In this Forbes Bankable webinar, guest presenter Diane Gottsman shares simple holiday etiquette rules that can reduce your risk of committing a career-ending faux-pas
Men have been offering endowments to ladies. Blessings show love and warmth and can likewise flag appreciation. Foremostly, endowments have likewise been utilized from the beginning of time to show abundance, achievement, and force. Trust me, when you become an extraordinary blessing provider, your status and attractive quality as a sentimental accomplice increment dramatically. The main thing ladies love more than getting a significant blessing is indicating it off to their desirous companions. Giving your life partner a blessing and it develops the glow, trust, love, and closeness in your relationship, and even builds her profound respect for you.
Concierge Fundraising: 5 Winning Tactics to Raise More Money by Doing the Une...Bloomerang
https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars/
Tom Iselin will show you how to reshape your personal brand into one of “Donor Concierge” that will increase your likability and “memorability,” help you raise more money, and create greater donor loyalty.
Even though holiday decorations have been gracing many stores since before Thanksgiving, it’s hard to believe that the holidays are upon us. If you’re like me, you’ve tuned out the sounds of Frosty the Snowman in a rush to complete Q4 projects and prepare for 2015. One thing that has especially been subjected to procrastination on my part, though, is making a plan for holiday gifts — an opportunity to thank clients and colleagues for their business and ongoing support.
The Definitive Guide to Planning a Baby Showerbabyshowerdepot
Take the stress out of planning a baby shower with this easy to follow guide. From budget to clean up you'll host a baby shower that mom-to-be will love.
Men have been offering endowments to ladies. Blessings show love and warmth and can likewise flag appreciation. Foremostly, endowments have likewise been utilized from the beginning of time to show abundance, achievement, and force. Trust me, when you become an extraordinary blessing provider, your status and attractive quality as a sentimental accomplice increment dramatically. The main thing ladies love more than getting a significant blessing is indicating it off to their desirous companions. Giving your life partner a blessing and it develops the glow, trust, love, and closeness in your relationship, and even builds her profound respect for you.
Concierge Fundraising: 5 Winning Tactics to Raise More Money by Doing the Une...Bloomerang
https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars/
Tom Iselin will show you how to reshape your personal brand into one of “Donor Concierge” that will increase your likability and “memorability,” help you raise more money, and create greater donor loyalty.
Even though holiday decorations have been gracing many stores since before Thanksgiving, it’s hard to believe that the holidays are upon us. If you’re like me, you’ve tuned out the sounds of Frosty the Snowman in a rush to complete Q4 projects and prepare for 2015. One thing that has especially been subjected to procrastination on my part, though, is making a plan for holiday gifts — an opportunity to thank clients and colleagues for their business and ongoing support.
The Definitive Guide to Planning a Baby Showerbabyshowerdepot
Take the stress out of planning a baby shower with this easy to follow guide. From budget to clean up you'll host a baby shower that mom-to-be will love.
A "Fun Committee" can organize social events and random fun activities for employees to help relieve stress. Let's look at some other things can be done to make work fun.
24 Ways to make work fun
#1 Establish a Fun Committee first and foremost
#2 Create contests or challenges for employees
#3 Nothing gets employees more motivated than a competition!
#4 Encourage spontaneity on the job
#5 When done within reason, this can be a great way to relieve pressure.
#6 Hold casual or informal meetings outside when the weather is nice
#7 Create a humor board
#8 Encourage employees to post humorous cartoons or other funny things
#9 Have a pizza party
#10 Have employees bring in pictures of themselves in as children and guess who people are!
#11 Give employees funny glasses and have them put them on during small meetings
#12 Hold a potluck or food event
#13 Have a decorate your cubicle day or week
#14 Celebrate birthdays once a month with cookies or cakes
#15 Have a donut day
#16 Send out appreciation cards with little candies
#17 Have a team barbeque
#18 Have a bake sale
#19 Have a craft sale for charity
#20 Sponsor an indoor mini golf challenge
#21 Have a guess how many penny jar or jelly bean jar
#22 Give people incentives and sponsor contests with a prize of leaving early or being able to come in late!
