Whether it’s advice, a connection, a service, goods, recommendations, time, presence at an event, or financial support, people need things from others. It’s how we coexist and form societies and communities. And people are often very willing to give. But, how you ask matters both for immediate results and long-term implications.
You’re calling a general line and don’t know who will pick up. Here’s a list of my top 7 telephone tips resulting in better communication and customer service: Identify yourself. Who are you and what is your affiliation? It’s very hard to field an inquiry without someone knowing who you are. Most people forget this.… Continue reading Top 7 telephone tips for calling a company’s main line
On December 2, Basque athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was competing in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarre. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai - bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics. As they entered the finishing straight, he saw the Kenyan runner - the certain winner of… Continue reading
I really liked this infographic and experiment. Below it, I’ve included a few more brainstorming exercises that I think work well. I don’t think there’s a catch-all answer. via Are We Brainstorming the Right Way? Brainstorming about Brainstorming… more exercises to try These are a few from my experience; please add yours, too! Pitch Not-Your-Own Idea:… Continue reading Brainstorming: A History and Future
Including mine: What’s the best place to stand or sit on the subway for maximum air flow?Sweaty questions, answered!
When an email arrives in an undoubtably professional context that contains a smiley face, I do a double take. On one hand, it certainly creates a warm tone in a way that Kind Regards never will be able to do. On the other hand, we’re not in junior high and we don’t need to be… Continue reading I think it’s professional (kinda) 🙂
"You’re so busy!" "What have you been so busy with?" "Try to fit me in a few months down the line when you have time." "You’re crazy…always doing stuff." "Call me! Where are you?" I get these comments said to me a lot, and I can’t think of many things that are more personally irritating. … Continue reading The ‘Busy’ Trap (and my dirty little secret)
Inspired by the rain outside and the severe ankle jab I received on the subway from a golf umbrella this morning, I present to you my tips for proper umbrella use. Hold the umbrella upright and tightly. The handle should be fairly perpendicular to the ground and centered on your body. This achieves maximum dryness… Continue reading Umbrella Etiquette
I wholeheartedly approve of this bar/restaurant game described in Kempt: It works like this: as you arrive, each person places their phone facedown in the center of the table. (If you’re feeling theatrical, you can go for a stack like this one, but it’s not required.) As the meal goes on, you’ll hear various texts and… Continue reading The Phone Stack
I’m digging this short guide for email etiquette from Tim Sanders. Of course, the etiquette queen Emily Post also has a great set of tips on the topic. What else would you add? Email Tips
Jen Bokoff 
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