Minding Your Telephone Manners

Telephone and Voice Mail Etiquette

Eighty-seven percent of our message is perceived through our voice and only 13 percent by our actual words. Our personality and mannerisms are revealed through the tone of our voice.

Valuable Tips:

•  Always identify yourself before asking to speak to someone: “Hello, this is Joy Weaver. May I speak to Vicki Ford?”
• Always ask for permission and wait for a response before putting someone on hold.
• Use call waiting wisely. If you are on the phone with someone and are expecting an important call, let your current caller know in advance so he or she will be prepared for the interruption.
• Realize, many people are not awake/coherent before seven a.m. or after ten p.m., so be respectful and make calls within these hours.
• We sometimes dial the wrong number. Do not just hang up in the other person’s ear—apologize for the inconvenience.
• Use your normal voice and speak clearly. Remember, just because the person on the other end of the line is miles away does not mean you have to shout.
• Do not continue typing e-mails or doing other work when talking on the phone—this can be distracting and annoying to the other person.
• Do not assume that people will recognize your voice; be courteous and tell them who is calling.
• Avoid using this type of faux pas voice mail: “You have reached the desk of John Smith.” (No one wants to leave a message for John’s desk.
• When leaving someone a voice mail message—make it brief and concise, and always leave a callback number.
• Make certain the answering message on your telephone gives brief but valuable information. “Hello, this is Joy Weaver. I will be out of my office today but will be checking my voice mail at three p.m. and will return your call at that time. If you have an emergency, you can contact me on my cell at 972-999-7777.”

They Really Liked Me!

Fourth Graders Gone Socially Savvy

No one was more shocked (than I) that I did not get tied up or at least have something thrown at me in a fourth grade classroom setting.... because, of course, the fact that I was teaching  a social etiquette class, yes etiquette lessons to the age of children that usually can't stay focused for over 1/2 second. This is NOT my typical age audience, but now I'm rethinking it. They were wonderful!

It appears The Plainview Christian Academy is training up their students the right way, because this young group embraced my Socially Savvy message and had all the right answers - really. If I asked a question, they had the appropriate answer and then some. 

A few shout-outs: Ms. Brown, you are THE BEST! PCA Parents - YOU ROCK! (especially you Jennifer, thank you for inviting me)

Yes, PCA is a private, small town Texas school. Each student there is blessed beyond measure to attend with low headcount in each classroom. 

I never heard a "Yep", Nope", or "Huh?" but lots of Yes Ma'am and No Ma'am. I liked it, actually...I loved it! Each student was polite, funny, and at full-attention for 45 minutes.

On a global note: The morning news today stated: "After about half a million students worldwide took the PISA exams, the United States performance remained flat. "Experts" say the test results will likely intensify the debate over education reform." 

Wouldn't it be great if the "experts" started the reform with a few "basics".

For example: 

• How to make a great impression. 
• How to give a compliment and how to accept one.
• What confidential information not to share with others.
• How to shake hands and look others in the eyes.
• How to write a thank-you note.
• Basic dining skills.

America would be a better place if we start early training up our children in the way they should go.

What do you think?

xoJoy

Blissdom'13

Are you ready for some BLISS - I am!

Welcome BLISSDOM'13 to Dallas/Fort Worth. The biggest and best blogging conference on the planet has found it's home in my home town of Dallas. YES!

While I get to sleep in my own bed tonight - many others from all over the nation, and perhaps world will be in "blissdom" at The GayLord Hotel. The Gaylord is a world class resort with much to offer.

If you want to attend, it's not too late to sign up. Here's the link!
http://blissdomconference.com/
I'm headed there now .... Come on and join the fun-dom!

All my best,
xoJoy

Hello Ambit-ious Women -

I am thrilled to be speaking for Ambit Energy this weekend. Ambit is hosting their yearly AMBIT-IOUS WOMEN CONFERENCE 2013.

PREPARE TO GET SOCIALLY SAVVY AND HAVE A TON OF FUN TOGETHER!

Super Bowl Etiquette

Super Bowl Sunday

Track your NFL team fans.

Is your team in the Superbowl this year? 
No? Mine either. (sniff, sniff)
Don't get me started on the Dallas Cowboys - it's complicated! But as you can see on the map above - the Cowboys still have some followers even though they stink. Yes - I can say that because I am a lifelong fan (see, it's complicated)

On a lighter note, I know you're going to a Superbowl party and you must remember to take the dish requested of you (or chip in $ for the catering) and please do not forget to take a fun gift to the host/hostess if the party is in a home, Consider a football theme gift. For example: Football team cookies (TART Bakery if you live in Dallas), or Tervis Tumberlers have all your team's logo, or perhaps a more extravagant gift is a tabletop book of the history of football.

