Practice good manners when you Trick-Or-Treat!

What do your children need to know before they trick-or-treat?

To plan for this festive day, we're establishing some general ground rules for those on the "receiving" end. 

• Stay on the walk-way to the front door. You don't want to mow down your neighbors prize mums.
• Ring the door bell twice, if no response go to another home.
• Homes that are dark, should not be approached.  They are either not at home or do not wish to participate in Halloween.
• Carry a flash light at all times so cars can see you and you can see where you're walking.  And parents can add reflective tape to costumes and candy containers.
• Be courteous when someone answers the door, say  "Trick-or-Treat" nicely.
• Be sure to say, "Thank you" after receiving your treat.
• Never go into someone's home.
• Only eat candy that is wrapped.
• Time to start Halloween is when it becomes dark outside and not past 9:00 p.m.
• Don't rifle through the candy to find your favorite treat. Take one treat unless told otherwise.

                              

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

             What does it take to be the perfect Airbnb guest? 

Many travelers are embracing Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO - but for many tourists, this kind of travel is still relatively new and Airbnb guest etiquette is still being written.

1.  Follow the rules.  Read the entire listing prior to booking and don't ask to pay cash.  

2.  After your inquiry book quickly.  Don't leave the host in limbo.

3.  If you are running late on your arrival time, let the host know.

4.  This is not a hotel.  Dress appropriately when walking around the house and be mindful about cleaning up around the house.  There are no maids to clean the bathroom, the dishes or tidy up after guests.

5.  Be considerate about an additional guest.  If you book a room for one person, don't assume that some else can join you.  Especially, if you are sharing the home with the host.

6.  Ask about a bathroom schedule.  If you are sharing rather than booking the entire house, it may be that you are sharing a bathroom.  Ask the host if they will need the bathroom at certain times.

7.  Tell the host if there is something wrong.  If you are unhappy about something, give the host a chance to fix it. Don't say that everything was great and then write it up in the post-stay review.

8.   Your departure should be on time.  Make sure the bed is stripped and put all of the dirty laundry in the laundry room.  Clean up the bathroom and the room, you stayed in.  If you rented the entire home, wash the dishes, take out the trash and clean out the refrigerator before departing.  Return any keys or garage controls the host may have given you during your stay.

9.   No need to tip the host.  You may want to write a nice thank you note or leave a box of chocolates.  

10.  Leave a detailed review about your stay within twenty-four hours.  Hosts depend on Airbnb reviews.  

If you adhere to Airbnb guest etiquette, your stays will be pleasant for everyone and you will find it is a wonderful way to see the world!

How a Business Phone is Answered 

is an Important First Impression

When was the last time you phoned your business?

The first call to a business says everything about the company.  Is the person answering the business phone portraying a professional image?   

The conversation they have with the customer will shape their entire perception of the company.  

If you want that perception to be a positive one, here are a few tips to provide great telephone service and a positive first impression.

1.  Answer the call by the third ring.

2.  Have a standardized greeting that is polite and informative. Give a welcoming greeting and let them know immediately whom they are speaking with.

3.  When sending the caller to another extension, use the word “connect” and not “transfer.” Customers who are “transferred” frequently feel like they are being passed off.

4.  Ask if you can place the caller on hold and WAIT for their response.  If they answer "no", assist the caller.  Never put anyone on hold longer than 30 seconds.  In addition, thank the caller for holding.

5.  The proper ending of a call should not be rushed.  Always ask the customer if there is anything else you can help them with.  If not, thank them for calling and wish them a nice day. Use the clients name as it makes the entire experience more personalized. 

Finally, it is proper phone etiquette to make sure that the customer hangs up the phone first!

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Having great phone etiquette is an important starting point for providing a great customer experience. This initial contact could mean a lot when it comes to getting a picture of your business and what it stands for. 

Great phone manners make people feel better about doing business with you.

Please visit our website for more information about our programs.

www.itsallaboutetiquette.com or call 480 510-6346

Graducation Etiquette

                                                       

                                      GRADUATION ETIQUETTE

Whether you have a child who is graduating from high school or college, there are certain things you need to consider.

Invitations -  A graduation announcement is not the same as a graduation invitation. If you receive an announcement, you are not obligated to send a gift, although you may choose to do so.

If you receive an invitation, consider yourself lucky, as most graduation ceremonies limit the number of attendees. In this case, it's appropriate to give a gift, but you are not obligated to do so. 

When to send invitations - Graduation announcements and invitations should be sent out three or four weeks before the scheduled date.  They should be sent out separately and hand addressed.

Gifts - Usually the gift is something the graduate can use in the next phase of life.  A gift card is always nice, small appliances for their dorm, bedding, weekend luggage, one of our etiquette courses are just a few ideas.

Flowers - Flowers are also a thoughtful choice.  It's tradition to present the graduate with a corsage or boutonnière prior to the graduation ceremony, or a bouquet of flowers afterwards.

Graduation Party - A graduation party is for close friends, relatives, acquaintances and special guests. The graduate and the parents should decide together whom they would like to invite.

Thank you note - Don't forget to send a hand written thank you note no later that two weeks after the graduation celebration.

    

Congratulations to all students moving forward to the next wonderful phase of their lives! 

And to all you Moms.... Happy Mother's Day

Please visit our website for more information about our Summer Etiquette Camps for ages 

6-18. www.itsallaboutetiquette.com

 

What age to do you teach your child "Please" & "Thank You"

Etiquette Tip: At what age do you teach your child to say “please” and “thank you”

Parents can gently encourage their child to say "please" and "thank you" as soon as he or she begins to talk. It is going to take some coaxing on the parent’s part.

When your child wants something you can say, “Please” and when your child hands you something, you simply say, "Thank you". Your child will learn to repeat after you, and eventually use the word at the appropriate times. 

At the age of two, a parent can ask their child to repeat requests with "please" as the preface. When they say, "juice" you can repeat, back "Juice, please." Be consistent about asking for a "please" before you give your child what they want and try not to insist to the point that it becomes a battle. 

Thank You"?

Please visit our website for more information about our etiquette programs. www.itsallaboutetiquette.com or call 480 510-6346