The Protocol Post - November 2011

November 2011

Greetings, friends,

I am bursting with joy and pride! My new book, POISED FOR SUCCESS: Mastering the Four Qualities That Distinguish Outstanding Professionals hits bookstores TODAY!

It feels like I've just given birth. The book weighs 10.1 ounces and is 192 pages in length. But unlike childbirth, this book took nearly five years to conceive. Whew!

POISED FOR SUCCESS is not your typical business etiquette book. It is more personal in nature and contains stories that I've never revealed to the public before -- stories about my childhood, marriage, job loss, cancer experience, and more. In other words, it contains my heart and soul.

In addition to learning more about me and my life, you'll also learn to:

Package yourself for success by refining your personal brand
Nurture professional relationships with flair
Master the five ways to make yourself more memorable
Learn the seven unwritten rules of workplace etiquette

POISED FOR SUCCESS is for anyone who wants to connect with others and foster deeper relationships. It's less about etiquette and more about living your life with polish, presence, professionalism, and passion!

Will you please do me a HUGE favor and (a) order the book and (b) tell others about it on Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks? It's also available in Kindle, Nook, and iBook formats.

Once you purchase your copy, please join me for my virtual book party on November 16 at 8pm - 9pm Eastern time (see details below).

And remember, I'm always happy to send you an autographed bookplate if you e-mail me and tell me that you purchased it.

Thank you for your support and friendship and I look forward to celebrating with you!

With appreciation,

signature

Gracious Gains: How To Properly Ask a VIP for a Favor

An excerpt from Poised for Success

Chapter 8: Cultivate Your VIP Relationships

woman holding envelope

In general, VIPs are inundated with requests for referrals and favors and they tend to decline unless they know you well. Once you've established a relationship, you're ready to take the plunge. Your polite requests will be more valid and effective if you are willing to follow these guidelines:

Greet the VIP: If you write a letter or send an e-mail to a VIP, be sure to include his or her name and spell it correctly. Correspondence that lacks the recipient's name is a dead giveaway that you have sent your request to a list of people. Using the person's name shows that you have taken the time to personalize your message.

Enlighten the VIP: VIPs are busy people. Don't assume they will remember you. It's a courtesy to discreetly remind the person about how you met, or how you know each other, or if you share a mutual friend. Did you meet at a luncheon, conference, or seminar? Were you referred by someone? If so, include that in your note. VIPs meet a lot of people every day, so take the initiative and briefly recap the circumstances of your meeting.

Flatter the VIP: VIPs are more apt to help you if you have done something for them. Have you read their books, purchased one of their products, or made contributions to their favorite charities? Have you provided them with a good resource or referred them to someone of importance? When you do something nice for people, they are more willing to reciprocate.

Be specific: Make sure your favor or request is clear, concise, and contains all the facts or pertinent information; otherwise you may get either a delayed response or none at all.

Give the VIP a deadline: If you need an answer right away, let the VIP know that your request is time sensitive. Otherwise, you may miss out on an opportunity.

Thank the VIP: If you do receive a personal response (positive or negative), send a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the VIP's efforts. It's always nice to let people know that their efforts were worthwhile and helpful, so explain how the situation turned out if you acted on the advice you were given.

Ask the Expert: The Art of Handing Someone Your Business Card

Q: Dear Jacqueline: I just started a new company and recently ordered some business cards. I'm eager to start networking and give them out to potential clients and customers. Are there any rules or guidelines I should follow?

A: Business cards are called business cards for a reason: to generate business. Your card should reflect your personal brand and your business. Here are 10 business card etiquette tips to keep in mind.

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 10. Familiarity with the book is not necessary, but is helpful.
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!

Inspiring Video of the Month

Enjoy this video by leadership expert and bestselling author, John C. Maxwell!