Remember to write a thank you note to your host/hostess afterwards,  thanking them for putting together the Superbowl Party and the fun of it all.

I never remember who plays in the Superbowl from year to year, mainly because my team has not been in the Superbowl since 1996 (yes, we won)

Super Bowl XXX
	Jan. 28, 1996 Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, Arizona
MVP: Larry Brown, CB, Dallas

	Dallas Cowboys	27
	Pittsburgh Steelers	17

What I do remember from year to year are the commercials and the halftime shows. My favorite commercials are the Budweiser commercials featuring the big Clydesdale horses. This year's ad does not disappoint.

Back to etiquette tips - here are a couple more.

• Don't keep your head buried in your iPhone or iPad tweeting or Facebooking - it's rude!
• Remember - everyone is not watching the Super Bowl in real time - be careful not to blert out the scores. Some may have Tivo'ed it to watch later.
• Be a gracious winner and loser. Just think of the Harbaugh's brother's parents - they will have one that wins and one that is loser.

Have a Super Super Bowl Sunday!

xoJoy

Finally, Downton Abbey III

ARE YOU A FAN? 

Me too!

Downton Abbey Season III, is off to a wonderful start. Last nights premiere (finally shown in America) did not disappoint. I have waited and counted down the days, only to find out my third of six cooking class was changed to the evening of January 6th. What? No Way! (more on cooking class later!) Of course I DVR'ed D.A. and stayed up until 2:30am watching every detail. 

For those of you newcomers to the show - you must start with Season I and II to get caught up with characters and their history. 

You can go to YouTube and see every episode for free of as inexpensive as $1.99. (Do not pay more)

You can also rent on Netflix, Redbox and probably other outlets. 

I adore the protocol that goes along with the British traditions. 

Mary, my favorite character is all about making sure the English traditions are not left behind.

While her maternal Grandma-ma (Shirley McLaine) just arrived from progressive America and encourages cultural change. (Ms. McLaine you are a fabulous actress)

Don't forget to set your DVR for next week's show PBS on Sunday evening. You can also skip ahead and buy the entire Season III online. Season III has been aired already in Britain in the fall.

For more on English culture and traditions - here are two sites for a quick lesson.

Quick Tips on Customs and Behavior

Tips from The English

xoJoy

Day #2 of 365

Today is Day #2 of 365 ... break your own personal best records for accomplishment. No one can be a better you than YOU. Be "You" WELL!

Most of us get excited when we read about super-human achievements, but something that is much more important is when we break our own personal best records for accomplishments.  Achieving better grades, a better work record, a better record of “being nice,” and a host of other records will make you a better person in the most important game of all – the game of life.  ~Zig Ziglar


xoJoy

Twenty Thirteen

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!  

Yesterday was #365 and we started all over today with #1. Last year rolled by fast - I hope you are ready to roll with me again this year. Let's do it together - getting Socially Savvy and being the best we can be - one day at a time.

In Loving Memory of Zig Ziglar

SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Our beloved Zig Ziglar passed away today and undoubtedly he is basking in God's glory now, hearing the words we all long to hear: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

I am forever indebted to him and his lovely wife Jean (the red head) for endorsing my Socially Savvy book. They did not just endorse it - they "Highly Endorsed" it. I will never forget the day Zig called to give me his strong approval and endorsement for my book. I remember where I was sitting and what I was wearing, I remember everything about it. I also remember getting down on my knees after he call and crying "glory to God" for such a strong endorsement.

Zig also asked me who else was going to endorse my book, and my reply was: I don't need or want anyone else ... you were my only choice!

And with his blessing and continual words of wisdom that he spoke into my life - my Socially Savvy book is now in it's second printing. Every speaking engagement, I know I am representing not just me and my family, but Zig, Jean and of course our great God!

We will miss you Zig, but one thing I know for sure is .... I will See You At The Top!

A Thankful Heart

Life is not perfect,

even for those in this Norman-Rockwall painting. Bloom where you are planted and have a thankful heart this Thanksgiving. I promise - everything will taste better!

You might have a picture perfect Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, but it just won’t taste right unless you have a thankful heart.

Thanksgiving is the most loved holiday by most, because there is such a reduced amount of stress involved, compared to Christmas and other holidays involving gift giving and long stays.

However, for many we think of those who have large loving families, gathered in a beautiful home with a picture perfect life. The truth of the matter is – the picture perfect life is not frequently the case. It’s a fact; families love each other more than they like each other. So with that thought in mind …  Here are three tips to help you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

1. Don’t wear out your welcome. Three days is the breaking point. Set the expectation before you arrive on how long you will be staying. Never say: I’m not sure how long I will be staying. That’s a host nightmare.
2. Don’t complain about anything, and don’t move the furniture, or run the gas out of the hosts borrowed car without filling it completely up as a gesture of kindness.
3. Make sure to bring a well thought out host/hostess gift and present it the moment you arrive. Also send a thank-you note for the hospitality immediately.
I also want you to remember the saying that is goes something like this:

If you and all those you know could throw all your problems in a stack, and could then pick out anyone else’s problems, you’d always choose your own.

