Debra's Success Tips

Some quick, top-of-mind nuggets for you on various topics - come back often, we’ll keep adding to the list.

1. During a business discussion direct eye contact should be made 40 to 60 percent of the time. Less than that and a person is seen as shy or shifty, hiding something, or lacking self-confidence and authority.
2. In business introductions, who is introduced to whom is determined by precedence. Persons of lesser authority are introduced to persons of greater authority, regardless of gender.
3. “Ms.” is the correct form of address or honorific for a woman in the business arena regardless of what she chooses to call herself in public.
4. If someone doesn’t remember your name , come to their rescue immediately. Extend your hand, smile, and say your name.
5. Your business card is part of your visual communications package. It should be given to someone in such a way that the recipient remembers the giver.
6. Present the card with the print facing the recipient so the recipient will not have to turn it around to read it.
7. When extending an invitation to a client for lunch or dinner, the burden of choice of where to dine belongs to the host.
8. If leaving the table briefly, place your napkin on the seat of the chair.
9. During a meeting or interview, cell phones and BlackBerry devices should be left in your office or briefcase. The only exception would be on your belt. They should not be placed on a desk or boardroom table.
10. The person who is physically present with you takes precedence over a cell phone call.