May 2014

When someone hears "Are you open to some constructive criticism," he/she thinks, "Oh oh, here comes some blame, reproach, denigration." Constructive, ha!" Don't use that phrase if you want to keep his/her friendship or good will.

Here’s a fab little email trick which is used way too seldom.  People who juggle a mammoth amount of email daily (like almost 100% of us) could save tons of time . . . and create good will with the recipient.

In Internet jargon, EOM stands for “End of Message.” If you put it at the end of your subject line, the recipient doesn’t even have to open your email. They get the point (and appreciate not having to open it.) It’s a super time-saver when you just want to say thanks, confirm an appointment, or let the sender know you got the message. I usually put it between stars like this: *EOM*

Here are some common things you can say in your subject line.

Thanks  *EOM*

Confirmed  *EOM*

Totally agree  *EOM*

Good job!  *EOM*

        So, if I could write a personal email to you, here's my subject line.

Thanks for reading my little tips!  *EOM*   

I know, you’ve heard it over and over and over again ad nauseum. We all have: “You never have a second chance to make a good first impression.”
True, but WHOA! The first impression people get of you every morning counts big time too. Their initial vision of you walking in the office door sticks with them all day long.
Here’s how to give your image a big boost. Even if you’re running, sweating, and papers are flying out of your bag as you sprint to work, before entering the office, come to a screeching HALT. Before walking through the door, take a deep breath, wipe your face, comb your hair, (ladies, check your makeup,) smooth your clothes, stand tall and throw your shoulders back.
Then gracefully glide in with a smile and a cheery “Good morning.” Your impressive image lingers and gives you a leg up to tackle whatever #@%& happens with them later in the day

‘Natch, whenever we settle into a couch or chair in our home or office to have a chat, we instinctively shift our bodies into a comfy position. It’s a no brainer. But here’s where a bit of a brainer should come in. Look to see if your visitor is comfy too. Is there light coming in through the venetian blinds which could hurt her eyes. Is the couch too deep and would she feel more relaxed with a pillow behind her back? And, remember women, if you’re talking with a male, he’ll probably be more comfortable facing the door!

When someone says “Thank-you” to you for, say, buying something at a store, for coming to an event, or for ANYTHING, here’s a nice response. Whenever it’s appropriate, say “No, thank-YOU” (highlighting the YOU of course.)

In America, we think foreign accents are cool. But often people are embarrassed about theirs. Or perhaps they think they speak English so well that no one could tell they are from another country. Either way, it’s best to avoid asking, as so many people do, “Where are you from?” Instead, ask “Where did you get that lovely pronunciation?” That can delight, rather than depress, them.

When asked a question, people who are insecure, insincere, or too anxious to please jump in with a quick answer. But if you pause a second before answering, you come across as more self-assured. It also shows respect and gives your answer more credibility. Why? Because it demonstrates you’ve given their question consideration.

I know, I know, this sounds like a strange one. Most people know how to read basic body language. Like someone crossing his arms means he’s rejecting your idea. And cocking her head means she’s interested in what you’re saying.

But here’s a seldom recognized one to be on the lookout for (and avoid doing it yourself!) If someone touches his ear while you are talking, it is evocative of putting his hands over his ears to block out the sound. Subtle, but proven. To be safe, just keep your hands away from your ears when someone is talking to you!

Send a message TODAY to a few special people in your life, and tell them what they mean to you. It means all the more to those who celebrate Easter because that's the time to be with (in reality or in your heart) those friends you truly love.

You hear dozens of phrases that are so prevalent they don’t mean anything anymore. You know, like “Have a nice weekend” and (my personal pet peeve) “Have a nice day.” The sound goes in one ear and out the other—and you must mouth the knee-jerk reaction, “You too.” 

Holiday wishes aren't exempt from the "Hackneyed Phrase Syndrome." Easter is coming up this Sunday and you will hear “Happy Easter” so many times that almost becomes meaningless.

Take this wonderful holiday as an opportunity break out of the stale phrase pattern. Your friends will enjoy hearing something other than the trite almost obligatory “Happy Easter.” To make your wish more sincere and heartfelt try something like,“I hope you have a beautiful Easter” or “I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Easter.”

Isn’t the lovely holiday worth a whole sentence?