Happy Thanksgiving! I can't believe that this year is almost over! I am so looking forward to the next few weeks. I love everything about the holidays...the festivities, the parties, the food, the food, did I mention the food? I know I'll be doing a great deal of cooking from now until the New Year and I hope to post some of my favorite holiday recipes on my blog. I hope you will subscribe.
When I'm not cooking, I'll be doing a lot of writing. I have just 12 short weeks to finish my second book provisionally entitled, THE ELEGANT EDGE. My publisher thinks the title is too feminine so we're trying to come up with a title that will also appeal to the male market. If you have any suggestions, please email me right away. Who knows, your title may be chosen!
I am so thankful for all my many blessings but I am especially thankful for you! I hope that you and your family have a happy, healthy holiday season!
To your success,
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How To Give Gifts At Work
Dealing with the exchange of holiday gifts at work can feel like unwrapping a migraine. To whom should you give? How much should you spend? A present that's perfect for a coworker might be all wrong for your boss, gag gifts are tricky, and it's easy to send the wrong message.
Be discerning. If you work in a large department, don't give each person a gift. If you buy everyone a present, they'll expect it every year and feel pressure to reciprocate. If you work closely with just a few people, something small for each one may be appropriate.
Avoid the obvious and the personal. Regardless of whom you're buying for, don't get predictable tchotchkes such as mugs or picture frames -- the things people tend to throw out. You should also avoid perfume and clothing, which are too intimate.
Tailor to taste. While you don't want to be overly familiar, you still want to show you've put some thought into the gift. If you know your co-worker collects a particular thing, use that information. If you don't know that much about her, choose something she can use at work, such as a vintage pen or a stylish organizer from a museum shop. If you're really unsure, try a coffee-table book of photographs or a vintage edition of a favorite novel.
Join forces. Tradition used to dictate that you should never get your boss a gift, but the rules aren't hard and fast anymore. If this has become the norm in your office, I advise going in with co-workers on one nice gift. It looks less self-serving. One trick is to get something for her family instead, such as tickets to a play or the circus, or the collector's edition of a board game. Your boss looks like the hero to her children when she goes home, and her spouse sees that she is liked and valued by her employees.
Reprinted from my December 2009 interview with Allure.
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Dining Strategies for Entertaining Clients and Prospects During the Holidays
 This is your moment. You've finally landed a lunch meeting with that business owner you've been doggedly pursuing. After pinpointing some challenges he's facing, you're able to show specifically how you can help. Your best suit is out of the closet. You've got a fresh haircut, a genuine smile. You're all set.
A lunch meeting is an opportunity to create a memorable experience and increase the likelihood that your guest will wind up in your book. Whether you're a rookie or top producer, here are some tips that will help you impress even your most sensitive prospects.
Where should we go?
Start by choosing a familiar restaurant. It doesn't have to be the most expensive place in town, but it should represent your professionalism and your client's tastes. It also helps to know the staff. Your guest will be impressed when you are greeted by name and escorted to the best table in the house.
If you find yourself with a business lunch opportunity in an unfamiliar area, it's helpful to get restaurant ideas from someone who is local or from your hotel concierge. If the prospect suggests a favorite place you can certainly roll with it, but don't underestimate the home field advantage.
Where should we sit?
Request a location away from restrooms, the kitchen or an entryway. Give the guest the best seat, one that affords a view out a window for example. If no view exists, let the guest sit so she has the best interior view. Even better, scout out the restaurant in advance and request a specific table.
Who's buying?
You are! Keep this rule in mind. There is a lot of confusion as to who pays the bill. The business arena is gender-neutral. If you're a female who has invited a male prospect to lunch, you always pay the bill. The host should take care of every detail -- the coat check and valet parking tips are on you as well. Arrive early, and take care of these pleasantries in advance. Introduce yourself to the maitre d' and provide your credit card prior to seating so that the handling of the check will be seamless. It's just another way to show the client that you've got it all together.
Ready to order, now what?
That special of the day sure looks good. You'd love to try those lemon garlic oysters. But pass on that odiferous dish, and that messy rack of barbecued ribs. It takes willpower, but remember you are not there to fill up. Save that for a Saturday night out with friends.
