Improving the World, One Rude Person at a Time

Modet’s Etiquette Tip of the Week

10-15-09  Be considerate of others personal space – both physical and visual.

10-8-09  When you receive a business or social invitation, RSVP within 72 hours and/or before the “RSVP by” date.  For weddings, it is only appropriate to bring a guest when your invitation is addressed “Your Name + Guest.”  Even if the reply card is blank you should only RSVP for the number of guests indicated on the envelope.  If  the envelope says “Your Name” then you should attend the wedding solo. 

10-1-09 End cell phone conversations before ordering at coffee shops and fast food restaurants or making store purchases.

9-24-09 Use discretion when listening to music at work, especially if you’re in a cubicle.

9-17-09 When participating in a conference call, always announce yourself before speaking.

9-10-09 Cell phone conversations are NOT private, avoid having business conversations in public places.

9-3-09 Your breath is the activator of your voice.  Relaxed and controlled breathing is the key to a confident voice.  Provided by www.theimagestudios.com

8-27-09 Don’t introduce yourself with an honorific (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.).  Exception: when it is appropriate for the other person to address you with an honorific, when speaking to a child for example.

8-20-09 Navigating a crowded elevator requires courtesy and patience.  Proper etiquette when entering is to wait until everyone has exited the elevator.  When exiting, let persons in front go first.

8-13-09 Always put a topic in the subject line of your emails.

8-6-09 If you bring your lunch to work, avoid heating up foods that will leave a strong, pungent aroma in the office kitchen or break room.

7-30-09 When using public transportation or moving through a crowded area with a backpack or rolling bag, be mindful of the amount of extra space that the bag takes up and be careful not to accidently bump or injure others.

7-23-09 Men and women, a long pant should never expose your ankle or cover your entire shoe.  This week’s tip of the week is compliments of The Image Studios, www.theimagestudios.com, a Chicago based image communications firm.

7-16-09 When going on a job interview or important meeting, leave your cell phone or BlackBerry in the car.  Technology isn’t perfect, even if you turn it off or place it on silence there’s still a chance that it can ring.

7-9-09 Monitor your alcohol consumption at business and work-related events.  Getting drunk is not a good idea (even if the boss does) and can damage your professional reputation.

7-2-09 On an airplane, the person in the middle seat should be given the courtesy to use both armrests.

6-25-09 When someone enters an office or boardroom, it is appropriate to rise and shake hands.  Business etiquette is now gender neutral.

6-18-09 At a business meal, business is discussed after the entrée is cleared.  A business meal is for relationship building not closing the deal.

6-11-09 When pulling into the company parking garage always turn down the volume on your car stereo.

6-5-09 Keep your business cards handy.  Hunting for business cards in your briefcase or purse communicates that you are “unprepared or disorganized” whether it’s true or not.

5-27-09 Place your cell phone or BlackBerry on vibrate before you step into the office.

5-21-09 When leaving a voicemail message, remember to SLOWLY say your telephone number twice and give the best times you can be reached.

5-14-07 If you leave the table during a meal place your napkin on the seat of your chair, NOT on the table.

5-7-09 For business introduction, the name of the most important person is said first.  Regardless of your client’s position they are always most important.

4-30-09 Faxing Faux Pas…Never fax a thank you note, even a well written one.

4-22-09 Salads can be messy. Ask the server to have your salad chopped in the kitchen; it’ll make it easier to eat.

Learn more about Modet at www.modetinc.com