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About Denise Anne Taylor
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Business Etiquette, International Protocol, Dining/Table Manners, Professionalism in the Workplace, Attire, and more. Do not allow career limiting behavior to sabotage your ability for workplace success. Ask the questions that will get you ahead!

Experience
Subject Matter Expert with broad-based background in business etiquette, international protocol, and executive dining skills as well as other workplace related topics on conflict resolution and career transition. Trained and certified by The Protocol School of Washington the nations leading protocol and etiquette firm. Programs provided to major corporations, educational institutions, and associations throughout the country.

   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Self-Improvement/Self-Help > Business Etiquette

Questions Answered By Expert  Denise Anne Taylor 
In Category  Business Etiquette

SubjectDate Asked

Our Office Manager8/25/2008
  Q: After 12 years with our company, our office manager got a "pink slip". We just found out tomorrow ...
  A: Michelle, If you have a good working relationship with this person, then perhaps a simple token of ...
Dress Code8/22/2008
  Q: I was recently in a meeting with my female sales manager. When the potential client with whom we ...
  A: Stacey, It is not inappropriate to bring a purse/handbag for business. The rule is that no matter ...
writing a letter after being fired8/15/2008
  Q: I was recently fired from a well known casino, they say the reason was unacceptable behavior. I have ...
  A: Sal, It is unfortunate to hear of your circumstance. The odds of gaining back your position with ...
poor service8/12/2008
  Q: My Name is Frank R Shafer, I been going to Friendly’s in Torrington Ct 06790 for years. I stopped ...
  A: Mr. Shafer, Is Friendly's a national chain that serves food and ice cream? It is unfortunate in ...
PHD's7/26/2008
  Q: Is it appropriate to list a PH.D. in advertising etc that, while earned, is not relative to the ...
  A: Richard, A PH.D is well deserved as it requires tenacity and hard work. In most cultures a PH.D is ...
How to Quit Professionally7/10/2008
  Q: I will be resigning from my job on a set date of 7/31, and I am planning on telling my boss 3 weeks ...
  A: Will, Please do not use email. Compose a letter of resignation, as you will need it for their ...
Workplace drama6/11/2008
  Q: I am a hairstylist and rent a booth from a salon with 3 owners. Our building has indoor garage ...
  A: Ashley, What if the paid spot was rotated so that each person had the opportunity to have a free ...
To Wear or Not to Wear?6/4/2008
  Q: My question is in regards to dress shirts. I notice that more and more dress shirts don’t have ...
  A: Be sure that the collared shirts are starched medium to heavy to ensure the collar will hold. When ...
ref4/27/2008
  Q: Good day, Lets say you are just starting out in business and trying to network with high profile men ...
  A: Sam, A good book to read to get along with others regardless of social standing is "How to Win ...
return to work4/4/2008
  Q: I am a hair salon owner. I took a leave of absence from work nine months ago to stay home with my ...
  A: Amy, Your letter could read: I am happy to announce my return to work on a regular basis (perhaps ...
Cover Letters & Resume4/3/2008
  Q: Good Morning Denise, I am writing cover letters and resumes to be sent to CEO's for a Senior ...
  A: Bob, Use 100% cotton paper (look for watermark) in 24 or 28lb (preferred), it maintains integrity ...
Spouses at casual business dinners4/1/2008
  Q: I have always enjoyed taking customers out to dinner in a casual setting along with their spouse to ...
  A: Don, Who mentioned it is not warranted or justified? It may be budgetary if on the company dollar. ...
returning to you're old job after resigning.3/14/2008
  Q: I'm having a small issue and I am not sure what to do. I recently resigned from a job that i was in ...
  A: Miguel, I will need more information. Are you saying that you had to resign from the Academy ...
interview with morethen one person1/29/2008
  Q: I went on a 2 1/2 hour interview. I met with people in groups. To send the follow-up thank you, do ...
  A: Sylvia, Ideally, if you have contact detail for each individual then send a handwritten note of ...
babysittig problems1/26/2008
  Q: i want to babysit at 11 but there is this woman to her job is to babysit.What should i do?
  A: Tia, Are you saying a woman is babysitting as a job? and you would like to babysit too? You can ...
ending a business relationship1/19/2008
  Q: I am considering ending my professional relationship with my CPA. As my business has grown, I find ...
  A: A hard copy (not email)letter of termination of services would be in your best interest as a paper ...
Partnership vs. Sole Proprietership1/14/2008
  Q: But I coud not find a catagory this fell under. I have and am taking a wonderful, prosperous ...
  A: Julene, You may want to consider this venture on your own. You may partner using the person's ...
Resume etiquette12/26/2007
  Q: When responding to a website job posting stating "email or fax resume", after emailing a resume, ...
  A: Most companies have strict rules about follow-up by phone or email. You may want to send a hard ...
Etiquette for Opening Bonus envelope12/20/2007
  Q: I work for a small office, and the boss typically hands each of the support staff an individual ...
  A: Barbara, I would suggest that you open the envelope at a later time, as each bonus may not be the ...
Formal letter writing12/13/2007
  Q: how do i write a letter to my boss requesting for an office equipment or appropraite account codes ...
  A: Sylvia, There are several options; one is an internal memo request, the other would be a more ...
How to talk with seniors at work place...11/30/2007
  Q: I am Pradip Patil, from India. i am software professional , have recently got a job in one company ...
  A: Pradip, I would recommend seeking out a business etiquette professional in your area to assist with ...
social invites sent to business addresses11/28/2007
  Q: We are having an on-going debate in our office. We produce an annual black-tie event that raises ...
  A: Janice, The man's name always appears first when addressing envelopes to a couple. If an honorific ...
Should hourly employee be compensated for a business lunch11/17/2007
  Q: From my past experiences I would assume that if a boss offers to take an employee out to lunch that ...
  A: Brianna, Corporate policy would dictate compensation. However, in most cases, a business lunch ...
ask for an interview11/13/2007
  Q: I have applied on line for several jobs at an insurance company. I have 15 years experience working ...
  A: Michele, Please be aware the success percentage of online resume submissions is only about 13%. ...
Business Voicemail10/29/2007
  Q: We are a commercial lender and just had a new phone system installed. The President of our company ...
  A: Jo, Record in her voice that the caller has reached the office of "John Doe" and to please leave a ...
Business Lunch Location10/22/2007
  Q: My husband is the manager of a nice restaurant that rarely has a wait and has the perfect business ...
  A: It is quite acceptable to dine at the restaurant your husband manages. It is not necessary to let ...
Announcement letter to customer10/18/2007
  Q: Help! A month ago, I quit my job at a mortgage company because another employee had engaged in some ...
  A: Amy, A professional letter announcing your commitment to your employer, confirming for your ...
How do I get my job back10/10/2007
  Q: I was fired from a radio station as a Program Director a year ago. Since the station is in Delaware, ...
  A: Steve, First, be aware that a company does not have to provide a reason when releasing an employee. ...
Business Dress9/10/2007
  Q: In regard to business attire, there seems to be a profitable answer and a right answer. I read ...
  A: Mr. Hall, Thank you for your insight. We live in a visually oriented society where visual ...
Delivery methods of Thank You notes9/5/2007
  Q: We have a debate in our office as to whether the delivery of Thank You cards by hand to business ...
  A: You certainly may hand deliver, however, keep in mind that it may be seen as an intrusion without an ...
Type of Invites8/23/2007
  Q: We are planning and event where one of our Doctor's will be hosting a talk discussing the cost ...
  A: It will depend on the impression you are planning to make and how it represents your fitness center. ...
Suck Ups (is there a more PC name?)8/15/2007
  Q: I work with a someone that is a 150% suck up. He knows I don't like his behavior so now he has been ...
  A: Lena, There are many times in business when we have to be tolerant of those in our workplace. You ...
business etiquette for teens7/31/2007
  Q: My teenage son is starting a job. I want to be sure he is well versed in business etiquette and the ...
  A: Annie, If you type in business etiquette in the search bar of your internet provider, a host of ...
Voice Mail Greeting7/12/2007
  Q: The lawyer I worked for has just left the firm. I have to compose a voice mail greeting for her ...
  A: Marsha, I would redirect the call to a key contact at the firm or to the administrative ...
Wedding gift7/11/2007
  Q: I received a wedding invitation from the daughter of one of my staff members. I am unable to attend, ...
  A: Bob, Base your gift on the relationship with the staff member and see the daughter as an extension ...
business card protocol7/3/2007
  Q: Our president has a Lions Club logo on the front of his business card. Is this considered ...
  A: Davy, The Lions club is a social/community/global organization and does not have any religious ...
Pay Disparity6/11/2007
  Q: I have been working for a company for 7 months in a PRN status, hired originally to help the FT ...
  A: Mindy, Compensation is always a complicated factor in the place of business. It is important that ...
workplace clique6/6/2007
  Q: About six months ago I started working at a firm at which me and another lady are the only two ...
  A: Jill, It is easy to get caught up in workplace politics and social discourse, however, do not allow ...
