Christmas… the True Reason for the Season

During this holiday season it’s easy to get wrapped-up (no pun intended) in the parties and long to-do lists. Think about it. Starting December 1^st, we only have 25 days or about 600 hours to decorate, shop, celebrate, and be merry. And, on the 26^th day, we clean-up and get ready for a new year. Phew… I need a glass of wine or a cup of eggnog (to stay in the holiday spirit of course) just thinking about it. With all of this on our plates, it’s easy to forget what and why we are celebrating. So, take a quick breather from the demands of your day and consider the true reason behind the season.

~It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive. A key element at the heart and soul of Christmas is giving. Raise your hand if you’ve spent much of the past few days trapesing around town – and searching the internet – for those perfect gifts. However, this is also the time of year to consider those who are less fortunate and cannot afford to put food on their table, much less buy gifts for loved ones.  Consider other types of giving this year; adopt a child and their Christmas wish list from an Angel Tree, pay for someone’s order in the drive through line, send Christmas cards or care packages to our service men and women, many of whom will not be with their loved ones this holiday. For the past few years, I’ve made it a point to deliver baked goods to employees at our local post office, dry cleaners and bank, to name a few. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive; it is truly the through that counts. Just seeing the smiles and surprise on people’s faces is a gift that lasts in my visual memory bank all year long.   

~A Time to Celebrate and Be Close to Family and Friends. Speaking of gifts, some of my most fond and treasured memories are the presence of friends and family around a warm cozy fire or dinner table. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, the emphasis of each of these holidays is to gather and spend time together celebrating your holiday’s traditions. This is a special time of year that can create incredible memories and remind us to cherish our loved ones. I particularly enjoy sharing old family stories and looking through photos from Christmas’ past.

            ~Our Traditions. What makes this time of year so unique are the multitude of holidays celebrated within its 31 days. Each holiday has its own distinct traditions that make it stand apart from the rest – whether it be lighting the candles on the Menorah during Hanukkah, attending a Christmas Eve church service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, distributing goods to the less fortunate on Boxing Day or celebrating the seven principles of Nguzo Saba by lighting a candle on each day of Kwanzaa, we all have family traditions that are passed down to each generation. Our Christmas Eve is spent at church with a buffet dinner following at home. As a child, we were allowed to open one gift of our parents’ choosing that night followed by an early rise Christmas Day to see what wish-list gifts Santa left on the fireplace hearth for my brother, John, and me. Oh, and we were always quite curious to see if Santa ate all the cookies we carefully set out for him on a small plate near our Christmas stockings; did he finish the milk too? Now that we have a two-year old, I envision the same tradition being played out in our home in the years to come. May we savor and appreciate every second.

Merry Christmas and Blessings for a Wonderful New Year! 

*For Christmas inspirations, recipes, decorations, and gift ideas, please check out our Christmas Pinterest Board.*

Photo Courtesy of: Gayle Record

Making Etiquette Easy: Your Holiday Party Survival Guide

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is a done deal. In addition to the wonderful memories, the food still lingers on with our refrigerator and freezer filled with leftovers from our feast.  You know what comes next, right? Ding, ding, ding, 10 points for the lady in red.  The holiday party season is about to take off with a vengeance. With a mix of both social and business holiday soirées on the calendar, this season is notorious for being overwhelming, overloaded, and overworked which ultimately takes away from the true meaning of the season.  Here’s all you need to do; take a deep breath, grab a glass of wine (always a good idea in my opinion) and then take a moment to consider this:

 

~Make a Calendar Devoted to Events. It’s so easy to get over-committed during the holidays. Not only are you attending holiday functions, but you are also buying gifts, decorating your home, sending Christmas cards, etc.  The key here is to stay organized.  I cannot function without my lists and my social events calendar.  Being able to break things down on a daily basis helps make things more manageable.  Jotting down specifics in your social and business events calendar such as reminders for host or hostess gifts, securing a baby-sitter, and managing RSVPs in a timely manner is an excellent way to stay on top of the busy weeks ahead. Santa’s got nothing on you baby!

~Handling Multiple Events in One Night. Speaking of Santa, if he can visit every home in the world in one night, then so can you. However, this notion does depend on the type of function to which you’ve committed. If one of your parties is a seated meal, then I suggest you only commit to one event that night since this type of evening entails numerous courses and some major planning by the host well in advance. It would be quite rude to leave in the middle of the meal to attend another event.  When choosing between two parties, I recommend attending the party for which you were invited first, out of courtesy. Now, if you have two parties that are both come and go, divide your time and conquer.  An hour at each event is acceptable. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t seem uninterested or rushed at the night’s first event as it can be very obvious to other guests, and more importantly the host.

