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Videos: Doing a deal in India, part 1 and 2

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:37:24 GMT

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

"Poised for Success" by Jacqueline Whitmore - 8 Things I love about her book

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:41:45 GMT

Title of the book: Poised for Success - Mastering the 4 Qualities that distinguish outstanding professionals

Author: Jacqueline Whitmore

Year of Publication: 2011

Publishing House: St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 978-0-312-60032-7

Number of Pages: 178

Price: List price: $ 21.99, on Amazon.com for $ 14.20 maximum

Content:

Part 1: PRESENCE

(Poise is presence personified, package yourself for success, the well-dressed man, the well-dressed woman, sound advice, discover and create your personal brand)

Part 2: POLISH

(Networking not working?, foster friendships instead, cultivate your VIP Relationships, hone your business hospitality skills, entertain with elegance and ease, be the world’s best guest)

Part 3: PROFESSIONALISM

(Social Media Essentials, the Likability Factor, follow through or fall back, seven unwritten rules every professional needs to know, listening: the lost link in a loud world)

Part 4: PASSION

(Rise and shine, gratitude, grace, and acts of kindness, for the health of it, fashion your life with passion)

8 Things I loved in this book:

* The best part of the book are the personal stories and experiences shared by the author throughout the book. They were very interesting, memorable and worth being passed on to other people. Some stories I had to share with my husband straight away while reading the book. It’s highly interesting to read about the author’s upbringing and career, the mistakes she made, the strategies she applied to achieve different goals, how she met her husband and what she learnt from it, how she looked for a VIP to promote her first etiquette book “Business Class”, why she buys from certain shops, how she uses and benefits from Social Media Websites, how she got corporate clients to train their staff, some exercises she used during her seminars to challenge the audience a bit more etc.)

* The idea of consulting other experts from other industries (e.g. an image consultant, a wine expert and many more) and including their opinion, added value to the book and enriched it in a particular way.

* It’s not just “an etiquette book”. It presents a mixture of very interesting topics that will help you to become generally more successful, such as:

- Image (the way you look, you behave and you talk; what your car, your resume, your business card, your photograph, your stationery, your workspace and your website/blog site says about you)

- Etiquette (how to be a great host and guest, how to be thoughtful, table manners and much more)

- How to excel in customer service

- How to conduct a healthier and happier life (this part reminded me a bit of Joel Osteen’s credo),

- The power of active listening

- How to build good relationships online and offline

- How to look, act and sound more professional (how to promote yourself more effectively)

* The author also provided some really good examples when it comes to:

The unwritten rules in a work environment
How to approach a VIP and achieve your goal
The analysis of famous women and men from past and present and what they did in order to stand out
How to offer extraordinary customer service
The cost per wearing amortizing method (why quality not quantity matters when purchasing clothes)
How to tell a person’s background by asking a simple question

* Every chapter provided at the beginning some good quotes.

* Often interesting results from various studies, statistics and facts have been included throughout the book. Those parts were well researched and definitely helped to make the author’s statements even more meaningful.

* She mastered it very well to sell her expertise in an effective, natural way without appearing too self-promoting.

* The author talks about “how to cultivate ‘creative manners’ by providing some examples of how to go above and beyond what is expected of you. This was the final chapter and a very good conclusion.

How would I rate it?

I would give it a 9.9 out of 10.

I would have given it a 10 if ...

...it would have included some pictures or illustrations in Part 1, chapter 3, “The Well-dressed man”. For me personally (from a woman’s perspective) it would have been easier to understand certain concepts when it comes to men’s fashion.

“I’ve read many books in my life but only this book was able to make me take action so quickly on certain things that were long overdue in my personal as well as professional life. This is a brilliant resource for any business professional who wants to make an impact on other people and stand out from the crowd. Highly recommendable!”

(Karin Schroeck-Singh, Director of Soft Skills Edge and the Blogcaster of “The Manners and Career Blogcast”)

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Etiquette Video: How to follow proper Business Etiquette in India

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:42:43 GMT

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

My personal etiquette book review "Everyday Etiquette" by Patricia Rossi

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:07:41 GMT

* Book Title: “Everyday Etiquette - How to Navigate 101 Common and Uncommon Social Situations”

* Book Author: Patricia Rossi (www.patriciarossi.com)

* Publishing House: St. Martin’s Press

* Year of publication: September 2011

* ISBN N.: 978-0-312-60427-1

* Price: $ 14.99

Content:

Test your Etiquette IQ (15 multiple choice questions with answers)
Introduction
Introducing Yourself (The Approach, proper introductions, body language, what to say, the handshake)
Communicating with Confidence (cell phones, email, text messaging, making conversation, name game, politely ending a conversation, responding to gossip)
Social Media in Modern Times (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Skype, YouTube, Blogging)
Table Manners (bread and soup courses, entrees: Continental/American, dinner parties: host and guest responsibilities, banquets and buffets, taboo table topics, wine etiquette, toasts)
Business Matters (Business cards, business lunches: host and guest responsibilities, casual Friday, conferencing: business meetings/teleconferences/videoconferences, home office, interview necessities, networking-building new and lasting relationships, office cubicles, office parties)
Children (Help your child shine!, Play Dates: Host and Guest responsibilities, sleepovers, children’s birthday parties: guest and host responsibilities, back-to-school success, sportsmanship, ghoulishly good manners for Halloween, social etiquette and respect for others, Thank-you Notes your kids will love writing)
Petiquette (the Dog Park, Pets and Travel, Visiting the Veterinarians’ Office, Service Animal Etiquette, Cat Owner Etiquette)
Travel (airplane/airport etiquette, bed- and breakfast, camping, cruises, hotels, how to be a great host, how to be a great houseguest, traveling by train)
Giving and Receiving Gifts (Gift Giving, Receiving Gifts, Regifting)
Invitations, Sympathy Cards, and Thank-You Notes (Evites, Invitations/RSVP Etiquette, Sympathy Cards, Thank-You Notes)
Out and About (Art Museums, Beach Day, Boating, Concerts, Dating Dos and Don’ts, Fragrance in public, getting around, the grocery store, the Gym, Hospital Visits, Internet Cafe and Wi-fi manners, mingle, movie theaters, new neighbors, poolside, Spas, Tattoo Studios, the theater/performing arts Center, Theme Parks, tips on tipping, tobacconist tips for the Cigar Enthusiast, the Zoo)
Sports (Championship Game Parties: Super Bowl/World Series etc.), Golf, NASCAR, Poker, Skyboxes, Stadiums, Tailgating, Tennis, Triathlons)
Encouragement in Tough Times (Bad News and How to Handle it, job loss or bankruptcy, funerals, illness/unfavorable Medical diagnosis)
Celebrations (anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, graduations, religious Birth and Coming-of-Age Ceremonies, quinceaneras and Sweet Sixteens, weddings).

Questions and Answers (it answers 13 interesting etiquette dilemmas)

* What I particularly liked:

- The title says it all “Everyday Etiquette”. The book gives you numerous etiquette tips on dealing with friends, relatives, your children, your pets, acquaintances, visitors, work colleagues and the general public in various situations. Usually etiquette books are focused either on social etiquette or business etiquette only. This book is a good mix and covers both topics very well.

- The author shares at the beginning of each chapter a personal experience. Some are very good stories while others are okay.

- There are some etiquette topics that - even for Etiquette Professionals - would be new, such as: Tobacconist Tips for the Cigar Enthusiast, etiquette Tips on: Poker, Skyboxes, Triathlons, NASCAR races, Tattoo Studios, traveling on cruises, service animal etiquette etc.

- That there was an Etiquette Quiz at the beginning. Readers always love to test their Etiquette IQ.

- Every chapter had some illustrations that highlight the most important tips on a certain topic. It makes it more memorable for the reader.

- Some topics provided concrete examples, e.g. how to write an effective Thank-you note or sentences you should avoid when trying to comfort a person with a life-threatening disease.

- The Questions & Answers section at the end that answers very interesting etiquette dilemmas, e.g. how to unfriend someone on Facebook.

* How would I rate it?

I would give it a 9.5 out of 10.

* I would have given it a 10, if it ....

- would have included more personal stories and experiences throughout the book not just at the beginning of each chapter.

- would have had a conclusion at the end of the book. It ends with a Questions & Answer session which I find a bit abrupt.

The book could have provided:

- a final personal experience from the author that demonstrates that also nowadays manners DO matter

- repeated the same quiz that has been presented at the beginning. It would have allowed the reader to see how effective the lessons from the book have been. Have the mistakes in the first quiz (before reading the book) been avoided in the second, same quiz (after reading the book)?

"Make yourself or your friends, relatives and acquaintances a special gift this year..... buy Patricia's Rossi etiquette book! This might be the best investment you might have ever made in your own personal development. A book that teaches you how to feel at ease and confident in any social as well as professional situation." Karin Schroeck-Singh

www.theprotocolinstitute.com

c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Confident Small Talk made easy: Part 7

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:02:56 GMT

Feel at home

Please, come in.

It’s good to see you here again.

Do you want to take your coat off?

May I take your coat?

Do sit down.

Have a seat.

Can I offer you a drink?

May I offer you an aperitif?

Would you like a sherry?

Help yourself to some more.

The bar is over there. Please help yourself.

Excuse me, where is the toilet, please?

You’ve got a cosy flat.

You have a wonderful house.

Would you like me to show you around the house?

What a nice garden you have!

Let’s go and sit in the garden.

I’d like to live in the country, too.

May I introduce you to my wife?

I’ve brought you a little something.

Thank you. You shouldn’t have.

My husband has told me a lot about you.

Only good things, I hope.

Make yourself at home.

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Crying in the Workplace Tips: Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman gives tips

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:00:27 GMT

Nationally Recognized Etiquette Expert, author, and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, Diane Gottsman, shares etiquette tips on Crying in the Workplace on KTBC TV7 (FOX). Visit: www.protocolschooloftexas.com and www.dianegottsman.com for more information and tips!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANE!!!

www.theprotocolinstitute.com

c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Confident Small Talk Conversation made easy: Part 6

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:56:26 GMT

Be my guest

What are you doing this evening?

I am thinking of having a quiet evening.

Have you got anything planned for tonight?

Would you like to join us for dinner this evening?

Thank you, that sounds very nice.

I would be pleased if you would honour me with your company.

May I invite you to my place tonight?

Would you and your wife like to come over for a glass of wine?

I’d love to; at what time?

Would between eight and half past suit you?

We’ve invited a few colleagues over for Friday evening. Wouldn’t you like to join us, too?

I’d love to, but unfortunately I won’t be able to. Our sales manager is coming for the weekend.

I’d love to, but I’ve got another engagement.

Why don’t you bring your colleague along with you?

My wife would like to meet you.

I’m afraid I can’t make it tonight.

She’ll be very depressed if you turn us down.

She’ll be very disappointed if you refuse our invitation.

Thank you very much. I’ll look forward to that.

I’m looking forward to meeting your family.

I'm afraid I'll have to say no I need an early night.

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

"The Power of Civility" - My Personal Etiquette Book Review

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:26:05 GMT

Title of the book: “The Power of Civility”

Publisher: Thrive Publishing

Year of publication: 2011

Number of pages: 212

Price: $ 24.00

ISBN: 978-0-9829419-6-6

This book is co-authored by 18 top civility and etiquette professionals who share their opinions, experiences and provide insightful tips on how to be more civilized, whether at home, at work, in your community, in public or abroad.

It includes the following 18 chapters:

The Power of One by Lew Bayer
Civility begins at home by Deborah King
Public Civility by Deborah McGrath
Stand out - don’t stick out by Tiffany Nielsen
The Power of Leadership Civility by Laura Barclay
Building an exceptional professional image by Jules Hirst
Lunchbox Civility - A tool for leaders by Penelope Paik
Develop your personal brand and power it with civility by Yasmin Anderson-Smith
Networking with Civility by Cheryl Walker-Robertson
Navigating the Social and Psychological complexities of incivility by Suzanne Zazulak Pedro
Civility - Making it a Lifestyle by Cindy Ann Peterson
To Say or not to say, that is the question by Shelby Scarbrough
Civility Communicates confidence by Tara Crawford
Civility on campus by Denise Pietzsch
Uncovering diamonds by Pat Walker Locke
Dining with Civility by Nonnie Cameron Owens
R for Mutual Respect by Suzanne Nourse
Cultural Considerations and Civility by Anita Shower

--> What I particularly liked was:

* That someone had the idea to publish a book on civility which includes so many different views, opinions, experiences and thoughts from experts working in the same industry. I wished other professionals working in other sectors would be able to provide similar resources. It would be highly interesting.

* Those parts in various articles where Etiquette Professionals share their own personal experiences when dealing with other people. Stories make it always more memorable, ALWAYS.

* Reading about other Etiquette Professionals’ background allowed me also to find out more about their credentials, how they write their profiles and how they differ from each other. The list at the end is also very helpful because it allows you to see instantly the location of various etiquette professionals. A good idea!

* Some interesting new quotes on civility which I would like to add to my next edition of my Book on “Etiquette Quotes”.

--> My Top 3 articles were:

1.) The Power of Leadership Civility by Laura Barclay

She included the results of a survey of business professionals on their thoughts and experiences of workplace civility, the negative impact of incivility, the different types of incivility, benefits of leadership civility for business and how to create a civil workplace. Highly interesting!

2.) Lunchbox Civility - A tool for leaders by Penelope Paik

She provides great tips on how to establish a clear, functional, successful and effective civility initiative for you and your organisation. Brilliant!

Furthermore, I got another book tip which talks about “The Cost of Bad Behaviour”.