#23 Give away company promotional items
#24 Have team outings at a park or other relaxing venue
"The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals." This gift is a leadership gift and is often characterized by people who lead the body by steering others to remain on task. These people generally are concerned with the details of how to accomplish tasks, and tend to be masters at delegating specific tasks to other people according to their gifts and talents.
Donor Retention Education w/ Steven Shattuck (AFP DFW 2017)Bloomerang
This session explores the Fundraising Effectiveness Project report commissioned by AFP and the Urban Institute. The dismal news in this report can and should be an eye opener for every nonprofit engaged in fundraising.
We will focus on the root causes of poor retention rates, and offer tips for improvement based on the principles of Dr. Adrian Sargeant and Tom Ahern: two world-renowned authorities on building donor loyalty. Sargeant and Ahern’s principles are based upon years of research conducted in the sector and can be used by any organization, whether you are a one-person shop or a large department. We will show examples of their principles in action. The results can be astounding when put into daily use!
Learning Outcomes:
Be familiar with current research on donor retention and how an increase or decrease can impact your bottom line
Understand how to calculate your donor retention rate
Learn new donor communications techniques in order to improve donor loyalty and retention
Happy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemade
Anatomy of a Successful Fundraising Appeal: Make a Compelling Offer Your Dono...Bloomerang
https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars/
Whether you’re an old pro and just want some new tips, or you’re writing your appeal letter for the first time, you’ll find killer strategies and tried-and-true tactics from Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE to get your appeal to the next level.
How successful fundraising groups get corporate donationsDonorbox
It’s interesting that many sponsors choose not to pursue one source that can prove to be of extreme value. They may have considered going after corporate donations, but may not know how to pursue them. Is it a lack of confidence and vision, or perhaps not knowing what to say?
Failing to have, and effectively integrate, a ‘business ask strategy’ into your campaign leaves money on the table. Successful fundraising groups already know what to do and are reaping the financial rewards. Corporations often have money set aside for charitable causes and products they can donate or may be able to provide hands-on volunteer assistance.
Having a good understanding of your group’s needs and knowing how to approach and sell a business on your cause is important for securing donations. Here are some things to consider.
7 Ways To Select Best Corporate Gifts | Corporate Gifts SupplierVerve Corporate Gifts
In this ppt we have described best 7 ways to select best corporate gifts. Before selecting corporate gifts, one of the most important thing is that who are you offering gift. This you are going to know in this ppt document. Also visit Verve for selecting unique corporate gifts.
A "Fun Committee" can organize social events and random fun activities for employees to help relieve stress. Let's look at some other things can be done to make work fun.
24 Ways to make work fun
#1 Establish a Fun Committee first and foremost
#2 Create contests or challenges for employees
#3 Nothing gets employees more motivated than a competition!
#4 Encourage spontaneity on the job
#5 When done within reason, this can be a great way to relieve pressure.
#6 Hold casual or informal meetings outside when the weather is nice
#7 Create a humor board
#8 Encourage employees to post humorous cartoons or other funny things
#9 Have a pizza party
#10 Have employees bring in pictures of themselves in as children and guess who people are!
#11 Give employees funny glasses and have them put them on during small meetings
#12 Hold a potluck or food event
#13 Have a decorate your cubicle day or week
#14 Celebrate birthdays once a month with cookies or cakes
#15 Have a donut day
#16 Send out appreciation cards with little candies
#17 Have a team barbeque
#18 Have a bake sale
#19 Have a craft sale for charity
#20 Sponsor an indoor mini golf challenge
#21 Have a guess how many penny jar or jelly bean jar
#22 Give people incentives and sponsor contests with a prize of leaving early or being able to come in late!