~Thanking the Holiday Hostess With The Mostess. In following the Christmas spirit of giving, I always recommend bringing a host or hostess gift, especially if the event is at someone’s home. It is not as important to bring a gift when the party is at a restaurant or other locale, however, it is still a nice and thoughtful gesture. I prefer to give gifts that embody the holiday spirit, but also keep your host in mind as they may have different taste than you do. Items for the home, or an edible or drinkable treat are always a hit.  Whatever you decide, go the extra mile and add some festive wrap or ribbon to the packaging.  Make your sparkle shine brighter, and I can almost guarantee you will be on the party invite list again next year.  

            The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to celebrate with family and friends. Don’t go “all Scrooge” and let the stresses and busyness of the holiday season take away from the true meaning of the season. Enjoy and be grateful for the abundance of holiday parties and invitations.  Translated, this just means that you have a myriad of friends, family and colleagues who enjoy your company, and it’s the one time of year when you get to celebrate the gift of these relationships, whether they are personal or professional. 

*For holiday ideas from decorating to gift ideas, and recipes to gift wrapping, we encourage you to check out our Holiday Pinterest Board for some of our favorite holiday things.* 

Photo Courtesy of ©iStock.com/Shaiith

A Thoughtful Thanksgiving: A Tribute to the True Meaning of the Holiday

 

Not only does Thanksgiving mark the kick-off to the holiday season (though many retailers have been advertising for what seems like months now), but it is a unique holiday in that it is not about giving gifts but about giving thanks. Its sole purpose is to bring family and friends together to reflect on what we are thankful for in life as we enjoy the abundance of feast and the harvest of our blessings. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a step back from your hectic life (and the stresses of holiday planning) and focus on the “thanks” portion of Thanksgiving. Put your pen to paper and make a list of the things you are thankful for this year. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

~Look around you. As you begin your list, start with the most obvious things from your day to day life. (This should be the easiest of the challenges). A few items on my list would be: my loving family, my generous friends and good health. Our lives are so hectic and stressful that many times we take our loved ones for granted; thus, clouding our vision of how truly blessed we are to have these folks in our lives.  Having lost my dad when I was 12 years’ old, I learned early on to truly appreciate my family and those closest to me, and to let them know daily how special they are to me. It may sound cliché, but today is a good day to let those close to you know how much you love and appreciate them.  Life is too short; live with no regrets.  

~Think big picture.  For the next part of your list, consider the bird’s eye view of your life and incorporate the big picture items for which you are thankful. A few things that come to mind for me are living in the United States, not facing persecution for religious expression, and the overall freedoms we enjoy in America. Even though we are constantly exposed to the hardships and tragedy our world is facing through the nightly news, I must admit that it’s easier not to think about how close to home some of these issues are. We are blessed to call the U.S. home and to have the freedom to live out our dreams if we so choose.  We are a blessed nation.

~Live a life of gratitude every day. Thanksgiving should not be the one day of the year you consider the blessings in your life. I challenge you to make gratitude lists not just on or around Thanksgiving, but year round. I know it is easier said than done, but making a weekly list of the things you are thankful for can really have an impact on your life. These lists don’t need to be lengthy or even complete sentences. Just jotting down some of the things you are thankful for each week will immediately impact your attitude and outlook, which in turn can cause a positive chain reaction in your life. On “off” days when things just don’t seem to be going your way, your lists will equip you with an arsenal that you can use to keep things in perspective and put a smile on your face.

As I get wiser in my years, I’m reminded that it’s important to be thankful for everything that has happened in our lives because we wouldn’t be where we are today without the course that history has taken. I think there’s an old Garth Brooks song along those lines… “Unanswered Prayers.”  This Thanksgiving, let’s collectively look past the turkey and football games, and use the spirit of the holiday to reflect on and recognize the things in life that make us blessed. In doing so, I assure you that your Thanksgiving meal will be a lot more meaningful – and maybe even tastier – than it has ever been in the past.

~ Have a blessed Thanksgiving surrounded by the ones you love. ~

            For additional Thanksgiving inspiration and recipes for some of my favorite dishes, check out my special holiday board on Pinterest. 

 

Photo Courtesy of OpenClips.

 

Making Etiquette Easy: The Delicate Nature of Formal Dining

It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving – one of my favorite holidays – is right around the corner.  With Thanksgiving, comes the ushering in of the official holiday season which is sure to be filled with a plethora of both social and professional events. As we enter into this time of cheer, I thought I’d take a moment to revisit some key components to formal dining as it can be somewhat intimidating (particularly when several courses are served).  Fear the pheasant no more as I have compiled a list of formal dining tips to help solve culinary-related dilemmas.

