CORPORATE CLASS NEWS
January 2008 Issue
January 2008 Issue
Useful tips and
news on dress, business protocol and social etiquette
Dear Subscriber,
Happy New Year!
New Year’s resolutions, goal settings, promises, visions… Same old – loose weight, exercise three times a week, drink less coffee, stop smoking…
How about something new this year? Commit to forming a few new habits to improve your work environment and build a great reputation. Let’s face it, you spend a big part of your life in that office, do everything you can to play the game right and win!
In this issue:
- Top Ten Workplace Etiquette Resolutions for the New Year
- Progressive Choice Magazine – About Diane Craig and Wardrobe Tips
- Etiquette and Fashion Trivia
- Les Faux-Pas Fantastiques – Re-gifting!
- Upcoming Events – Young Street Mission: Threads of Hope Breakfast at the Design Exchange
- Upcoming Seminars
- Client Testimonial – Presentation at the Association of Corporate Travel Executives
- Web Site Pick of the Month – Freda’s Women Wear in Toronto
1. Top Ten Workplace Etiquette Resolutions for the New Year. Read them, share them and implement them!
- Dress in a way that shows respect for yourself, your colleagues and who you are likely to meet on any given day.
- Change your voice mail greeting daily and make sure you have a great smile on your face as you record it. “Thank you for calling. Hello this is_______. Today, Monday January the 14th, I am in the office all day. Please leave a detailed message.” Keep it brief and drop the “Have a nice day.” Someone may be calling with a complaint!
- Failing to introduce someone is an embarrassment for all. Do not use the excuse you couldn’t remember their name. If that is the case, say: “I don’t believe the two of you have met?” Let them introduce themselves.
- Put your BlackBerry away during meetings. There is nothing more annoying than seeing someone check messages while you are talking. I know you know this. Just do it.
- After a meeting, clean up after yourself. Don’t leave paper clips and empty coffee mugs on the boardroom table. Erase the notes you made on a whiteboard and throw out the flipchart sheets you used.
- When you invite a client for a business meal, make sure the burden of choice is yours, even when you are out of town. Asking your guest to choose the restaurant may put him/her in an awkward position.
- When someone asks to come in your office for a few minutes to discuss something, if you are busy, ask them to come back a little later. If you allow the interruption, keep your eyes on them and not your computer screen.
- When you are about to leave for a meeting and your phone starts ringing, do not answer it. Let it go to voice mail. You risk upsetting the caller by telling them you have no time to talk to them. If you are answering, one would assume it is a good time to talk.
- If you are going to be late for a meeting, call and advise.
- Every day you are building your reputation, guard it safely.
2. In The News
Diane Craig profiled in Progressive Choice Magazine:
http://www.corporateclassinc.com/pdf/Progressive-choices.pdf
Diane Craig’s Wardrobe Building Tips:
http://www.corporateclassinc.com/pdf/7-Step-Remedy.pdf
The return of the Red Tie:
http://www.corporateclassinc.com/pdf/Red%20Ties%20-%20Financial%20Post.pdf
Young Street Mission Bright Lights Gala:
http://www.corporateclassinc.com/pdf/Young_Street_Gala.pdf
3. Etiquette and Fashion Trivia
It has been said that lapels on a jacket are elegant but somewhat useless. Originally, they served a purpose – hence the buttonhole on the left. How was it used and for what purpose?
4. Les Faux-Pas Fantastiques – Re-gifting!
If you gave your friend a little statuette you brought back from one of your trips, remember you did. Here is what I heard at a party: “What a lovely piece, you know, I had one just like that and I can’t recall what I did with it.” The host replied: “I believe I can help you with that – you gave it to us as a house warming present last year.”
5. This Months Event
January 18th, 2008:
Homeless youth trying to turn their lives around received a new look and a boost to their self-esteem. We will soon release a short video in which you will be able to see the make-overs and learn a few tips about image and etiquette.
https://www.islandnet.com/~ysm/th/th.php
6. Upcoming Public Seminars
7. Client Testimonials:
Presentation for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives
Hello Diane:
Wow! What a great presentation yesterday. Thank you so much for the visuals, the stories and the food for thought! Every single person I spoke to yesterday was engaged and connected….you have a fabulous way to make a point and transfer information!
It’s been a pleasure and a privilege... Continued Success Diane.
Warm regards, Onita.
Onita Dey-Frankian, CTC
Director, Sales
BCD Travel
Private Business Etiquette Consultations
Dear Diane,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all of your assistance. The matters we covered last month during our meeting have had a very noticeable, direct impact on my position within the workplace. In fact, the significant promotion I was targeting has already come through. The advice given will undoubtedly have a strong, continued, life-long beneficial effect not only in terms of my career but also on a personal level.
Renato
General Counsel – High Tech Industry
8. Web Site Pick of the Month – Freda’s –Toronto’s Best Kept Secret - Women’s Wear
In my profession, I am always looking for the perfect suppliers for my clients. Last Spring I visited Freda’s. I met with Freda herself, and in a few seconds, it was clear to me, Freda’s was a perfect match for me and my clients. Here’s why: most of the clothes you will find are designed by Freda and manufactured on site. The place is gigantic; it goes well beyond what most customers see. Upstairs you will find rows of sewing machines, cutting tables, computerized systems for patterns and of course skilled seamstresses, cutters and pattern makers. In the back of the store, there is a huge shipping and storage area. It is also where you can always find a few hidden treasures - sales items – yes, all year around.
This unique set-up means the possibilities are endless. Freda’s carries sizes 2 – 20. Most likely you will find what you need on the store racks, but should you wish to have a particular suit in a different colour or fabric, or cut slightly different to suit your body proportions, well, no need to worry. For a minimal extra charge, it will be fitted and redesigned for you.
Freda’s is a one stop shop. Great quality fabrics, great workmanship, interesting designs for casual, professional and evening wear. Above all, the service is impeccable. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If you want to beat the winter blahs, I suggest you visit Freda’s at 86 Bathurst Street, Toronto. To learn more, visit www.fredas.com.
9. Answer to our Fashion Trivia
Originally the lapels served to cover the chest in cold weather. The left lapel fastened to a button underneath the right lapel.
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If you have an etiquette or business dress-related question, email us at dcraig@corporateclassinc.com and we will respond in confidence. With the person’s permission, selected questions may be answered in a future issue of CORPORATE CLASS NEWS. We hope you enjoy our January 2008 issue, and share it with your family, friends, clients and colleagues. If this issue was forwarded to you, and you would like your own free subscription, click here.
This monthly e-newsletter is distributed by Corporate Class Inc. one of North America's leading image and protocol consulting firms. Our main focus is to help individuals and companies to outclass their competitors at home and abroad. For more information or to schedule a speaking engagement, personal consultation or seminar, contact:
