Business Etiquette

"Standing up for yourself": kind of a dated term. It's what we now call assertiveness. But I still kind of like "standing up for yourself"; this phrase creates...

Buying gifts for coworkers can be a tricky business. When should you do it, and how much should you spend? Is it going to be awkward if a colleague buys you a Christmas present...

The use of instant messaging in the workplace is on the rise. Many people, myself included, believe that IM will someday replace email as the main communication tool for companies...

Remember that some holiday functions are BUSINESS events, so act accordingly.

There’s no hocus pocus about handwriting analysis (technically known as graphology). It can get right to the writer’s subconscious. It can confirm what you already thought...

Great meetings don’t happen by accident. They are a result of advance planning that considers the desired outcome of the meeting and the needs of meeting participants.

Great meetings don't happen by accident. They are a result of an effective leader who understands the purpose of the meeting and considers the needs of meeting participants.

Do you need to write a speech for a business or social occasion? Here’s how to do it so it’s not just easier, but more effective and more compelling.

Email is an important method of business communication. Effective emails are easy if you follow these simple steps.

Ever wonder how it is that people who seem perfectly reasonable, intelligent and otherwise considerate somehow never learn to be on time?  It's as if they're in a state of perpetual...

Let's face it: Some people--like the Kennedys--know how to shake hands. And considering that you can make or break a deal--or an election--depending upon how well you shake...

While we're not sure how many of our readers are actually celebrities, we know that a number of you are celebrities in your own minds. Seriously, even if you're not going...

Conference call in the family room in 5, people.  Have you ever read an email like this and rolled your eyes, dreading the myriad annoyances that are collectively associated...

Most holiday parties can be categorized in one of two ways - the ones that are social and the ones that are not. Your office holiday party definitely falls into the "not"...

Workplace etiquette can have a great impact on the atmosphere of a workplace. A workplace where employees have poor etiquette can create a negative environment where employees...

Start to finish. Always begin each message with a cordial greeting, such as dear or hello, or at very least the person's name. Never ramble on and on.  Be as concise,...

When extending the invitation... Always use the phrase I would like you to be my guest when extending the invitation orally or in writing. Never say how about...

Monitor the volume of your conversations. Be sensitive to how loudly you may be speaking. Do you notice that people down the hall comment on your conversations? That...

You've been working hard and feel that you are ready to take a step up the corporate ladder. It's time to ask for a promotion. I can't tell you how to settle the butterflies in...

In today's fast-paced business world, telephone communication is more important than ever.  With the proliferation of cell phones, business is conducted 24/7 and the phone...

Business meeting etiquette is basically good common sense, but one that takes a little practice.  Certainly, we can all identify what not to do when planning and/or attending...

Every workplace has them--the people that make it look easy. They are liked by coworkers as well as management. Promotions and raises naturally come their way. What is their secret? ...

Conducting business in a foreign country presents many unique challenges, especially when it comes to intercultural communication. Words and actions that are fully acceptable,...

Cool your fingertips with a chilled can of soda, then place them on your eyelids. Using slight pressure gently roll your fingers outwards in a circular motion. This relaxes your...