-Always take cues from your host. Your host will serve as your guide throughout the meal. It is a general rule of thumb that you should wait to start your meal until the host has invited you to do so, either verbally or by picking up the first course silver. You don’t want to start eating before then as the host may plan to say grace or give a toast. Normally, the host will wait until all of the guests are seated and have received their food before he or she begins.  You should also follow the host’s direction for the timing of the various courses, as well as for the meal’s conclusion.
 

-Certain Silverware Has Certain Roles. If you observe how the table is set for a formal meal you will notice that there are usually two or three of everything depending on the courses forthcoming.  This is where a lot of folks start to panic.  The simplest way to navigate this conundrum is to remember that utensils are placed in the order of the course with the first course farthest from the plate.  So your salad fork will be to the left of your dinner fork. For spoons, look at the size of the head on the spoon first. The larger and wider the head means that that it is your soup spoon and the smaller and narrower spoon will be your teaspoon. 
 

-The Dreaded Bread Plate. I can’t tell you how many times someone has put their bread on my bread plate after the bread basket has been passed.   Many times further confusion commences when someone else at the table has correctly placed their bread.  To assure you are not the cause of a bread upheaval, remember that your bread plate is always to the left of your table setting and place it accordingly.

-Is That My Drink? When seated at a formal table, knowing which drink is yours can give pause, especially when the person next to you is also uncertain.  I always find the following saying helpful, “In order to drink right you must drink from the right”. With that being said, all of your glasses should be organized from widest to narrowest to the right of your place setting. Your water glass should be your widest glass and closest to you, followed by your wine glass (or glasses if both red and white wine will be served), and finally your champagne glass.

            Don’t let the formalities of formal dining take away from the enjoyment of your meal.  If your host is serving a formal meal, it means that much time and effort has been spent to make the occasion a special one.  Just keep these simple rules in your mind and you will dine with ease and delight! 

Photo Courtesy of: noahherrera

Making Etiquette Easy: Email and Text Misfires... Tackling the Unintended Consequences

                Have you ever sent or received an email that was intended for someone else?  In our fast-paced professional and social environments, technology has provided us with several tools that encourage rapid communication.  On second glance, perhaps we rely too heavily on auto-fill or are too quick to send a text without verifying that it is being sent to the intended.  Take a minute, okay a few seconds, to consider next steps should you find yourself in this scenario.

 

                -Sending emails or texts to the wrong person. There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you hit send and the recipient was not who you intended it to be.  As soon as you realize you have made the error, take responsibility immediately by following up with a phone call or direct email to the unintended recipient.  Apologize for the error and ask that they kindly ignore your email or text.  In a work setting, depending on the sensitivity of the email or text content, you may also need to loop in your boss and/or the legal team, so corrective action can be taken. Just remember to accept the possible consequences, address them as best you can, and move forward having learned from the experience.

                -Receiving emails or texts intended for someone else. Those who send emails or texts to unintended recipients may not immediately realize their error. No action is necessary from you should you find yourself on the receiving end of a misfire, but as a courtesy, it doesn’t hurt to send a polite email letting the sender know that you have received their email and believe it was intended for someone else. This way, they are alerted of their mistake and can get the email or text to the appropriate person.  I received a “rogue” email recently, and to avoid further embarrassment for the sender (it was a group email), I called and left a gracious message to make him aware of the mistake.  

                -Make it a habit to always double check. Always make it a habit to review emails every time prior to hitting send, whether you are distributing a corporate-wide confidential memo or confirming your weekend plans with a close friend.  Taking a few extra minutes to double check the “to” line can prevent these particular mishaps and is the only way to save you from heart burn every time.

 

                It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and rush through simple tasks such as emailing.  Most of the time communication misfires will cause nothing more than minor embarrassment; however, they can have the potential to cause serious damage or consequences, especially in work scenarios.  Think of it as having an internal pause button… push it before hitting send.

 Photo Courtesy of nvtrlab

Making Etiquette Easy: Keeping your Campaign Season Composure in Check While at Work

 

Every two years in the fall, our lives are consumed by the passion of politics as we near the first Tuesday in November, Election Day. Our yards, cars, and conversations all tend to reflect our political beliefs, as well as the candidates we endorse. Even though as Americans we have the right to practice the first amendment, I urge caution when it comes to political discourse in your professional landscape. Below, I have compiled a few things to consider before opening the door to politics in the office.  

                ­-The politicians we support are a direct reflection of what we believe.  Even in Texas, not everyone prescribes to the same belief system.  People come from a variety of backgrounds and upbringings, which ultimately shapes their world view. Our ability to elect government officials who we feel represent us is important to folks, and with that can come a strong emotional tie. Choosing to discuss politics in the office can be similar to discussing religion; it can be controversial, and a discussion can become heated and out of control very quickly.

