Etiquette Friday

I had a very interesting chat with Roy Basnetton of CityTalk 105.9 based in Liverpool, on 13 May.  We chatted about several topics including the importance of image, wardrobe personality- how the way you dress gives out information about you and how I think Casual Friday should change to Etiquette Friday.

To hear my thoughts and views, have a listen (note: the file may take a while to load…)

Great fun!  Let me know what you think.

When attending a meeting you should stand when a senior manager or top executive enters the room. Then wait until they offer their hand and when shaking hands ensure you always have a firm grip (although don’t squeeze). And look directly in the eye when greeting them.

Remember: Always be conscious that your mannerisms reflect on your professionalism and that of your companies.

Fo more information contact Appearance Management

Having good manners and professional etiquette are often ignored and yet are so significant, as they are part of your personal image. Manners have become more relaxed, especially when meeting the Royal family, however there are still many rules that are timeless and expected as part of professional manners. The key thing is to always treat people with consideration and respect, although this should be obvious, it is frequently a casualty in many workplaces.

In a business environment this means understanding the critical factors that can make or break a business meeting; impress a potential client or influence a first impression on your first day in a new job. When attending a meeting you should stand when a senior manager or top executive enters the room. Then wait until they offer their hand and when shaking hands ensure you always have a firm grip (although don’t squeeze). And look directly in the eye when greeting them. If you are the host ensure you offer your hand to your guest and welcome them with a smile.

 Remember: Always be conscious that your mannerisms reflect on your professionalism and that of your company’s business.

Appearance Management includes etiquette and manners as part of their workshops and personal consultations.

The other morning I turned on the television, whilst changing to go out, and Trisha Goddard on Five programme was on. This is not something I would normally watch, however it was about etiquette and they had on some women who they were going to change from ladettes to ladies, so I thought I should watch it. I was amazed, in fact shocked, to hear that a few of the women go to Asda in their pyjamas because they are too lazy to change; one in her dressing gown with nothing else on. Three were sent off with some experts and were taught how to have better posture, speak more politely and how to use a cup and saucer. It had not struck me before that people use mugs all the time. The comments the women said after the session included how much more confident they felt and how much greater self-esteem they had.

The next day I had a business meeting in City Inn Hotel, Westminster and all the people were having cups of coffee and tea in cups and saucers.

For me, this is another example why we find “Etiquette & Manners” an important session in Appearance Management corporate workshops and why we also offer it in our personal consultations.

There are many discussions in the media, at present, about companies employing image consultants or employees looking for advice on how to look smart in the work place. Many people cannot remember how to look smart and students who left university over the last decade have not experienced a recession or how to look professional at all times.

1.       Firstly you need to look well groomed, all the time – neat tidy and presentable.

2.       Ensure your  clothes fit you well and the styles suit your shape

3.       Wear shades of colours to suit your corporate image and that suit your individual colouring

4.       Your clothes need to represent your wardrobe personality so that you show who you truly are- your personal image

5.       Be well mannered- courteous and helpful to bosses, clients and colleagues

6.       Good body language e.g. smile, it is a sign of friendship, foster goodwill in business and brings happiness s in the office.

7.       Be positive, have energy and enthusiasm.

For individual advice, corporate workshops or speaking engagements on personal image please contact http://www.appearancemanagement.co.uk/index.php  or T. 01372 388584

Ne-Yo’s says his new album “Year of the Gentleman” is called this for a good reason, being a gentleman is about treating people with respect. Looking like a gentleman you to feel and act like one. Whatever you want to achieve. The new album is proving to be successful for Ne-Yo.  Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentleman has earned six Grammy nominations.  Being charming and looking smart can help you to achieve what you want in life and it helps you to get a lot more respect from people plus, very importantly, you will feel a lot happier.

Whilst on the train yesterday I, and the rest of the carriage, had to list to some young woman organising and discussing her personal life. I think a Friday would be a start for people not to use their mobile in public places, unless urgent, and then the ring to be on silent. What do you think?

I seem to be getting a positive response to my campaign to have “Etiquette Friday” instead of Casual Friday although I haven’t heard of any company that has instigated this yet. Hopefully, there will be some in 2009. Will yours be the first? See my website at http://www.appearancemanagement.co.uk/business-etiquette.php if you’d like some help with this.

A good start would be to use our “Ps and Qs”; the amount of people that either pushed passed me or said “Excuse me” during the Christmas period! Very few said “Excuse me, please” and “Thank you”. We need to treat people as we wish to be treated.