July is National Cellphone Courtesy Month

I am accustomed to getting calls from CEOs who want to polish their social and business skills while learning how to outclass the competition. In July, I am dedicated to tackling a more monumental threat to civility. I am dispensing advice on how to talk on a wireless phone without annoying others.

July is National Cellphone Courtesy Month – an event I founded in 2002 with the intent to encourage the increasingly unmindful corps of cellphone users to be more respectful of their surroundings by using some simple cellphone etiquette principles.

Wireless phones and other electronic devices have become so important to keeping people in touch with information they want and need. 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. Since founding National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, I have partnered with Sprint to help educate the public about the importance of wireless phone etiquette.

Wireless phone users can take these seven 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. 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.

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

Jacqueline's Favorite Business Accessory

If you're a businesswoman and you're in the market for a luxurious, yet professional computer case, I recommend this one from Franklin Covey. Ironically, it's called the "Jacqueline Wheeled Business Case!" I have one in red leather and it goes with me on all my business trips. Right now, Franklin Covey is having a great sale and you can get this case for $50 off, plus free shipping! To order the case, go to: http://tinyurl.com/3drlax.

Winter Haven Chamber Participants Get Lessons in Business Etiquette

There is something wonderful about speaking to a group of business women. The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce hosted a women's business luncheon on Thursday, June 21 and asked me to be their guest speaker. It was an honor to go back to the town where I grew up and present a business etiquette seminar to a sold-out crowd of 80 dynamic women. I met a lot of new friends and I got reacquainted with friends I had not seen since I graduated from high school! The best part about it was that my mom was able to attend with me. The event was generously sponsored by Macy's, Allen & Company, and Old Cypress Community Bank.
(pictured here is Donna Sheehan purchasing a copy of Jacqueline's book, Business Class.)

Help Fido Brush Up on his Dog Manners

I recently attended Book Expo America in New York City where I had the opportunity to meet Charlotte Reed, the author of “The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette: The Definitive Guide to Manners for Pets and Their People." In Charlotte’s new book, she discusses how to become a model pet owner, a good neighbor, an excellent customer and a welcome guest at the homes of friends and family. The book also features acceptable behavior for different occasions in a dog’s life such as treating veterinarians, pet sitters, and dog groomers with respect. If you want to become a model pet owner or just love your dog, you can buy Charlotte’s book at your local book store or at www.amazon.com. To learn more about Charlotte, go to www.missfidomanners.com. (Jacqueline is pictured here with Charlotte Reed and her dog, Thames.)