July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

Reprinted with permission by Karen Leland, The Huffington Post

Recently, my husband Jon and I decided to take advantage of some miles we had and treat ourselves to a resort hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. We were weary from work and the relentless stimulation of technology that accompanied it. Our plan was to spend a whole lot of time by the pool -- and very little talking on a cell phone, e-mailing or watching television.

By the second day, I could already feel myself getting into the rhythm of the islands as I sat ocean-side in the Jacuzzi, my head resting on a foam pillow, my hand holding a piña colada -- paradise found.

Like a scene out of a totally clichéd Hollywood movie, my eyes were closed and the sound of crashing waves washed over me. Then, a cell phone rang. The man next to me picked it up and began screaming at his stockbroker -- paradise lost.

My, how the times have changed. Remember the good old days when there was just a smoking or non-smoking section? Apparently, under the current umbrella of social correctness, you can't smoke at either pool (which I personally appreciate), but you can annoy your fellow vacationers -- at least one of them.

According to the ABC Web site, one ABC News "20/20" survey found that 87 percent of Americans said they have encountered people talking on cell phones in public places in a loud or annoying manner. Slightly less than 4 out of 10 often experience generally rude or disrespectful behavior, cursing, near-cursing or people interrupting conversations to use e-mail or cell phone.

Jacqueline Whitmore, author of "Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work" and President of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, Inc., has made a career of helping organizations and individuals master the finer points of business etiquette.

In 2002, she officially founded National Cell Phone Courtesy Month with the intent of making cell phone users more respectful of their surroundings.

"Wireless phones and other electronic devices have become so important to keeping people in touch with information they want and need," says Whitmore. "It's important to educate people about the proper way to use these devices so that they're still in touch, but not annoying those around them." According to Whitmore, wireless phone users can take these steps to avoid offending others:

1. Be all there. When you're in a meeting, performance, courtroom or other busy area, let calls go to voicemail to avoid a disruption. In some instances, turning your phone off may be the best solution.

2. Keep it private. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid discussing private or confidential information in public. You never know who may be in hearing range.

3. Keep your cool. Don't display anger during a public call. Conversations that are likely to be emotional should be held where they will not embarrass or intrude on others.

4. Learn to vibe. Use your wireless phone's silent or vibration settings in public places such as business meetings, religious services, schools, restaurants, theaters or sporting events so that you do not disrupt your surroundings.

5. Avoid "cell yell." Remember to use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your wireless phone. People tend to speak more loudly than normal and often don't recognize how distracting they can be to others.

6. Follow the rules. Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.

7. Excuse yourself. If you are expecting a call that can't be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in; the people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.

8. Send a message. Use Text Messaging to send and receive messages without saying a single word.

9. Watch and listen discreetly. New multimedia applications such as streaming video and music are great ways to stay informed and access the latest entertainment. However, adjust the volume based on your surroundings in much the same way that you would adjust your ringer volume. Earphones are a great way to avoid distracting others in public areas.

10. Alert silently. When using your phone's walkie-talkie feature, send the person you're trying to reach a Call Alert before starting to speak. If you're around other people, turn off your phone's external speaker and use the vibration setting to minimize any disturbance and to respect your contact's privacy.

Karen Leland is author of the recently released books Watercooler Wisdom: How Smart People Prosper In the Face of Conflict, Pressure and Change and Time Management In An Instant:60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day. She is the co-creator of a new line of Productivity Pads from Time Tamer™ and the co-founder of Sterling Consulting Group and its subsidiary Sterling Marketing Group. You can follow her on twitter at kfleland. For questions, comments or to book Karen to speak at your next event, please e-mail kleland@scgtraining.com.

President Interrupted by "Duck" Ringtone During Speech

We’ve all been sitting in a movie, waiting in a line, or sleeping in school, only to be annoyed by a dumb ringtone. For some reason, random people across all generations think that everyone else wants to hear a Boom Boom Pow or animal sound ringer. Well, we don’t. Cellphone etiquette is necessary now more than ever and I hope to spread the word during National Cellphone Courtesy Month in July. Won't you please help me with this critical crusade?

Watch the video above and then remember to switch your ringer to a normal tone, or better yet, silent mode. Listen, everyone occasionally forgets to switch to silent or vibrate, but for the love of BlackBerry, at least have a ringer that won't embarrass you if it went off at a Presidential news conference.

The Etiquette of Interviewing and Networking in a Web 2.0 World

Recently, I was interviewed about how to make the best impression in a job interview and in networking situations by Resume Bay Radio. To listen to the podcast, click here.

