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New etiquette for the new work norms

By Arden / March 2, 2021 /

Much has changed in the business world since the pandemic wreaked havoc in our lives. Remote work has become the norm for office workers; in-person meetings have morphed into often mind-numbing virtual meetings and conversation has been replaced by chaterruptions. Business casual is now business sweats and networking is pretty much non-existent. Some of these…

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Etiquette dilemmas in a virtual world

By Arden / July 30, 2020 /

Our mostly virtual world, due to COVID-19, has created a slew of new etiquette dilemmas. People are wondering everything from whether they should have their video on or off in a Zoom meeting; what to do with kids or pets that make an appearance in a meeting; when, if ever, is eating and drinking acceptable…

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Zoom video conferencing meeting

How to not embarrass yourself on Zoom

By Arden / March 26, 2020 /

Zoom, Zoom!!! Have you been on a Zoom meeting yet? While we practice social distancing and obey stay at home orders to stem the spread of COVID-19 everything has turned to virtual meetings. In the last week I have been on eight Zoom meetings, some for business, others for organizations I belong to and a…

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Eeek, there’s a bug in my borscht! Answers to common etiquette dilemmas

By Arden / February 18, 2017 /

I first had the thought of teaching etiquette classes when I worked for Washington Mutual. My job at the time was managing sponsorships for non-profit events like breakfasts and lunches. Because the company often received a table at these events I had to fill them with willing WaMu employees. Not always an easy job. Inevitably,…

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How to recover from a major mistake

By Arden / January 20, 2017 /

Have you ever made a cringe worthy mistake? One that ruins not just your day but the week or weeks following? One where you can’t stop obsessing about your failings? Yes? You’re not alone. I made a big mistake last year. A mistake that I was so embarrassed about I couldn’t talk about it to…

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Navigate office dining & drinking like a pro

By Arden / May 31, 2016 /

Some great tips and information in this infographic by Quill.com. Click to Enlarge Image Infographic by Quill.com  

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Five business etiquette tips all millennials need to know

By Arden / May 4, 2016 /

It’s amazing to me how many younger people there are in the workforce these days. I guess that means I’m getting old. According to statistics by the Pew Research Center, millennials now make up the majority of the workforce. In 2015 they surpassed Baby Boomers and Gen Xers in number of workers.

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A surprising benefit of LinkedIn

By Arden / August 17, 2014 /

A friend of mine recently moved from Seattle to San Diego. It was a big move. She left her job, her friends and her house to start a new life. Before she left, she looked for houses to rent online, and had a friend who lives in San Diego look at the more promising homes.…

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A fun way to stand out from the crowd

By Arden / August 4, 2014 /

There is nothing better than getting a handwritten card in the mail. It’s the first piece of mail I open and it’s usually the last item I recycle. In fact, I usually hold onto hand scribed notes for at least a few days, and every time I see the card I think of the person…

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Seven tips to navigate the company picnic

By Arden / July 10, 2014 /

It’s summer time and the living is good – vacations, casual clothes and the company picnic. Ah yes, that annual event fraught with many perils.

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