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!