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!