Common Sense Ideas for Becoming the Career Star You Are Meant to Be

Today is Tuesday, so this post is on positive personal impact.

People with positive personal impact are always polite.  They know and understand the basic rules of etiquette.  The 21st century and technology have created new etiquette challenges.  For my first post of this year on positive personal impact, I’d like to focus on etiquette and electronic technology.

Here are a few thoughts on how to be courteous while using your latest gadget.

• When you are in a public place, like an airport concourse, don’t stretch your laptop power cord across the floor.  You can cause a serious accident.  Find a place to sit where you can be close to the power source – even if it means sitting on the floor while you charge your battery.
• Listen to local people in your car, instead of relying on your cool GPS device.  It’s the polite thing to do – and you will probably get where you’re going sooner.
• If a stranger offers to take your picture, return the favor.  Ask if he or she has a camera and would like for you to take a photo of him or her and friends.  If not, ask if they have an email address where you can send a picture of him or her that you will take with your camera.
• Use the “rely all” button only when everybody on the original e mail list will really want to hear your thoughts.  In most cases, it’s better to reply to the sender only.
• Avoid speaking loudly on your cell phone when you are in a public place – a restaurant, airport concourse, airplane (before the door closes).  This is good advice for two reasons.  First, you won’t be disturbing the people around you.  Second, your business will remain private.
• Don’t wear your Bluetooth earpiece if you are not on a call.  You look foolish.
• Finally, DO NOT TYPE E MAILS IN ALL CAPS.  All caps indicate that you are yelling.  It is bad form and does not help you make a positive personal impact.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.  I have decided to close down my other blog: www.CommonSenseGuy.com to concentrate on this one.  If you want a free ebook version of my book 4 Secrets of High Performing Organizations, you can still get it there through January 2008.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open.  Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.