#23 Give away company promotional items
#24 Have team outings at a park or other relaxing venue
"The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals." This gift is a leadership gift and is often characterized by people who lead the body by steering others to remain on task. These people generally are concerned with the details of how to accomplish tasks, and tend to be masters at delegating specific tasks to other people according to their gifts and talents.
Donor Retention Education w/ Steven Shattuck (AFP DFW 2017)Bloomerang
This session explores the Fundraising Effectiveness Project report commissioned by AFP and the Urban Institute. The dismal news in this report can and should be an eye opener for every nonprofit engaged in fundraising.
We will focus on the root causes of poor retention rates, and offer tips for improvement based on the principles of Dr. Adrian Sargeant and Tom Ahern: two world-renowned authorities on building donor loyalty. Sargeant and Ahern’s principles are based upon years of research conducted in the sector and can be used by any organization, whether you are a one-person shop or a large department. We will show examples of their principles in action. The results can be astounding when put into daily use!
Learning Outcomes:
Be familiar with current research on donor retention and how an increase or decrease can impact your bottom line
Understand how to calculate your donor retention rate
Learn new donor communications techniques in order to improve donor loyalty and retention
Happy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemadeHappy Fathers day cards homemade
Anatomy of a Successful Fundraising Appeal: Make a Compelling Offer Your Dono...Bloomerang
https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars/
Whether you’re an old pro and just want some new tips, or you’re writing your appeal letter for the first time, you’ll find killer strategies and tried-and-true tactics from Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE to get your appeal to the next level.
How successful fundraising groups get corporate donationsDonorbox
It’s interesting that many sponsors choose not to pursue one source that can prove to be of extreme value. They may have considered going after corporate donations, but may not know how to pursue them. Is it a lack of confidence and vision, or perhaps not knowing what to say?
Failing to have, and effectively integrate, a ‘business ask strategy’ into your campaign leaves money on the table. Successful fundraising groups already know what to do and are reaping the financial rewards. Corporations often have money set aside for charitable causes and products they can donate or may be able to provide hands-on volunteer assistance.
Having a good understanding of your group’s needs and knowing how to approach and sell a business on your cause is important for securing donations. Here are some things to consider.
7 Ways To Select Best Corporate Gifts | Corporate Gifts SupplierVerve Corporate Gifts
In this ppt we have described best 7 ways to select best corporate gifts. Before selecting corporate gifts, one of the most important thing is that who are you offering gift. This you are going to know in this ppt document. Also visit Verve for selecting unique corporate gifts.
Why is etiquette important in business? People do business with those they like and trust. In order to build trust and be liked you must act in accordance with socially acceptable norms.
Mark Skogen, CEO and president of Festival Foods, will share how execution, service, servant leadership and embracing change built the strong foundation for success at his company and why he feels passionate about carrying on the traditions. Mark will share real stories about the satisfaction gained from enriching lives and how failure can actually make you stronger.
This is a presentation that I asked my HR Director if I could develop and present to our supervisor as I thought there was a need a Quorum Review. I was given the green light and the presentation was well received and given to a large audience. This presentation is the property of Quorum Review. Joni Caggiano
Fish Philosophy
It's all about the four practices which we can perform in our daily lives to achieve success and to move towards humanity.
Choose your attitude.
Play.
Make their day.
Be there.
It's a book written by Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen.
How to Spend on Gifts Without Ruining Your Festive MoodWomen On Wealth
Perhaps gift giving becomes a bit of an emotional puzzle for some?
How does one give a gift to each person that says you value them - and keep your budget in place? We'll show you how, with this easy-to-follow eBook.
Looking for financial freedom? Visit us at http://onetreespaces.com/
This presentation is designed to provide helpful tips for dealing with stresses associated with the holidays.
It is applicable to everyone, although it was designed primarily as a resource for chaplain usage in a long-term care environment.
The 2020 Guide to Seasonal Delight Despite the Distance, Customer Edition | S...Sogolytics
Near or far, you want your customers to think well of you at this time of year (and yes, all the rest of the time, too!). Make the most of this remote holiday scene and keep connected despite the distance.
