Office Party Etiquette

It’s that time of year again! The Holiday Season is upon us and this means trimming the tree, shopping, and the dreaded office Christmas party! Office parties are a make it or break it event when it comes to your professional image. Here are our tips to get you through your office party with poise and polish:

1. Dress appropriately
An office party is still a work related event so keep it professional. Follow your company dress code and do not wear anything ostentatious or risqué. You can opt for a more festive look such as a darker colored shirt for gentlemen or a little black dress for ladies but stay conservative and don’t over expose.

2. Chat’ em up
Your office party is a great opportunity to network outside of your department, floor or unit. Make an effort to meet new people within your organization and talk to people you wouldn’t otherwise interact with. Be ready for small talk ! Do your research prior to attending and find out what’s going on in your city – events, festivals, movies etc.  Remember to focus on positive news both local and international and avoid any complaints.

3. Join the party
Here's your chance to let your personality shine through. Don’t shy away from participating in games or activities but remember to participate in moderation. For example if your office party has karaoke step up and sing a long but don’t hog the mic. It’s also a great idea to have your co-workers participate along with you but moderation is key, you don’t need to own the dance floor or engage in a dance off with your boss.

Although you don’t get participation marks at work your boss will notice that you are capable of letting loose and joining the fun. Engaging in group games and activities also demonstrates that you are a team player.

4. Think Before You Drink
Alcohol can be free flowing at office parties especially when there is an open bar so drink in moderation. An open bar is not an excuse for you to get inebriated at the expense of your employer. Limit your consumption of alcohol to 2 drinks for the entire night (one for cocktail hour and one with dinner). The last thing you want  is to exceed your limit and be the butt of jokes on Monday morning so keep it professional and opt for non-alcoholic beverages in addition to your two drinks.

5. Respect your co-workers privacy
Taking photos at office parties is not outlawed but sharing them via social media should be! If you are going to take photos ask permission before hand.

Avoid sharing your work party photos on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. Though you may think your photos are funny and flattering your co-workers and boss may not share your sentiments.  If someone does want a copy of your photos send it to them privately and request that they do not share it on social media as well.

On a personal note avoid being photographed with a drink in your hand as photos can easily be misinterpreted and blown out of proportion. If someone is taking photos simply set your drink aside for the picture.

6. Say Thank You
Your employer is not obligated to host an end of year party, it’s something they do voluntarily so show your appreciation. Prior to leaving make your rounds and thank the management and/or partners as well as your immediate boss for hosting the event.  Make your exit when the party starts to die down, do not be the last one to leave.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

4 Tips for Success in the Global Workplace

As technology makes our world a smaller place many businesses big and small are engaging in commerce across international borders. The definition of workplace has now expanded to include not just new cities or regions but the whole world, we are indeed witnessing life in the global workplace.

Conducting business on an international level isn’t always easy  as social norms, greetings and introductions and even time restraints differ across cultures. Here are our tips for success in the global workplace.

1. Have an open mind
Being open minded makes the transition from national to international easier as you will be more willing to learn about new countries, their customs, and the way they do business. Things may not always go as planned and tasks that used to be simple before may become more complicated and tedious. Obstacles be they cultural, financial or logistical will arise and you need to be able to think outside the box and get creative.

2. Welcome and embrace change
Making changes to the way you do business, approach projects, and even shake hands is inevitable when working in a global workplace. Change is never easy but being ready for the change and approaching it with a positive attitude certainly makes the transition run smoother. Don’t shy away or be afraid of changing the way you do business, different markets demand different approaches. Chances are you will have a completely different business model or approach for each new market you enter. Think of each new culture, country, or market as a creative outlet, an opportunity to do your job in the different way. The result or product is the same but the method is different.

3. Do your prep work
Preparation and research are essential when working on a global level. You need to be aware of the cultural and social norms of the countries you are doing business in.  There are many sources online that allow you do conduct a cultural comparison between countries. It’s a good idea to compare the country you live in with the countries you wish to enter or are looking to do business with.  The World Factbook is an online tool that provides comprehensive and detailed information about countries, however it focuses more on general information rather than cultural comparisons. To compare cultural differences, we recommend using the The Hofstede Center website as it allows you to compare and contrast cultures using 5 detailed dimensions.  In addition to cultural research you should attempt to learn a few basic words in the native language such as hello, thank you, and please.

