Air Travel Hostess Gift Ideas
Arriving empty handed isn’t an option when staying several nights at someone’s home. Though the gift takes a little more consideration when traveling by air. If, like me, you only pack a carry on - your options become more limited: no liquids, anything that melts, or can be easily broken. Oh, and doesn’t compete for much packing space.
I’m a fan of cocktail napkins & holder. Can a person have too many, I think not. Durable, compact, and delightful to open. The host can use them during your stay or save for another occasion.
Once wrapped, the bow is saved until arrival to maximize freshness and always accompanied by a hand written thank you note.
I’ve always used black ink for my notes - though recently heard mentioned that the late Rosalynn Carter was known (at the age of 96) to still send cards written in blue ink.
Cheers to cocktail napkins, blue ink, and keeping the Art of Etiquette alive!
Keeping the Art of Etiquette Alive
I’ve always been intrigued with what people consider the “lost arts”. I was grandma chic before the influencers picked it up and I’m not talking about wearing cable knit sweaters and loafers. I’m more of your rocker grandma who still wears her original Stevie Nicks concert tee and gives everyone the peace sign.
The arts I’m talking about are the skills your grandma had – that many have no clue how to do. So, I was grandma chic when teaching myself how to can my garden vegetables or aggressively protecting my cast iron skillet from soapy water.
Most importantly, my friends and family will tell you that I’m the first to send a handwritten note – in the mail – on my personalized stationery with a seasonal stamp. The most common response to all these learning adventures has been “it's a lost art”.
It is sad to think of what “arts” may have been lost through the pandemic. Have our connections to one another become a lost art?
Business etiquette is a skill and artform that has built strong relationships for decades – even centuries. Etiquette is much more than table manners and much less than snobbery. Etiquette sets the foundation to build prosperous relationships. When we are confident in a variety of situations, then we spend less time anxious about the correct way to do something and allowing more mental capacity to give to the real reasons we are there. Etiquette is also the first step in building trust with others. Paying special attention to how you present yourself and treat others strengthens that trust.
Consider how far we are from the original forms of business – in person meetings, fax machines, memo pads, at home cocktail parties, and having your boss or clients in your home for dinner. Picking up the phone to do business – listening to their voice and tone. Professionals perfected these arts and what a shame for them to be in jeopardy.
I’m on a personal mission to help keep the Art of Etiquette Alive. Sharing with you the skills, practices, and basics of treating others with respect, consideration, and graciousness. Think of me as your big sister who wants to save you from embarrassment and build your confidence for any situation.
January Thank You Notes
It is never too late to send a thank you note! January is the perfect month to say Happy New Year & Thank you at once. Send hand written notes for gifts, especially for home invitations, or thanks for an opportunity.
Thanks for a gift.
start with a greeting
express your gratitude. naming the gift specifically
how you plan to use or enjoy the gift
end with closing sentiment
Dear Casey,
Happy New Year! Thank you for the hand poured candle. The beautiful red glass container matched wonderfully with my holiday decorations.
I am still enjoying it.
Sincerely,
Veronica
Thanks for a home invitation.
start with a greeting
express your gratitude. being welcomed in their home
name something specifically you enjoyed or memory you made
end with closing sentiment
Dear Cara,
Happy New Year! Thank you for welcoming me in your home for the holiday party. I enjoyed hearing of your recent travels.
(and the pimento cheese was delicious!)
Sincerely,
Veronica
Thanks for an opportunity.
start with a greeting
express your gratitude. for the opportunity
name something specifically you learned or gained
end with closing sentiment
Dear Mrs. White,
Happy New Year! Thank you for the opportunity to serve on your foundation’s board of directors. The experience has strengthened my skills of parliamentary procedure.
Sincerely,
Veronica
Education in Etiquette
An education in etiquette instantly sets successful professionals apart from all the rest. At every level; approaching graduation, starting your career, currently interviewing for your dream job, or already on your way up the ladder - your knowledge and use of business etiquette is what gives you the competitive edge.
A Harvard-Standford study found that a person’s success, particularly in the workplace, is based 85% on their social skills, and less than 15% on their technical skills. That means, from the employer perspective, it is easier to teach the 15% of technical skills to the candidate who has polished social skills than it would be to hire the candidate with technical skills and teach them the 85% of social skills.
Elevated social graces stand out in every situation - business, social, or academic. Speaking to your boss, presenting to potential new clients, surviving an interview, networking at a big event, or hosting a dinner - people who walk into a room and feel at ease - are an incredibly valuable asset to any team.
Etiquette isn’t only used in elite places - that couldn’t be further from the truth. Etiquette is absolutely free and available to everyone. You will find that etiquette is what fuels our day to day lives in every situation. The core of etiquette is being respectful, considerate, and gracious to all those around you. From how you interact in an office environment and the ways you treat your colleagues, to the way you present yourself - etiquette is the protocol we follow to show respect to others. It is the science of every day life!
There are countless examples of how bad etiquette can break a great career opportunity. Hiring decisions are often decided over coffee, lunch or dinner. The top two or three candidates are often taken to lunch or dinner, individually, with the hiring committee or supervisor. While the applicant is so focused on answering the technical questions over the meal, they are actually be observed. Special attention is being paid to their social and dining manners through the meal. This doesn’t mean using the correct fork - which I’ll also teach you - but rather how you treat the service professionals at the restaurant. The belief is if you are disrespectful or dismissive to those helping serve you, then surely that’s how you will treat your future team members.
Business Etiquette isn’t something a person can “fake it till you make it” - cumulative practiced manners build confidence. This confidence can be learned, emulated, controlled, and used in every situation with just a few strategies for habit formation.
Etiquette equalizes personalities. People can form their opinions about us - but we each have the power to control their observations.
Bye Now.
Why Business Etiquette?
You may be asking yourself why you need Business Etiquette? The answer - because it helps you figure out what to do when you don’t know what to do.
Think about what makes us anxious or unsure before certain situations.
What to wear.
What to say. &
How to act.
I’m here to help!!! I work with individuals, small groups, and organizations to develop the confidence for these settings. I teach people how to be confident in academic, business, and social settings by using their knowledge of Business Etiquette. The art of business etiquette is building relationships through consideration, respect, & graciousness.
My dissertation focused on the daily behaviors of leaders - specifically Student Affair Leaders in Arkansas. These daily practices have tremendous overlap with the behaviors of business etiquette - all of which can easily be learned & refined. Business Etiquette isn’t about theory - it is actionable steps you can take to understand what behavior is expected of you & what behavior you can expect in return.
My office is located on Main Street in downtown Jonesboro, Arkansas. I’m dedicated to the Arts of Etiquette & Leadership Development. I’m also passionate about the street art in downtown Jonesboro as you’ll see in much of my content. I hope you learn daily behaviors that build your confidence for any setting….& you enjoy the modern art that is beautifully displayed in downtown Jonesboro.
Business Etiquette is taking on a huge role in the post-pandemic workplace. These skills help us be professionals and build strong relationships. The WSJ has published several articles this summer focused on the soft skills & social knowledge needed in the return to office movement. Dress codes, emails, office hours. Business Etiquette reintroduces the ARTs that build confident professionals & strong relationships.
I have years of experiences & research to share with you - I hope you enjoy the content. My goal is to give you immediate actions to feel confident as a professional.
Bye Now.
Hello, nice to meet you!
I’m Dr. Veronica Guinn. I’m a professional leadership educator and business etiquette consultant. I’ve built my career in higher education.I started my freshman year of college & didn’t leave a college campus for almost twenty years. During that time, I earned several (well, all) degrees offered, was faculty in the classroom for radiologic technologist program and later leadership studies.
While working on my graduate degrees in Educational Leadership, I left being faculty at A-State to become the Dean for Student Development at ASU-Newport. I stayed in this position for several years then transistioned into a role of Dean for Leadership & Organizational Development. These exceptional educational and career experiences have allowed me to help hundreds of students and professionals in all leadership development areas.
I’m now focused on taking what I’ve learned & taught on a college campus to individuals, small groups, & organizations. Along with my experience in higher education and my unique knowledge in Business Etiquette - I have great value to add to any of your goals and professional development plans.
I hope you find my content helpful and encouraging. I truly believe that through daily behaviors centered on business etiquette and professionalism - confidence is built! This confidence leaves a lasting impression in any academic, business, or social setting.
Bye Now.