Spa Etiquette for the Customers

Most everyone goes to a spa to relax. But there are many people that can ruin that relaxation experience. Don't be one of those people. Here are some good examples of what not to do: 1) when you are in the steam room, don't talk or at a minimum keep your voice very low. I recently went to steam room and I overheard the entire, very loud conversation of two other fellow steamers. It is distracting and your life is never that interesting to other people, particularly people who are trying to forget all the things outside the steam room. 2) Tranquility room - observe it! During my most recent spa trip, the waiting room was full so I went into the "tranquility room" to relax before my appointment. It was quiet for 5 minutes when two women walked in and proceeded to talk all about their husbands - none of their comments were very tranquil... You should not talk at all in the tranquility room. If you need to talk go in a public waiting room or other area but this is not the place for it. 3) Make sure you put everything back in its place. Spas sometimes offer nice amenities like hair dryers or brushes. I have frequently seen people leave them in their locker or in the place where they used them - not back in their holders. Clean off the tools you use and put them back in their place so everyone can enjoy it. 4) Be careful not to wear too much perfume in spas. You all are in steam rooms or hot tubs and sometimes perfumes can get really rancid when mixed with steam heat. Use the showers first before you mix eau du parfume with eau du sweat! To relaxing spa days for all! Marty Thompson Manners Pro www.mannerpro.com.

Being a Good Host

How do you get through the holiday parties you are hosting? 1) Relax and enjoy your party. When a host is tense, it makes the party tense. So get the help you need from kids or other friends/family to allow the planning not to take the fun out of the party. 2) Do a run-through before party day. Get out our the cups, plates, napkins, etc. Do the decorations early. Put extra ice in the freezer. When you do these it lessens the stress of party day. 3) When you introduce people, offer more than just names. Hosting means introducing your guests. Give guests a name but then tell the group how you know each other. That will spark conversations with guests so they can keep the conversations going while you host. 4) Say farewell with a snack (some may have a long drive home). I have mentioned I love parting gifts so a cookie bag or something for the way home is a great post party treat. Happy hosting! Marty Thompson Vice-President Manners Pro www.mannerspro.com

Being a Good Guest

Etiquette Rules Don't Take A Break From The Season! So here are a few pointers on how to be a good guest when going to all your holiday events. 1) For Pete's sake (or your host's), RSVP. 2) Don't arrive empty handed. 3) Talk to people you don't know. Make the party a party! 4) To start a conversation, give a compliment. Everyone likes to talk about themselves and it's an easy way to get to know a new person. 5) Ask questions. Where are you from, where did you go to school, etc. keep the conversation rolling and give you great insights. 6) Watch yourself with the drinks. Nobody wants to be the guest everyone talks about after the party so know when to say when. 7) Offer to be a helper. You will be sure to be invited back when you offer to give a hand to your host. 8) Follow up with a written thank-you. To having great parties! Marty

Tips to Work the Room Like a Pro!

What are the best ways to work the room? First ask yourself this question - why are you there? Is it a professional event, a friend's birthday, a reunion? The answer to this question will guide how you put these next tips into practice. 1) When you arrive at the event, get your bearings. Look around the room, look for the host, look for those you know, look for the bar. Then make your move. You can always go greet the host. You can also go to a friend/colleague you know well just to start conversation. If you don't see someone you know, go to the bar. Inevitably there is a line there and you can find someone to speak with. 2) But, do not stay at the bar or buffet for long! You are not at parties to eat or drink. You go to honor someone, meet someone, fulfill work obligations, etc. Do those things - not stuff yourself on bad quiche bites. 3) So go introduce yourself! If you do not know anyone at the event, walk up to a group that looks like it is having a good time and say, "Hi, my name is ____. Your group looked like it was having such a good time I thought I'd like to join." The group will pull you right in and in no time you will be making new connections. 4) Don't stay in the same group too long! It is important to keep moving throughout the party. While it may be comfortable to stay with one group the whole night, you should not. Stay a reasonable amount of time to get to know people, but do break that conversation to make a move to a new group. This will broaden your circle and make the most of the event. 5) In all the groups, have meaningful conversations. People like talking about themselves, so open ended questions that allow people to discuss themselves will always keep the conversation going. Think of "how" questions. Those make for easy open ended questions like "how do you know the host?, how did you hear about this event?, how do you plan to spend the holidays?, etc. The answer to these questions is usually a lenghty one that you can build a conversation on if you are listening! Party on! Marty

