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I have been selected as an expert in Business Etiquette and Image Consulting by AllExperts.com. I answer all questions from previous/ongoing clients and one question per perspective client. Click on one of the following links to ask your question:
Image Consulting: http://www.allexperts.com/ep/3940-105930/Image-Consulting/Melisa-Singh.htm
Business Etiquette: http://www.allexperts.com/ep/2294-105927/Business-Etiquette/Melisa-Singh.htm
Here are some examples of questions I have been asked:
Questioner: Kayla
Subject: Colors for me
Question:
Hi. I am a redhead with light skin and freckles. I love the girly colors pink and purple but a lot of times people tell me they don't look right because of my red hair. Can you tell me if they are right and what are my best colors?
Answer:
Hi Kayla.
You asked an excellent question. Many people underestimate how important color selection is. The right colors can create a sense of harmony and enhance your natural beauty while the wrong color selections can create a struggle for the eye and bring out negative characteristics in your skin and make you look unwell or unbalanced.
Most Image Consultants use a system called seasonal color analysis. This system analyzes many different components to see which seasonal colors would enhance the client the most. In order to know which colors you are you would really need to have a personal consultation so the consultant could give you a complete analysis. That said, your characteristics are classic to the autumn season.
People who fall into the autumn category typically look best in colors that remind you of the fall leaves. Instead of bright, clear colors you would look better in muted colors that almost look a little burnt. When you are thinking about purchasing an item look at it's color and think if it would be possible to see that color in a fall leaf. You could even wear "girly" colors as long as they were a bit dusty in color (a deep brownish purple for example).
Again, you would need to have a proper color analysis to know if you are indeed an autumn but until then it might be good to limit your purchases to less bright colors.
Ideally you want to walk into a room and have people see you in your entirety and not see the clothes you're wearing walk into the room before you. When you try something on make sure you feel like the entire ensemble has congruity and that nothing stands out so much that it overpowers you.
Best,
Melisa
Questioner: Jennifer Mellows
Subject: Asking for a Raise
Question:
I think am deserving of a raise but do not want to ask in an inappropriate way and get denied or feel embarrassed. Can you please tell me what etiquette (if any) is used when asking for a raise?
Answer:
That is a great question Jennifer.
Some companies offer raises solely on an annual basis and given based on merit and possible review of performance evaluations. These types of companies rarely give additional raises. Union Employees are also unlikely to receive raises in addition to the automatic increases in their union contracts.
If your employer is not a Union Employer or defines themselves as a merit based employer then you have the right to ask for a raise if you believe you are deserving.
You should go to your direct boss and have convincing arguments on hand. These arguments should not include your need for more money or a comparison of your current pay to someone else's pay. They should just include information that proves your worth to the company. For example, if you found ways to save the company money, you've generated greater efficiency, or have increased your workload beyond your job description, you have increased your worth.
To discuss a raise you should schedule an appointment with your boss to speak privately. Say the appointment is to discuss your job but don't mention it is about a raise (especially if an assistant is scheduling the appointment). When you meet have a brief outline of rationale for your request.
Make sure you state you case in an open and relaxed way. Begin with the fact that you would like to be considered for a raise. Proceed with describing the rationale for your request. Mention that you really enjoy the job, that you have more ideas for better ways to do it and that you hope your discussion has clearly defined why you think you deserve consideration for a pay increase.
If your boss needs to consult with someone else (Human Resources or a higher authority) ask when you can expect to hear if the raise will be granted.
If you do receive a raise, send a thank-you to the person responsible for giving it to you.
I wish you the best of luck with this challenging opportunity.
Best,
Melisa
Questioner: Lisa
Subject: engraving
Question:
I have a question regarding the placement of letters to engrave initials. Should it be: First name, LAST name, Middle name?
Answer:
Hello Lisa.
The traditional monogram when engraving initials for one person is as you suggested. The first initial of the first initial of the first name on the left, the first initial of the last name in the center (which will be larger), and the first initial of the middle name on the right. The important part about using this type of engraving is that the first initial of the last name must be noticeably larger.
For a less traditional monogram, the three first initials are placed in order and are all the same size. This format should only be used for the initials of an individual not a couple.
To form a monogram for a couple, the first initial of the last name should be in the center, the first initial the woman's first name on the left, and the first initial of the man's first name on the right. As with the traditional monogram it is best that the first letter of the last name be slightly larger than the others.
Questioner: Linda
Subject: Veteran's Ceremony
Question:
If it is a female doing the MC'ing should you say Mistress of Ceremony or is it ok to just say Master of Ceremony?
Answer:
The answer to this question is you may use either term.
Using Mistress of Ceremony is common and appropriate when referring to a female but not necessary.
The term "Master" when used in the context of Master of Ceremony refers to someone with a mastery and/or command of an event rather than the gender of the individual. Either a woman or man can be referred to as a Master of Ceremony.
Questioner: Marion
Subject: spouse with degree & spouse without
Question:
Hi. My husband and I are in a new business together and we want to put both of our names on the same card. I have a DPM degree and for this business it makes a lot of sense to put it on the card. How can I include both of our names while using the DPM after my name? Hope that makes sense.
Marion Mehrer
Answer:
Hi Marion.
This is an excellent questions as there are many factors involved in figuring out how to present multiple names on a business card. Luckily there is a short and specific answer.
Regardless of sex, the person with the higher noted degree status should be stated first on the card.
The card should read: Marion Mahrer, DPM & (Your husband's name & title here). You can have his name to the right or below your but in either case it takes dominance over the name with the lower degree.
Also, when sending out letters from both of you or in correspondence you should also present the names the same way.
I hope this helps and I wish you and your husband the best of luck with your new business.
Best,
Melisa
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