Life is not perfect, even for those in this Norman-Rockwall painting. Bloom where you are planted and have a thankful heart this Thanksgiving. I promise - everything will taste better! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. xoJoy

Manners for Minors

Parents: Listen up! 

Children pay more attention to what you do than to what you say. Start teaching your children manners from the time they are born, and you will not have to retrain them when they get older. Day by day, prepare them for adulthood.
Parents’ Tips for Teaching Children
> Be consistent and persistent in teaching children manners. It is not a quick fix; it must become a habit.
> Incorporate the words “thank you” and “please” into children’s
vocabulary at a very early age.
> Teach your children the art of writing thank-you notes as soon as the child learns to write—never underestimate the power of a thank-you note.
> Practice meeting people by role-playing with your children beforehand.
> With your children, practice firmly shaking hands (web to web).
> Teach children dining basics at an early age, and help them continue to progress as they get older.
> Do not take them out to eat if they are not well-behaved in public. Keep working on it at home.
> Teach your children not only how to apologize, but also how to ask for forgiveness.
> Teach children to do random acts of kindness for family and friends.
> Do not criticize or embarrass children in front of their friends; it will scar them for life.
Set children up for success by setting expectations before yougo into social situations.
The early years are the formative
years, so do not wait until your
children are teenagers before you
start teaching them social skills.

Polite Politics

What The World Needs Now is 

POLITE POLITICS

Polite politics – could this be an oxymoron? It used to be that talking about religion or politics in a business or social situation was a huge faux pas. Why? Because our opinions can run rampant and our emotion can flair instantly. However, our culture has shifted and we find ourselves stepping over the previous cultural boundaries and adapting to new conversations with limits.

Note to self: We have 19 days before we elect the next President of the United States of America and “politics” is the ubiquitous topic of conversation in business gatherings and dinner parties.

With some fine-tuning, we can talk “the road to the White House” when the opportunity presents itself and feel confident and comfortable that we are not lunging into the deep dark abyss.

Here are tips to remember as we find ourselves in a political conversation:

Realize, political conversations have been avoided for years for good reason. Do not go into the conversation with the intent of converting someone to your way of thinking. Be reasonable and remember the conversation should be a stimulating one – not a debate! You might actually find out significant information about a candidate in the running.

Avoid hearsay and personal opinions. Talk about what has been established so far as facts about the candidate. Talk about basic stances, latest media information or ad campaigns. Refrain from asking who someone is going to vote for in the election and do not offer the name of your candidate of choice.

Recognize if the other person is getting heated-up over the conversation and immediately take a quick detour in your conversation. Revert to the basics, sports, weather, travel, and wait for the emotions to die down. If the other person insists on going back to the political conversation, be prepared with plan B: (perhaps a more firm but kind approach) “We will have to agree to disagree.”

Do not assume you know whom others will vote for in the election. Just because they live in a certain region or neighborhood is not a clear indicator of whom they plan to vote

Also, avoid starting a political conversation with those you just became acquainted – you do not yet know their personality and temperament.  You can step right in a trap that can go in the wrong direction before you know it. How devastating to have to talk yourself out of a bad situation when you are actually trying to make a good first impression; perhaps with a client, or with potential mate, or even their parents.

It is extremely important and it is your duty and responsibility to be well informed in order to make the best decision in the voting booth. We are blessed to live in a country where we have total freedom to vote as we please and on the candidate of our own personal choice. As we have already recognized, we all have the same freedoms, but not the same opinion. However, now we know how to have a “polite political” conversation—and now we can look forward to fascinating conversations without stress.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS TO VOTE!!!

Be Popular!

The Red, White, and Blue Cake

Want to be the most popular person at the party? Arrive with this cake in hand and you are sure to be included on everyone's party list.

Happy Friday - xoJoy

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups sugar 
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 pints fresh strawberries, halved 
• 2 cups fresh blueberries 
• 
  
• 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter and sugar together in a large bowl; beat in eggs. Stir in buttermilk and next 3 ingredients
• 2. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, stirring until well blended. Pour batter into 
• 2 greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.
• 3. Bake 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pans, and cool completely on a wire rack. Cut each cake layer in half horizontally to make 4 layers.
• 4. Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread one-fourth whipped cream mixture over 1 cake layer; top evenly with one-fourth berries. Repeat with remaining cake layers, whipping cream mixture, and berries.
• Recipe from Coastal Living