Special Tips for the Holidays

The end of the year presents a great time to give something extra to the people who help you throughout the year. Think of people like your housekeeper, nanny, dog walker, hair dresser, etc. The general rule I follow is to tip the amount it costs for one service. For example, if your housekeeper charges $60 for each cleaning, then give an extra $60 around the holidays the next time your housekeeper cleans. Some companies may not allow tipping, so a small token of your appreciation as a gift ($20 or under) would usually be appropriate. Here is to letting those important to you know it!

Deciphering the Dress Code for the Party

What does "Creative Black Tie", "Festive Attire", and "Cocktail Chic" mean? Invitations these days are getting more creative with labeling the "attire" required for the event. Invitations are getting so creative, it can be confusing for guests to know what to wear. Here are a few new dress codes that we will try to decipher for you. 1) Festive Attire - this calls for fun, less formal dress but does not mean casual blue jeans and tshirt. Go for a fun dress with a little sparkle. You can also go for bolder jewelry. Men - pull out those flashy bow ties and socks and have fun, but keep it polished. 2) Cocktail Chic - means the same thing as cocktail attire. For women that usually means a knee length and shorter dress (but not too short!). This is more sophisticated than "festive" attire. Think of a traditional cocktail dress and add some good jewelry and a clutch. Men - wear a suit and tie to these events, but not a tux. 3) Creative Black Tie - consider this a little less serious than black tie. Black tie generally requires women to wear a floor length dress and men to wear a tux. But "creative" allows for some flare to be added. Women can choose a bold color dress and accessories. Men can have fun with their tie colors and even tux colors! Here's to wearing a perfect outfit at your next event! Marty

Give Your Events a Professional Polish Without a Big Bill

Parties and events may be a daunting task. Making them look professinal may be a further struggle. Here are few points that will help you keep your events polished and professional without using a huge budget: 1) Send professional electronic invites - Evite is nice but places like and have what I have found to be the best formats to put together a great invite. Some of these sites are free and some have a minimal charge per invite. All sites are definitely cheaper than a mailed invite (although my grandmother would have said not nearly as nice if you can do it). 2) You can dress up common food items to make them a little fancier. For example, cut your pizza into small squares rather than slices. Other ways to make food look better is the how it is laid out and the serving pieces you use. While serving pieces may be expensive, it may be a good idea to invest in some nice pieces that you can use over and over again. Pretzels have never looked so attractive! 3) Offer a singular, "signature" drink - one drink keeps you from having to buy all kinds of mixers and different varieties to fit everyone's taste. Additionally, a signature drink (some fruity, non-alcoholic base drink in a punch bowl) mixed with a sparkling wine can make a great offering for both younger and older guests simple and not break your bank! 4) Create a play list to make the event feel professional - use spotify to get together your playlist together. Mood music can make the night. Make sure toe keep the volume at a level that does not overpower the conversations. 5) Get a server to help with the event. I know this may seem like it will break a bank but it will not. Generally, you can get a server for 4 hours for about $100. Additionally, you may be able to get free help at local universities who have hotel management programs - often those schools give students credit for doing events! The best part of this help is that you can enjoy your party and attend to other guest needs besides making sure their cup is full. Polished Party Perfection! Marty Thompson