Business Etiquette6/1/2007
  Q: After being Prommoted how do I thak the Owner/CEO After 18 applicants that turned in esssya only 3 ...
  A: Did you interview directly with the Owner/CEO? If so, then address them directly, and if not, then ...
Complaints on Business Letterhead?5/23/2007
  Q: If you are sending a letter of complaint to your human resources department should one use company ...
  A: If this is an internal document I would recommend that you do not address a letter of complaint on ...
Requesting Appropriate Attire5/18/2007
  Q: Ms. Taylor, I am coordinating a function in August for my company. The owner (manager) of the ...
  A: Erin, Obtain the dress code detail from the location and because summer garden party attire is ...
attorneys5/7/2007
  Q: Denise, I am a newly-trained Nurse Life Care Planner. It seems attorneys are looking for NLCP's. ...
  A: Crystal, I would begin by contacting firms in your area and asking the receptionist or ...
College Meeting4/19/2007
  Q: Taylor, I have a meeting with a college representative coming up who also works in the field I ...
  A: Ed, Dress in a professional manner, if a suit is too formal, consider sport coat, shirt, tie, and ...
Names4/18/2007
  Q: How do you respond to a business associate who has addressed you by the wrong name on several ...
  A: Lisa, Be sure to correct an individual immediately when you recognize they have mispronounced, ...
letterhead4/17/2007
  Q: Is it formal for business purposes in the US to print a letterhead as well as the text on a blank ...
  A: Formal letterhead is usually found on 100% cotton paper 24lb or 28lb in weight, with letterhead at ...
Shirt Etiquette3/31/2007
  Q: At my place of employment [Car Audio & Home Theater Store] we have two styles of shirts. Each shirt ...
  A: Based on your description, one is a three button, polo shirt (casual) and the other is a button ...
Help Making Rain3/28/2007
  Q: I'm a piddly little junior associate at a huge firm and it's never too early to think about rain ...
  A: Junior Associate, Do you have any morning timeslots or lunch slots available during your day/week? ...
Thank you letters?3/23/2007
  Q: I recently accepted a new offer with the assistance of a "head Hunter" I am going to send a thank ...
  A: I apologize for the delayed response, I had server trouble. A thank you letter, handwritten, is ...
Let go without any notification3/8/2007
  Q: I was working at a job with maybe 0 to 4 hours a month. I called frequently to see if I was on the ...
  A: Cindy, Unfortunately when you read the tiny print on most employment agreements, an employee can be ...
Not Clocking out for a Dinner Meeting2/6/2007
  Q: Our office had the pleasure of meeting the president of the company who flew in and hosted a ...
  A: Kristine, Corporate policy usually dictates this particular situation. However, future ...
Apology1/22/2007
  Q: Taylor, One question that comes to mind is what price I should expect to pay for a quality business ...
  A: Ed, Your first suit should be of high quality and the price may range about $400.00-$600.00. There ...
Handling a delicate situation1/8/2007
  Q: The wife of one of my company's VPs recently made headlines for some illegal activity involving ...
  A: Dan, Concern is a natural response to such a situation. However, other than remaining aware and ...
Name Tags1/6/2007
  Q: We are having a company function (Employee & 1 guest) my boss wants us to wear nametags as not all ...
  A: Wendy, The name of each individual should be noted (without further explanation) on the name tag, ...
Business Etiquette for celebrating a Promotion12/30/2006
  Q: If someone has been promoted to Partner in a large national company - (500 people in 4 locations) ...
  A: Susan, The family may provide celebration for such an achievement, however, it should remain a ...
Holiday Bonuses12/18/2006
  Q: Is it appropriate to send a thank you note for a year end bonus. This is not a formal part of the ...
  A: Mr. Guimot, It is not always customary to send a thank you note for holiday bonus. However, when ...
Luncheon Invitations12/4/2006
  Q: Every year I take my staff out to lunch, my treat, as their Christmas present. This year one of my ...
  A: Ann, Although it was inappropriate of the individual to invite the General Manager to your ...
Vocabulary and speech11/20/2006
  Q: Taylor, In keeping with the positive changes you have assisted me with, I am wondering if perhaps ...
  A: Ed, If you visit your local library they have audio programs on tape or cd to improve speech, ...
Office name tag10/18/2006
  Q: I know eqiquette states to wear a name tag on your right shoulder when in a meeting. Does that apply ...
  A: Carla, The rule was created to follow the line of sight when shaking hands. Typically, we shake ...
Polo Shirts10/17/2006
  Q: At my place of employment it is exceptable to wear polo shirts under our suits. Should the polo ...
