SAVANNAH, Ga., Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The holiday season is the time when business etiquette skills can help individuals and organizations show off their polish and professionalism, says Lydia Ramsey, international business etiquette expert and author of the newly published e-book, Business Etiquette for the Holidays – Building Relationships Amid the Perils of the Season.
"The holidays can be times of peril. It is easy to make a misstep by sending the wrong holiday card, selecting inappropriate gifts for clients and co-workers or having too much fun at the office party. We want to make sure that our actions during the holidays are conducted in a manner that is both polished and professional," says Ramsey, who conducts seminars and keynotes on business etiquette across the US as well as around the world.
This new digital book answers such questions as:
- How should you conduct yourself at holiday meals
- How should you act at the office party?
- What is the correct protocol for sending out seasonal cards?
- What is considered appropriate when giving and receiving corporate gifts?
"By investing in this guide to business etiquette and protocol for the holiday season, you will be sure to impress rather than stress," says Ramsey.
"Every year as the holiday season approaches, many of us are excited, eager and overwhelmed by all that lies ahead. In the business world the holidays offer opportunities to celebrate successes, build relationships and show appreciation to our customers and co-workers – if you know what to do," she says.
Here are Ramsey's top 10 tips for navigating the perils of the holiday season:
#1. Select the appropriate holiday card for each client. Be sensitive to their religious beliefs. Your Jewish client does not want to receive a card that says "Merry Christmas."
#2. Sign your name to every card even if your name is printed on the card. This is definitely not the time to include your business card.
#3. Do not use computerized labels on the envelopes. Your client will be made to feel like one of the herd. Right away you give the impression that this is not personal.
#4. E-cards are a no-no. As quick and efficient as they may be, they are impersonal. E-cards also have a very short shelf life. They are read and deleted immediately. Your paper card may be on display in someone's office for weeks.
#5. The office party is a mandatory event. You had better be in the hospital or out of town at grandma's house if you fail to show.
#6. Watch the alcohol. While it may flow freely, be sure to eat more than you drink. Have that second drink when you get home so you don't risk saying or doing something you will regret when you return to the office, assuming you still have an office to go to.
#7. Be cautious about giving corporate gifts. Know the policy of your client's company regarding the receipt of gifts.
#8. Plan how you will exchange gifts with co-workers. It is best to involve everyone in the process and to be sensitive to other employees' financial situations. Their holiday budgets may already be stretched.
#9. When you host a business meal, be sure that the wait staff knows to bring the check to you so there are no awkward moments. Better yet, have the maitre'd make an imprint of your credit card upon arrival and tell him how much you wish to add as a tip. Sign the receipt on the way out.
#10. When people start toasting, be aware of the etiquette of toasting. The person being toasted does not rise, raise a glass or drink to the toast. However when you are the recipient of a toast, you are expected to return the toast. If there are lots of toasts being offered, don't feel obligated to drink to every one of them. Simply raise the glass to your lips and give the impression of drinking.
For more information about Lydia Ramsey and her coaching, consulting and speaking services, please visit mannersthatsell.com
About Lydia Ramsey
Lydia Ramsey, founder and president of Manners That Sell, is known for her light-hearted but down-to-earth approach to business etiquette. Her Southern charm adds authenticity to her message. Ramsey is the author of several books including Manners That Sell – Adding the Polish That Builds Profits. She has produced four training videos. Her DVD, Dining for Profit was featured in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top four training videos on business dining.
Ramsey is a popular media figure and has been quoted in numerous national television and radio media outlets.