Host/Hostess Gifts - Two Ways

FOR THE HOST/HOSTESS I think it is always appropriate to bring a host/hostess gift. The cruelty joke is when you expect the host or hostess to use that gift the day you bring it. Here is what I mean - you bring some cute napkins or candle as a thank you and you say something like "Do you want me to open those for you?" Do not presume that what you bought will be used for this party. It throws the host or hostess off their game plan. What you brought may not go with the rest of event's decor, food, or theme. Short answer - get something but don't expect it to be used immediately. A great gift I like to give is cocktail markers by Le Marqueur - (two for just $5.99). They wipe off glasses with cooking oil and allow everyone to keep track of their wine! And if they get used the night of the party - great - but if not, no problem! FROM THE HOST/HOSTESS I have been to a few parties where the host or hostess gives a gift at the end of the night. You know you used to do this as a child where all the kids at the birthday party would take home a goodie bag after the party? We have lost that as adults and I must admit I have not always added this to my party planning list. But how thoughtful it is to send your guests home with a parting gift? Something like a wine stopper or small bag of chocolates? I like Favor Warehouse . They have great products you can personalize and have ready for every party! I found their pricing is competitive and they have a great selection to fit any theme. A parting gift from the host/hostess is a great way to leave your guests feeling special on their way home and remembering your kindess when they use the favor! To presents for all! Marty Thompson

Workplace Gift Exchanges

It is always difficult to know what you should get co-workers but here are a few good points to consider when doing gift exchanges at the workplace: 1) You don't need to get a gift for your boss. If you want to make some homemade item like your famous cookies, feel free. But don't get your boss an elaborate present. That looks like you are trying a little too hard. 2) If you get something for co-workers, either get something for everyone or give your gifts to close friends off site. It makes others feel uncomfortable if one gets a gift from you and the others do not. 3) If you have a company event like a white elephant exchange, the dollar amount alloted should be low - likely $10 or less, so that everyone feels they can partcipate. Also everyone should strictly stick to the dollar rule limit. 4) If you are a boss, consider giving something to all your employees. It shows you appreciate their hard work. It does not have to be a big gift - but just a token that shows they are important to you. Importantly, what you give should not be work logo material - that's marketing - not a gift. 5) Something home-made from the heart like spced nuts, cookies, or fudge is always welcome and appropriate at the office. Such presents are also likely the cheapest way to get everyone a gift. Break up your batches in these cute treat boxes (I like these from Amazon.com - they are cheap, festive, and just the right size) http://www.amazon.com/16-Pk-Treat-Boxes-styles/dp/B00GA6IP8C/ref=sr_1_29?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1387208053&sr=1-29 Here's to hoping you get the best White Elephant Gift of them all! Marty Thompson

Proper Introductions for Yourself and Others

Proper Introductions Few people will take offense if you make an error in everyday introductions. In most circumstances, one basic guideline will see you through: Say the name of the most important person first. • A younger person is introduced to an older person. (Aunt Ruth, I want you to meet my roommate, Mimi Jackson. Mimi, this is my aunt, Mrs. Cox.”) • A person of high rank or special prominence is named first and receives the introduction. (“Bishop Gordon, may I present my husband, John?”) A Savvy employee will make a special effort to name bosses and supervisors first when introducing them to anyone of lower rank. (“Mrs. Gentry, I’d like you to meet Ralph Clayburgh, who just came o n board as an associate account manager. Ralph, this is Ms. Gentry, our director of research and development.”) • When introducing others to family members, the other person’s name is generally said first (“Raul, I’d like you to meet my brother, Carl Michaud”) if the people being introduced are of roughly the same age and rank. But as a sign of respect, an older family member is named first (“Gran, I’d like to introduce Mr. Jonathan Fox. Jonathon, this is my grandmother, Mrs. Josephson”). • Traditionally in social situations, men are introduced to women. (“Mrs. Barrett, I’d like to introduce Mr. Hirsch.”) How to Introduce Yourself There are many times when you will know no one in the group and you have to introduce yourself to others. Stand, smile, make eye contact with one person, greet and reach out hand. Say “Hello, I am ____________.” Making an Introduction can be hard – but it helps if you can look confident!