Instead, opt for a more manageable dish that requires a fork and knife. It's difficult to focus if you're really hungry, so take the edge off by eating something before the lunch meeting. This will allow you to casually eat, and focus on the business at hand.
When ordering, always defer and let your guest order first. You can help guide her through the awkward stage of not knowing what to order by saying, "The swordfish looks good." This will signal to your guest that you don't mind a certain price range. Also, never let your client eat alone. If she orders dessert, you should order something, at least a cup of fruit or a cappuccino.
Should I drink alcohol?
Let your guest know that it is okay for her to drink whatever she likes by asking, "Would you like a beverage? Soda, wine, water?" If you'd rather not drink, then don't drink. If your client decides not to drink alcohol, you should probably abstain also.
What should we talk about?
Avoid the common blunder of immediately getting down to business. The prospect knows why you are having lunch together. Focus on the relationship, ask questions that will help you learn about one another, swap stories, and let the prospect be the first to initiate the business discussion.
How do I follow up?
Always write a thank-you note. Even though you paid for the meal, send a handwritten note. Jot down just a few lines telling the prospect you enjoyed talking with him and look forward to seeing him again. Then call him and make it happen.
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Top Holiday Office Party Etiquette Advice
Everyone loves a party. But when it comes to office parties, not everyone knows or remembers how to put their best foot forward. Here are some frequently asked holiday office party questions.
Read more. |
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Ask the Expert:
Does 'No Gifts' on Invite Really Mean No Gifts?
Dear Jacqueline, I've been invited to a 50th birthday party. On the invitation it states, "No gifts, please." Should I honor the host's request or should I play it safe and bring a gift anyway?
George G., Seattle, Washington
Dear George, It's best to honor the "no gifts" request. Guests who bring a gift will only make the other guests who arrive empty-handed feel awkward and embarrassed. If you want to send a gift anyway, then do just that. Send it; don't take it to the party.
If you are the honoree and someone arrives with a gift, smile, say,"thank you," then put the gift out of sight. Open it in private, after the party.
Many thanks to my friend and certified etiquette consultant, Nancy Holder, for giving me this sage advice.
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Quick & Easy Beef Stroganoff
If you're a fan of my blog, you know that I have a passion for cooking. I'd like to share one of my easiest and most delicious recipes with you. This beef stroganoff tastes great on a chilly, winter evening!
Click here for the recipe!
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Save the Date
Etiquette & Image Consultants Retreat in Palm Beach, Florida
March 11-12, 2011
with Jacqueline Whitmore
in her Palm Beach home!
You will learn how to:
- Position yourself as an expert
- Attract new clients through speaking engagements
- Pre-qualify clients with a confidential needs assessment form
- Create more effective proposals
- Set a competitive fee structure
- Use social media to build relationships and brand yourself
- Generate more media exposure
- Write a book and create products
- Start a blog
- Make a stream of profits with webinars and teleseminars
- And more!
Only 10 participants will be accepted. Email info@etiquetteexpert.com for a complete itinerary or for more information.
All expenses for continuing education taken to maintain and improve professional skills are tax deductible. Contact your accountant for details.
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Reprint Policy
Requests to reproduce my articles for commercial or other public use must be made in writing to info@etiquetteexpert.com.
I Love Referrals!
Referrals are the highest form of compliment! I will gladly pay a 20% referral fee to you if you recommend a new client to me. Payments will be made immediately following the receipt of the client's signed contract.
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Jacqueline In The News
Your Guide To Hosting Dinner With The Boss
Marie Claire
December 2010
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Giving Cash to Relatives this Christmas?
Money always fits, it never gets returned, and it is accepted everywhere! Take an ordinary bill and transform it into Money Origami! Learn how to make some creative designs!
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Know a Man Who Wants Lots of Chicks this Holiday Season?
Give that single guy a gift that will help eliminate hunger in poverty-stricken villages in Africa. Give the gift of baby chicks for just $20! Learn more at Heifer.org.
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Attention All Etiquette & Image Consultants! Join My Mastermind Group and Get Two Months Free!
Join my mastermind group, The Consultants' Connection, before December 31, 2010 and receive two additional months free! Plus, you'll receive a full year of consulting with me at no charge! To learn more about The Consultants' Connection, click here.
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