Posts by Arden
How to impress others through four simple acts
My husband and I recently returned from a week-long 450 mile bike tour in Southeast Idaho. We joined about 300 other people on the tour organized by Bicycle Rides Northwest. This was our fourth excursion with the company and, as always, we had a lot of fun.
Read MoreYour work “uniform”
Imagine having your doctor show up to an appointment wearing shorts, flip flops and a dirty t-shirt. Or, what if your kid’s teacher showed up to class wearing a bathing suit? You no doubt would question both people’s sanity and good judgement. Further, worried they weren’t up for the job you might choose to see…
Read MoreFive tips for being a gracious house guest
Every year I speak on dining and business etiquette essentials to a group of college students who are in a leadership program hosted by the University of Washington Women’s Center. The program is called the Alene Morris National Education for Women’s Leadership. It’s a six day intensive program that focuses on increasing women’s representation in…
Read MoreThe importance of teaching your children to say hello
When I was a child I was very shy, and was uncomfortable greeting and conversing with adults. However, my mother would always make a point of introducing me to people she encountered and would encourage me to look at the adult and say hello. As I got older, while still shy, I became much more…
Read MoreTick tock, the clock is ticking: The etiquette of working with service providers
They say time is money. Sometimes it’s hard to see that, other times when you’re paying someone an hourly fee it’s very obvious. A client of mine, who works for a law firm, asked me to address the etiquette of working with service providers who charge by the hour and the etiquette service providers need…
Read MoreI’m sorry you feel that way
I am a bit of a business related reality show junkie. My favorite shows are Shark Tank and The Profit. The Profit is a show where Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises, rescues struggling businesses by investing in them for a share of the company. He then takes over…
Read MoreWill it kill you to be nice?
It’s National Etiquette Week – a time when we remember the importance of acting with courtesy, civility, kindness and good manners. And a good reminder it is. In our busy, rush, rush 21st century lives, it seems courtesy and kindness often take a back seat to our own agenda. For example; too often I find…
Read MoreBusiness savvy for women in the workplace
Today’s workplace is a very different one from 40 years ago. Women now make up more than 55% of the workforce and are no longer relegated to support roles. However, women still struggle for equality and respect in the workplace. According to the Center for American Progress, women make up only 14.6 percent of executive…
Read MoreThe trouble with “You should…”
Have you ever found yourself saying “You should…” to someone? “You should try kale; it’s really good for you.” “You should tell her how you feel.” We say “you should…” when we feel we know best. And while we may have very good information, saying “You should” to someone is usually moralizing.
Read MoreWhy I’m not going to help you grow your business
This past week I got three requests for help. Asking for help is never impolite if it’s for the right reason. I’m quick to help people when I can. But when the request comes from someone who either I’ve never met or who I’ve met once, and they want my help growing their business for…
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