-Refrain from discussing other candidates. Bad mouthing a particular candidate or government official has the potential to offend a coworker if it happens to be someone they support, and to some, this may seem as if you are mocking their personal beliefs. These situations can lead to you not only loosing respect from your coworkers, but it can make group work and projects uncomfortable as well.  At the end of the day, political discourse can become a distraction to you and your coworkers and hinder productivity.

-Political discussions do not have to be avoided at all times. In our business, political discussions occur more frequently as the news cycle hits on policies and topics impactful to our clients or their industry.  As this opens the door for political discussions in the work place, we have a pretty clear picture of where coworkers and clients stand politically and feel comfortable managing our discussions around politics.  However, even when you know where folks stand on the political spectrum, there is still a suitable time and place for these discussions. So if there is ever a question to the appropriateness, I recommend erring on the side of caution and choosing a different subject matter.  

Even though politics may be on the forefront of our minds during the month of October, remember to keep your composure in check while at work, and among co-workers or clients. There’s no need to compromise your professionalism or relationships by “going there.”

 

Making Etiquette Easy: Organizing Outrageously Overloaded Calendars

 

These days it doesn’t take much to feel overrun by busy schedules and bulging calendars that seem to beg for more hours in a day. I don’t know about you, but I have a “master” calendar where I meticulously record all commitments in pencil (I know, it’s old school, but it works) and then I have my computer Outlook and iPhone calendars.  As I’m sure you can relate, having too many calendars can lead to double booking and over-committed days.  Here are some tips on how to organize multiple calendars and ultimately stop calendar madness:

 

                -Choose a primary calendar and sync it up to your devices.  It’s really wise to choose a calendar program you use frequently and have constant access to, such as Outlook. Once you’ve done that, go through each of your existing calendars and import important dates to assure that everything is in one place. As I mentioned, I keep a hard copy of my calendar (it’s my constant companion) as a reference and always use a pencil, as dates and appointments tend to shift on short notice.

                -Color code your calendars for different portions of your life. If you are a busy professional (like pretty much everyone I know!) and like to stay as organized as possible, you can color code your calendars to denote different categories of events. For example, I use different colors for work, our daughter’s schedule, family events, and social events.  This method has really helped me stay on track with my calendar and maintain that elusive healthy work/life balance.

                -Share your calendars. As technology has evolved, we now have the ability to share our calendars with others. My husband and I share calendars so we can both can make calendar additions or changes, and remain on the same page regarding family events and work commitments. As we both juggle our careers and family life, this has helped us to stay organized and avoid what we call “the double book.”

 

                Our schedules and calendars can get out of hand very quickly, so taking these few simple steps to get organized will help avoid feeling overwhelmed by that over-committed monster of a calendar. 

Making Etiquette Easy: Pigskin and Pleasantries

Fall is a special time of year as the temperatures begin to cool down and nature’s beauty shifts from shades of green to red, gold, and brown. In the South and especially in Texas, you also have the arrival of football season. Football season is characterized as a three month span with Friday nights focused on high school football games, Saturdays devoted to college football games, and Sundays and Mondays to the National Football League. Even though it sounds like football is the main event, it equally shares that title with socializing at tailgates and backyard barbeques. As this “season” kicks off (no pun intended), there are certain “rules of engagement” and pleasantries one must consider when attending and/or hosting one of these functions.
 

-Properly organizing a tailgate or barbeque. If you’re a busy guy or gal, there are several easy ways you can organize a winning event without having to spend all week planning for game day. First and thankfully, tailgates and barbeques are typically casual events where appetizers or simple menus are the norm. They can offer the perfect occasion to host a potluck come-and-go. Most folks don’t want to come empty handed, so offer suggestions to guests regarding what they can bring, whether it’s their favorite appetizer or a tasty side to go with the main dish. If you don’t have time to cook, you can order take-out from your favorite restaurant or pick up some great pre-made items from Central Market (for those of us in Texas) or other gourmet grocers. Also keep the event venue in mind, i.e.; will there be a microwave or stove top to warm your items or do you need to bring items that don’t require additional heating. Finally, if you’re willing to spend the big bucks, there are several catering companies for backyard barbeques and party rental companies that have tailgating packages, so you can pregame and postgame in style and not have to worry about set up, cleanup, or anything in between.  (Now that’s what I’m talking about…)

-Always offer to bring something if you’re not the host or hostess. Even though these are more casual affairs, offering to bring food or drinks to the event is always a courteous thing to do even if you know your host doesn’t need any additional assistance. Depending on the formality of the event, bringing tasty additions can sometime serve as a host or hostess gift. Also remember that if you have a specific beverage preference, bring it along for personal enjoyment in addition to what you are bringing to share.

-If you plan to bring guests, always speak to the host or hostess first. Backyard barbeques and tailgates can grow exponentially in the blink of an eye which can result in the host/hostess running out of food and refreshments early. Therefore, it’s very important to consult with your host/hostess a few days before the event if you plan to bring a plus one, so they can plan accordingly. If you are bringing guests, always bring extra food or drink with you as well, so you can accommodate for their consumption.  
 

