Power Etiquette: What You Don't Know Can Kill Your Career [Paperback]

Dana May Casperson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0814479987 | ISBN-13: 978-0814479988

Can table manners make or break a megamerger? Can a faxing faux-pas derail a promising business relationship? Can an improper introduction cost you a client? Can manners (or lack of them) really kill a career? Absolutely. In an era when companies are competing on the basis of service, manners are much more than a social nicety -- they're a crucial business skill. In fact, good manners are good business. This no-nonsense ""manners reference"" refreshes readers on everyday etiquette and makes sure they're on their best behavior. It provides quick guidance on such pertinent and timely topics as: * telephone, e-mail, and Internet etiquette * table manners *grooming and business dress * written communications * gift giving * resumes and interviews * making introductions * public speaking * networking, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...falls into the category of "books you didn't have any idea you needed" ... important addition to ... business & career bookshelf -- Quintessential Careers

Book Description

"Can table manners make or break a megamerger? Can a faxing faux-pas derail a promising business relationship? Can an improper introduction cost you a client? Can manners (or lack of them) really kill a career?

Absolutely. In an era when companies are competing on the basis of service, manners are much more than a social nicety -- they're a crucial business skill. In fact, good manners are good business. This no-nonsense ""manners reference"" refreshes readers on everyday etiquette and makes sure they're on their best behavior. It provides quick guidance on such pertinent and timely topics as:

* telephone, e-mail, and Internet etiquette * table manners *grooming and business dress * written communications * gift giving * resumes and interviews * making introductions * public speaking * networking, and more."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (March 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814479987
• ISBN-13: 978-0814479988
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #367,026 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

214 of 216 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overview for the busy business person, December 16, 1999

By 

A. C. Shellhase (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Power Etiquette: What You Don't Know Can Kill Your Career (Paperback)

Do you know the proper way to enter and leave a limousine? You will if you read Dana May Casperson's book.

While including many of the basics you'd expect in an etiquette book, she also covers subjects such as:

* tea meetings * video conferencing * teleconferencing * chairing meetings * cultural courtesies * travel safety * physical disabilities * using a concierge

Interspersed throughout the text are Q & A's specific to the topic under discussion. One of the questions she deals with, often missing from books on manners, is tipping maids in hotels.

I have a special interest in this because I spent a year working as a hotel maid when I was in college. Sad to say that the majority of hotel guests do NOT leave tips. Casperson suggests $1 to $1.50 per person/day.

She also addresses those of us who work at home by suggesting we have a least 2 'knock 'em dead' outfits available at all times. Everyone will need to meet with a client or attend a lunch at some point, so this makes sense.

This suggestion is also good for anyone who has to travel for business. Having a few outfits you can pull together at a moment's notice and knowing that they fit properly and look good will make anything unexpected seem a breeze. This goes for men, too!

Another suggestion is to have an 'emergency kit' in your desk, briefcase, and/or car. This would consist of:

* extra socks or pantyhose * deodorant * toothbrush, toothpaste, & breath mints * a sewing kit/safety pins * makeup/shaving supplies/facial tissue * nail file/nail clippers/hand cream * hairbrush/comb * a small address book with phone numbers, email, etc. of clients, doctor & family member for emergencies

There's also an entire section about corporate gifting. Many companies do not allow employees to accept gifts or only allow gifts under a certain dollar amount.

This part of the book includes many suggestions for gifts as well as the proper use of your business name/logo on gifts.

There are a few places where I think she dropped the ball. I don't think it's a good idea to include your home address, phone and fax number in your email signature file. For those working at home, especially women, it could be dangerous.

I also disagree with her suggestion to take a hostess gift when you're staying at someone's home for a weekend. I think it's OK to bring something small like chocolates or a bottle of wine, just as you would when invited to dinner. But, it's always better to send a 'thank you' gift after you return home so you are able to select something appropriate to your host's home, interests, and tastes.

Is this the best book of business etiquette? Not in my opinion. But, I read & collect etiquette books so I'm biased.

Letitia Baldrige's New Complete Guide to Executive Manners is longer and more in-depth. As the social secretary for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, she's also an in-demand speaker on subjects such as "Business Protocol" and "Executive Presence." Some find her old-fashioned, but she's my personal favorite.

If you want a good, quick, basic overview of what's-what for proper business manners, then Power Etiquette is a worthwhile book with over 180 pages of information.

A note: Casperson has absolutely no sense of humor. Both Letitia Baldrige and Miss Manner's have a breezy way of writing about etiquette that removes the stuffiness. Unfortunately, you couldn't find a spark of wit here if you had a map.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power Etiquette, October 19, 2009

By 

E. Nicholson "Exquisitely Evolving" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Power Etiquette: What You Don't Know Can Kill Your Career (Paperback)

Enjoyed reading this book as it provided valuable insights and reminders as it relates to business etiquette.

8 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting book., July 24, 2005

By 

Chris Wayne "Chris" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power Etiquette: What You Don't Know Can Kill Your Career (Paperback)

The topics on careers and other subjects hit the mark. An excellent layout of writing.