  A: Don, Is the polo shirt worn under a sport coat with trousers? Or is the polo shirt worn under a ...
When intoducing a female salesperson to a male prospect, whose name should be spoken first9/28/2006
  Q: I am currently a college student and i have a report due in school. On question i must answer is ...
  A: Liz, In business introductions it is not about gender in relation to whom is first. It is about ...
Political function9/12/2006
  Q: Ms. Taylor! On a somewhat related note, is it more appropriate to address my relative who is a judge ...
  A: Ed, I would ask your relative their preference. In a more informal format they may allow for a ...
Political function9/11/2006
  Q: Taylor, I have been invited to attend a political function for a woman who is running for the state ...
  A: If the individual is currently in the legislature then you would address her as the title ( i.e. ...
Interview Follow Up9/6/2006
  Q: Is it appropriate after a job interview to send a small gift along with a hand-written thank you to ...
  A: Ira, A hand-written thank you note is sufficient. I would recommend holding off on the sending of ...
who extends the hand9/5/2006
  Q: when two people are introduced who exteds the hand first? the more important first? the lady when is ...
  A: In the place of business there is no gender, everything is gender neutral regarding etiquette. The ...
finding a job8/31/2006
  Q: hi sorry if i have come too the wrong part but i was wondering if u could help me im goin for a job ...
  A: Natalie, Before I begin I would recommend that you use complete spelling of words and not the ...
Responding to congratulation notes8/16/2006
  Q: I have received many, many notes of congratulations from colleaques (via email) on my recent ...
  A: Erin, Acknowledgement is always appreciated on both sides. Always respond with a reply so that the ...
Calling in sick8/15/2006
  Q: How can I stress to my 23 year old daughter that it is very important to not call in sick when you ...
  A: Trisha, I understand your frustration. I also know that at the age of 23 social status and "having ...
moving7/21/2006
  Q: im going to be returning to the work force next year but it has been 12 years since i held any job ...
  A: Laura, There are many books available, however, the one that you may find useful for your ...
Men's shirts7/21/2006
  Q: Taylor, Along those lines, can you offer some advice on what color/patterned shirts convey the best ...
  A: John, Although there are many options in patterned dress shirts, the basics still rule when the ...
Men's shirts7/18/2006
  Q: Taylor, Can I ask your opinion on men's short sleeved dress shirts? (Basic whites, blues, etc.). ...
  A: John, Although short sleeved dress shirts may be appealing with rising temperatures, I would ...
Can't remember name7/17/2006
  Q: You meet someone who you have already been introduced to but cannot remember their name, especially ...
  A: Keith, Extend your hand for a handshake, say "hello", and indicate that you apologize but simply ...
New Job and Vacation7/12/2006
  Q: I have been offered a job at a new law firm starting the beginning of August. However, I have a ...
  A: Ashley, It is important to be up front regarding your vacation plans. Indicate your pre-planned ...
Lunch Attire7/6/2006
  Q: Taylor, I am sorry for yet again asking another question! When I have lunch in a similar setting ...
  A: Ed, Make it a great day, and let us know if your in need of any future guidance. Have a great day! ...
asking for your job back6/25/2006
  Q: I put my two weeks in and then about two days before it was up I had a run in with the ass. manager ...
  A: First, determine if you really want to continue to work for the company that you considered leaving. ...
Lunch Attire6/23/2006
  Q: I occasionally have lunch with a relative who works as a County Judge. It is always near the ...
  A: When in doubt always err on the side of formality. Although the individual is a relative, it is ...
Etiquette Business Invitation6/17/2006
  Q: Denise, I am an event planner and I have a client that is having her company's 25th anniversary ...
  A: L. York, Unfortunately our casual and hectic paced lifestyles have watched the RSVP suffer the ...
Recent promotion5/30/2006
  Q: I recently received a significant promotion at work which included a 20% raise. I don't feel that ...
  A: Faith, Please check with your corporate policy. Some organizations frown upon any significant gift ...
promotions5/22/2006
  Q: what is the protocol in these two situations? Thank you for your help. the director of a large ...
  A: A thank you is always welcomed. A handwritten congratulations, or thank you would be appropriate. ...
Professional Hair5/9/2006
  Q: I'm starting my new job with a very well-known company in a week. The dress is business-casual and ...
  A: Christina, I did respond to your request, and apparently it did not process properly. Hair ...
job for 12 year olds4/30/2006
  Q: i cant have a pet here or a walking service i need a babysitting job that pays 30-20 dollers a week ...
