Monday, December 31, 2001

Social Notes ~ all 2001

12/21 - Gentlemen, please take note! Despite what you thought was fun when you were 8-yrs. old had had your birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese, bouncing on banquettes in restaurants, slumping over your entrée and chewing with your mouth open is NOT representative of good adult dining behavior.
12/14 - There's nothing like a good primal scream (or stiff drink) to work out the frustrations that build up during the day. (http://www.bartleby.com/61/68/P0556850.html) or (http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/newsid_1494000/1494043.stm)
12/07 - As the holiday party season picks up, don't forget to bring a little gift for the hosts. Some ideas that are always appreciated are: champagne or wine (perhaps wrapped in a festive manner), gourmet nuts or chocolates (delivered in a festive bowl or platter that the hosts can keep) or fancy cocktail napkins (cloth is nicer). Or, think of the type of party you're going to and the character of the hosts and get something related to their interests.
11/30 - Here's a handy tip from our friends at Acceleration Media: Use your knuckle to depress the floor button in an elevator to save yourself from getting germs on your fingers.
11/09 - All anthrax concerns aside, a good way to keep healthy this winter is to wear gloves when traveling and going about business outside. This way you'll protect your hands from the dry winter air and nasty germs.
11/02 - Feeling nostalgic for the good old days online? Check out The Internet Archive. Their digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form includes a Wayback Machine, which makes it possible to surf pages stored in the Internet Archive's web archive. It was unveiled on October 24th at Berkeley's Bancroft Library. For a good laugh, look at this!
10/26 - If you've been extended a courtesy to work in someone's office (whether because of a national tragedy or you're just traveling), be sure to send a nice Thank You gift! You'll be sure to be welcome back and it's good business procedure.
10/19 - From: "FAQs and General TTY Etiquette Tips for New TTY Users" Source: RIT Libraries. You should let the phone ring 10 or more times to allow the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person enough time to see the flashing light on their TTY phone and respond to it.
10/12 - In the rush to get things done in our modern lives, if you jostle or are jostled in the hectic commute or travels, remember that the person you bump into is trying just as hard as you to get through the day too. Take a minute, breathe and smile. If you do so, you may find you've made a friend and not a foe.
10/05 - Please! No double-dipping! If you're snacking on a veggie at a cocktail party, don't plunk it back into the dip after you've taken a bite.
09/28 - The United States flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
For more rules and regulations on the proper display and care of our flag.
09/21 - During this time of national tragedy, it's more important than ever to treat each other with kindness and compassion. Before being abrupt or gruff with someone, remember, we're all fragile humans and need to give each other space.
09/14 - When dealing with feelings of anger, sadness, depression and more, remember this is a time to be gentle to yourself and others. Try and find the healthiest outlet you can, whether it is crying, exercising, painting, journaling, singing, praying or anything else, and use that for vent of your feelings. Don't take it out on others.
09/07 - Dining with a group? Make sure everyone knows the full bill before splitting so the remaining guests don't get socked with unfairly forced large contributions.
08/24 - Okay New Yorkers. I know this city is tough to get around, but could we all please try and keep a less aggressive look or anger off our faces and could we really *please* try to not always bump or shoulder someone coming towards you on the sidewalk. A little compassion for your fellow sidewalkers would go a long way!
08/24 - Forget your business cards? Be creative and write your business information on anything that's handy-sometimes that unique paper item will be the best memory jog for people.
08/17 - Getting frustrated with the hot, sticky summer? Head into any casual clothing store to luxuriate in over-air-conditioned comfort and see what the rest of America wears to work. 08/11 - Here's a refreshing tip on how to stay cool: Place an ice-cube under your tongue to keep cool!
08/03 - It's the simple things that make a difference. When you're a houseguest, a little gift of appreciation at the onset, offers to assist with meal preparation and a handwritten note of thanks are all thoughtful gestures to show your host your thankful for their hospitality.
07/27 - If someone accidentally posts an email to an entire mailing list, don't post defaming and derogatory emails to the entire list, further humiliating the person. Lists are usually heavily traveled anyway, so why exacerbate the problem?
