PROFESSIONAL POLISH. BrooksThompsonConsulting.com

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1 PROFESSIONAL POLISH BrooksThompsonConsulting.com

2 Respecting the Office Call first rather than dropping into someone else s office unannounced. If you don t have an appointment, ask if they are available for a specified amount of time before you start talking. If you are in a meeting in your office, only take a call if you have told your guest you were going to do so in advance. When someone is on the phone, only enter if they motion you inside. If they receive a phone call, motion to question if you need to step outside. If the door is closed, do not interrupt unless it is an emergency. Enter another person s office only after knocking and you have been welcomed inside. Do not sit down unless you are asked to do so. Don t sit on anyone else s desk; keep your feet on the floor. Feet should not be placed on desks, tables or chairs. Keep your briefcase, handbag, or coat off of their desk. If someone drops into your office to chat and you are busy, stand up and move toward the door. This is a powerful signal that you re busy. Be friendly, firm, and polite.

3 Work APPROPRIATENESS is a tool for communication, but phone or face-to-face is always better. If you wouldn t say it to their face, don t it. Use the same format as a professional letter. TRANSPARENCY Avoid joking, sarcasm, and reprimands in an . Instead of blind copying, forward the message from sent mail if necessary. ALL ABOUT WORK Send only work s from your work . Do not forward nonrelated work s such as jokes, stories, or chain s.

4 Making the Call Smile when answering the phone. Stand to help you convey even more energy. Your in-person customer ALWAYS comes before the calling customer. Answer all calls before the third ring. If you must put them on hold, 1 minute max. Don t reveal personal info about others. Instead of she s out sick say she s out today. Your mission is to resolve conflict peacefully; don t fight back with customers. Return calls by close of business. Schedule a half hour 2x a day to return/make calls. If you personally refer someone, phone or the person that you have referred. When leaving voice messages, be descriptive but brief. Repeat name and number.

5 HOW NOT TO DO LINKED Gathering all the addresses of users you are connected to even locating addresses of LinkedIn Group managers and utilizing this mailing list to promote your own company or service off-site. Asking for endorsements from individuals you don t know or that didn t do a good job in your employ. Writing a recommendation for someone and then firing them just a few days later. 4 Be careful if you are job searching. Your employer probably knows it. Always be honest. 5 Watch out for political commentary. If it is not related to your job leave politics out of the workplace.

6 FAUX PAS what you shouldn t do Add users as friends without proper intros. If you re looking to make friends, tell people who you are; don t assume they know you. Spam others with application or game invites. Check your settings; you may be doing this unknowingly. Abuse group invites. If your friends are interested, they ll likely join without your encouragement. Don t resend group requests. Turn your Facebook profile photo into a pitch or lead generator. Facebook is about real friendships and connections, not business. Use a fake profile name. Be authentic and honest about who you are. Make genuine connections. Post a private conversation. Private matters should be handled privately via or Facebook private messages. Tag individuals in unflattering pictures or participate in unnecessary commentary. If your friends request to be untagged, do so promptly.

7 POWER BUSINESS DINING Whether you are building relationships or closing the deal, use these tips for successful business dining meetings. PLANNING & PREPARING Call in advance to verify directions and parking information. Review the menu and select something that is simple and easy to eat. Schedule ample time to arrive early. Plan some casual talking points. Have small bills to help with the check if needed. JOINING THE TABLE Wait to sit until the host indicates the seating arrangements. Place napkin in lap before eating or drinking anything. Wait to eat until everyone has been served. Place napkin on chair seat if excusing yourself for any reason. MANAGING THE MEAL Pass salt and pepper together, even if asked for only one. Pass all items to the right. If the item has a handle, pass with the handle toward the next person. If you are the one to reach to the center of the table for an item, pass it before serving yourself. COMMUNICATING WHILE DINING Keep hands in lap unless you are using them to eat. Practice proper posture; sit up straight with your arms close to your body. Take responsibility for keeping up the conversation. Bring food to your mouth, not your head to the plate. While you are speaking, rest utensils neatly on plate. Try to eat at the same pace as everyone else. Begin any business discussion before entrée is served for ample discussion time.

8 PROFESSIONAL POLISH BrooksThompsonConsulting.com