17 Business, Life & Social Media Etiquette Tips For Millennials
If the Internet hasn’t taught us anything else, it’s that some people have no clue how to conduct themselves in public. If you’re young, say in your early teens, it’s okay for a little while. But soon you’re going to run out of excuses for being ratchet. Especially if you absolutely need to make a lasting impression for a job, a school entrance interview, or your own wedding.
That’s where Carolyn Powery, of The Etiquette and Image Institute of Florida, steps in to save the day. Carolyn is a professional etiquette coach in West Palm Beach, Fla., and I was lucky enough to get a chance to speak with her about Millennials and manners. Carolyn has experience with business and social etiquette, and had gems of wisdom to offer those who have no clue how to handle themselves with grace and style.
According to Carolyn, there are many benefits to using etiquette, including a boost of confidence, improved self esteem and relationships, and it could possibly lead to more leadership positions. Even CEOs with tattoos and piercings have to know how to conduct themselves when it comes to making business moves.
Here are some pointers that Carolyn says may help you along your journey.
Business etiquette
1. Prepare for networking events as you would a job interview.
“At least have an idea of who will be (at a networking event) beforehand so you can be prepared. Have an idea of who you want to work with, and the reason why. Building relationships is the name of the game in networking, and could earn you millions of dollars. It is about listening and learning about the other person, and not you dominating the conversation. Connect with three people, and follow up with them."
2. Dress for success.
“Make sure that when you go to a networking event, dress professionally. A first impression is a lasting impression. It takes less than seven seconds for someone to figure out if they want to do business with you.
Millennials are relaxed and trendy, but the trending and casual look is not appropriate for all settings. Ladies should avoid wearing stilettos at a business meeting. Your walk should exude grace, and confidence.
"A first impression is a lasting impression. People judge you before you open your mouth.
[Tweet "It takes less than seven seconds for an individual to determine if they want to do business with you."]
How you choose to dress tells employers a lot about you, whether you are serious about getting the job, if you would be a good representation for the company, or if they think it’s worth investing in you. 95% of employers said a jobseeker's personal appearance affected their opinion of the applicant's suitability for the job. Dressing professionally will give you a boost of self-confidence, and a competitive edge. So make it count if you have to make an impression."
3. Always be punctual.
“It’s very important that you’re punctual, because you never know who is observing you.
The people who have the advantage (at most networking events) are the ones who are there on time. A lot of times at networking events, the CEO, or other [department heads] in the company, may be there for a short time because they may have another function to attend. If you get there late, you may miss your opportunity.”
4. Good posture, firm handshake, eye contact.
“A firm handshake and eye contact makes a difference,” Carolyn says, a handshake communicates that you are either confident or a wimp. “Have a smile, good posture, a firm handshake, make eye contact, say your full name - not a nickname - and repeat the other person’s name. A CFO, once shared with me that a person can have an impeccable resume, but a dead fish handshake will cost them a job."
5. Your business cards make a difference, too.
“Your business card is a representation of you and your brand. When you present a business card, the address should be facing the person you’re giving it to, and you should have a business card holder as well. Do not treat your business cards like you're giving out free coupons. You only want to distribute business cards to individuals you want to do business with.”
6. Eat before job interviews or networking events.
“A lot of times at a networking event, food is provided. Don’t go there thinking you’re going to have a full course meal...and don’t stand by the food table. Networking is for connecting, If you’re hungry, eat something light before you arrive to avoid over eating.”
7. Send a thank you card.
“If you’ve connected with someone you wanted to connect with [at a networking event], or someone connected you with [the head of a company], show your gratitude for the connection by making a call, sending a handwritten thank you note or email. [These gesture] can create long [lasting relationships]."
8. Watch how you conduct yourself at office parties.
“Don’t drink too much, even though you’re not on the clock, you’re still being watched, and you could end up drinking yourself out of a job. Dress for the occasion - not to sexy, not to casual. Make sure you mingle at the party, participate in activities, and be prepared for small talk.
Avoid subjects that center around politics and religion. Those discussion can get pretty heated. People feel very strong about those subjects, and you don't want to cause a fight."
Life etiquette
9. There is a time and place to use your cell phone.
"Cell phone technology brings out the worst and the best in people. There are many cell phone faux pas committed daily, [and there are] people talking loudly [on their phones] in public places [all the time], such as banks, business meetings, and doctors offices, to name a few. The only exception [to using a cell phone] during a business meeting is if someone is in the hospital, or your wife is pregnant and going into labor soon. Prior to the meeting, just let the person in charge of the meeting know that you may have to excuse yourself to answer the phone.”
Another cell phone violation is text messaging to the point that you are not aware of the people around you, causing a [foot] traffic jam."
10. If you’re a single parent, don’t bring home a man/woman you don’t plan to marry.
"I think it’s very important that as a single parent, you should not introduce your children early on in a dating relationship, or bring a date to your home when you're not sure where the relationship is going to go. You have to keep your children’s emotional well being in mind, because kids can attach very easily. This decision could result in confusion."
11. Don’t show up to the party empty handed.
“I think it’s rude, and you should take something to show your appreciation.
Even if the person says you don’t have to bring anything, it’s still polite to bring something. It could be desert, a flower, chocolate, or wine. Also, don't take home the unopened wine that you brought to the dinner party."
12. You don’t have to photograph or video record everything.
“Unless you’re the official photographer for an event, please remember that you don’t need to record everything that happens. Especially at weddings. The bride and groom have spent thousands of dollars planning for their special day. Your self appointment as the photographer shows a lack of respect.”
13. Respond to an RSVP invite.
“It’s important that you respond promptly. If something comes up at the last minute, such as not being able to attend the wedding, you should apologize, and send them a gift. Especially if you end up canceling after the bride and groom have included you in their wedding cost.”
Social media etiquette
14. Don’t break up with someone on social media.
“It’s a big no no to break up with someone over social media. Have enough respect to talk to the person face to face. That way you get a sense of the person's emotions.
“Also, putting your dirty laundry [online] for everyone to see can cause animosity. With people adding in their two cents, it gets bigger, like a snowball effect.”
15. No vague social media posts.
“That could open the door to people DM’ing you private messages [that you don’t want]. It's best to address the person directly, rather than second guessing, because miscommunication could be the culprit."
16. Don’t start social media fights.
[Tweet ""People need to learn to express themselves without insulting other people.""] Keep in mind that everyone’s opinion is important, and you should not take it personal. Respect other people’s
opinion, and agree to disagree.”
17. Watch what you post.
“Posting inappropriate photos of yourself, and using bad language, can affect you socially and professionally. There is a high percentage of employers looking at social media pages. A potential employer or [or your current employer] may see your social media page, and see something that could be offensive, and they wouldn’t want you to represent their company."
“In fact, 96% of businesses are participating in social media marketing. That’s why it’s important to be careful about what you post. Don’t go on social media and complain or criticize your job. You need to keep it to yourself and maintain professionalism."
____________________________________________
Carolyn Powery is a national etiquette coach, author, trainer and speaker. She is the coauthor of Madam CEO: How to Think and Act Like a Chief Executive; coauthor of Boys to Men: A Guide for African American Boys, and has been featured in Southern Lady Magazine, Palm Beach Today International Magazine and NBC 6 in the Mix [South Florida].
Some of her clients include The Mosaic Group, The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Delta Academy, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Men of Tomorrow, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, and more. Connect with her online at theetiquetteandimageinstituteofflorida.com
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
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So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
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