Five Introduction Goofs to Avoid

Most introduction mistakes are the result of normal-and forgivable-memory lapses or nervousness. But the foul-ups below result primarily from insensitivity and tactlessness. Don’t: 1) Look Away. People who look over shoulders and around the room while involved in introductions are saying in every way that they don’t really care very much. 2) Make too-personal comments. Divorces, bereavements, job losses, illnesses, rehab history, and the like are not fit subjects to raise in the course of social and business introductions. Ask about family, not spouse. 3) Interrupt. When people are engaged in serious conversation or obviously occupied, don’t break in to introduce someone else. Wait for a more convenient moment. 4) Defer to one person at the expense of the other. Be sure that both parties are included in any conversation that follows a polite introduction. 5) Gush. Most people are embarrassed by overly enthusiastic introductions. A note to would-be matchmakers: While you may think that two eligible people would be perfect couple, avoid exaggerated praise when you introduce them. Flattery is a sign of insincerity.

Perfect Table Settings for Your Holiday Parties

Here are two great pictures to help you set the perfect table for your upcoming parties. These are also great to use to teach the kids which fork or glass is theirs if they go to these parties with you. The easiest reminder to me is bring both index fingers to the thumbs. That makes a "b" and a "d" so you can always know which plate is your "b" bread plate and "d" drink glass. Enjoy! And here's to not doing the glass pass because someone picked up the wrong one! Happy dining! Marty

Connectors

Now is a great time to be a connector for people. Everyone is having parties. But some friends may be without jobs or transitioning.  The holidays give a great opportunity to help get those friends networking. If appropriate with your host, invite those friends out to your holiday parties. Your church, your charities, and other friends will all be hosting parties now and it's usually ok with a host for you to bring a +1. Make sure you introduce them to new people and tell them about people who may be there so your friends can do some mingling on their own.  These new connections may be the best gift you give these friends. 

Get jolly and get connecting!!

Marty

Party Tips for the Holidays (or any days)

Now is the time of holiday parties galore!! Here are a few tips when attending these events. 1) Don't be late. There is no excuse and your hosts have worked very hard at preparing a wonderful meal. 2) Bring the hosts a gift such as a bottle of wine, flowers and/or fine chocolates. Don't bring a gift that you expect them to use at the meal or event that night. The host knows his or her plan for the evening, so don't expect your gift to be fit into that. 3) If you've offered to bring a dessert, bring dessert, not cranberry chutney as a surprise. That throws off the aforementioned plan. 4) Don't get a second helping until everyone has been served. 5) Always offer to help in the kitchen with prep work, clean up and wash dishes. 6) Turn off your cellphone. 7) Give thanks and if appropriate, toast your hosts. A great website for ideas on great toasts is http://toastsbook.com. Happy Holidays! And here's to some great parties along the way! Marty

Meetings - Host's Duties

When conducting a meeting, it is important for the host to get the time, place and agenda set. This means that you ensure the timing works for all necessary attendees and you have prepared an adequate space and time for the meeting. Further, it is important for the host to explain the purpose of the meeting. Do not just call a meeting without giving details of what will be expected of attendees (in terms of contribution or preparation). Further, have an agenda for your meeting that you will follow and, if possible, give to everyone ahead of time. Keep the meetings start and ending time (i.e. don't let your meeting drag on - folks are busy and need to get to other tasks). Further, keep the meeting agenda items - only discuss what you came there to discuss. Otherwise, people will not be as prepared and this can cause meetings to overrun their allotted time. Finally, the host should have someone keep a detailed record of meeting and task lists for items after the meeting. That way all will know what is to be accomplished after they leave the meeting. These few points will help make for effective and efficient meetings - so you you and those you work with can get back to the actual doing! Wishing you all brief but productive meetings! Marty Thompson PS Check out my favorite picture at www.despair.com (these guys are genius) that sums up most meetings - may this never happen to you! http://demotivators.despair.com/demotivational/meetingsdemotivator.jpg

