January 2009

You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do. Henry Ford 1863-1947

Organization Tip:
Question: We have a group of consultants who have a difficult time mixing with clients. How can we help them be more social?

Answer: Have a group meeting to impress upon them the importance and benefits of socializing with clients. Set a goal that they attend a monthly networking event and report back to the group whom they met and how they continue to keep in touch with these individuals. Practice will make them more comfortable socializing. At the end of six months, have a company event to help your consultants begin to develop relationships with invited clients and business for the company.

Tip for a Man:
Question: In addressing an invitation to female clients for a New Year’s event, do I use Ms. or just their full name? How do I let them know they are welcome to bring a guest?

Answer: In today’s world using full names without a Ms. or Mrs. is totally acceptable. Add a handwritten note letting them know the invitation includes a guest.

Tip for Women:
Question: How do I handle it when a client sets a place at my table for my guest even though I responded that I would be coming alone?
Answer: First, be sure the extra setting is for your guest. Then, if the event is small, inform the host that you are attending by yourself and ask them to remove the place setting. If is a large event, wait until everyone is seated to be sure no one is going use this place setting and then discreetly ask the server to clear it.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question: I am a shy person and hate to go to networking events. What can I do to make this easier for me?

Answer: The more you go to networking events the easier it becomes. Give yourself an edge by having an ice breaker to begin a conversation, joining a group of three or more folks (two individuals maybe having a private conversation), and bringing someone with you to meet folks together.

February 2009 Tips

It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires a great deal of strength to decide what to do. Elbert Hubbert

Organization Tip:

Question: Is it appropriate to wear a miniature telephone headset while in a meeting or walking around the office?

Answer: No. It gives the impression that the caller is more important than the folks at your meeting.

Tip for a Man:

Question: What are the dos and don’ts about wearing lapel pins?

Answer: Lapel pins are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit coat or blazer. The smaller the pin, the more elegant it appears.

Tip for Women:

Question: When is it appropriate to wear now popular long, dangly, multi-tiered earrings?

Answer: Wear these to social events when they add to your look and are not distracting. Do not wear them when you are making a speech. Make sure they lay easily against and do not fight your face and hair.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: What can we say to our young female associates who wear too low cut tops to social events?
Answer: Choose an experienced female associate to advise the younger ones about the importance of proper attire. She should explain that if they want to be recognized for their professionalism and be taken seriously, they must dress accordingly. Clothing that is too tight or too revealing is very distracting and confuses their message.

March 2009
A wise person makes more opportunities than he finds. Francis Bacon, English Philosopher.

Organization Tip:

Question: During this challenging economic time when our employees are working longer hours and assuming more responsibilities, how can we help them maintain a positive attitude and let them know they are valued?

Answer: Management should let them know they are appreciated, having lunch brought in once a week, being flexible if they have family emergencies.

Tip for a Man:

Question: How important is it to expand web-based social networking like Facebook and Linked In?

Answer: Social networking can be a powerful tool for expanding you professional network; keeping up with what your industry contacts are doing and letting them know what you are doing; and exchanging information, ideas and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. Be discriminating about how much time you invest in social networking, asking yourself if the payback is worth your time.

Tip for Women:

Question: Is it important that I wear a matched suit when interviewing for a new position within the company?

Answer: Wearing a current, matched suit will enhance your professional image. Pair it with a neutral top to frame your face, and add a string of pearls.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: What advice can I offer a colleague who is on the bubble of keeping her job?

Answer: Offer constructive suggestions. Tell her to keep a positive attitude and continue earning good will inside the company, while also updating her resume and looking at options outside the company.

April 2009

When you get into a tight place and it seems you can’t go on hold on –for that is just the place and the time that the tide will turn. Harriet Beecher Stowe

Organization Tip:

Question: How can we help our employees prepare themselves to find new jobs should our division have to let more people go?

Answer: First, help them bring their resumes up to date. Then have employees participate in mock interviews with each other.

Tip for a Man:

Question: Is it important to have a professional picture on link-in and face book?

Answer: Yes, and the photo you post should be current and reflect your professional manner. Be sure you are sporting a contemporary hairstyle, wearing a jacket and smiling.

Tip for Women:

Question: What are the biggest mistakes people make during job interviews?

Answer: Coming unprepared for the interview is up at the top of the list. It is essential that you do your homework in advance, learning all that you can about the company with which you will be interviewing. You need to gather sufficient background information on which to base questions that are smart and detailed. You should do at least 30 minutes of research for each question you plan to ask.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: How should I handle controversial questions such they arise during an interview?

Answer: If it is an appropriate question, always answer calmly and with facts. If it is an inappropriate question, you may choose to say you will get back to them at a later date.

May 2009

“Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.” Keri Russell Actor

Organization Tip:

Question: What tips can we give our employees to help them develop more effective presentations for various groups?