            Football season is a fun and eventful season, and there are some great pleasantries you can extend at these events to better enjoy the passing of the pigskin.

For fun tailgating ideas, check out our Pinterest Page!

Photo Courtesy of: tpsdave

Doubly Duty: Being a Parent and a Working Professional

 

Between running a business and being a full-time mom, I’m constantly searching for ways to work smarter, not harder. My husband, who also works long-hours, and I try to create that delicate balance between family (we have a toddler) and work life. We have found that in order to have a good balance between the two, we use as many resources at our disposal as possible. Here are a few things that work for us:
 

                -While traveling for business, use technology, such as Face Time, to stay connected with your family. Our firm has clients throughout North America which requires my traveling to conduct or participate in meetings or events.  With today’s technology, I can Face Time or Skype from my smartphone or laptop, which makes home never feel too far away. Having these Face Time moments with my family during my travel has helped me not miss out on important events, talk about each other’s day as if I were at the dining room table, and has been reassuring for my daughter to see me “on the TV” while I’m on the road. On occasion, I’ll bring back a little memento for her as a reminder that I am always thinking about her while I’m away. This also creates a learning opportunity as I can use the souvenir as a tool to teach her about the place I just visited.

                -Adding the family to a business trip.  I’ve seen many families at the airport this summer with at least one briefcase toting parent clearly ready to hit their meeting upon deplaning. My husband and I recently did something similar during a trip to Canada. A client invited my husband to join in the social activities between meetings, and with the client’s help, we were able to arrange a baby sitter for our daughter while attending work-related events. We had a set itinerary regarding which portion of the trip would be work and which would be vacation. Once I completed the business portion of our trip, it was time to focus on family time. These trips can be cost effective, worthwhile, and fun for everyone involved, if managed correctly. 

                -Identify flexible times in your daily schedule for family. Family schedules can be particularly challenging during the summer months when the kids are out of school attending various summer camps or day camps, or wanting to have a play date with a friend. It takes some planning, but there are ways to assure that work does not suffer while shuttling the kids to that next important summer event.  It is critical that your work obligations do not suffer, so if you are out of the office some during the day, be prepared to check emails after hours to stay on top of things. Being a part of their summer fun can be amazingly rewarding. I had the honor of taking our daughter to her second summer of music classes at TCU. She loved it and I relished the time we shared together during that time each week.  
 

                Everyone’s family dynamic and profession is different, so finding equilibrium between work and family life may be different from ours, but by reevaluating and making some minor adjustments to your schedule, you can get one step closer to life balance happiness. And that, my friend, is worth working toward.

 

Photo Courtesy of: geralt

Making Etiquette Easy: Interviewing Impeccably

 

It may sound odd, but an interview can be much like a first date. Instead of the potential of entering into a relationship with a person, you have the potential to enter into a working relationship with an employer. Like a first date, no initial interview is ever the same. First dates are all about hitting it off, the possibility of a good fit, and seeing yourself together in the future. These same rules also apply to an interview, but obviously in a different context. For instance, you want to make a good impression with your interviewer because s/he could be your future boss; you want the interviewer to feel you would be a great addition to the company and fit in well with the corporate culture and other employees. As importantly, you need to be able to see yourself happily employed with the company in the future. With all of this in mind, here are a few tips to ensure an impeccable (and successful) interview.

-The First Impression. The first five minutes of an interview are crucial. It is your only opportunity to make a great first impression. Start it off right by arriving early; being appropriately dressed; having extra copies of your resume and other appropriate documents on hand; offering a great attitude, and introducing yourself with a firm handshake and a smile.

 -Table Talk. Most interviews start off with small talk which is a perfect time to make a personal connection with your interviewer. Once that winds down though, be prepared to jump right in to answer the tough questions. Many times we are so eager to share our well-practiced “elevator pitch” that we don’t listen to the question(s) being asked. Be an active listener; this is something an employer is typically looking for as well. Throughout the interview, look for certain cues from your interviewer, so you’ll know when you can incorporate comments, key attributes, and relevant experiences. It is also equally as important to prepare your own questions regarding office culture, job expectations, etc. Finally, when the interview comes to a close make sure you exit it with the same amount of energy that you entered with.

-The Follow up. It’s important to always follow up after the interview (even if you don’t want the job). You can do this in two ways. First, send a quick thank you email within 24-48 hours of your meeting; second, send a lengthier handwritten thank you note within a few days.  Not only is this a great personal touch, but it also  provides another opportunity for you to highlight some of the topics you discussed during the interview and briefly elaborate on anything you feel you may have omitted during your in-person visit. 