Travel - Noises

You have all sat next to someone on a plane or train who has their headphones on so loudly you can sing along with them. You have also sat next to the person that is playing a video game on their phone or Ipad but keeps the volume on so you can hear every gun blast. This message is to all - please please please be cognizant of your own noises from your phones, music, games, and computers. What you hear as white noise can be very disturbing to other passengers. Additionally, keep your own volume to a minimum. I am a loud talker but on planes or trains I try to keep my voice down if talking to my neighbor. I recently had a flight where I could recite the entire conversation between two people a row and an aisle away from me. That's too loud! Know your voice and if your friend does not know his or her own voice - help him and try to keep the talking low (people will often mimic what their partner does or you could politely say I see that man is trying to sleep over there, I think we should try to keep it down). The whole plane will thank you for it! Also I must give a recent kudos to a United flight attendant. She was kind enough to ask a gentleman to turn off the noises from his video game. Not all attendants do that but I really appreciated her effort. Keep it up please for the rest of the plane's sake! To quiet travels, Marty Thompson

Holiday Travel - Timing

Now is the season for holiday travel. That means a lot of opportunities for things to get a little hairy, particularly when bad weather slows down air travel. One of the most important things I have found to help at lease keep me up to the minute in air travel is United's travel updates that they can send by text or by email (www.united.com for details). They are very helpful to let me know the status of my flights. Amtrak also does a nice job of alerting me to train delays (www.amtrak.com) Why does this matter for travel etiquette? It's important not to be late to events where your host has spent a lot of time preparing their home and often big meals for us. We want to be as courteous as possible to those that are graciously hosting us and alert them as soon as we can to delays. Additionally, these little website tricks will help you stay away from the ticket counters that are often filled with folks that really are facing some travel crisis. When I get the alerts I am much more calm about the travel and generally have a better disposition when I get my coffee from the Starbucks barista - and everyone appreciates that! Wishing you a fantastic holiday season and may your planes, trains, and automobiles be on time!

The Thank You Note

It is a lost art form - the handwritten note. We don't use it like our parents or grandparents did. I think that is ok that we don't do it the same way, but we cannot forget the sentiment. So what are the parts of a good thank you "note" (whether email, call, or text)? 1) Start with a greeting - "Dear Aunt ___" 2) Be specific - "Thank you so much for the ______ (flowers, gift, work, offer, etc.)." 3) Let the person know what that means to you or how you will use it - "It means so much that you would take the time to ____ or I cannot wait to use your gift in ______." 4) Restate the thanks - "Thank you again for your thoughtfulnes. I know I will remember your friendship each time I use your gift." 5) Sign off - " Love, ___" or "Best regards, ___" When do we send a "thank you"? Always!! You can never go wrong here. Make it automatic and sincere. If you are interested in whether to send after an interview or other networking event, my recommendation is yes. Not everyone sends these notes. It will make you stand out and let potential employers know you are a thoughtful person. So get to writing. And if you want to get some great personalized stationery to write your thank you's on, go to www.paper-source.com. There are a plethora of personalized options with them that will make sure all your notes hit just the right chord. Best, Marty Thompson Vice-President Manners Pro

How nice a thank you is.

You can never underestimate how much a thank you goes. It lets people know their work is not in vain. Further, it let's them know that they are a valuable member of a team. People want to work hard for those who value and appreciate them. You can get much better productivity from those who work with you if you are encouraging and thankful. 

So next time you are not getting all you need from a co-worker, rather than start with a complaint, be appreciative of what they have done first. Many rarely get a good word in this work-a-day world.  You may give the best word they hear all day. So give someone a lift today. You never know the productivity that will follow. 

Game Day

So you are cheering on your favorite team and nearby are opposing team fans. How can you be "true to your school" without being rude to others for opposing teams around you? 