Answer: Before they begin to finalize their presentation, advise them to ask a few of these critical questions. Who will be in the audience, and what is their background and relationship to the message? Have they had prior exposure to the subject? If yes, will your presentation be a refresher or will it focus on a different angle or new developments related to the topic? Knowing the answers to these key questions and targeting your presentation accordingly will ensure that your audience will be receptive to your message.

Tip for a Man:

Question: What should I do if someone asks a question that I cannot answer?

Answer: It is far better to admit that you don’t know something than to give out misinformation. If appropriate, tell the person that if they give you their contact information following your presentation, you will get back to them with answer or give them a resource that may be of help.

Tip for Women:

Question: What should I be aware of if I am giving a presentation to an all male audience?

Answer: When illustrating a story about a point in your presentation, make sure it applies to men.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: How can I get the audience to relate more to me before the presentation?

Answer: Arrive 20 minutes early and greet as many folks you can before you begin speaking. This will give the audience an opportunity to warm up to you.

June 2009

He that is over cautious will accomplish little. Friedrich Von Schiller, 759-1805

Organization Tip:

Question: Is having a presence on Twitter.com good for my business image?

Answer: If used properly, Twitter can help you showcase your expertise and differentiate yourself from the competition. It enables you to “communicate and stay connected with others through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?” The key is to create a profile that makes people want to click your follow button and interact with you. It should succinctly explain what your business does, who you are, what you do, and what you like. Look at organizations similar to yours and see how they are using Twitter.

Tip for a Man:

Question: Should I tweet only about my business?

Answer: Finding a balance between business and personal is key to successful tweeting. Jason Alba of jibberjibber.com says promoting your business works when you provide information that helps your target market.

Tip for Women:

Question: As a woman, should I post a photograph of myself on Twitter.com or use a symbol?

Answer: Use a current headshot to help connect you to your audience. Think of your photograph as part of your brand and change it only when absolutely necessary.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: How many times a day should I tweet on Twitter.com?

Answer: Some folks tweet every hour, but my recommendation is once a day. If you are making a major announcement you can do a couple of tweets since each tweet is limited to 140 characters.

July 2009

Some of the best lessons we ever learn, we learn from our mistakes and failures. The error of the past is the success of the future. Tyron Edwards, 1861-1941

Organization Tip:

Question: Our organization will be receiving an award at a national conference and it will be shown on large screens. Recommended attire is business casual. What do you suggest that the men and women receiving the award wear during the ceremony?

Answer: In conservative environments for the men I recommend a navy blue blazer, a light colored dress shirt and dress slacks. Women will look best wearing solid separates. They can choose either a dress or slacks.

Tip for a Man:

Question: When greeting women is it acceptable while shaking her hand to touch her shoulder or back at the same time?

Answer: The only touching involved should be in the shaking of her hand.

Tip for Women:

Question: I am attending a conference and the dress is business casual. Should I bring a jacket?

Answer: It is always good to pack a jacket, especially if this is the first time you have attended this event. You can always add a bit of professional polish to a casual outfit by wearing a jacket.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: I’m sitting in an audience during a presentation when the person next to me tries to start a conversation. How do I handle it without appearing to be rude?

Answer: When the person begins to talk, put your pointer finger to your lips, signaling that you are listening to the speaker.

August 2009

I CAN CHANGE. I can live out of my imagination instead of my memory. I can tie myself to my limitless potential instead of my limiting past. I can become my own first creator. Steven R. Covey

Organization Tip:

Question: We are having challenges with folks interrupting each other while on the phone. Most times it is because they do not realize the person is on the phone because you cannot always see they are wearing a headset. What do you recommend we handle this?

Answer: I would purchase two desk items for each person. One item can easily recognize that indicates a person can be interrupted and the same item in another color that indicates they can not. Colors red for stop and yellow for proceed with caution.

Tip for a Man:

Question: I am the only man in a small office with all women and feel uncomfortable on talking about personal things with them where they are very comfortable in sharing things. How do I handle not appearing uninterested by not talking about myself?

Answer: You can listen and turn the conversation back to them by asking questions getting them to talk about themselves. In sharing you can bring topics of conversation about what you just read or saw at the theatre.

Tip for Women:

Question: I tend to sound very young on the phone and girlish how can I sound more professional?

Answer: Practice first by slowing down your pace and dropping your voice a bit and audio tape yourself so you can feel it in your throat. I recommend starting with a simple introduction of yourself and reading a paragraph.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: I have been told I roll my eyes in meetings and been told it offends folks How can I control it?

Answer: Have someone video tape you in a casual conversation and see what triggers your eyes to roll and other intrusive facial expressions. This will help you begin to manage the eyes rolling.