Similar to How To Skate Through The Holidays And Keep Your Reputation Intact (20)
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Are you feeling unfulfilled in your career? A modern apprenticeship can get you to the next level. Modern apprenticeships can benefit anyone looking to launch a successful, well-paid and fulfilling career. Whether you're rejoining the workforce, changing careers or simply filling a skills gap, an apprenticeship program can help you get there. Listen to the webinar here: https://youtu.be/bcjbgnzYZ_U
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Want to move your career forward? Looking to build your leadership skills while helping others learn, grow, and improve their skills? Seeking someone who can guide you in achieving these goals?
You can accomplish this through a mentoring partnership. Learn more about the PMISSC Mentoring Program, where you’ll discover the incredible benefits of becoming a mentor or mentee. This program is designed to foster professional growth, enhance skills, and build a strong network within the project management community. Whether you're looking to share your expertise or seeking guidance to advance your career, the PMI Mentoring Program offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional development.
Watch this to learn:
* Overview of the PMISSC Mentoring Program: Mission, vision, and objectives.
* Benefits for Volunteer Mentors: Professional development, networking, personal satisfaction, and recognition.
* Advantages for Mentees: Career advancement, skill development, networking, and confidence building.
* Program Structure and Expectations: Mentor-mentee matching process, program phases, and time commitment.
* Success Stories and Testimonials: Inspiring examples from past participants.
* How to Get Involved: Steps to participate and resources available for support throughout the program.
Learn how you can make a difference in the project management community and take the next step in your professional journey.
About Hector Del Castillo
Hector is VP of Professional Development at the PMI Silver Spring Chapter, and CEO of Bold PM. He's a mid-market growth product executive and changemaker. He works with mid-market product-driven software executives to solve their biggest growth problems. He scales product growth, optimizes ops and builds loyal customers. He has reduced customer churn 33%, and boosted sales 47% for clients. He makes a significant impact by building and launching world-changing AI-powered products. If you're looking for an engaging and inspiring speaker to spark creativity and innovation within your organization, set up an appointment to discuss your specific needs and identify a suitable topic to inspire your audience at your next corporate conference, symposium, executive summit, or planning retreat.
About PMI Silver Spring Chapter
We are a branch of the Project Management Institute. We offer a platform for project management professionals in Silver Spring, MD, and the DC/Baltimore metro area. Monthly meetings facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development. For event details, visit pmissc.org.
How To Skate Through The Holidays And Keep Your Reputation Intact
1. How To Skate Through The Holidays —
And Keep Your Reputation Intact
2. Bankable by Forbes is your
guide to getting ahead. We
offer fresh perspectives on
money, career and balance to
get you where you want to be.
Follow us on
4. Professional Holiday
Situations
And How To Handle Them With Poise
The holidays are rife for social strife in
the professional world. But knowing a
few etiquette rules can reduce your
risk for committing a career-ending
faux-pas.
6. The Office Holiday Party
• Prepare in advance
• Don’t bring a plus one
• Make a proper introduction
• Smile, you are on display
• Work the room
• Thank the party organizers
7. Use restraint and your best
judgment by limiting yourself to
one or two drinks – even if your
colleagues are taking holiday
shots in the corner.
Drink Responsibly
8. Steer clear of political discourse
and sensitive subjects. Avoid talk
of money or your salary. This is
not the time to ask for a raise!
Avoid Volatile Topics
10. Office Gift Giving
• Gift for the boss
• Participation is key
• Give discreetly to friends
• Remember your team
• Check corporate policy
• Don’t go overboard
11. Give Gifts Of Thanks
The holidays are the perfect time to
give thanks to your mentors. An act
of appreciation doesn’t have to be
fancy – a pretty mug with a bag of
chocolate-covered espresso beans
or a gift card to a nearby coffee shop
will show your appreciation.
