

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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Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Is Once Ever Enough To See Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour?"
Many have wondered if one time is ever enough to see Queen Bey. Some argue yes. However, many of us on the opposite end of the spectrum, including myself, would disagree. Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour" is a universal yet varying experience for everyone who attends. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, the concert is "transcendent." For millennials, we have over two decades of her catalog that has served as the soundtrack for many of our lives and painted a personal portrait of our most coveted thoughts. Her music provides mental clarity and self-expression by serving as a universal language that has united fans from all walks of life through community, fashion, self-acceptance, and healing.
With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Beyoncé's Renaissance tour stop in L.A.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
Dontaira with her nieces at Beyoncé's Renaissance tour stop in Miami.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Beyoncé's Renaissance tour stop in Miami.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood