Facebook is an “open book” when it comes to corporations and your personal life. Yes, your “friends” have to ask for permission to go on to your site. But the HR department checked you out waaaayyyy BEFORE the interview. Clean up your FB account. Otherwise it is called “career suicide.” [...]
Blog
04Aug
In a job interview for a large company I was asked if I was on Facebook. I honestly did not know what to say, so I responded with, “I’ve been thinking about it.” When I got back home I changed some things on my Facebook account that I did not want this company to see. My question to you is in regard to fairness of privacy. Isn’t this invasion of privacy?
Posted in General
04Jul
This is more of a statement than a question, and it is based on a personal experience this month. My husband and I traveled to a very nice resort in our state to be guests for a very formal dinner affair. The outfit I chose was one that I had in my closet for a couple of years, very appropriate for the occasion. To be safe, I tried on the skirt to make sure it fit properly. It fit just fine! When we were in the hotel getting ready for the event, I was horrified to find out that the blouse-top was VERY snug!!!
Posted in General
The “answer” to this statement is a HIGH recommendation that one tries on the ENTIRE outfit BEFORE the night of the event!!!! A learning experience, indeed! Learn from me!
04Jun
The landline of my business phone does not have call ID. Many callers do not leave their phone numbers, assuming that their number is stored in my phone. Would you let people know that it is important to leave a phone number?
Posted in General
Not only do I recommend leaving a phone number, but I encourage it TWICE. Once at the very beginning “123-4567” slowly and distinctly, then the name and message, and then the number again at the end. Quickly stating a phone number [once] at the end of a long message is annoying [and tacky] [...]
04May
If she introduces herself as “Mrs.”, the answer is yes. Otherwise, I recommend the title “Ms.”, which is pronounced “miz.” Always wait for the person to give you permission to use first names, whether it be male or female.
05Apr
I have been taught different places where my napkin goes if I excuse myself from the table during a meal. Would you please clarify this?
Posted in Tips
If you are eating in Italy, the napkin never leaves the table. It is used for “blotting” your mouth as you eat. In America, if you leave the table temporarily you place the napkin on your chair or on the arm of the chair. At the end of the meal as you leave the table, [...]
29Mar
Is it rude to chew gum at your place of work or at church? If guests come in chewing gum, what is the proper way to ask them to get rid of it? It is very disgusting to find it on the dinner plate.
Posted in Tips
This question goes into the category of sensible manners in society because gum chewing is not addressed in etiquette books. For gum chewers, here are the two common sense rules: 1) Chew gum discreetly, preferably alone in your car or in your home. 2) Dispose of it properly. (A good habit is to keep the [...]
22Mar
Recently at a family party I saw a male family member who was wearing a hairpiece. I did not know if I should comment on it or not. Do men want to be told about their hairpieces?
Posted in Tips
Anytime anyone takes courage for self improvement, a compliment is appreciated. Simply saying, “You look nice” or, “I like your hair” shows compassion, whereas yelling across a restaurant, “So when did you get the rug?” is in poor taste, reflecting your character. If the level of friendship is extremely strong, goofy comments in a private [...]
15Mar
My sister consistently calls her little boy “mean Marty” because he is a tough little kid. I want to tell her that it is mean on her part. Do I have the right?
Posted in Tips
If you reach out in love, you have the right. Choose the right moment and gently tell her how you feel. Explain the negative adjectives instill negativity, especially in the early years of childhood. Secure children are formed by affirmation and appreciation. An adjective such as mighty or magnificent would behoove the child’s identification. Wouldn’t [...]
08Mar
The scenario is simple: the office place. Compatible staff working together in close quarters. Enter new employee, a delightful person, good worker, and easy to get along with in most respects. One major bad habit: gum chewing, including occasional popping/cracking. No customer contact, mainly because this person and I share the same office and our job description does not include interacting with customers. How am I to keep my mental sanity?
Posted in Tips
There are three suggestions I have: 1) Gently confront the person when the time is right. Do NOT wait until you have “HAD IT” because anger will come out and you will be speaking from emotions that could be detrimental to the situation. 2) Have a neutral person such as a supervisor or co-worker bring [...]
01Mar
If I have most registered the name of my company under federal trademark, am I liable for a lawsuit?
Posted in Tips
Yes, you are if someone has registered the name for a business in the same category as yours. If the name is the same and the category is different, you are not liable. To give an example, if your computer company is called Simple Solutions and it is not under federal trademark, you are not [...]