Customer Reviews

Do It Right! The New Book of Business Etiquette

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Do It Right! is so much more than an etiquette book - it really is a powerful management and leadership tool. An easy-to-navigate guide for everyday etiquette in business as well as social settings, Ms. Sokolosky provides keys to building relationships by putting into practice a professional and courteous presence reminiscent of days gone by. This book illustrates that it in the dog-eat-dog world in which business is conducted these days, it is indeed possible to forge business relationships with class, sophistication and style. And Leticia Baldridge's endorsement seals the deal!

Wow, Valerie really knows what she's talking about! This book has really helped me with the techno-etiquette chapter - phone mail, e-mails, mobile phones, PDAs. And, there is an incredible section in the book on observing foreign customs when doing business globally. In this business world, that is so very important. This is definitely The Business Reference Book of the year. - LeAnn Huffman

You will be amazed with the simplicity, yet the strong guidance and message it carries. You don't know what you're missing until you read this book. Must read. Marie Meliksetian: IBM

Creating positive personal impact is one of the five keys to success in my new book "Straight Talk for Success". A mastery of the basic rules of etiquette is an important part of creating positive personal impact.

In "Do It Right" Ms. Sokolosky points out that, "We are living in a time of etiquette ambiguity...Today we're often forced to make it up as we go." She then presents 245 common sense, clearly stated, easy to understand and use tips that will save readers from having to make it up as they go.

Here are some of my favorites:

* When you are given information in confidence. Keep that confidence.
* Respect privacy of a co-worker's cubicle or office. Carry on conversations in your own space.
* One simple rule about office parties and business festivities: No matter what the occasion, it's still business, and moderation works best.
* Communicate with a K.I.S.S. - Keep It Short and Simple!
* We expect praise from our bosses, but we should also give praise for their outstanding efforts. Bosses need recognition too.
* Don't live in a WAM (What About Me) world. Try this: Go a whole day in the office without saying "I", instead say "we". Business is, in fact, not always about you.
* Save terms of endearment for those who are dear. "Honey" is something you spread on toast. A "Hun" is a warrior who followed Attila. A "deer" is an animal in the forest. A "girl' is a female under the age of 12 - not a secretary or assistant.
* A simple ring tone is best for your cell phone. Musical ring tones are annoying, particularly in a business setting.
* Meeting manners: Be present and in the moment. Think your thoughts through before sharing them. Support your ideas with facts. Be open minded to other's opinions. Take only your fair share of meeting time to contribute your ideas. Leave with a commitment to support the decisions made, no matter who presented the ideas.
* Board airplanes quickly. Long conversations and taking your time at the entryway back up traffic in the jetway.
* Carry over the shoulder luggage and back packs in front of you as you make your way down the aisle. Avoid hitting passengers who are already seated.
* Take you reading materials out of our carry on before boarding a plane, rather than fiddling with it in the aisle.
* Sit in your assigned seat.
* Tell people when you see a blouse unbuttoned, a fly open or a piece of lettuce between their teeth. Be sensitive, inconspicuous and gracious. Most of us appreciate being to and able to quickly resolve the situation.
* When you receive an unexpected gift, your only obligation is to be sincere in your thanks at the time, and in a follow up, handwritten thank you note. One gift does not necessarily deserve another.

Ms. Sokolosky also includes over fifty tips on international etiquette - a topic of increasing importance in today's global economy.

Finally, she shares some great quotes. Here are two of my favorites:

* "Unless he manages himself effectively, no amount of ability, skill, experience or knowledge will make an executive effective." Peter Drucker

* "If you make the obvious effort to be accommodating, sympathetic and kind, business will transpire, and deals will be made...and profits and goals realized." Letitia Baldridge

"Do it Right" is a great little book. It covers more than just etiquette. I think it provide essential advice for anyone interested in creating a successful life and career.

Obviously, there are other volumes of much greater length, depth, scope, and (yes) cost in the business etiquette category than what Valerie Sokolosky offers in this 92-page booklet. And obviously, those in need of more information than she provides should consult one or more of those other sources. However, my guess is that many (if not most) executives will find all they need to know about business etiquette in Sokolosky's booklet. She covers eleven subjects that range from "In the Office" to "International Eitquette." I also appceciate her provision of relevant quotations from a rather diverse group that includes Benjamin Franklin, Letitia Baldridge, Johann W. von Goethe, Peter Drucker, John F. Kennedy, Harvey Mackay, and James Michener.

Much of business etiquette involves common sense, common courtesy, applications of The Golden Rule, etc. However, there are certain dimensions of protocol of which one should be aware. For example, when dining and during meetings. Sokolosky covers the basics. While reading her booklet, it occurred to me that much of her advice is also relevant to the developmnt at the earliest age possible of a child's understanding of and respect for what could be called (for lack of a better term) civilized behavior. The best advice on parenting my wife and I ever received when we began to raise the first of three sons and then a daughter came from one of my uncles. He suggested that we treat our children and then their friends the way we wanted our childrten to treat us and our friends. Say "Please" and "Thank you" whenever appropriate, do not interrupt when another is speaking and listen intently, step forward and introduce yourself by name to strangers, etc.

I highly recommend this booklet to those preparing for a business career or who have only recently embarked on one. I also highly recommend it to parents, grandparents, and other relatives of teenagers. It would be a thoughtful gift and probably not one they would purchase for themselves. Although it may seem naive for me to say so, with all other factors being equal, I think mastery of at least fundamental business etiquette will be the single most decisive competitive advantage in the workplace, both now and in months and years to come.

I have read many books and participated in seminars that guide in business etiquette. This book was straight to the point of dos and don'ts. It is thin enough to slip into a purse or briefcase <just as a reminder>. You will know how to respond and dress when it comes to the professional world. I recommend this to everyone - just to stay on top of things.