Etiquette expert Elizabeth Post passed away this week. This
post is in honor of that brilliant and wonderful lady who continued in Emily
Posts' footsteps to pioneer a kind, generous attitude and "Etiquette for Everyday". We in the creative industry can sometimes use a little re-etiquetteducation.
Etiquette and social conduct does not and should not be stuffy or pretentious, but instead seek to find the best in everyone while actively showing respect and kindness with common sense and courtesy. We are in a time where due to the prevalence of digital technology and modern culture, social mores can be extremely relaxed. Yet to some, their social and professional skills are so loose and unpracticed that they have become flabby. To state it in layman's terms, their etiquette muffin top runneth over. To tone up and exercise one's etiquette, here are two resources to whip one's (not yours, of course) manners into tip-top shape.
Say "Thank You" on Electronic Stock
The Jetson's would be proud. Netted by the Webbys today featured a site that allows you to send a "hand-written" note on fine stock electronically. I was so impressed by it that I wanted to share it with you. It might be an interesting option to consider for when you are following up, having a green industry event, are seeking a budget-friendly option for your fete, or prior to sending your first personal snail-mail thank you note. It's not to replace your fine stock notecards all of the time, but to provide a relief for them when you may have just sent a card, need an economically friendly option for a large quantity of invites or announcements, or are looking to become more environmentally conscious. It's called Paperless Post.
Paperless Post has the PR kudos from The New York Times, InStyle, W and Body + Soul magazine, along with Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenberg and Eres.
Down-to-earth Elegant Etiquette Twits
Last, I put together a Twitter list on Etiquette Experts today to visit and look in on. I purposely passed up a chivalrous-looking fellow holding up armour of a knight, and a few talented women who lamented on chewing gum manners and whether shoes or loafers were "quite appropriate" for an occasion, to pick the lovely ladies who partake of beer and the down-to-earth gentlemen who understand we are in the 21st century. I hoped to create the list to allow you to peek in from time-to-time and learn something new (and perhaps hilarious). I DID learn today about "subway etiquette" from the list by New York graphic designer Jason Shelowitz; be sure to check out the images- they'll crack you up. Literally.
Image courtesy of New York Daily News; click on image to see article.
To sum etiquette up, be open-minded, fair, respectful, kind, flexible and proactive. And if you don't always cross your t's or dot your i's, happen to purport a social faux pas, or perhaps say someone's name wrong, a sincere proactive apology is most often welcome to the aggrieved party. Lapses like misspellings and grammatical errors WILL occur once in a great while; even at the most important times, swallow and own up to it and engage to fix it. If the person is not receptive, that is okay, but be one to do the right thing and be known for your character. Most of all, remember to send your thank you cards, make others feel comfortable, and demonstrate good manners all while being seen and heard... but please, don't get too carried away with manners. That's just plain scary.
Comments