Marlene Eick - Leadership Coach & Consultant

PRO TIP:

Let’s crowd source this one… tell me your best pro tips when traveling for work!

Love my pro tips?

NOW DEBUTING... my online course!!

"Essentials of Professionalism"

It's 13 lessons, taught by yours truly on video, plus some PDF downloads and links to resources and gear.

I teach you:
- how to look the part
- how to introduce yourself and others in a conversation
- how to effectively network at a reception
- how to make smarter small talk
- how to navigate a professional banquet
- how to dine at a restaurant for a business meal
- how to introduce yourself to a room
- how to portray strong stage presence
- how to give short remarks
- how to participate in a video conference like a pro
AND MORE!

https://marleneeick.mykajabi.com/essentials-of-professionalism

PRO TIP: Can you roll your blazer sleeve?

I say yes, and I often do!

I frequently cuff a blazer or long-sleeve shirt, in part for style, but mostly because my arms are often longer than the sleeve, so it looks better when I roll the sleeves once.

This is all to say - make your professional attire and style your own! If you know the parameters of the dress code for your industry or your company or the event, then you can BE YOU in a way that still fits the dress code of the day.

PRO TIP: Where should you wear a lapel pin?

Whether you're wearing a suit jacket with an actual lapel, a collarless jacket, or a business dress - wear that lapel pin on your left. (Remember - your name tag goes on your right!)

PS - Did you know I have an entire online course about how to show up like a professional? It's 13 video lessons...

Comment if you want the link to the course!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
- How to understand dress codes and look the part

INTERPERSONAL INTERACTIONS
- How to introduce yourself and others in a conversation
- How to effectively network at a reception or social hour
- How to engage in conversation with new connections
- How to greet and interact with others during a pandemic

DINING SCENARIOS
- How to dine in a banquet setting
- How to dine in a restaurant setting
- How to hold dining utensils

IN FRONT OF A GROUP
- How to introduce yourself to a group
- How to portray strong stage presence in front of a group
- How to give short remarks on behalf of your organization

YOUR DIGITAL LIFE
- How to participate in a video conference like a professional
- How to consistently have a professional presence

Comment if you want the link to the course!

PRO TIP (for women):

If you're going to wear high heels...

1) Know how to walk in them or DO NOT wear them. (If you can't, but want to, practice around home. Seriously.)

2) If you need them for some functions in your day but also need to walk a good distance between meetings, tuck some flats into your bag and then simply swap shoes before heading into the building or meeting room. (I love my Rothy's and have literally used them for this purpose.)

PRO TIP: Tell me your name.

Today's pro tip features my oldest nephew. He's four and his parents have been teaching and encouraging him to greet people with a handshake and look them in the eye. It's great practice! Soon enough he'll be able to shake your hand confidently and give you his full name - all before he starts school!

Here's my gentle reminder to please, for the sake of all things holy, tell me your first and last name when we meet.

I encountered the following scenario no less than three times recently: I introduce myself to someone with a handshake and say "Hi, I'm Marlene Eick." And they've replied only with, "It's nice to meet you."

..which forces me to follow up with, "I didn't catch your name?"

Big deal? No, but save all of us and just GIVE ME YOUR NAME! :)

So, PRO TIP: In any professional scenario, always offer your first and last name when you meet someone. If my four-year-old nephew can do it, you can too!

PRO TIP:
Can you take a drink with you to a meeting?

Sure, but be aware of what logos are on your mug/tumbler/to-go cup and what message that sends.

Morning cup of tea for me at a 7:30am meeting!

PRO TIP:
When you're not exactly sure of the dress code, opt for something that can be worn with or without a blazer so you can easily adapt on site!

PRO TIP:

At a business meal, follow your host's lead.

Not sure what to order? Follow your host.
Should you order alcohol? Follow your host.
Wrap up or get some dessert? Follow your host.

PRO TIP:
Don't go to meetings empty-handed. Always take a notebook and a pen.

PRO TIP:
If you use two screens, make sure your set up is ready for video conferences. Besides getting your camera eye level, facing available light, and checking audio....

Have your camera in front of the screen where you'll be watching your video call.

For example, with my set up below, the only camera is on my laptop. I shouldn't pull up Zoom on my bigger display monitor because then the camera (and other Zoom participants) are only going to see the side of my face and I won't be making any eye contact.

So if you have a set up like this and want to use your bigger display, connect a separate we**am and position it at the top of your display monitor's screen, then change your Zoom preferences to connect to that we**am.

Voila!