3.) R for Mutual Respect - A booster for civility in Healthcare by Suzanne Nourse

I loved her article because everyone can somehow relate to what she wrote and - at some point in life - experienced similar situations when going to a healthcare professional. Suzanne provided 8 symptoms and remedies from the healthcare professional’s perspective and 7 symptoms and remedies from the patient’s perspective. Something particularly helpful and interesting for an Etiquette Consultant who trains companies in that regard. I wished more etiquette books would have a similar approach in which they don’t just give you general tips on manners but also what to do or how to react while experiencing inappropriate behaviour.

Every Etiquette Professional in this book wrote important things that we should bear in mind in our social as well as professional life. However, these were my personal three favourite articles because they covered topics that I did not come across in other etiquette books so far. As mentioned earlier, interesting survey results, a symptoms/remedy approach and how to implement an effective civility initiative inside a company. Wonderful, truly enjoyed reading it!

--> How would I rate it?

I would give it a 8.5 out of 10. I would have given it a 10 if:

* it would have included some more topics which are hardly to find in other books or online. There are already many resources available which cover topics, such as: table manners, image etc.

* it would have included also other Etiquette Professionals from Europe, Asia and Australia who share their experiences, views and tips.

* it would have included one article about civility online (tech etiquette).

I was a bit less interested in reading about political civility and psychological complexities of incivility. However, I would recommend this book to companies, employees and definitely also to other Etiquette Professionals because of the diversity of topics, writing styles and views.

www.theprotocolinstitute.com

c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

German Culture and Etiquette - the most exhaustive resource you will find online

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:49:07 GMT

This is the most exhaustive resource on German Culture and Etiquette you will find online. It covers topics such as: - Some interesting facts about Germany - What does it mean when a Germany says.....? - German Stereotypes: Positives - Negatives - The German Home - German Body Gestures explained - German Table Manners and Dining Etiquette - Beer and Wine: Some interesting details - Festivals, Celebrations, Holidays - Business Etiquette (Business Style, Negotiation, Greeting, Business Attire, Relationships and Communication, Business Meeting) - Social Etiquette (Visitors Etiquette etc.) - Foreigners and Hatred of Foreigners - Other interesting facts (Sport, Shopping, Bollywood etc.) - Many video links included too.

Enjoy flipping through the pages. Thanks for your interest. Feedback is always appreciated. Should you experience any technical problems please visit the following link:

http://www.yudu.com/item/embed/407787/German-Culture-and-Etiquette---The-most-exhaustive-resource-you-will-find-online

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Confident Small Talk Conversation made easy: Part 5

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:47:15 GMT

Ice-breakers

Did you have a good journey?

Had a good journey, I hope.

The train was rather overcrowded.

I hope you had a pleasant flight.

The flight was rather bumpy.

Did you get through the customs okay?

I didn’t have any problems.

How was the transfer to the hotel?

We haven’t seen each other for ages.

How are your wife and children?

By the way, many thanks for your Christmas greetings.

Thanks for your card when you were on holiday.

Did you find our company straight away?

I didn’t have any trouble thanks to your clear instructions.

Let’s sit down, shall we?

May I introduce you?

Let’s forget the formalities.

I suggest we drop the formalities.

May I offer you something to drink?

Coffee, tea or something else?

I’ll have the same as you.

Do you feel like talking business right now?

Shall we have a drop of something to keep the cold out?

www.theprotocolinstitute.com

c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Confident Small Talk Conversation made easy: Part 4

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:33:27 GMT

Introducing others

Mr Smith, may I introduce you to Mrs Brown?

Tom, I’d like you to meet Sandra.

Sandra, this is Tom.

Claire, I’m not sure if you have met Tom. Tom, this is Claire.

Pleased to meet you.

The pleasure is mine.

www.theprotocolinstitute.com

c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Confident Small Talk Conversation made easy: Part 3

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:15:27 GMT

3. Introducing yourself

By the way, my name is ….

Perhaps I should introduce myself.

Jim Moore’s the name.

I am from Bonn. Where do you come from?

I am here on a holiday/business trip.

Pleased to meet you.

Happy to make your acquaintance.

I think we’ve met before.

Do you remember me? We met at Chris Johnson’s party last month.

Pleased to meet you.

Glad to meet you, too.

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh

Confident Small Talk Conversations made easy: Part 2

karin@mannersandcareer.com (Karin Schroeck-Singh) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:04:57 GMT

2. At a Congress or at a Conference

Excuse me, where is the conference room?

Are you here for the first time? So am I.

You look a bit lost. Can I help you?

Nice place. Do you come here often?

I’m from …. Where are you from?

Do you happen to know the guest speaker?

What do you expect from this congress?

Are you here on business?

Can I get you a drink?

May I ask why you are here?

Are you also staying at the ....(e.g. Hilton Hotel)?

Is it comfortable? – Yes, very.

What’s the food like?

How long are you staying?

Here is my card.

We could have dinner together, if you like.

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c 2011 Karin Schroeck-Singh