4. Seek out local mentors
Locals are the best guides when it comes to learning about a new culture and market.  Seeking out a local professional who can help you learn about the business culture in your prospective market is a good idea, as you will be able to get a first hand account of what corporate life is like.  You can reach out to professionals in your field or similar fields through organizations advocating for trade between your home country and your perspective market. LinkedIn is also a good way of researching professionals in your field, however since these would be cold connections asking for mentorship is not recommended. You can also ask for guidance and information about perspective markets from their local embassies in your home base. Most embassies have trade commissioners that provide information on conducting business in their country.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

7 Reasons Why You Should Network

In today’s technology driven digital world global expansions are on the rise and the old saying “It’s not what you know it’s who you know” cannot me more true. As companies seek out new markets and buyers that were virtually inaccessible a decade ago, networking is identified as a key factor in business success.

Although the internet is a great way to reach out to potential clients, it’s not as effective as face time; an in-person, face to face meeting. There are some skeptics who still rely on their expertise, education, or credentials to get by in the corporate world but they are few and far between. Networking is now the best way to get clients and keep business.  Networking isn’t always easy and does require an investment of both time and money but it is an investment that will pay off.

Here are 7 reasons why you should network :

 1. Word of mouth recommendations
Networking is a great way to spread the word about your business or the services offered by your employer. Interacting with people in person helps build a rapport and a level of trust which will in turn make others more comfortable when recommending you to their friends. When you can identify with others they will also be more likely to remember you and recommend you to their friends or peers.

2. Mentoring
Working is a continuous learning experience and it’s always helpful to have a mentor to guide you along your corporate journey. Networking events are a great place to meet potential mentors that can provide you with helpful insight and ideas. If you are a veteran in your field networking can help you connect with potential mentees and share your expertise with young professionals.

 3. Gaining a better understanding of your market
Understanding your market is extremely important when selling goods or services. Networking gives you access to a wide range of individuals and opinions. You can use these opinions to your advantage by examining how they react to the products or services you offer and how much demand there is for your product. By expanding your network you will have access to more people and be able to identify those individuals who fit in to your niche market.

 4. New Employment Leads
If you are a job seeker you can network your way to your next job. Networking is now the primary way of finding a job. People are more likely to hire or recommend someone they know rather than someone they don’t. Networking and letting your contacts know you are looking for a job is the first step to starting your job hunt. Your contacts will then be able to recommend you to their network and keep you in mind for any upcoming vacancies. Make sure you highlight your skills and specialties so the referrals you get will be relevant.

5. Explore a new career
Effective networking gives you access to contacts from varying fields and work environments. This is especially useful if you are looking to change careers. Reaching out to your network to learn about different options and fields of work will help you seek out new career interests. Networking is also a valuable tool for new grads starting their careers. We advise graduates to actively seek out contacts who are already employed in the positions they are interested in and get a first hand account of what the job really entails.

6. Increase or drive sales
Increasing your network and meeting new contacts can help you increase your reach when promoting materials or products. More people reached means more potential clients. Networking is often used to drive sales. More effective than cold calling, networking allows you to actually meet your potential clients prior to approaching them with an ask for a sale or an endorsement. It’s usually easier to call someone you’ve met before and explain how you met them etc. rather than calling a stranger and making small talk before getting to your pitch.

 7. Building brand familiarity and notoriety
Attending networking events puts a face to the name of your business. Building brand familiarity is something business owners and associates must keep in mind when seeking out new clients. The larger your network the larger your reach! You want people to be able to identify you and only you with a particular service, not your competitors. It’s important for entrepreneurs and professionals to be aggressive in networking, this means expanding your network and getting your name out there.

