Molly Kellogg is an etiquette expert. She has worked for a variety of organizations in Florida and has a degree in public relations. In this session, “Polishing your Professional Brand,” Kellogg gives a quick overview of how your actions can make or break you professionally.
As everyone knows, there are plenty of examples of people who have been in the news recently who are not paying attention to their own image:
Lindsey Lohan
Tony Hayward
Mel Gibson
As professionals, you provide your clients with the tools to appear polished, professional and reliable. You must also do that for yourself.
Kellogg provides some etiquette tips to give you the confidence you need to be successful in the business world. After all, as Kellogg says, “confidence is what matters in business.”
- Always present a professional image. “If you are polished, people will remember you. If you’re not polished people will really remember you,” Kellogg said.
- Always make a good first impression. Shake hands firmly and make eye contact, but don’t stare.
- Have good posture and don’t fidget.
- Your name tag always goes on the right so people can easily see your name while shaking your hand.
- Always focus on the person you are talking to.
- Put your cell phone away and have a conversation with the person you are talking to.
- Don’t let your cell phone be a distraction.
- Don’t send important information online. Have a face-to-face conversation.
- Make sure your clothing is clean and ironed.
- Don’t outdress the people you are meeting with.
- Network! Step out of your comfort zone and get to know new people.
- During meals, use the b and d rule:
Hold your hands in front of you and touch your pointer finger to your thumb on each hand. Your left hand makes a b, indicating your bread goes on the right, and your right hand makes a d, indicating your drink is to the right.
- Never talk about politics, religion or sex in a business environment.
- Always send a handwritten thank you note.
- Enjoy yourself!
Contact:
Molly Kellogg
@MKellogg11