. If you remember your good manners, you'll be fine. Even if you show up to a dinner with 15 kinds of forks you have never seen before.

I'm reminded of a recent experience. I was attending a birthday celebration for a man who turned 80. The guest of honor was impeccable, but a guest strolled into the room. He was a very fine looking distinguished man who walked in very nicely dressed. His physical presence dominated the room. BUT, he then began to eat and talk - yes, at the same time! Not only did food start flying out of his mouth, but all he could talk about was his Stanford education, his world travels, etc. = all about him. This is an example of the importance of BOTH how we Look and Act are to our Personal Brand Image. One without the other will definitely limit your success.

I wonder if he ever got around to wishing the guest of honor, "Happy Birthday?"

Let's get back on topic - being a great guest.