Poised for Success by Jacqueline Whitmore

15 May

Need advice? When you can't ask an etiquette expert, ask a "Cyber Granny!"


I was flipping through a magazine recently and was surprised to read about a terrific non-profit organization comprised of a group of senior volunteers who give advice at no charge. Let’s face it…sometimes we all need a little advice from someone older and wiser. And if your grandparents aren’t around (and even if they are), you can still get advice from someone who has been around the block and back at www.elderwisdomcircle.org. Type in a question and you’ll be matched with a volunteer cyber-grandparent, who will get back to you within a few days with some sage advice! What a great concept!!

May 15, 2007 | Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment 

Present Pressure: Giving Your Boss a Gift without the Grief

It’s tough enough finding the right birthday gift for your family and friends. But what do you do when the boss is turning the big “5-0″ and everyone in the office wants to buy her a present? Buying the boss a gift can be fraught with pitfalls and peer pressure if you don’t know the proper protocol.

In a recent survey conducted by WorkPlace Media, 57 percent of working Americans plan to buy their boss a birthday present this year, with nearly one-fourth of those workers planning to spend $50 or more. The majority of these employees will spend less than $50, but 3 percent are planning on spending over $100.

I want to offer the following gift giving tips to help take the pressure off so you can be sure to give the right gift in the right way.

  1. If you’re short on cash, join with other coworkers to buy your boss a gift. Throughout the year, keep track of his or her likes, dislikes, interests, and hobbies. Tailor your gift to the taste and personality of your boss.
  2. If you work in a small office or know your boss well, it’s acceptable to give a smaller but personal gift on your own, like a gift card, book or CD.
  3. Beware of humorous or gag gifts. What you might think is cute or funny may be offensive or insulting to your boss and could quickly tarnish or even sabotage your business relationship.
  4. Buy a gift for his/her family or pet instead. If your boss has everything, it may be difficult to think of something original. However, a present for his or her children or pets may be more appreciated.
  5. Buy a birthday card. Although you’re not obligated to give a gift, a nice, personalized birthday card will speak volumes and will show that you care.

May 10, 2007 | Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment