The rapid pace of communication is fabulous, but kind of scary as well. There really is no room for error. Unlike spilling a drink on someone at a cocktail party or letting a certain swear word slip, a blunder online is forever. I caution: pause before you post. Some of the messages and postings I have seen have made my hair stand on end. I promise I’m really the “fun” Manners Lady, but when it comes to building online relationships IN SPACE I move very, very slowly. Remember, if you wouldn’t like to see your message printed in the paper, or wouldn’t like your Mom to read it . . . enjoy the pause. To learn more about social networking, join us June 4 in Bremerton, WA for “Bigfoot…Social Networking/Social Media Conference” www.bigfootsnc.com

If you are having trouble with people arriving to work on time, try this: welcome them every day with a warm handshake and smile, “Good morning, Bob! It’s so great to see you today!” In etiquette, we greet our fellow business associates with handshakes all the time, but rarely honor our staff in the same way. People leaving early?? Same thing! Shake Bob’s hand and tell him how much you appreciate his efforts. You’d be surprised how this simple greeting can change attitudes, and tardiness! I guarantee it works. I taught a college class which was known for students coming in late, etc. Here’s what I told them — “In business, we can’t do business until we have greeted each other with a handshake. Every night we meet, I will welcome each of you with a warm handshake at the beginning of class.” Someone then asked me, “What if we are late to class?” to which I responded, “That’s okay! Just come on up to the front of class, and I’ll stop everything to welcome you and shake your hand. After all, we cannot begin until I have welcomed everyone.” The following night there was a line outside the classroom. Imagine that. I became known as the “handshaking professor” which was just great! An added benefit – it helped me learn my students’ names, something else that EVERYONE appreciates. Cheers! Let me know how it works for you, okay?

And so . . . just as soon as I talk about how refreshing it was to attend a dress-up affair, this morning on Good Morning America there was a piece on little girls wearing high heels – more than for “dress up.”  Funny, I seem to recall the flap over flip flops a couple of years ago when (I believe it was soccer) a girls sports team wore flip flops to meet President Bush. My, how times have changed! Okay, I admit that the flip flop flap put me on the ceiling, especially when one of the girl’s mothers said, “My daughter can wear what she wants – after all, the President is honoring HER.” Couldn’t believe it. If I am ever invited to meet the President of the United States, I think I will leave my flip flops – and capri pants – at home!

In today’s casual society (especially in the Northwest), it is a rare treat to dress up. And nobody appreciates it more than me – the etiquette coach. I’m so often challenged by my clients about clothing as it is so confusing these days. It was a delight to attend our North Mason Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation banquet where there was no question – it was the perfect time to go all out! The Alderbrook Resort and Spa did a magnificent job of hosting some 180 people for this semi-formal event, and it was beautiful. Why, do you ask, is this such a big deal? Dressing up? Because I can’t tell you how many times people have told me that they can’t really relax and have fun if they wear their best. Sorry – wrong! We had a blast at this event, despite the fact that we looked fabulous!

Greetings! Looking for some holiday party tips for the office? Please check out this article http://www.journal-newspapers.com/articles/2009/12/02/in_this_issue/monthly_features/doc4b0d870b20efe592694487.txt

It’s time to freshen up our holiday party manners! Today – RSVP! With all of the invitations out there, please remember to let your host know whether or NOT you will be attending. Some people think they are only supposed to RSVP if they ARE attending, and, I’m sorry, but that is not the case. Also, did you know that it is inappropriate to bring a guest unless it says “and guest” on your invitation?? And, it is also considered inappropriate to call and ask if you can bring a guest – or kids. Why? because it puts your host in the position of saying “no” to you, which is awkward. There you have it! Your party update for the day! Please send me your questions for other tips…