I submit you need to keep your cheers to encouraging your own team and not disparaging the other. That way no one can take offense to the cheers. You can get frustrated with situations but don't yell about the other team. Further, because I am from Big 12 country, I must address hand signs. In Texas schools, teams frequently have hand signals that promote team spirit - the "guns up", the "horns", the "claw", etc. Don't don't don't demean another team's hand signal by adulterating it. That is rude. Keep it positive for yor teams signals and leave the others to their own fans. 

Happy sporting ( and "Hook 'em")

Marty Thompson

Vice-President

Manners Pro

What to wear to your next interview

So you mull over what to wear to your next big interview?!$&. Here are a few tips. For most interviews, conservative dress is always best. For men, that means a dark suit, white or light colored shirt, tie and dark dress shoes. For women, that means a suit or dress to the knee, hose, and closed toed shoes. 

Some specifics to consider - don't wear anything too flashy. That means a watch or nails or purse.  You want the interview to notice you, not your nail art or blingy watch. Women- keep makeup to neutrals. Don't go with a smoky eye or sparkling lipstick. Everyone make sure you are well groomed. That means clean shaven or shaped beard, hair out of face and clean nails. 

Please note with all of these recommendations, you should consider the context. What is the specific job? If you are interviewing for a stylist position, you want your hair and makeup to be fantastic and maybe even a little more "done up" than you would for a accounting job. If it's an ad agency, a little bit of flair in your dress may be warranted. 

These few tips will help you make a great impression at your next interview! And if you have any more questions on this, please ask me at marty@mannerspro.com. 

Best of luck!

Marty Thompson

Vice-President 

Manners Pro

www.mannerspro.com

Networking Tip - Get out of the box - not just your industry orgs!

Everyone says networking is the best way to land your next job or better yet, your dream job. I don't think networking is the only way, but it is a great way to get a foot in the door somewhere. So what does that mean to you? It means you have to get out there! But where is "there"? I want to submit that it is not just your industry organizations that you need to consider as "networking" opportunities. Think of networking as anyone you meet, anywhere! People fall into the trap that networking only happens when they go to a cocktail hour with the Young Lawyers Association, Petroleum Engineers Society, or Association of CPAs. But networking happens all the time and it can happen in places that you really want to be! For example, think about your charitable activities. If you are involved in charities, they are a great place to network. First, the hurdle of 'do you have anything in common' is overcome. You both are at a charity together; you have a common purpose. Second, charities often need people with various skills like accounting, lawyering, advertising, etc. Charities are a great place to show off your skills to a diverse group of people (and potential employers!!). So when you get involved, get really involved and get to know some folks. They could be a key to your next job. Also, think about your church, soccer mom group, or other neighborhood/civic involvement. You get involved in these anyway so make them a place where you can "network" by planning an event, shaking some hands, and really getting to know others in the group. Expanding your friend pool is a great way to expand your networking pool as well. These tips I hope make it easier for your to think about networking. The task itself can be daunting if you let it be. But networking in environments where you are comfortable can make it really productive. Go shake some hands! Marty Thompson Vice-President Manners Pro

Taking Compliments

It is sometimes hard to know how to react when someone gives you a compliment. The always appropriate answer is "thank you."  If you are somehow embarrassed by compliments, you can always say the thank you and quickly move the topic. For example, someone says you look lovely today. You say thank you. I got this dress from TJ Maxx. I just love that store. Do you shop there? This kind of deflection appreciates the compliment and then moves the conversation along. But remember, compliments are sometimes hard to come by so it's ok to revel in it a little. For example, say thank you so much. I really needed that lift today. When you say things like that, it may encourage others to give kind words more freely. We can all use them!!

Compliment someone sincerely today!

Vote today!

It is Election Day in many cities across the country. We hope that you will all make time to vote in your area. Important etiquette to remember is NOT to wear partisan T-shirts, hats or other items when you go to the polls to vote. Such items are not permitted within 100 feet of the polls. Also remember to thank the elections judges and clerks. They work hard to ensure everyone has the right and privilege of voting in this great nation. 