 For more tips on expanding your network check out our upcoming workshop Courteous Connections

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Time is of the Essence : 5 Time Management Tips

The old saying that Time and Tide wait for none rings true even in the modern and developed world. This can explain the reason why time management has become a very important topic in the business world today. Time lost can never be gained. Follow the tips given below to better organize your time only manage your time and make maximum use of the time available to you. Good organization is key to good time management.

1. Plan your day to sail smoothly
Effective planning  is crucial to time management. When planning your day, make sure to list the tasks according to the level of priority. Prioritize your work according to their importance. This way you can be sure that the important tasks get done.  Place a check mark or strike out the tasks once completed. You can also stipulate a time frame within which you need to complete each task. It’s important to remember that you are bound to be interrupted and disturbed while you engage in completing your tasks, so schedule time for such disturbances and interruptions. Once you complete your task list, you have a better idea of what your day is going to be like.

2. Set a goal and go for it
Planning your day without a goal is very detrimental to achieving success in time management. It is important to set goals and targets for yourself as you go through your planned tasks or activities. Your goals and targets should be achievable and realistic. You can dedicate a few minutes of your time before a task to plan how to carry out that task to success and a few minutes after the task, to figure out if you achieved the result you wanted.

3. Set deadlines for yourself
Each of your tasks should  have a designated deadline within which to be completed. This way you will not spend extra time on one particular task or call. Some tasks can prolong for a day or two but it’s essential that every task have a stipulated completion deadline. Blocking out distractions and even placing a sign that says “Do Not Disturb” is a good way to stay focused to meet your deadline.

4. Delegate, delegate, delegate
Delegating work is another tip to adhere to for good time management. No one can do everything by themselves. There will be opportunities and necessity to delegate your work to another person, and when these opportunities arise, make use of them. A person who has a specialty or interest in a task that you have to accomplish, will be able to accomplish that same task more easily and also faster than you. Be alert and look out for such opportunities as they will free up time that you can devote to another task.

5. Take a “ME” break from TIME
Get into the habit of saving precious time by doing the right thing at the right time. Plan and take time for yourself either to make a personal phone call or update social media. This will give a breath of fresh air and rejuvenate you to tackle the tasks lined up for the rest of the day or at least for the next hour or two.  It is not possible to focus steadily for a whole day and get good results. The odds are that 20% of your activities for the day produce 80% of the results.

Effective time management is the result of good organization; being proactive and focused on the results you want to achieve for yourself. Good organization also means that you know what is on your desk at any given time. Unwanted papers belong in the waste paper basket and not on your desk. Files and documents can be organized in an orderly fashion so there will be no time wasted in looking for a document or file.

Much time is wasted in offices globally on “Gossip”. Gossip is not only a time killer but also a relationship killer. Anyone interested in managing their time should have no time for gossip.

Effective time management results in being focused on the end result. Set reminders, use calendars. There are many tools and software available to the professional today for effective time management and it would do one well to make maximum use of them.

At the end of each day, go through the plan you did at the beginning of the day and determine for yourself if your day was productive. Following these guidelines will help you build a productive day and a productive life style.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Bringing Civility to the Friendly Skies : 15 Airplane Etiquette Tips

Since the invention of the “flying machine” in the early 20^th century air travel has advanced considerably with new models from Boeing and Airbus gracing the skies.

Flying used to be regarded as a prestigious and glamorous activity with in fight lounges, card tables, and sleeping births even in economy class. Today much of the glamour and hype has been taken out of flying and it is regarded merely as a  rapid means of transportation to get from point A to point B, this is especially true for business travelers. Although the glamor and prestige may be gone we still believe that civility must be preserved in the friendly skies. Here’s our look at 15 airplane etiquette tips

1. Stay out of the aisle
When walking to your seat carry your cabin baggage in front of you and low to the ground so as not to obstruct other passengers, and avoid chatting in the aisles.
 

 2. Keep your seat upright for meals
Reclining seats are great but don’t leave your seat on full recline mode for the entire flight. Reclining your seat takes away from the leg room and dining tray space of the passenger behind you so be considerate and straighten your seat back for meals. Wait for the passenger behind you to finish his/her meal before reclining again.