12. Smile And Say
Thank You
If a colleague surprises you with a
gift, but you don’t have one for them,
the correct response is to smile and
say “thank you.” You are not
obligated to buy a present in return.
The only requirement is to offer your
sincere thanks for their
thoughtfulness.
13. If there are particular providers that
show loyalty and support throughout
the year, it’s important to remember
them during the holiday season. Talk
to your manager to see if the
company will cover a seasonal
gratuity for doorman, valets, delivery
drivers and maintenance crew.
Tips On Tipping
15. The Holiday Meal
• Know where to place your napkin.
• Cut one bite at a time.
• Wait for food to cool down on its
own.
• Avoid gesturing with eating
utensils.
• Think of the salt and pepper as a
pair.
• Pass the food counter-clockwise.
16. Setting The Table
A properly set table is designed for
practicality. Each eating utensil is
efficiently placed to eliminate
confusion. Glassware is
conveniently positioned for
different beverages and utensils
are placed to work from the
“outside in.”
Thank you for joining us for today’s webinar “How To Skate Through The Holidays – And Keep Your Reputation Intact.” Brought to you by Bankable. Before we get started I have just a few housekeeping items I’d like to go over.
Bankable offers great content with fresh perspectives on money, career, and balance. Feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and join our exclusive LinkedIn Group – links to all three are in your webinar console. At the end of the webinar, please fill out the survey.
KIM: INTRODUCE SELF
Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert, speaker, television personality, author and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and business etiquette training. Her clients range from university students to Forbes 400 companies and her seminars cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media. She has 16 years of corporate experience and holds a Master's Degree in Sociology with an emphasis on adult behavior. Diane's engaging disposition and her straightforward approach to daily etiquette dilemmas are current, informative, stylish and fun.
Thank you Kim. I’m excited to be here – sharing my thoughts on how to navigate potential holiday dilemmas - which are actually every day life dilemmas we can encounter any time of year. The beauty having a command of etiquette – appropriate adult behavior – is simple … it shows respect for others and it takes away your awkward, uncomfortable moments. We all have them. Once we master them we can move on to they are just multiplied during the holiday season because we are thrown into different situations where we may have always wondered if you were doing something “right” but have not had anyone to ask.
Your grandmother may have taught you traditional manners, your mom may have done the same – even sent you to cotillion class. But, today, as an adult, you are in the big league and everything you do speaks volumes about who you are as a person – so it’s important NOT to leave anything to chance.
And, by the way, before we go any further, let me make something crystal clear. Etiquette is NOT based on pretense or affected behaviors set up to make others feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, it’s all about being your most authentic self and putting your best foot forward – in all circumstances - by simply fine tuning skills you use every day. Little “ah - I didn’t know I didn’t know” moments.
So, let’s get started. And, I encourage you to start making your list of questions to ask me as we go. You either love them or hate them – but they are a fact of professional life. The Office Holiday Party.
You can’t be a five star player if think like a one star guest.
If you are going to be there, you might as well make it count. How do you do this?
Prepare in advance: Plan a few conversation topics that are lighthearted and engaging, such as asking a client about his or her favorite holiday tradition or where they plan to spend the holiday this year. Will they be traveling? What is their favorite tradition?
Don't bring a surprise "plus one." Unless the invitation specifically states that he or she is invited, leave your new boyfriend or girlfriend at home. It is bad form to call and ask if they may attend, or to just assume that no one will notice.
Make a proper introduction: This might be the only time you meet your CEO if you work in a large company - take advantage of the opportunity and make your presence known. Introduce yourself and identify the department you work in. Funny story: A client/CEO laughs about the time one of his employees handed him a business card.
By making a proper introduction, which includes a firm handshake, eye contact, and a clear delivery of your first and last name, you are setting yourself apart.
Greet with your feet: Stand up for all introductions – a matter of fact, you should not be sitting down until dinner.