            Finally, to interview impeccably it is critical that you believe in yourself, so your interviewer will too. You have to believe you are qualified and are the best person for the job at hand. Confidence is palpable and will go a long way in helping to secure your next opportunity!

Photo Courtesy of OpenClips

Making Etiquette Easy: Email with Ease

We've all been up to our ears in emails before with a daunting number of unread emails growing exponentially each day. The once recognizable and catchy AOL notification, “You’ve Got Mail,” is now a sound of stress and dread. With fast-paced work environments, multiple meetings and many of us adding travel to the mix, it is not uncommon for more than a thousand unread emails to stack up in record time. This can quickly lead to stress if you do not find ways to tackle your email bounty. Try considering the following tips to de-clutter your inbox and email with less stress and more ease.
 

-The appropriate turnaround window for an email is usually 24-36 hours after you having received it. Even if you don't anticipate being able to fully answer an email or question in that set amount of time, consider shooting a quick email back to the sender letting them know you received the email and will have an answer for them soon. Then set a personal deadline to respond. Hint: always do a quick “drive by” of emails in the bottom of your inbox so you don’t miss something…

-Remove yourself from website mailing lists you rarely follow. Today, it is common for websites to require an email address before perusing their site, even if you’re a onetime user. Thus, you are instantly enrolled in their newsletter which is sure to fill your inbox with several emails a day with mostly useless information. Go through you inbox and unsubscribe to all newsletters you feel you can live without. However, after doing this if you still find yourself overwhelmed with mailing list emails, try creating a separate email account devoted to these types of inquiries. This way, you are able to read through them at your leisure without getting in the way of more important emails that require a timely response. 

-Organize your inbox. Every email program gives you the capability to sort emails into folders. Utilize the folder system to create an organizational structure to house your emails. An example of this would be, creating folders ranging in priority/importance, so when it is time for you to answer some of these emails you’ll know what emails need to be taken care of immediately versus the emails that can wait to be addressed later. Consider sorting your emails during the initial pass, so the email will be waiting for you in its respective folder without you giving it a second thought. For critical emails, there is also a flagging function in most email providers that you can use to highlight your most time sensitive emails.
 

 If all else fails, try delegating some of your emails to your employees, as appropriate. This should take some of the pressure off as you manage your inbox. 

   Photo Courtesy of: Geralt

Tribute to the Fourth of July

         When I think of the Fourth of July, so many sights, sounds and scents come to mind. I instantly smell the heavenly aroma of backyard barbeques shared with family and friends; I recall big, bright, beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky, and can’t help but hear “America the Beautiful” sung by the legendary Ray Charles play in my head. I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get the picture. While these are all wonderful elements that make this holiday special, I think it is important that we take time to consider why we celebrate the Fourth of July, and reflect on what makes the United States of America such an amazing country. I have compiled a short list of a few things that make me proud to be an American.


        We are a country based on the principles of freedom. 238 years ago, July 4^th, 1776 to be exact, the Continental Congress representing the thirteen colonies, finalized and adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. This is a powerful document that has guided our country since its founding. The following line particularly stands out to me and in my opinion serves as the backbone of this country: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (US 1776) As you can see from this line alone, our country’s foundation was built on the principles of freedom and liberty, by which we are so incredibly blessed and should hold dear.

         Our country is known as the land of opportunity. From the beginning, the United States has been known as the land of possibilities. People have chosen and continue to choose to come to this country because of the promise of the “American Dream.” Our freedoms make this idea a reality because, here in the U.S., we are given the ability to start from nothing and become something great. Blessed with an abundance of natural resources and the freedom for individuals to take advantage of them, people have been able to build their lives through innovation; thus, propelling our country to be the world leader it is today.

        We couldn’t be the home of the free without the help of the brave. Today, we have hundreds of thousands of service men and women who everyday risk their lives to protect us, our basic freedoms, and our democracy. Our history is rich with military endeavors that have served to do just that. There is no better time than Independence Day to thank our veterans and current service members for their sacrifice and bravery. Without them, we could not be the global power we are today.


         Now that you’ve read my list, I challenge you to create one for yourself; share it with others and encourage them to do the same. Holidays are a great time for celebration, but they also are a wonderful time for reflection. If you would like a little more Independence Day inspiration, take a look at our Pinterest Page.

Happy Fourth of July and May God Continue to Bless America!

Photo Courtesy of: Mar Lidia

Father's Day

With blended families becoming more and more the norm, many of us have a step-parent or someone who may have stepped in to fill the role of a parent at some point in our lives. Whatever your situation, I encourage you to celebrate your father, stepfather, father-in-law, grandfather, or  significant male figure in your life as we approach Father’s Day.

Here are some ideas to thank your father – or father figure - for all the love and support they have shown through the years.