September 2009

Taking calculated risks. This is quite different than being rash. George S. Patton American Military Leader

Organization Tip:

Question: How should our folks determine which electronic social networking tool to be on whether it is Facebook, twitter or LinkedIn?

Answer: Number one is networking tool to on as a professional is LinkedIn. First visit the site and get an idea how to complete your profile by viewing other people who are like professions and have similar responsibilities. Facebook tends to lean more toward the personal side; however potential clients and customers may look for you on Facebook, so keep it non controversial and professional. Twitter tends to get information out quickly on what you are doing at the moment. View all three sites look at the folks who are on them and how they use it will help you decide. You can visit me on all three sites LinkedIn/AnnaWildermuth, Facebook/Anna Wildermuth and Twitter AnnaSWildermuth to get an idea of my profiles.

Tip for a Man:

Question: I am on LinkedIn in and get requests from women that I am not sure if their request is purely business or social. I want only professional links how do I handle them?

Answer: You can ignore the request and archive the request or sent them an e-mail and with the question on how they see the professional connection. You then can determine the professional connection works for you. I do not recommend blocking as blocking has repercussions for them in the long run.

Tip for Women:

Question: My picture for Facebook is casual can I use the same picture for LinkedIn?

Answer: Facebook tends to be social networking site where on LinkedIn is a site for professional business people less entrepreneur. I recommend both pictures be approachable with LinkedIn have a portrait photo where as Facebook can be in a casual setting.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: I have just joined Facebook and LinkedIn and getting all these different requests from folks to join my Facebook and LinkedIn. I don’t want to link with all of them. What should I do?

Answer: This is an on-going problem with all of the electronic networking sites. My first recommendation is to ignore them and they will go into archive after 60 days. If you have the time you can send them an e-mail and thank them for invitation but at this time you are not accepting any more links to your sites. Main thing is you don’t want to offend anyone so it is up to you how you want handle it.

October 2009

No gesture is too small when done with gratitude. Oprah

Organization Tip:

Question: We are putting together a tipping guide for our associates who travel. What’s the appropriate amount to tip the hotel concierge?

Answer: The minimum tip is $5.00. For example, if they print a boarding pass for you, tip no less than that. However, tip up to $15.00 if they obtain hard to get reservations at a restaurant or choice theatre tickets.

Tip for a Man:

Question: While staying at a hotel recently, I had to have my shirt pressed quickly. What would have been the correct amount to tip the maid?

Answer: Depending how quickly the service was provided, at least $5.00 (Note: Normal service for shirt laundering is a day.)

Tip for Women:

Question: I know the general rule of tipping for salon services is 20%. If the services cost $200.00 do I have to tip $40.00?

Answer: If you were getting the services at a hotel or on a cruise, an automatic tip of 18 percent would be added. I would use this as a rule of thumb. This tip should be spread among all the folks who worked on you. The only exemption is the shampoo person. You would tip them separately.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: How much should you tip an event planner for their services?

Answer: $50.00 is typical for the event planner and $25.00 for the assistant. Be sure to check the tips are not included in the contract so you don’t double pay.

November 2009

We simply assume that the way we see things is the way they really are or they way they should be. And our attitudes and behaviors grow out of those assumptions. Stephen R. Covey

Organization Tip: Question: Some of our associates have a difficult time with meeting with a new client who may be hostile to them. They may have had a problem in the past or been in a bad situation with a previous organization. What advice can we give to help them professionally represent themselves and the company?

Answer: It is important to be sensitive to the situation and understand how the client may have concerns. With that in mind, your associate must communicate what they can offer, verbalize assurances for a successful outcome and follow-up without being overly sensitive to any past issues. Your associate needs to stay in the present.

The mindset must be to do what they need to do to win the client.

Tip for a Man: Question: Most people struggle pronouncing my name. Should I change it?

Answer You have two options. One is to help folks pronounce your name by saying it slowly. And be patient with them as they pronounce it.

The second option is to adopt a nick name by using an abbreviated version of your full name (For example is you name is Buchinsky, you may pick Buck as a nickname). If you choose to use the nick name, indicate it on your business card.

Tip for Women:

Question: I am a single woman and often get asked why I am not married. I get frustrated answering these questions. How can I respond without sounding defensive?

Answer: I recommend you say this with a smile: “I enjoy being single,” and then change the subject.

The Art of Business and Social Interaction®

Question: How do you handle it when someone constantly calls you by another name?

Answer: I would correct it immediately by saying: “I know you meant to say Anna.” This will allow the person to memory match your name to your face and make him/her more likely to make the connection in the future.

December 2009 Web tips

Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears that created a unique 2009. And as you reflect on the past year, forward your positive energy and sprinkle it onto 2010.

Have a delightful holiday season and a joyful, prosperous New Year!