3. Stuck in the middle with two armrests
No one likes to be stuck in the middle; you can’t look out the window and you can’t exit your seat freely. As a consolation the middle passenger gets both arm rests.

4. Get over body odour
Proper hygiene is essential when flying as passenger are packed in to an enclosed space with recycled air for extended periods of time. Using deodorant and showering at airports or lounges (if you can )is highly recommended to avoid offensive and embarrassing body odour. Avoid using strong perfumes and colognes and opt for a lightly scented body spray or unscented products.

5. Don’t hog the overhead compartment
Storage space on airplanes is limited so use the overhead compartment above your seat row. Do not spread your luggage out among multiple compartments unless advised by a flight attendant.

6. Bring motion sickness medication
Motion sickness consists of various symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or sweating. Sitting next to an airsick person on a flight is not pleasant so be considerate and take precautions/medications to prevent motion sickness ahead of time.

 7. Know your limit, drink within it
Alcohol is often free on long haul flights so it may be tempting to over indulge. Dealing with drunk passengers is unpleasant for the flight crew or fellow travelers so stay sober in the air. Obnoxious or foul behavior could also result in heavy penalties and offloading so it’s best to stick to just 2 drinks on long haul flights and avoid hard liquor.

 8. Mind your children
Noisy kids are rated as one of the most annoying in flight pet peeves. If you are traveling with children monitor their behavior to ensure they are quiet and not disturbing other passengers. If you are a parent your children are your responsibility even in the air!

9. Cut the chit chat
Do not attempt to start up a conversation with the passenger next to you. A little bit of small talk and exchange of pleasantries is alright but do not tell them your life story.

10. No litter or loitering in the loo
Airplane toilets are small, full of germs, and often cater to many rows of passengers. Be considerate of others when using the toilet; clean up after yourself and don’t take all day.

11.  Use a gentle touch
Many aircraft come equipped with built in entertainment systems containing touch screens installed in the seat in front of you. Exercise caution when using the touch screen  as you don’t want to keep poking the passenger in front of you every time you change TV channels.

12. Keep the window blinds closed when cabin lights are dimmed for designated “sleep time”
During long haul or red eye flights  cabin lights are dimmed to allow passengers to rest; this is designated “sleep time” Keeping your window blind shut during this time is recommended as you may be flying in to a sunrise.  Waking up to a bright sunrise after a red eye flight is not something most people look forward to so we advise keeping the blind closed until the cabin lights are brightened again for breakfast service.

13. Earplugs please!!  Control your snoring
Snoring is a common problem encountered on airplanes. If you are a snorer consider using a nasal strip such as breathe right to improve or alleviate your condition.  Being kept awake by a snoring passenger is extremely annoying for fellow travelers; by snoring loudly you are indicating to them that you have the right to sleep but they don’t!

14. Don’t ask other passengers to watch your belongings
You may think it’s common to ask someone to watch your purse or bag while you use the washroom but this practice can be dangerous. You risk being robbed or framed.  Your fellow passengers are not obligated to look after your things. If you bring it on the plane it’s your responsibility so do not ask others to watch your luggage.

15. Immigration cards should be filled out alone
Immigration and landing cards contain important personal information never ask another passenger to help you fill out your card. If you have questions regarding the immigration card or how to fill it out ask a member of the cabin crew. Similarly if someone asks you to help them with their card simply direct them to a crew member who will be better equipped to answer their questions. You cannot be liable for others or their information and vice versa.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Doing Business in South Asia

South Asia is home to world’s largest democracy, some of the fastest growing economies and booming stock markets. Traveling within the region is definitely exciting, especially for those from North America who are well acquainted with vast uninhabited spaces; the network of congested roads and buildings can be overwhelming.

South Asia is is not only a hub for history and cultural diversity, but a force to reckon with, when it comes to global business. In fact many companies from North America have outsourced some of their services to take advantage of time differences in order to offer 24 h service to clients, and reap the benefits of cheaper labor costs.  In the years following the post colonization era foreign investment in South Asia still continued, and although there was a decrease in foreign direct investment in 2012 companies still continue to look favorably upon the region for investment opportunities. South Asia remains a lucrative market and it is always advantageous to be better acquainted with the cultural and social aspects of conducting business in the region.

