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.

Professional Neccessities

PROFESSIONAL NECESSITIES

The term “professional” takes on many meanings depending on the venue in which you work. However, there are certain things that everyone who strives to be at the top of their game should know.

Here is my list of professional essentials:

1. Know how to introduce yourself and others properly.
2. Be able to make appropriate eye contact.
3. Understand the power of a smile and pleasant demeanor.
4. Men and women need a firm confident handshake.
5. Standing for introductions.
6. Business card etiquette.
7. Knowing the art of small talk.
8. Observe Internet courtesy.
9. How to use personal technology courteously.
10.Develop a stationery wardrobe to include correspondence cards for “handwritten” thank you notes.
11. Navigate dining situations for business and pleasure with ease.
12. The ability to work a room and network effectively.
13. Dress for success in all situations.

If you are not confident in all these areas…you may be damaging your chances for getting a job and possibly, keeping it or advancing in it. We are judged much more on our social skills than any of our other talents.

Dining Essentials for Business and Pleasure

Dale Carnegie, Ft. Wayne
&
Chris Sanderson
is pleased to sponsor

“Dining for Business and Pleasure”
Presented by
Etiquette Expert, Karen Hickman,
owner of Professional Courtesy, LLC
plus
“Networking While Dining”
Presented by
Chris Sanderson, Dale Carnegie Instructor

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
11:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
at Chops Restaurant
6421 West Jefferson Blvd.
Ft. Wayne, IN.

Cost $189.00 per person

This informative program will include a 3-course luncheon, a workbook for each attendee to keep as a reference and role playing exercises.

Topics to be covered: Business Entertaining-Host/Hostess and Guest Duties-Reading the Table-Silverware Savvy-The Silent Service Code-Body Language at the Table-Handling Accidents-Difficult to Eat Foods-Forms of Service-American and Continental Styles of Eating-Toasting-Paying and Tipping and many more tips.

A lot of business is conducted at parties and dinners. Don’t sabotage your chances for a promotion or a job due to poor table manners. Join us to increase your comfort level at the table and boost your savvy and effectiveness in all business and social situations.
For more info contact Chris Sanderson @260/637-3511 or
Email: chris.sanderson@dalecarnegie.com
Karen Hickman @260/486-7758
Email: Karen.Hickman@professionalcourtesyllc.com


APPLICATION FOR DINING AND NETWORKING FOR BUSINESS

(Payment required to secure your reservation)
(No refunds after Monday, March 22, 2010)
(There will be a $10.00 cancellation fee prior to March 22, 2010)
(Minimum of 10 attendees to hold the class)

Name___________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________

Company_______________________________________________________________

Phone number__________________________________________________________

Cell____________________________________________________________________

E-mail__________________________________________________________________

Dietary Preferences or Restrictions_________________________________________


Registration: 10:45-11:00

Presentation will start promptly @ 11:00 a.m.

Agenda and confirmation will be sent after you have signed up for the class.

Payment via PayPal/Chg. We will invoice you for payment.

Fax completed forms to F: 260/486-7758 or
Mail to:
Karen Hickman
8609 EncantoWay
Ft. Wayne, IN. 46815