27 Jun
July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month
Did you know…
- At least 91% of Americans own cell phones
- There are more than 285 million cell phones in use in the U.S.
- 3 out of 10 people prefer cell phones over landlines
While a majority of us experience a range of rude behaviors on a daily basis, the one transgression that seems to occur most often is accompanied by a ring tone: People talking on cell phones, in public places, in a loud or annoying manner.
Eighty-seven percent of Americans in an ABC News “20/20″ survey say they encounter that kind of gabbing at least sometimes, and a majority — 57 percent — hear it often. That takes the cake for frequency; by contrast, just under four in 10 often experience generally rude or disrespectful behavior, cursing, near-cursing or people interrupting conversations to use e-mail or cell phones.
It was this bad behavior that prompted me to come up with a remedy. In July 2002, I officially founded National Cell Phone Courtesy Month with the intent of making cell phone users more respectful of their surroundings. With more and more people using smart phones, Blackberries and other electronic devices these days, our society’s techno etiquette seems to be declining.
If you agree that cell phone rudeness is on the rise and would like to help eradicate this growing epidemic, please spread the word about National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. Here are some helpful tips to share. Read more
Sharing Too Much on Facebook Can Lead to Lost Friendships
By Jorie Scholnik, Intern, The Protocol School of Palm Beach
I am one of the 500 million Facebook users who contributes to the 500 billion minutes people spend on Facebook per month, according to the site’s published statistics. Every day, I sign into my account, read my news feed (which is a series of short updates about my friends), and learn what’s going on in my friends’ lives. This month alone, I learned that one friend had a new baby – umbilical cord and all. One friend announced she had a miscarriage, while another confessed she got cheated on the night before. I also learned that some of my friends in my graduate program went out to dinner and didn’t invite me.
I discover a lot by reading my friends’ posts – maybe too much. So how far is too far? I’ve learned that when applying for a job, I shouldn’t have any risqué pictures on my page or any rants about my former bosses and co-workers. Even if I have high privacy settings and just use Facebook for personal use, the guidelines shouldn’t change.
If you’re a Facebook user, it’s best to be aware of what you post. Before you decide to air your dirty laundry for all the world to see, here are some questions to ask yourself. Read more
Pet Etiquette for the Office
Oliver taking a break at work.
Today is Take Your Dog To Work Day and my dog, Oliver, is doing what he loves to do best — lounging in my office chair. Since I work from home, I’m fortunate that Oliver can come to work with me everyday. If your organization or company observes this special day and permits you and your colleagues to bring your dog to work, here are some pet etiquette tips to keep in mind.
- Always ask permission before petting someone’s dog. Although the dog may appear friendly, it might not be so receptive to strangers. Like people, some dogs don’t like everyone they meet.
- Don’t give a dog a treat without asking the owner’s permission first. The dog may be on a special diet.
- Before petting a dog, put your hand out first (palm up) so the he can sniff you. This is simply his way of getting acquainted with you.
- If a dog is wearing a vest, he is probably a service dog or therapy dog. He is most likely “on duty” and you shouldn’t pet or play with him unless the owner gives you permission.
Happy First Week of Summer!
It’s time to dust off the sandals, get a fresh pedicure, and celebrate summer! I’m ready, are you?
How To Fold a Suit Pocket Handkerchief
When it comes to dressing for success, it’s the details that make a huge difference. Pocket squares give a suit or jacket a finished look. My dear friend and image consultant, Susan Bigsby, shows you how to fold a suit pocket handkerchief in this informative video.
How to Fold a Suit Pocket Handkerchief — powered by eHow.com
Fur Children Love Their Dads Too!
Happy Father’s Day Brian! Our “fur” children love and thank you for all you do!
Brian, Taylor and Oliver
IHRC Annual Symposium in Switzerland Was Huge Success
I would like to extend a warm “thank you” to the International Human Resources Committee (IHRC), the leadership of Zürcher Gesellschaft für Personal-Management, and Zurich Financial Services for inviting me to speak at the IHRC Annual Symposium in Zurich, Switzerland on June 2, 2010.
My three-hour presentation, “Business Protocol for World-Class Professionals,” was well received and the symposium was a great success. This video shares some of the highlights of this new HR initiative in Switzerland. Click here to learn more about IHRC – ZGP International programs.
What I Learned During My Trip To Switzerland
My husband and me at Jungfrau, the top of Europe (elevation 11,333 feet)
I just returned from Switzerland where I spoke at the International HRCommunity ZGP Annual Symposium in Zurich. What a wonderful experience! It was my first trip to Switzerland and I discovered so much about the culture and the people. Here is what I learned while visiting this fascinating and beautiful country. Read more
Happy Anniversary To The One I Love
Twelve years ago today, I married my best friend; the one I dream with, laugh with, and love! Happy Anniversary to my husband and soul mate, Brian Gleason.