Smile: People can judge your comfort level by your mouth. Open up and make your eyes wrinkle.
Handshake: Be the first to extend your hand - it shows a confidence that is a subtle sign of confidence and not easily overlooked.
Work the room: Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, it’s your job to be interesting! Make it a point to find the host and then start mixing and mingling with other guests. Avoid sticking with people you already know.
Strike up a conversation with people you want to get to know better or have never met. Look at their feet. A good guest understands their primary role is to make the host glad he or she invited you.
Don’t slip out the back door. Before you leave, thank your host or the person who coordinated the party: This simple gesture is a way to set yourself apart from the colleagues who disappeared out the emergency exit 30 minutes after the party started.
Watch your liquor consumption: Interacting with superiors or making a positive impression on a client means you have to be totally alert and quick on your feet.
A guest generally drinks one to two drinks in the first hour and one drink thereafter. Use your best judgment by limiting yourself to a couple of drinks, even if your colleagues are taking holiday shots in the back of the room.
Perception is everything and a study published in 2013, called the Imbibing Idiot Bias, assessed the impact of drinking and perceived social appearance. The conclusion was that it is imperative to maintain a certain level of control in front of coworkers and supervisors if you want to keep your reputation in check.
Alcohol reduces inhibitions, and we tend to talk too much, too loud, slur, etc. It’s a loss of control – physically and by reputation.
Steer clear of volatile topics and political discourse: Sex, marriage, politics and religion are all hot topics which should be approached with extreme caution.
Depending on the situation, you can choose:
Listen respectfully and remain civil. You can never really know a person’s true feelings about a hot topic.
Attempt to change the subject – it doesn’t matter if they know you are doing it. You are politely showing them where you stand on the conversation.
Let them know directly you are uncomfortable with “gossip” – Hey guys, it’s a holiday party – let’s keep it jolly.
Remove yourself – grab another plate of pasta or find someone you “need to talk to.”
It’s not your job to change someone’s mind or convince them they are wrong.
This is not the time to discuss business – projects, salary or ask for a raise!
And, what if someone hands you a gift at the holiday party … let’s talk Gift Giving!
We want to wrap it up and tie it with a bow (figuratively). Not necessarily at the holiday office party, however!
But taking the time to express gratitude for loyalty or a job well done is what the season is all about.
A commonly asked question is “Do I have to give my boss a gift?
Answer: If you give your boss a gift, make it a group effort: It allows everyone to participate at a lower cost and doesn’t look like you are a “suck up” or brown noser. If you decide to do it alone, opt for something heartfelt (a holiday plant or baked goods) rather than something expensive or overly personal.
Participation is key: If your office has an exchange, seriously plan on being a part of it. If you sit on the sidelines for any reason, you could be viewed as a Grinch. The cost is usually minimal, and it opens the door to build holiday goodwill.
Give discreetly to work friends: If you have a small present for a few select colleagues, swap gifts outside of the office. Otherwise, you risk other people finding out and wondering why they were excluded.
Remember your team: The holidays provide an opportunity to say thank you to the people who support you year-round. If you supervise a small team, (say, less than five) consider a token of appreciation for each. A gift card to a favorite restaurant or retailer you know they like is a welcome treat. And, a holiday lunch is always a nice touch.
Before giving a gift to a client, check the gift giving policy: Some companies don’t allow their employees to accept gifts. Before you send out a wine basket or fruit tray, make a call and ask. You never want to make someone uncomfortable by telling you they can’t accept a gift.
Don’t go overboard: Resist the temptation to go over the top. It’s not a competition and you look a bit “schmoozy” when you overspend in an attempt to impress.
Clients can read through shallow attempts of grandeur. A modest gift showing your gratitude is a far better holiday choice.
Avoid logos and don’t include a business card in your holiday greeting. But, definitely use a gift tag with your company name.
Don’t forget extraordinary acts of kindness:
If you have a business mentor who has given you guidance, or a colleague who has gone out of their way to help you succeed over the past year, now is a great time to recognize them.