-          Send a card or ecard. Sending Mom flowers on Mother's Day is always a safe option, however, that is not necessarily the case for Father’s Day. Dad will probably not get the same thrill that mom does when Teleflora knocks at the door.  Mail a card (though time is running out for this option) or send an ecard. There are a number of wonderfully messaged ecard options and many are free.

-          Call or Skype. With today’s technology, the possibilities are endless in being able to communicate with your loved ones. Try video-chatting with your dad for a more personalized conversation, especially if you have not seen each other for a while.

-          Spend time together. There are a plethora of things you can do when spending time with dad. You can make or take him a meal, invite him to lunch, rent his favorite movie, play cards, or just enjoy a nice visit.  Whatever you decide, the key is to enjoy the time you have together.

-          Offer a gift of a special memory. Take a trip down memory lane and give your father something to remind him of a special memory the two of you share. A framed photo of a family trip or outing makes a nice gift and one he will enjoy for a long-time to come.

I am go grateful for the years I had my dad in my life. He was an amazing man.  And, I am also thankful for my step-dad who keeps us all laughing and smiling... most of the time.

Happy Father’s Day!

Making Etiquette Easy: Workplace Bullying

Images from Herndon Davis

By now, we should all know a thing or two about how social graces can keep us from embarrassing ourselves or others on a daily basis. But have you ever considered, when taken to extremes, a lack of etiquette can be termed bullying? An attitude here or there at the workplace is one thing, but when it starts to become a habitual act, you may be looking for a new job.

• Watch the Intimidation Factor: Many people think that if they create a bit of fear in the office, their employees or coworkers will respect them more. Of course no one wants to feel they can be trampled on, but fanning the flames of intimidation not only makes people uncomfortable, it is also unwarranted bullying.


• Equality for All: Whether unintentional or not, treating some employees differently than others is a gamble you don't want to take. As far as etiquette is concerned, people will notice and feel you are favoring certain individuals. To be fair, you must do what's right in the eyes of all. Things like race, religion, disabilities, or physical characteristics should be virtually invisible to you.


• Be Practical with Practical Jokes: Joking and humiliating creates camaraderie....at Bachelor Parties. The workplace is no place to single someone out, whether it's a bad haircut, a terrible presentation, or a nickname you think is perfect for the individual. It's impossible to predict how sensitively a person will respond to an insult, playful or not.


• Break the Cycle: If you do find you've been particularly hard on one or more employees and not the others, consciously make a choice to break the cycle and stop the behavior. It's never too late to try to make things right, and improved relations are destined in your future.

Making Etiquette Easy, Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Curse Words

Image from The Crack Team

Bleep! A little slip here and there never seemed to kill anyone, but curse words can be the spoiler de jour in your professional life if you're not careful. Whether it's for camaraderie, out of emotion, or just a bad habit, it can really be a curse (pun intended). Here are some situations you should consider...and then add removing curse words from your vocabulary to this weeks to-do list:

• In the Office: With more than 250,000 words in the English language, exercising one of the 12 or so"dirty" words doesn't say much to compliment your intelligence, let alone get your message across with additional clarity. Not only that, but you don't know the moral DNA of every single person in your office, and your words may be not only offensive but divisive. Remember, if you're trying to effectively communicate a message, swear words distract and dilute the meaning.
  


• Via Email: Never include curse words in email content. For the same reason that you should never put anything in email that you don't want blasted to the world, curse words in emails come off as juvenile and immature. And besides, you'll never be able to revoke your misstep.
  


• On Social Media: Even if you manage to tame your tongue in the office, it doesn't give you license to go wild on the internet. Employees, potential business partners, clients, and children are able to see what you project about yourself. And while you may think it's funny, not everyone shares the same humor. The same goes people who post these words to your pages- delete them. Many people have been chastised or fired for the content on their non-professional pages.
  


• The bottom line is that there are so many differing opinions about swearing that it's best to be conservative. This way, you won't offend anyone. And chances are, you'll gain more respect for keeping things politically correct. The short of it: Button It Up Butter Cup!

Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Nosy Question Askers

Image from Associated Content

With so much personal sharing these days via Facebook and other social media sites, it can be hard to draw the line between what we are and aren't willing to share with others. And it's especially troubling when our friends, relatives or even acquaintances begin prying into our business, presuming we're ready to share our life story. So the next time someone presses your "are you kidding me?" button, remember these tips to get the conversation back to more neutral ground:

• Be Vague: If it's about the price of your new car, you can avoid the true answer by saying something like, "probably too much" or "I know, isn't it awesome?" Giving answers like this cue the nosey Nelly that you're not willing to put dollar signs on the table. If it's about something personal (i.e. the status of your relationship), you can say "things are going well" or "who knows what the future holds."