Quick Tips on Food and Drink at Your Next Networking Event

1) Eat before you come! - Early eating ensures you are not ravenous and will not spend your time in the buffet line. Plus the food is never that good anyway! 2) If you must eat, keep it simple and clean! - This means do not pick up the chicken wings that will dirty your hands or the greasy items that will smear your lipstick. If you have a plate, do not pile it up in a mountain. If the event has passed appetizers, take only ONE piece with a napkin. It's not a contest to see how many mini quiches you can stick in your mouth. 3) Know your limit! - I usually say drink no more than 2 alcoholic beverages at networking events, better yet stick to club soda. This ensures you will be on your best behavior. 4) Hold plate and glass in left hand! - This ensures your right hand is always ready to extend and shake the hand of the new people you will meet at the event. If you have a plate and a glass, I suggest leaving room on the plate so you can rest your glass on it and put food around it.

Quote to Live By

You can never be overdressed or overeducated. -Oscar Wilde So put on your high heels and enjoy the weekend! It wouldn't hurt to read a book too!

Don't Be A Bossy Boots

One of the best pieces of advice I have gotten on how to treat and work with those that report to you in the workplace came through an MBA professor - Luis Martins. He said in order for someone to be an effective manager they have to learn to delegate. That means they have to be good at getting work done through other people. That seems intuitive to most but I submit it is not. And delegating well is even harder. People want to hang on to control over not just the type of task delegated but the "how" of the task, i.e. they want to control every aspect of how the delegated task gets done. The problem then becomes the effect of this type of managerial behavior on managers' work and on those that report to them. When managers try to control the "how", managers are failing to manage. They are doing, not managing. Further, the direct reports feel like they are being micromanaged. They feel their boss finds them incompetent and untrustworthy. Those kinds of feelings do not create a healthy working environment. Managers have to trust their reports, give them the task, and then release their reports to do the task. Trust them. You manage, don't do. It will foster a better work environment for all and allow you to do the job of managers.

Tips to the Interviewers out there...

So your HR department says get ready; we have a candidate coming to interview with you in an hour.  You have never seen this person's resume, don't know anything about them, and have little time to prepare. What do you do? 

You need to have some good questions to really make an interview worth anything.  Otherwise, you are just going with a gut feeling and that really does no service to you, the company, or the candidate.  You want to make sure someone fits your needs and the culture of the organization in a short thrity minute interview.  I always recommend having some background questions ready like how did you choose to interview with our company and what are your goals for this position you are seeking.  These two questions will tell you if the candidate did their homework on the company and whether they have a desire for this company in particular or just any job that pays. 

I also think you want to always be prepared to explain the culture of your company.  I never try to hide a culture in an interview. It's an important sub-part of any job. So tell the candidate if the company is bureaucratic and requires following lengthy procedures before final decisions are made. Then, ask the candidate for examples of situations where he has faced similar circumstances and ways he responded successfully or unsuccessfully.  Conversely, if the culture is informal and collaborative, ask the candidate to explain situations where he has been able to work in groups or see projects through to completion without much help from boss' or management. 

These few questions will really be the key to having an effective interview and giving good information back to HR before offers are made. Also this interview gives a candidate a good idea about the kind of company it really is.  You want the business and the candidate to be compatible.  The worst is to hire someone who becomes grump because they hate their job. Fit matters for companies and it starts at the interview to make sure it is there!

