The Protocol Post - October 2011

October 2011

Greetings, friends,

I've been busy gearing up for my big book launch. It's hard to believe that my book, POISED FOR SUCCESS, will be in bookstores all across the country in just two weeks! I can hardly contain my excitement, and neither can my dog, Oliver!

There is no shortage on instruction out there on what it takes to succeed, but my book is different. It is sprinkled with colorful stories about my humble beginnings, the lessons I learned from my mother, and from the variety of jobs that brought me, rung after rung, to the position I hold today.

Over the years, I've noticed that the most accomplished executives possess what I call the four "P" qualities: Presence, Polish, Professionalism, and Passion. These qualities, combined with kindness, compassion, and authenticity make a huge difference in the way we feel about ourselves and the way we treat others.

POISED FOR SUCCESS is filled with practical tools to help you become more comfortable and confident in a variety of situations and make the people around you feel more valued and important. Above all, this book has heart (my heart) and I hope that you feel it in every page!

If you'd like a sneak peek at my book, click here to view the table of contents and the first few pages.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, I'm planning a Virtual Book Launch Party in November and you're invited! See the details in this month's newsletter.

I'm also in the process of lining up my speaking engagements for 2012. If you belong to a civic or professional organization and are looking for a speaker, please consider giving me a call.

With appreciation,
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Tips on How to Choose Shoes

From Poised for Success

Chapter 3: The Well-Dressed Man

Invest in at least four pairs of high-quality shoes - one pair in dark brown, one pair in oxblood, and two pairs in black leather - because it's best not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. A shoe with clean lines and a classic look will keep you well covered from your professional interactions to a more personal venue. Depending on your personal style, choose either wingtip or cap-toe oxfords with a slight brogue effect (perforated with small holes). Wingtips feature a toe cap that comes to a point in the center and spreads out toward the sides of the shoes, in a shape that somewhat resembles wings, which is how this style got its name.

When you are shopping for a casual shoe, a loafer will add variety to your wardrobe and be quite useful in the hot summer months. Loafers are perfect for traveling, as they are easy to slide off and on while going through airport security lines.

Pair your black suits with black shoes; gray suits with black or dark brown shoes; brown suits with dark brown shoes; and navy suits with black or oxblood-colored footwear. And remember to coordinate your shoe and belt colors.

Shoes can make or break an outfit. Shoes are the foundation. Second only to your overall look (and perhaps grooming), the shoes you wear get the most attention and can significantly impact the first impression that others form.

Ask the Expert: Looking Like a Real Pro at a Networking Event

Q: Dear Jacqueline, I'm attending an important networking event next month and would like to get some tips on how I can make the most of it and come off like a real pro.

A: My dear Granny Johnson used to say, "It's not what you know, it's WHO you know," and I believe this to be true. Building a network of contacts is important - whether you're seeking a job or looking to build business. Before attending a networking event, ask yourself, "Who would I like to meet?" Acquire a guest list if possible and research the attendees ahead of time. Prepare what you will say when you meet someone. You'll want to focus more on the other person and talk less about yourself. Read more.

If you have a business etiquette question, please e-mail me. Your question may appear in a future issue of TheLedger.com.

You Are Cordially Invited To My Virtual Book Launch Party!

Help me celebrate the launch of my new book, POISED FOR SUCCESS!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

8:00pm - 9:00pm Eastern Time

All you need is a telephone to participate!

During this one-hour, live party call, I'll discuss:

My favorite chapters of the book and why.
The back story behind the book.
Why it took me nearly six years to write this book.
Why the title changed five times.
And more!

I also want to hear your feedback:

What did you enjoy most about the book, and why?
What chapters did you find most helpful?
What would you like to see in the next book?
What do you think makes this book different from all other etiquette books?

There is no cost to attend. Just follow these two easy steps:

Order your copy of POISED FOR SUCCESS on or before November 9.
Send me an e-mail with "Let's Party" in the subject line. I will respond by sending you a phone number to call.

Hope to "see" you at the party!

New Etiquette Videos!

I'm happy to announce that I just completed a series of professional etiquette videos on a variety of topics including business dining, job interviewing, remembering names, making small talk, and more!

Here is the video on greeting someone at a networking event.

Etiquette: Greeting Someone at a Networking Event

To view my other etiquette videos, click here.

Recommended Reading

My dear friend and colleague, P.M. Forni, (author of Choosing Civility and The Civility Solution) just released his new book, THE THINKING LIFE (St. Martin's Press, September 2011).

Here is one of my favorite excerpts from the book:

"Anybody who happens to be in a relatively good frame of mind will on occasion be nice to someone else. You don't have to be a bona fide humanitarian to agree to trade seats on a plane so that a family can sit together. But it does take a special person to act intentionally and habitually in ways that are beneficial to others, and to do so without waiting to be asked. This is precisely what the thoughtful do. We seldom think of them as thinkers. We connect them to the work of the heart rather than that of the mind, but a good amount of thinking is involved in their giving. To be of help, they must pay attention to the reality around them, identify needs, listen to the voice of empathy, and figure out the best way to implement an act of kindness."

This book makes a great gift for the thoughtful person in your life. To order, click here.

Inspiring Video of the Month

Nick Vujicic inspires people to never give up when life gets tough. We should all be so courageous!