• Flip It: If the person is still digging, flip the question on them or ask them a completely different question. Would they like to go for a ride in your car? How is their relationship situation progressing? A lot of times, people are inquisitive because they'd also like to share their stories. Allowing them this pleasure can cut you some slack and get the attention off of you.


• Be Honest: Sometime people will stop at nothing for answers. If the topic is a sensitive one for you and you don't feel like opening up, let them know you've got a policy against sharing such private information. You can even let them know you've talked about it with your spouse/therapist/etc. and that you don't mean to offend them, but this is your personal space and you'd like to keep it that way.

Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Restaurant Goers

Image from Sigsiv

Many of us eat out on a fairly regular basis, if not most nights of the week. With so much frequent dining, it can be easy to forget "what your momma taught ya" when it comes to table manners. Here are a few forget-me-nots (mom will be so proud!):

• Split it upfront: If you want to have separate checks, be sure to request them upfront, before ordering any drinks or food. This will help expedite the checkout process for you and the waiter.
• When you're waiting: It's okay to order beverages before the rest of your party arrives, but not food. When a new mate joins you, be sure to notify the waiter so that they can take their drink order.
• Wait until your ready: If you haven't had a chance to look over the menu or make your final selections, don't let the waiter linger. Let them know you need some more time to decide. The social cue that you are ready to order is leaving your menu closed on the table.
• Choose your course: Remember that not everyone in the group has to order the same number of courses. It's okay to order an appetizer, even if your co-diner doesn't want to order one. However, if you're ordering an appetizer in lieu of a main course, ask that it come out with the other entrees.
• Sharing: If you decide to split a single entree (we do this often due to the large portions being served these days), be sure to bump up the tip. Remember, the waiter would've received a higher tip if you had ordered more than one meal. Also ask that they plate the food on two plates for you before bringing it to the table.
• Think before you order: If you plan on chatting away while eating, you might want to order something that is conversation-friendly. Picking apart crab claws or crawfish might make conversing more awkward... and a little messy.

Making Etiquette Easy, Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Foreign Language in the Office

Image from www.yourtravelclub.org

Thankfully, we live in a country that is welcoming to many different cultures. In America, we pride ourselves on being the proverbial "melting pot." But the language barriers still remain and with those barriers come a few new social nuances. So just what is the best way to handle an office setting with multi-lingual employees?

• Establish a uniform language in the office. This language should be used in dealing with clients and other employees (unless the bilingual person was specifically brought on to speak their native language).
• Fluent multi-lingual employees should refrain from speaking in their native language (if different from the uniform language) while in the work environment except for professional purposes, i.e. you are on the telephone with someone who does not speak the "uniform" office language.
• Two people should never share a conversation in a foreign language in front of other employees (or anyone for that matter) who do not speak that language. This causes others to be suspicious and uncomfortable that what is being said is specifically not intended for them to hear. Also, you never know who may speak the language fluently and can understand conversations meant to be concealed.
• Be sympathetic if you are on the "outside" of a conversation. If you do find yourself in the middle of a foreign conversation, try to be understanding. There's a good chance they mean no harm and are simply enjoying practicing their native language.
  

Making Etiquette Easy:How to Respond When You're Not Sure

Image from www.ecoquisitive.wordpress.com

We all know the situation well...that terribly awkward silence that ensues when someone asks something for which you should know the answer. Whether you're a professional who needs to brush up on your "stuff" or an interviewee who's caught like a deer in the headlights, everyone should know the social graces to get around the stammering, uncomfortable silence, and (heaven forbid) temptation to lie.

Follow these rules to appear you're prepared, even when you really aren't:

• Do not lie. No matter how large the conundrum; do not fabricate a response. Doing so could single-handedly ruin your reputation, or, what's left of it since you clearly didn't have the right answer. Resist all urges to pull together something 'smart,' since most folks can detect an insincere or "made-up" response from miles away.
• Pause, but don't quiver for long. It is perfectly appropriate for you to pause and collect yourself, especially to recall bullet point number one. However, after a short lull, you should be prepared to face the questioner and provide them with some semblance of a response. Staying silent will only cause confusion and embarrassment for both parties.
• Confess or redirect the conversation. Depending on the scenario, it may be best for you to respond with a "that's a great question." If you are unsure of the answer, but feel that you could seek it out through research, a colleague, or that the answer will be made known in the near future, offer to get back to the person.
• Be articulate but not political. Try not to let your nerves get the best of you. Say what you need to say to evacuate the situation in a politically correct manner, and then leave the topic in the dust. There's humility in being able to laugh and poke fun at your own shortcomings.
• Learn from these "what in the world just happened" moments. As soon as you are able, research your answer and rehearse how you could respond differently next time. While you can't know it all, at least you will be better prepared should the same topic arise in the future.