  A: Kamri, I began babysitting at your age, and it is a wonderful way to earn the money. I would ...
Restaurant Cleanliness Complaint3/17/2006
  Q: I have a question about restaurants. I called in an order from my cell phone at a local pizza ...
  A: It is completely understandable to have food safety concerns when dining out. It is also ...
Office appropriate attire12/16/2005
  Q: I haven't found articles to address this topic yet. We have a small office of 30 employees - 50/50 ...
  A: The company should compile a clear cut dress code for their place of business and as it pertains to ...
Holiday Gifts to customers11/29/2005
  Q: Is it ok to give a bottle of wine or liquir to a customer for the holidays?
  A: It is not that it is "not" ok to provide wine or liquor as a gift, however, it can possibly reflect ...
Real Work from Home Jobs?10/24/2005
  Q: this may be a bit out of your expertise; however, I am getting desperate trying to find a real work ...
  A: Because you appear to have a background of almost ten years in desktop publishing you may want to ...
Excluded spouse9/12/2005
  Q: My husband's company is having a formal event in Las Vegas in a few weeks. The main event is a ...
  A: This is not an uncommon practice in organizations to have corporate functions that do not include ...
New Job ettiquette7/8/2005
  Q: I've accepted a position that is less hours and less money than I need, because I was getting ...
  A: If you are aware that this particular position is truly not of interest, and you are seeking other ...
12 jobs...7/4/2005
  Q: is there any pet jobs for 12 year olds? or am i too young? -fernanda
  A: You may want to consider starting your own dog walking service for the summer. Also,consider many ...
Work dress6/15/2005
  Q: I work in an VERY casual office. It is just my boss and me and I am usually alone. He typically ...
  A: I would first start by pointing out that there are statistics available that prove the way you ...
career planning6/4/2005
  Q: I AM AN INDIA.I HAVE COMPLETED MY TWELVETH THIS YEAR.I WANT TO BECOME A BUSINESSMAN.NOW I AM ...
  A: First, I would recommend when sending email, do not write in all capital letters, when reading it is ...
How to proceed5/12/2005
  Q: Here is the rest of the information: I have worked for my current employer for 3 years now. I just ...
  A: You should make sure your employment file is current and I would suggest that you supply the most ...
How to proceed5/11/2005
  Q: I'm a Programmer/Analyst with 15 years of experience in the field, but my formal education all these ...
  A: I will need more information. Have you worked for your current company for the entire 15 years? ...
Proper followup after submitting a resume3/24/2005
  Q: What is the proper procedure after submitting a resume? Should I follow with a phone call, ...
  A: Many companies that post listings in the newspaper receive hundreds of responses from those looking ...
Business Adminsitration - Computer Info Systems Degree jobs.3/23/2005
  Q: I am a recent graduate student from Mount Olive College down in NC. I am currently living with my ...
  A: Your biggest asset in the process of a job search will be the people that you know. You may want to ...
What to do?3/9/2005
  Q: I am not sure that this matter falls directly under your area of expertise, but here goes. I have ...
  A: First of all, I would recommend you take a step back and separate personal feelings from ...
greeting potential employers2/18/2005
  Q: ------------------------- Thanks for your advice. I also wanted to know what topic should I start ...
  A: Conversation at networking events can prove to be very powerful. Stay on current events, hobbies of ...
greeting potential employers2/16/2005
  Q: I am a college student doing a study abroad in China. A friend told me I should look into finding ...
  A: It is a wonderful suggestion to take on an internship with an organization that has ties to China. ...
RE-ENTERING JOB FORCE1/6/2005
  Q: .this is my first time on your site and i have a question. With this being the new year and all - i ...
  A: Your situation is not uncommon. The past year and a half has been a challenge for many individuals. ...
career1/2/2005
  Q: I am currently working as a Lab analyst with a big pharmaceutical company, I have a diploma in ...
  A: This is a difficult question to answer. It is important for you to do an assessment of where you ...
Interview Follow up protocol9/10/2004
  Q: It was very helpful. I have one last question regarding this issue. What if the location if far ...
  A: The thank you note should be sent through the mail, and specifically addressed to your contact ...
Interview Follow up protocol9/9/2004
  Q: I sent a thank you note, via email, when I arrived home from an important interview 2 weeks ago. I ...
  A: First of all, now or in the future, please refrain from using the internet to send thank you ...
high school students learning etiquette8/17/2004
  Q: Denise, I teach Food Prep and Blueprint for Professional Success in a high school. How do you ...
  A: I work with summer youth camps and what is termed "at-risk" in my community and it is truly ...

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