An act of appreciation doesn’t have to be fancy – a pretty mug with a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans or a gift card to a nearby coffee shop is perfect. I received some specialty hot chocolate squares, with a chocolate pot and wooden spoon that I loved last year! It was unique and a conversation piece.
The holidays provide extra room to acknowledge acts of thoughtfulness received throughout the year.
Ideas:
Technology accessories such as a charger, leather pouch to keep your chargers, passport holder, travel zip pouch for change, wine opener, business card holder, monogrammed id tags for their suitcase
And, what do you do when someone surprises you with a gift and you have nothing for them?
It’s simple: Smile and say thank you: This is the correct response when a co-worker (or anyone else, for that matter) presents you with something but you don’t have anything for them.
You are not obligated to buy a present in return if you had no intention of doing so. The only requirement is to show appreciation for their effort and thoughtfulness.
Tipping:
If there are particular providers that show loyalty and support throughout the year, it’s important to remember them during the holiday season. Talk to your manager to see if the company will cover a seasonal gratuity for doorman, valets, delivery drivers and maintenance crew.
Doorman: $50 to $100 as an office
Valet: $50 to $100
Delivery Drivers:
UPS - UPS allows drivers to accept a small gift or nominal gratuity.
FedEx - FedEx Employees can accept a gift valued up to $75, no cash or gift cards.
USPS - Mail carriers may not accept cash gifts or cash equivalents. They may accept a gift valued up to $20.
Maintenance: $50 each
Nothings is more uncomfortable than a business meal or a first date – they feel the same.
The Holiday Meal is no exception. Here are 10 Essential Holiday Dining Tips you must know:
Grasp the “D and B” concept: Drinks are set on the right side of the place setting and the bread plate on the left. Knowledge of this placement resolves the confusion of which is yours and which is your neighbor’s. Make a “D” and “B” with your finger and thumb to remind yourself … under the table please!
Know how to handle your napkin: wait for your host, fold facing your waist, large are folded and smaller napkins remain open.
When excusing yourself during the meal, put the napkin on the seat of the chair. At the end of the meal, the napkin is placed on the left side of your dessert plate. It’s not a hankie.
Spoon the soup away from the body: To avoid the risk of drips and spillage, spoon in the opposite direction of your body.
A man’s tie stays in place: Not only does a tie slung over the shoulder make for a shabby look, but it’s both unsophisticated and unprofessional.
Cut one bite at a time: Dissecting an entire plate of food all at once is untidy. Glide the knife behind the fork to cut each piece and don’t over-fill your mouth. Between bites, place your knife and fork down in the proper “Rest/Finish” position. For a visual representation of Resting and Finished positions, click here.
Wait for food to cool down on its own: Take brief pauses and make conversation while allowing the food temperature to drop slightly. Should you find yourself with a mouthful of steaming soup, reach for your water glass and take a drink to let your mouth cool down. Also refrain from adding ice to soup and mixing the food in swift circles.
Avoid gesturing with eating utensils: If you’re an energetic conversationalist and tend to “talk with your hands,” take heed. Place your utensils on your plate when considering effusive animation.
Think of the salt and pepper as committed partners and always pass them together: If someone asks for only one spice, simply pick them both up and pass them as a pair. It’s not necessary to offer an etiquette tutorial on the reason why you’re sending them as one unit.
Pass the food counter-clockwise: It’s standard to pass everything counter-clockwise to provide order at the table. Additionally, when passing the bread basket, take only one roll to guarantee there will be enough for everyone.
Learn how to properly set the table (see diagram.)
Although the artistry of the setting is an important feature, a properly set table is designed for practicality. Each eating utensil is efficiently placed to eliminate confusion.
Glassware is conveniently positioned for different beverages and utensils are placed to work from the “outside in.”
The centerpiece is low to see the person across from you. A good rule of thumb is to keep table decorations under 12 inches.
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