Our experience in conducting business in South Asia coupled with our knowledge of the cultures prevalent in the region, has provided us with insight in to the business etiquette and protocol used within South Asia. Here are a few business etiquette tips for doing business in South Asia:

1. Time isn’t always money
Don’t expect your 9 a.m. meeting to start on time. Your South Asian counterparts may arrive as late as 9.45 and will not be concerned that they are not on time. This can be frustrating to business associates from North America where punctuality is essential and it is considered rude to be late for a business meeting.

2. There is never a direct No
South Asian society is very polite and its best to avoid using the word “No” during business dealings. “We’ll see”, “Possibly”, “May be” are phrases that can replace the word “No”.

3. Refrain from ordering beef
Opt not to order beef at business meetings as cows are considered sacred in India, which is the largest country in the South Asian continent.

4. Quit your wine-ing
It’s best to limit alcohol to just one glass or none at all as some of the South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh  are prominently Muslim and alcohol is not permitted.

5. Take my card
Business cards play an important part in conducting business in the region. Business cards are  presented with both hands, like a gift. Take a few minutes to read and look over the card. Do not just put it away or keep it lying around. After taking a good look at it, put it away in a safe place.

6. Titles matter
At business meetings, stick to the hierarchical structure. Credentials and titles matter in South Asia.

7. Religious celebrations are often national holidays
Prior to meeting business colleagues, ensure that you are aware of any religious holidays as most religious festivals are marked by a national holiday. For example, Sri Lanka celebrates the festivals of four religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

8. Guess who’s coming to dinner
If invited to a colleague’s residence, do not refuse trying out any food that is offered to you. If you do refuse it, it will be taken as an insult. It’s best to at least taste it out of respect for the host.

9. Do not open
If you receive a gift from a business colleague, do not open it in the presence of the one who gave it to you.

10. Suit up
Men are generally expected to wear a suit and women are expected to be modestly dressed in a business suit or pant suit.

11. Let’s do lunch
Do not expect to seal the deal at the very first meeting. Building a relationship matters most in this part of the world and the business deal would follow after the relationship is established.

12. It’s not what you know it’s who you know
Knowing people of influence goes a long way in any business relationship in this part of the world. You will be treated differently if you’re known to someone who is higher up in the corporate structure.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

21 Questions : Things you should and shouldn't ask your potential employer

Interviews are an essential stepping stone to landing a job. Most candidates expect to be grilled and tested by their interviewers but few remember that asking questions themselves is an important part of the interview process.

Being prepared for your interview and knowing what questions to ask potential employers not only demonstrates your interest in the job and the company, but it’s a key indicator of confidence as well.

In this post we examine the questions you should and shouldn’t ask your interviewer.

Let’s start with the questions you should ask :

Company Centric Questions:

1. What is the company’s culture like?

2. What type of leadership style/philosophy does the company employ?

3. Are there opportunities for growth and advancement within the company?
4.Does the company offer education and professional development opportunities?
5. What sets the company a part from its competitors from a public and insider perspective?

Job Specific Questions:

6. Can you describe the responsibilities of the position?

7. What is a typical day in the position like?

8. What is a typical work week like and is overtime expected?

9. What is the typical career trajectory for someone in this position?

10.What are the top three essential skills required to succeed in this position?

11. What specific skills and qualities would your ideal candidate possess?

12. Is this a new position or did someone leave this position?

Questions for your information:

13.Would you like me to provide a list of references?

14. If I am extended a job offer, how soon would I be expected to start?

15. When do you expect to make a decision? Next steps?

Questions to Avoid:

16. What is your background? How did you get the job?

17. Did I get the job?

18. Do you do background checks?

19. What does the company do?

20. Do you have any concerns about me or my qualifications that would prevent me from getting the job?

21. How quickly will I be promoted/ get a raise?


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting