One of the many great scenes in the movie Airplane is when a number of journalists go barreling into a row of phone booths to call a story into their newspapers. I thought of the scene today when I was lamenting the disappearance of the phone booth. I was in a bookstore and another patron was talking on her cellphone...shouldn't bookstores be a quiet zone, like libraries? But I found a solution! Take a look at this brilliant and hilarious idea.

It seems we can’t step out of the house without hearing foul language on the street, in the stores or at the next table in a restaurant. Just this weekend, while waiting in the lobby of a movie theatre, I moved twice from groups of people because I didn’t want to listen to their swearing.

Etiquette is behavior which makes everyone you are with feel as though they are the most important person in the world. It is conduct that makes those you work with happy to do business with you. It results in more business, happier supervisors,co-workers and colleagues and a more successful career. But, ask yourself: “Can the people around me feel good when I use foul language?” “Does my swearing drown out my message?” It doesn’t happen often, but I’m always struck by how comfortable some people are using bad language when conducting business with me.

There is a commonly held misconception that the tougher the language one uses in business, the tougher and more in control one appears. Actually the opposite is true. Swearing indicates you have little control and is a sign of hostility. It shows a lack of character and is the language of the uneducated. In business, and in family life, it sets a bad example. If you are in a supervisory role, remember, you set the tone. You will not earn the respect of your employees by coloring your language with four letter words. It will actually take away from the message you are trying to communicate to them. Make your points using commonly accepted phrases and you know you won’t offend anyone.

First impressions are never more important than when you are on a job interview. That is why questions regarding the correct etiquette during the interview are among the most frequently asked. I was recently asked:

Q. I’ve read many books and articles about the importance of my resume and how to talk about my accomplishments during an interview, but I am still a little nervous about the impression I will make with my clothes, speech and body language. Can you help?

A. As in all new situations, preparation is the key to success.
• Learn all you can about the company and the person who will be interviewing you. Practice answering the most common questions and prepare some questions of your own.
• Dress conservatively. Men should wear a dark colored suit with polished, laced shoes, pressed 100% cotton shirt, and a silk necktie. For the first interview women should wear a skirted suit and closed toe shoes.
• Be perfectly well groomed. Hair and nails should be impeccable.
• Skip the perfume and cologne. Your scent should not be the first thing someone notices about you.
• Sit up straight and ask as many questions as you answer. Every job opening is for a problem solver. Find out what the problem is and convince the interviewer you are the one to solve it.

Q. I heard that there is such a thing as business card etiquette? Is that true?

A. Yes, just about everything done in business has a right way and a wrong way. The card is an extension of the businessperson. When you are given a card, take a few seconds to read it. If there is something you can comment favorably on, for instance, the logo or person’s title, individual, do so. The card should be placed on the desk or conference table, or in your portfolio. Do not put the card in your wallet and then in your back pocket.

If someone asks you for your business card, be prepared to hand over one that is clean, crisp and free from smudges. Remember, it speaks for you.



Q. Can you please address the topic of speakerphones? I see them misused all the time.

Yes, the problem is not with the speakerphone, but with the people who use them. Speakerphones provide a convenient way to communicate with several people without setting up a conference call. Some tips to remember when using speakerphones:
• Never put your caller on speakerphone without asking first. He or she has the right to know to whom is speaking. Introduce everyone as you would during a scheduled conference call.
• Consider those around you. People using speakerphones tend to talk louder than normal.
• Don’t use the speakerphone to check your voice mail. While this might seem like a good use of the technology, the person who left you the message meant it for your ears only.

Some Great Tips for the Small Business Owner. I particularly like number 5:

Two Decades of Small-Business Lessons
by Harvey King

This month marks my 20th anniversary of running small businesses. I wish I could say I've learned all there is to know about small-business ownership from the past two decades. Unfortunately, I keep discovering how little I know. You know what I mean if, like me, you live with two teenagers. However, there are a few lessons I've learned along the way:

1. Beef up your line of credit when you don't need to. For some reason, a bank's desire to lend you money has a negative correlation to your need for it.

2. Ben & Jerry's Half-Baked ice cream is the best flavor to eat while wallowing in self-pity after a business set back.

3. You'll never feel more like a small-business owner than the way you feel the first time papers arrive letting you know you've been sued.

4. Change is good. Wait, no, change is bad. No, it's good. Change is inevitable.

5. The greatest marketing tool is a handwritten note. Unfortunately, I don't write such notes, but I make a practice of purchasing stuff from those who do.

