E Photo Etiquette
New technology, camera phones and all of the other was we take and access photos makes posting them on web sites and social media pages easier than ever. However, there are some courtesies that should be observed before posting those images.
• Before posting photos of friends and family members, especially children, seek permission.
• Use security features on family photo sites and only share your access password with people you trust.
• Be cautious in posting “funny” photos of others and yourself. They may come back to haunt you.
• If you wouldn’t want a photo published on the front page of a newspaper don’t post it on social media sites or send it in an email.
• Be prudent in forwarding photos that friends have shared with you to others.
Remember, the Internet is not private. You could send photos the old fashioned way…snail mail.
Friday, May 28, 2010
E Photo Etiquette
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Intimidating Professions
I attended my high school class reunion a couple of years ago with two of my best friends. We grew up together and our friendships’ go back to grade school days—a special gift. Each of us chose different educational paths: one became a psychologist, one a bible study leader and I, a former nurse, turned etiquette consultant.
When we arrived at the party and people asked what we were all doing these days we laughed as people looked a little intimidated. I am not sure if they thought the psychologist was going to analyze them, the bible study leader was going to hear their confession or I was going to judge them on their manners. Of course, none of that was the case, but it was hard to miss the initial reactions people had toward our particular professions.
As an etiquette consultant, there are times when I feel like I can clear a table when I tell people what I do for a living. For some reason, people become self-conscious about their manners and social skills when they first meet me. Some even feel the need to apologize for their lack of knowledge.
However, I was not born an etiquette expert. I grew up in, and still live in, the Midwest with middle-class parents. There was no silver spoon, but I was taught to be respectful to all and well mannered at the table. Also, I attended Catholic schools and was taught by good sisters at a time when discipline was emphasized and enforced in schools.
I don’t always look like an etiquette consultant or eat at a table set for multiple courses. I get down and dirty when I work in my yard and even stand and eat over the sink when I’m in a hurry. I love my sweats and put my feet on my coffee table. However, I do know it is important to suit up for a business event and send handwritten thank you notes. I feel comfortable at a seven-course meal or entertaining high-ranking guests. That comfort level has come with years of learning what is required for each situation.
I am often asked why I went into the etiquette business and my answer is simple: I think being well mannered is as important as it is powerful. As the world gets crazier, less civilized, more technically linked and less personally linked, good manners can become a real mark of distinction.
So many people put the emphasis of good manners on the fork. It is not just about the fork! It’s about consideration for others. When that becomes your motivation for what you do you will probably always be perceived in a favorable way by those around you. Keep in mind that there are several levels of manners. I like to break in down to three levels:
• Very formal situations
• Business situations
• Personal or family situations
All require being considerate of others, but you probably will not be having a seven-course dinner on Friday night while watching a movie with your family. The important thing is to know what level is needed when and where.
Do people have an unusual response to your profession? I’d love to hear about it.
Etiquette consultants…what do you tell people you do for a living?
I attended my high school class reunion a couple of years ago with two of my best friends. We grew up together and our friendships’ go back to grade school days—a special gift. Each of us chose different educational paths: one became a psychologist, one a bible study leader and I, a former nurse, turned etiquette consultant.
When we arrived at the party and people asked what we were all doing these days we laughed as people looked a little intimidated. I am not sure if they thought the psychologist was going to analyze them, the bible study leader was going to hear their confession or I was going to judge them on their manners. Of course, none of that was the case, but it was hard to miss the initial reactions people had toward our particular professions.
As an etiquette consultant, there are times when I feel like I can clear a table when I tell people what I do for a living. For some reason, people become self-conscious about their manners and social skills when they first meet me. Some even feel the need to apologize for their lack of knowledge.
However, I was not born an etiquette expert. I grew up in, and still live in, the Midwest with middle-class parents. There was no silver spoon, but I was taught to be respectful to all and well mannered at the table. Also, I attended Catholic schools and was taught by good sisters at a time when discipline was emphasized and enforced in schools.
I don’t always look like an etiquette consultant or eat at a table set for multiple courses. I get down and dirty when I work in my yard and even stand and eat over the sink when I’m in a hurry. I love my sweats and put my feet on my coffee table. However, I do know it is important to suit up for a business event and send handwritten thank you notes. I feel comfortable at a seven-course meal or entertaining high-ranking guests. That comfort level has come with years of learning what is required for each situation.
