Author Archives: Darold Hogan

Business etiquette 101-Impressionable minds

 

In this modern society there are some things that can be lost to time. One important thing we should never forget is proper business etiquette. This applies to many settings in the professional world from interviews, the workplace and in the dining room. I’ll be covering business etiquette in several different articles. The first topic is how to properly prepare to make a good first impression and knock out any professional interaction.

  1. The first contactImage result for the first contact

Always make sure that if you are meeting with important people to remember that if you receive any kind of correspondence/invitations to reply as soon a possible. If you cannot make it then say so and see what steps you can take from there. No one likes a rude person who no shows and didn’t give prior notice (and don’t cancel 24 hours before unless it is an ABSOLUTE emergency). This goes doubly for business events such as galas and dinners because every response means a mouth to feed!

  1. AppearanceImage result for appearance

I’ll get some grief from some folks for this, but your appearance does matter in the professional world. I know you enjoy wearing your sweats and flip flops and you feel cozy in your leggings and such, but they have no place in the professional scene.  Depending on the situation you might have to change your attire accordingly. Business formal (suit and tie and dress shoes/ business suit/ blouse and skirt for the ladies with shoes not showing toes and such) Business casual (polo shirt with slacks/ a nice blouse with dress pants for ladies). These are general ideas I’m throwing you, but I can give you specifics I use. If it’s a bug business affair I could wear a tux with all the finings (bow tie, cummerbund, etc.) if it’s a business day at the office I will war a suit and tie (3 piece if you really want to show off and earn style points) or I’ll wear a dress shirt and tie with a nice pressed pair of slacks. Business casual for me is a polo with a good pair of slacks and loafers. And everyone’s favorite: CASUAL FRIDAY! A good pair of jeans (no holes or outrageous patterns) and a good top with tennis shoes. Make sure your hair and face are not crusty and messy and make sure you smell nice but do not bathe in cologne/perfume, that runs people away and overpowers them. Try not to have any wrinkles, rips, stains or holes in your outfit because in a professional setting that looks tacky and ill prepared.

 

  1. ArrivalImage result for arrive on time

Punctuality matters in the professional world, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you show up late some might but lenient, but others might not take kindly to you being 15 minutes late because you burned your avocado toast and you had to get McDonalds. For interviews/meetings I recommend you show up about 5-10 minutes early. This give you time to give yourself a good look over in the mirror to make sure you’re together, go over notes, and freshen up your breath if needed.  I have a saying that if you’re on time you’re late and if you’re early you’re on time. Timeliness is important in the business world and you being able to show you care about timeliness will show your employer or whoever you’re meeting with that you actually care about what you’re doing (note: this is applicable in dating 😉 )

  1. GreetingImage result for greeting

Onto the fun things; whenever I meet with a client I am sure to do several things when I greet them. The first is greeting them PROPERLY by their name (if you are unsure of pronunciation feel free to use their last name “Mr./ Ms.  blah blah blah). Please be sure to know “What’s shakin’?” or “what’s up?” are inappropriate. Informal talk is to be left at the door in the world of business even if you and that person have excellent rapport a degree of professionalism is a must but gauge that level of formality as you go. /secondly, you must also introduce yourself clearly and shake the persons hand (not like a dead wimpy fish or like an Olympic strongman but assertively firm) look the person in the eye, that shows you’re there and in the moment. if you have something in your right hand put it into your left and prepare to shake hands. While you shake remember web to web for your fingers (web of thumb touching theirs) not palm and fingers, this will weaken the handshake. Make sure your name tag is visible and readable as well. If this is a meeting of some sort (non-interview) learning something that connects you to the person you meet on first contact is a good rapport builder (“I heard, you are active in this group I am actually looking to get into that group as well….”) but use that when appropriate

 

There you have it, that was the basics of making a good impression in the professional scene. Stay tuned for next time when I cover more of the proper ways to navigate to big bad business world. Excelsior!

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How to use a check

In this age of modern technology the process of carrying a card is commonplace. We are moving away from the days of carrying cash and using checks. In light of this transition, i have elected to share with you the proper way to utilize a check. This would be review to some but for others this will be a new topic for you. The goal behind this is to keep you informed on how to use some of the older financial transactions in the wake of this shifting dynamic in personal finance. Just in case any of our newer methods fail us you’ll know how to use a check if necessary.

How to use a check

example

 

  1. Date line: date goes here
  2. Name of the writer of the check aka the payee line
  3. Numerical value of the amount of the check aka courtesy box
  4. The hand written amount of the check aka the legal line
  5. Signature line: signature of the payee goes here
  6. Memo line: optional note (what the check is fore i.e. groceries, reimbursement etc.)

 

Using the check

You can make use of a check by signing the back of it aka endorsing the check

You have several types of endorsements

For deposit only- restrictive

The name of the payee- blank

Pay to the order of – special endorsement

 

 

Dos and don’ts

Do make sure that the legal line and the courtesy box amounts match (a check wrote for $100 on the courtesy box must match the legal line amount. If a check is wrote for $10 on the legal line but in the courtesy box it looks wrote for $100 it must be taken for the LEGAL LINE amount of $10

 

Do sign your check at the place you intend to deposit or cash because if you lose it another person can endorse their name under yours and use the check (unless it is a special endorsement where it has to be pay to the order of a specific person)

 

Don’t write in different types/color of pen on the face of the check. That will alter the check and can cause the check to be refused

Do not write a check for “cash” if it is lost it can be used to be cashed by anyone

Make sure you have a signature under the signature line from the person writing the check otherwise it will not be utilized

Do not leave your checks out in the open because they have your account and routing number info there. Keep them in a safe place for storage.

Keep in mind that a check can be placed on hold if deposited or cashed depending on the institution or if put into an ATM

Do keep a consistent signature on your checks because signature fraud happens

Do get duplicate style checks; the carbon copy underneath the check will make balancing your check book easier

Do make sure you don’t damage your check in any way especially near the numbers at the bottom of the check because it will make using it harder

Do always write a check with a pen so no one can alter it

Do not leave your checks blank (not filling out a payee line) because it increases the risk of fraud with the check

Do make sure to balance your checkbook regularly to avoid discrepancies and running the risk of bouncing a check

 

With this you know have the basics of how to use a personal check. Stay tuned for other tips and tricks on navigating the fun world of personal finance

 

Photocredit: the balance.com