Customer Service

I am always amazed how some businesses get it so right and some get it so wrong.  It applies to retail stores, doctors, lawyers, airlines, real estate agents, etc.  Customer service has to be a focus for them all otherwise these services - as much as they would like to think they can differentiate themseles - really cannot.  How can they demand a premium and still make customers happy? Customer service!! One example I got yesterday from my friend who is selling her house.  She was telling me she had one agent who had listed the house but the house had been on the market for months.  She switched agents to Martha Turner Realtors in Houston and offers were flooding in the door exactly as the realtor predicted.  What stood out to me is not that my friend is getting the offers on the house.  It was that she said she was happy to pay Martha Turner for their great services and responsiveness.  That should highlight to companies how important the customer service aspect is.  You can get more money for the same services if you treat your clients right.  Congrats Martha Turner.  You have an amazing woman at the head of that company and her great attitude has clearly flowed down to the realtors that serve that company.  I also have to brag on a retail store in Houston that gets customer service right.  It is called Melissa and it sells fantastically fun shoes in Uptown Park.  Ana Silva is the owner and she is a fantastic saleswoman.  She loves to get to know her clients and offers great ideas on how to where the shoes and other accessories.  I don't always buy every time I go in the store but I love going in there to say hi to a wonderful person who sells herself as much as the shoes because she invests time in her customers.  So cheers to two great ladies in Houston - and here's to hoping others get it that right too!

Meeting Start Times - Early, Late or Right on Time?

I appreciate that people want to start meetings on time.  I think it is important to respect all attendees times.  But one rarely discussed topic is whether it is ok to start a meeting early. I propose it is not. What if someone is coming from another meeting?  If you start your meeting early, you are saying that you are more important than the prior meeting/appointment.  It is important to respect everyone's time so an on time - no earlier or later is best. What is the best way to keep on time though? I struggle with this a lot. I submit every bell and whistle should go off on your desktop or smart phone (just remember to disable the phone when you get in the meeting). I also always try to plan for longer than you think. Meetings inevitably go over so I try to add 15 minutes lag time after each meeting so that you can wrap up and not be rushed to the next task without finishing the first one.

Hospitals

I am unfortunately spending some of this morning in the hospital with my boyfriend.  I am in the waiting room and it is such a juxtaposition of emotions from anger to sadness to hysteria - all of which are allowed and necessary in these circumstances.  I have been thinking about all the friends I have had in the hospital over the years and I think some of the most important conversations and real friendship experiences have come when I have visited them in the hospital or while at home after surgeries/sickness.  One party is extremely vulnerable.  If you are willing to show them that you love them even when they are helpless that goes a long way to tying the bonds of friendship tighter.  So go see those friends who are in the hospital or home bound for whatever reason.  Friendship is about your experiences together and these times can be some of the most important ones.

Praying for health and friendship for you all,
Marty Thompson
Manners Pro
www.mannerspro.com

Dress for Success

My rule of thumb is that if you are unsure of the attire for an event, always over dress.  But, be prepared to "undress" or"dress up" as necessary.  For example, if a man gets an invitation to an event that says business casual attire, I would recommend wearing a jacket and bringing a tie.  Usually business casual for a man means no tie but sometimes it can mean tie, no jacket. Also, I would never recommend very casual pants like kakhis.  Opt for suit pants or nice slacks.  Dress is very dependent on the company and industry.  Thus, be prepared to make a change on the fly.  The same is true for women. Wear a dress that you can put a jacket over. If it is a more casual event than you anticipated, take of the jacket and you are ready to mix and mingle.   The important thing is that you came prepared and can feel confident as you go throughout the evening without worrying that you have under-dressed.  So dress up and get out there!

Best,
Marty Thompson
Vice-President
Manners Pro

www.mannerspro.com

Another rubber chicken dinner and someone stole my glass...

I have had the pleasure of another rubber chicken dinner - you know the big dinners at hotels where the food is always the same bland chicken, you know no one at your table, and you must make small talk extend for the entire 2 hour event.  Most of these events I attend are usually in a professional or business setting.  It still baffles me that very successful business folks can still not know which fork is for the salad or which glass at a place setting is theirs.  It is not that knowing this information is a definition of whether a person is nice or even a good businessman.  It is whether someone cares enough to figure it out so that everyone at the table can feel comfortable and confident in knowing what to do in these weird rubber chicken dinner parties in the first place....  It's worth learning just a few things about the big table settings, lest you drink out of your boss's wine glass at your next business dinner.

Marty
Vice President
Manners Pro
www.mannerspro.com