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Five Tips for Dressing Like A Jet-setter on a Shoe-string Budget

By Ava Pierce, Guest Blogger

I saw a quote once that fit my life perfectly. It read: “I’m a rich woman trapped in a working woman’s body.” If you’re like me and you have five-star dreams on a three-star budget, here are five tips that can help you dress like an international jet-setter without breaking the bank:

1. Luxury brand outlet stores are great sources for finding expensive clothing and accessories at discounted prices (sometimes up to 75% off). To find outlets in your area, go to Outlet LocatorOutlet Bound. You can also search the websites of your favorite designer brands – Gucci, Prada, Tory Burch, D&G, etc. – as well as up-and-coming local designers to find their outlet locations.
2. Mix and match. Fast-fashion coupled with some lux items can create a really nice look. No one will ever know that you’re wearing H&M, Celine, Zara and Giuseppe Zanotti in the same outfit unless you tell them.
3. Accessory rental. There are quite a few websites and stores where you can rent designer handbags, sunglasses, jewelry and watches. Here are a few resources to get you started: Bag, Borrow or Steal; From Bags to Riches; Kiss My Bag; and Rent Me A Handbag.
4. One of my favorite ways to find designer fashions at affordable prices is sample sales. These events, held in stores and showrooms, offer clothing, accessories and housewares at 50% to 75% below retail prices. Some sample sales are held regularly; others are held only a few times each year. Not all stores and showrooms are open to the public every day so you should call ahead. Websites like Shop It To Me, as well as members-only shopping communities such as Ideeli, TheTopSecret, Beyond the Rack and Gilt Groupe, offer sale announcements as well as links to online sample sales. (If you’re not yet a member, add your name to their waiting list for an invitation.)
5. Trade designer clothes and accessories with friends. Make it festive by having a monthly “exchange party” with some of your close friends. Naturally, you will all agree to take good care of each other’s belongings.

What’s most important is to remember that being a jet-setter is not just about wearing designer clothing and accessories. Your style should be coupled with confidence and civility. In other words, always be fabulous, inside and out!

Ava Pierce is a 30-something jet-setter-in-training who shares her shopping, traveling and socializing resources at Ava Pierce: The Blog. Whether you’re a jet-setting dreamer or an experienced globetrotter, you can enjoy her Jet Set Tips of the Day as well as her rants and raves about everything from traveling around the globe to learning how to sashay in her stilettos without breaking an ankle.

Use Good Pet Etiquette During "Take Your Dog To Work Day"

You may think your office is going to the dogs, literally, as thousands of dog lovers celebrate “Take Your Dog to Work Day” on Friday, June 26, 2009. According to a recent survey conducted by The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), nearly one in five companies in the U.S. allow pets in the workplace. If you’re planning to participate and bring your favorite canine companion to the office, here are some pet etiquette tips to follow:

Do an office check. Check with management and co-workers to see if anyone is allergic, afraid of or opposed to you bringing your dog to work for this special day. (If there is anyone in your office who fits this description, perhaps they should take that day off!)

Puppy-proof your work space. Remove poisonous plants, hide electrical cords and wires and secure toxic items such as correction fluid, permanent markers, etc. Any office items in question should be placed out of your dog’s reach.

Bathe and groom your dog before its office debut. The dog days of summer can take their toll on your pet’s appearance. Everyone loves to pet a dog that is soft, clean and well-groomed.

Know your dog’s temperament. Dogs that are aggressive or overly shy should not accompany you to work. Instead, consider bringing a favorite picture of your pooch or a stuffed animal to display in honor of TYDTWDay.

Prepare a doggie bag. Include food, treats, bowls, toys, leash, paper towels, clean-up bags and pet-safe disinfectant (just in case). If you are routinely in and out of your work space, consider bringing a portable kennel for your dog’s comfort, safety and your peace of mind.

Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog. Dog lovers will make themselves known. To avoid pet accidents or if your pet has a sensitive stomach, ask others to refrain from giving your dog treats without your permission. Finally, don’t allow your pet to jump, chew or drool on others. A well-mannered dog is a joy to be around and will help ensure that TYDTWDay is observed next year.

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My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Oliver, comes to the office with me everyday. He loves to sleep at my feet while I work. For more information on Take Your Dog to Work Day, go to www.takeyourdog.com.

Tips on Tipping in a Recession

Is it acceptable to skip on the tip in a recession? Is it okay to leave less now that you're making less? See what I have to say on tipping etiquette on CBS Channel 12 News:

Click here to view the video.

Five Tips for Cracking the Summer Dress Code

By Mary Lou Andre, Guest Blogger

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, offices all over the country tend to get a little more casual. While many professionals welcome the opportunity to shed more formal business attire and be a bit more relaxed in their appearance, many more are unsure where to draw the line. Here are five tips for maintaining a professional image that won't cost you your reputation (or your paycheck!) this summer:

Think business first, casual second. "Business casual" is actually an oxymoron. No matter the weather, you are wise to think business first, casual second — or never, if that is your preference. Light weight suiting and career separates with conservative necklines and hemlines coordinated with equally professional footwear, tops and accessories are the way to go in warm weather.

Know the code. Before hitting the mall to add some new summer items to your wardrobe, review your office dress code to be sure what you select is appropriate for where you work. For instance, many companies frown on any type of sandal being worn to the office. Be a conformist in a good way by selecting closed-toe summer footwear that honors your personal style while giving you professional clout with the powers that be.

Connect with your inner wisdom. Deep down we all know which clothes make us feel most powerful, credible and business-like. If you have to, separate your summer play clothes from your work clothes and simplify the latter. In many parts of the country, summer is the shortest season of the year. You probably don't need a large collection of work clothes to get you dressed and out the door looking (and feeling!) like a pro.

Get groomed. Don't let your personal grooming routine go on vacation while you're still expected at work. For instance, showing up to any professional business engagement unshaven or with wet hair can signal that you are unorganized, lazy or lack common sense. The best part about personal grooming — it doesn't have to cost a lot and allows you to show respect for yourself, which instantly shows respect for others.

Be consistent year-round. Finally, no matter your work style (or the time of year), there is a lot to be said about being consistent. Anchor yourself into a stable image that represents the most capable image of you every day of the week. You'll brand yourself (as well as the company you represent) as reliable and serious about getting your job done.

Last Word
Work doesn't stop in the summer months. Your professional image shouldn't stop working for you either. Taking the time early in the season to go through your closet to retire items that no longer work while noting what you need to add to get you out the door faster and appropriately dressed for the day ahead is time well spent. When you shop in your closet first, shopping at the store is more efficient and cost effective.

Mary Lou Andre is a nationally recognized wardrobe, dress code and corporate image consultant, speaker and author. She is founder and president of Organization By Design, Inc., a Needham, Massachusetts-based wardrobe management, fashion and image consulting firm that helps individuals and organizations understand the power of being appropriately dressed in a variety of situations. For more great tips and information, visit dressingwell.com.

The Dos and Don'ts of Hugging Etiquette

By Jorie Scholnik, Guest Blogger

Is saying hello and giving a handshake outdated? Not yet, but apparently hugging seems to be the latest trend and is taking over as a standard greeting among the younger set. Hugging, typically viewed as a sign of affection, and has sparked much debate in schools across the country. In fact, hugging is so popular in some high schools that officials have banned this gesture of affection or imposed the three-second rule.

It's amazing how something so innocuous can divide the world into categories: pro-huggers and anti-huggers. Before you quickly place yourself on either side, remember that hugging is a personal choice that varies from person to person. Therefore, especially when in the business world, consider the following dos and don’ts of hugging before you go in for a big one.

Always respect another person's space. An individual’s family background, culture, age and gender play a major role in the acceptance or displeasure of a hug. Usually, like a kiss, you can tell from a person’s body language if they would be willing to receive a hug or not.

Follow the three-second rule. Keep the hug short and avoid placing your arm too low around the other person. Longer hugs have a certain connotation and could have negative repercussions if a co-worker’s spouse or significant other is present.

Pass the sniff test. By sniff, I mean sniffles and smell. If you are sniffling because you are sick, the other person will appreciate not catching your cold. Additionally, if you just finished working out or are perspiring, it may not be the best time for a bear hug. No one enjoys a hug from someone who reeks of alcohol.

Ask permission when you need or want to share a hug. If you ask permission, the receiver will feel respected and have an opportunity to voice their comfort level. It is especially important to ask before you give a giant bear hug to your boss, client or new employee. In these situations, you may want to opt for the age-old handshake. In fact, if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t do it.

Avoid awkward moments. If you are with a group of people and you know some people better than others, give your new acquaintances a handshake first and then follow with hugs for those you know well. Therefore, you won’t have to guess if your new acquaintances are pro-huggers or anti-huggers. Always be considerate of other’s boundaries.

Consider frequency and occasion. There may be more appropriate occasions for a hug such as when you haven’t seen a co-worker for an extended period of time or if you’re at a holiday party. A hug is not necessary if you see a co-worker on a regular basis.

Jorie Scholnik is currently pursuing her masters and specialist degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Counseling at the University of Florida. She has been interning seasonally at the Protocol School of Palm Beach since June 2006.