07/20 - In networking scenarios, the embarrassment of not remembering someone's name is worse than not being remembered. If someone forgets your name, politely remind him or her and don't make a big deal out of it. As "The Tipping Point" author Malcolm Gladwell states, "humans typically can only manage up to 150 relationships at a time."
07/13 - When an invitation requests Rsvp, it is impolite to not respond with a Oui or Regrets. Your host/ess has graciously extended an invitation to you, and needs to know for planning purposes if you'll be there, so do the proper thing and comply with the "Responde s'il vous plait" request.
07/06 - Handkerchiefs are back in style! Why not use one today to mop off that damp brow?
06/29 - Just laid off? Market yourself personally all the time by getting personal business cards made up to hand out to people as you meet them.
06/22 - After meeting someone and getting their business card, making a few notes about the person or your conversation aids follow up.
06/15 - If you spot a piece of food on your conversation partner (either their face or person), simply make brief mention of it. You will both be relieved to take care of the mishap.
06/08 - Great networking starts by listening to what the other person is saying - and reacting to that.
06/01 - Remember when you're at a networking event, you're there to network. Don't forget to mingle. Even if you're having a great time with one person, you can follow up with them later via phone or email.
05/25 - Upon taking leave of a party, be sure to give Thanks to the hosts before leaving.
05/18 - PLEASE! Whatever you do-do NOT pick food out of a buffet platter or chafing dish and then stick the food in your mouth! Use the serving silver to put the food on your plate or napkin!!!!
05/11 - Had a rough day? Take a 5-minute break to think about all the good things and blessings you have in life, and the problems will seem less daunting.
05/04 - Neatness counts.
04/27 - We're all in a rush, but when inquiring as to a caller's identification on the telephone, "yah, who's this?" isn't really appropriate. Try something like, "Who's calling please?" or "Could I please take your name and company?"
04/20 - Despite the comfort, gentlemen, wearing baseball caps with your business clothes is not necessarily "stylish."
04/13 - If you sneeze, please cover your mouth!
04/06 - After a horrifying view of four businessmen at lunch with one in gross violation, it still needs to be said: "Mabel, Mabel, keep your elbows off the table -- WHEN DINING!"
03/30 - If you're smoking at an office party, be careful where you drop your ashes!
03/23 - In these busy times, when you call upon someone, ask if they have a moment to speak. They may be in the middle of something and can't take your call at the moment. Your asking will incline them to take the minute or two to speak with you, or appreciate your sensitivity.
03/16 - When taking a client or customer out for a meal, make sure their water and beverage glasses are always filled. Your guest(s) shouldn't have to ask for refills.
03/09 - When tea is served with a tea bag, do not swirl the bag around the spoon and squeeze it dry, simply lift it from the cup until it drains, then set it on the side of your saucer.
03/02 - Running late? Call and let your party know so they can adjust their schedules.
02/23 - When at a networking event, be conscious of others interested in joining your conversation, and welcome them.
* A note to all gentlemen when out networking: when speaking with a reporter, using the term "chicks" in reference to women, isn't a wise idea.
02/16 - As tempted as you may be, it's not advised to wear boxer shorts on your head.
02/09 - If you're traveling to a foreign land, why not pick up one of those handy language cassettes so you can make your local hosts feel comfortable.
02/02 - If you've finished eating but your guests have not, decline the wait person's attempt to remove your plate so your guests don't feel rushed.
01/26 - Spilled a drink on someone accidentally when jostled in a crowded party? Offering to assist in the dry cleaning bill is not only a nice gesture, but is proper.
01/19 - Attention all taxi-seeking New Yorkers! If you've just walked out to the curb and get a taxi, and someone comes running up to you with claims of waiting first or longer, it is only common courtesy to allow them the first taxi. Remember they might've been on the far corner out of your view. And, perhaps you can share! Why not take the opportunity to befriend someone as opposed to perpetuate the nasty reputation the world thinks of New Yorkers.
01/12 - During our time of shakeouts, closings and let-downs, don't forget you're dealing with people. Each one deserves noted attention and sensitivity. A personal call or note makes a big difference in this fast-paced business world.
01/05 - If you find yourself shaking hands of a few people with colds, be sure to wash yours before eating anything-that's how colds spread!