6. If you're not organized, hire an obsessive-compulsive assistant. You'll make each other miserable, but you won't waste a lot of time searching for the reading glasses perched on the top of your head.

7. Curiosity keeps you fresh and alert. Not being curious makes you boring and old.

8. Hire really, really smart and talented people. Give them the resources and respect and authority necessary to do their jobs. That way they'll enjoy their work, and you won't have to work as hard.

9. Always pretend to be working hard.

10. It is okay to sit at your desk and read a magazine, especially if it's this one.

Getting Coffee and Gossip?

Q. Corby, you have written about gossip at work. I often hear negative comments about other people and don’t know what to say or do. What do you suggest?

A. There are a couple of things you can do. You can simply say something like “I know him well and I don’t see him that way” or “If you feel that way, why don’t you discuss it with her directly.” If a sarcastic or humorous remark is made don’t join in the laughter. Just walk away. You’ll make an impression with your silence.


Q. What is your opinion of secretaries or administrative assistants as they are now called getting coffee for their bosses?

A. If getting coffee, or other refreshments, is going to be part of his or her daily job description it should be made clear at the time of the job offer. The assistant should be given the option to decide whether to take a job where this is expected.

With that said, however, the assistant and the manager should work toward the common goal of being an effective team furthering the company’s objectives. That means the ”refreshment getting” can be worked out between the two individuals and be flexible. If the manager is hosting clients or is very busy, the assistant can offer to get the refreshments. If she is making the trip for herself, it would be nice if she offered to get something for her boss. There is no reason the two of them should be away from their desks. At the same time, the manager should offer to get the assistant coffee or soda when she is busy with a project.

Tattoos, Neckties and an unzipped fly....

Dear Corby: Do tattoos and body piercings belong in business? There seems to be an increased number of people with tattoos on their body and a variety of locations for body piercings. Can you please comment on this and let us know what you think of this trend?

A. Some might argue that this practice is a personal issue. However, you need to proceed with caution if you want to have a serious place in the business world -- especially the corporate world. It is not yet clear whether these practices are passing fancies or the wave of the future. One thing we do know is that people change over time. Before anything permanent is done, the long-term effect should be considered. Since a tattoo is permanent, it should be put where it is not visible with everyday dress. Body piercings are a different story since the ornaments can be removed. In certain work environments, piercings are the norm, and creativity and individuality are not only accepted but also encouraged. Keep in mind that the company or corporate culture dictates how you dress and how you accessorize. Personal preference is not the determining factor. If you are working in a conservative atmosphere, then keep your look traditional and conservative. Anything that is not traditional will be considered distracting and trendy. If your boss doesn't have a tattoo or body piercing and no one else in upper management does, that's your cue that tattoos and piercings will not work in your favor.

Dear Corby: Sometimes, the businessmen I am dining with either toss their neckties over their shoulders or stick them in their shirts to keep them from getting soiled while they are eating. Is this correct behavior? Which is more appropriate, protecting the tie or leaving it alone?

A. I, too, have dined with businessmen who have done the same thing. Some men even put their napkin in the collar of their shirts to protect their ties. I guess they are trying to save on dry cleaning bills, but it is not appropriate to toss the necktie over the shoulder, stick it in their shirt or cover it with a napkin. Sounds as if they need a dining skills class.

Dear Corby: What should a woman do when she notices that a male colleague's zipper is unzipped? Is it appropriate for her to say something?

A. A woman might be inclined to ignore this embarrassing situation and not say anything. But if you don't say anything, your colleague could walk into an important meeting clueless. My recommendation is to tell one of your other male associates who can then bring it to the man's attention. By doing so, you spare the person the embarrassment of hearing it from a woman. If I were a man, that is how I would like it handled.

Tipping the Limo driver.

Q. I drive a limo.  I'm new to the business and would like to know when receiving a tip is it a hand off while getting the tip
then a hand shake?  Hand off only?  Hands not touching hands?  Is there a protocol for receiving and giving a tip?

Thanks for your help. 

Kevin C.

A.  Great question....one I have not been asked before.  The tip will come
 to you the majority of times from the passenger's right hand to your
 right hand.  If your left hand is free, put the tip in your left hand
 immediately, so that if your passenger extends his hand you can then
 extend yours for a handshake.  If he does not, it is perfectly acceptable for you to
 extend yours first.  Regardless of who initiates the handshake, your tip
 will be in the left hand freeing the right for shaking.  Just going by
 my own experience tipping...not that I've taken many limos...often there
 is not an opportunity to shake hands...and that is ok too...of course
 a thank you for the tip is required.