NEWS - People in the News

SBJ Special Report

Dec. 5, 2011 - The holiday season is the time of the year when business etiquette skills can help individuals and organizations outclass their competition, according to Lydia Ramsey, international business etiquette expert and author of a newly published e-book, Being the Polished Professional throughout the Holidays: The Complete Guide to Etiquette and Protocol for the Holiday Season. 

The new book helps answer such questions as:

- Do you feel confident about how to conduct yourself over holiday meals or at the office party?

- Are you sure of the correct protocol to follow in sending out seasonal cards?

- Do you stress over the proper way to give and receive corporate gifts?

"If you answered 'no' to any of these questions, this is the book for you,” according to Ramey.  “By investing in this guide to business etiquette and protocol for the holiday season, you will be sure to impress rather than stress," said Ramsey, who consults with companies on business etiquette topics.

"Every year as the holiday season approaches, many of us are excited, eager and overwhelmed by all that lies ahead. In the business world the holidays offer us opportunities to celebrate successes, build relationships and show appreciation to our customers and co-workers. We do this by sending out seasonal greeting cards, entertaining over meals or parties, attending events given by those with whom we work or do business, offering holiday gifts and in general showing special recognition to those who contribute to our success throughout the year," said Ramsey, who speaks at conventions on such topics as "Presenting Yourself as a Polished Professional," "Email Etiquette," "Networking Skills," and "Dining for Profit."

"As in everything we do, there are challenges. We want to make sure that our actions during the holidays are conducted in a manner that is both professional and personal," she said.

The new book also helps people who are unsure of the answers to these questions:

- Do I have to sign my name to a holiday card that already has my name printed on it?

- Should I include my business card with my greeting card?

- Do I have to attend the office party even if I am not a party person?

- How do I manage the check when I am hosting business guests?

- What is the proper protocol when one is being toasted?

- How do I know whom to tip and how much during the holidays?

- What kinds of gifts are appropriate to give my clients?

- Can I email my thank you messages or do I have to send a handwritten note?

Ramsey, from Savannah, is the founder and president of Manners That Sell. Her most recently published book, Being the Polished Professional throughout the Holidays: The Complete Guide to Etiquette and Protocol for the Holiday Season, is available as an eBook on http://www.mannersthatsell.com.