I am often asked why I went into the etiquette business and my answer is simple: I think being well mannered is as important as it is powerful. As the world gets crazier, less civilized, more technically linked and less personally linked, good manners can become a real mark of distinction.
So many people put the emphasis of good manners on the fork. It is not just about the fork! It’s about consideration for others. When that becomes your motivation for what you do you will probably always be perceived in a favorable way by those around you. Keep in mind that there are several levels of manners. I like to break in down to three levels:
• Very formal situations
• Business situations
• Personal or family situations
All require being considerate of others, but you probably will not be having a seven-course dinner on Friday night while watching a movie with your family. The important thing is to know what level is needed when and where.
Do people have an unusual response to your profession? I’d love to hear about it.
Etiquette consultants…what do you tell people you do for a living?
New Medicine, Same Manners, part II
When my late husband and I were first married we lived in an apartment for a short time. The fact that he was a physician seemed to get around the building fairly quickly and led to frequent medical-related questions from other residents. I was used to people asking for his advice, in and out of the office. It seemed to be part of the job and he was always very gracious in responding.
However, the day a neighbor, whom we had never met, presented herself at our door in her bathrobe to get a diagnosis for her rash I felt a line had been crossed. Imagine my surprise when she opened her robe exposing a naked body! Not a pretty picture.
What’s the morale of the story? Be careful not to take advantage of people and their expertise. There is a time and place to seek medical advice from any physician or health care professional. Certainly, family members and good friends in the field can be a great asset in navigating the complexities of health care today and most are eager to help. However, there are some rules to be considered in and out of the office:
• Don’t turn a social event into an ongoing office call. Just because someone is in the heath care field doesn’t mean they are dying to hear about all of your aches and pains
• If you have an office appointment for yourself don’t bring the whole family and expect them to be seen in your time slot
• If you want to add an additional person, call and see if the physician’s schedule can handle it
• Many practices limit the number of complaints that can be addressed at one appointment. If you have multiple issues you may need another appointment or two.
• Bring your medication list with you at every visit
• If medications and/or dosages have changed, be sure to ask if the new medicine is replacing one you have been taking. This helps avoid double dosing.
• Be sure to introduce any friend and/or family member who may go with you to an office visit. Let the doctor know their relationship to you.
A little courtesy and understanding on the patients’ side is important and will be greatly appreciated by the physician and staff. I know…I was once an office nurse.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences regarding this.
When my late husband and I were first married we lived in an apartment for a short time. The fact that he was a physician seemed to get around the building fairly quickly and led to frequent medical-related questions from other residents. I was used to people asking for his advice, in and out of the office. It seemed to be part of the job and he was always very gracious in responding.
However, the day a neighbor, whom we had never met, presented herself at our door in her bathrobe to get a diagnosis for her rash I felt a line had been crossed. Imagine my surprise when she opened her robe exposing a naked body! Not a pretty picture.
What’s the morale of the story? Be careful not to take advantage of people and their expertise. There is a time and place to seek medical advice from any physician or health care professional. Certainly, family members and good friends in the field can be a great asset in navigating the complexities of health care today and most are eager to help. However, there are some rules to be considered in and out of the office:
• Don’t turn a social event into an ongoing office call. Just because someone is in the heath care field doesn’t mean they are dying to hear about all of your aches and pains
• If you have an office appointment for yourself don’t bring the whole family and expect them to be seen in your time slot
• If you want to add an additional person, call and see if the physician’s schedule can handle it
• Many practices limit the number of complaints that can be addressed at one appointment. If you have multiple issues you may need another appointment or two.
• Bring your medication list with you at every visit
• If medications and/or dosages have changed, be sure to ask if the new medicine is replacing one you have been taking. This helps avoid double dosing.
• Be sure to introduce any friend and/or family member who may go with you to an office visit. Let the doctor know their relationship to you.
A little courtesy and understanding on the patients’ side is important and will be greatly appreciated by the physician and staff. I know…I was once an office nurse.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences regarding this.
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