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The Etiquette of Business Cards in Japan, China and the United States

In different cultures, the practice of handing out business cards varies. What applies in the freewheeling United States might not apply in the tradition-bound Asian countries of Japan and China. In fact, even the color and design of your business card holders play an important role in doing business in these countries!

Liberal United States

When you deal with fellow Americans, you will notice that business cards are treated liberally. You can just shove them in your pocket or wallet, without even glancing at them! However, if you wish to make a better impression, you can follow certain things.

- You should whip out your business card holder and hand out your business cards only when the other person requests you or if you are engaged in a business discussion.

- You have to refrain from asking a higher-ranked person’s card unless that person asks for your card first or if you were introduced by a third party.

- You have to respect someone’s card much as you want your card to be respected by the other person. You have to read and study the card, even for just a moment. Wait until you can dispose of it discreetly, if you wish to do so.

Tradition-Bound China

When in China, or in Japan for that matter, you should carry double-sided business cards at all times. One side should have English-language information while the other side has Chinese-language (or Japanese-language) information. You are well advised to consult reputable translation companies to ensure that your cards meet local cultural standards.

Your double-sided cards are necessary because it would be strange and clumsy to have two separate business card holders with you at all times!

When exchanging business cards, always remember these pointers to show your respect:

- You have to give and receive business cards with both hands outstretched.

- You have to either hold the card for some time or place the cards on the table. You have to avoid immediately putting the cards inside your business card holders lest you be seen as ill-mannered.

- You have to present the cards according to status, with higher-ranking personalities given your first priority in handing out your card. Do your research first before going to a meeting.

- You have to avoid too much white in your business card holders and business cards. White is the color of mourning; you will do better with red cards.

Big in Japan

Like the Chinese, Japanese treat business cards with respect. You will be well advised to avoid typical American brashness in this area if you wish to seal the deal. You should also hand out double-sided business cards in Japan. Here are a few more pointers:

- When you receive and give business cards, you have to do so with both hands and slightly bow while doing it.

- Like in China, make sure that you present the card with its Japanese side showing up so that the recipient can read it immediately, without need of turning the card around.

- You have to study the cards, make a mental note of the names, and then you can put away in your business card holders. Or better yet, lay all the cards on the table so that you can distinguish who’s who, especially during a first meeting.

Just remember all these and you will be fine in both Asian and American environments.

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A New Set of Manners - Cell Phone Etiquette

As cell phones are becoming a part of daily life for most Americans, it has become necessary to develop a new set of manners to allow people to use these devices while being considerate to others around them.

Many areas such as airplanes and hospitals have signs posted stating that your cell phone must be turned off. These locations have installed these policies due to the fact that wireless devices can interfere with the function of equipment that these locations utilize that is important to maintaining or protecting human life. When entering one of these areas, you should immediately shut your cell phone off, no questions asked.

There are also locations that a cell phone should be shut off, even if there are no warnings posted. Examples of these “no cell phone” locations are the library, the theatre, and Sunday church services. It will be distracting to others if you are carrying on a conversation on your phone in these kinds of settings.

Whether you are in college or high school, you should turn your cell phone off whenever you enter a classroom environment. A cell phone ringing can distract attention from the subject that is being discussed. Using your cell phone in this setting is also showing a lack of respect to your instructor and the lessons that he is trying to teach.

The use of a cell phone during a wedding or a funeral is also considered poor etiquette. It is disrespectful to the family as well as to other individuals who are present at these solemn occasions. Again, you should turn your cell phone off when attending these events.

The use of cell phones in a restaurant is acceptable in certain circumstances. If you are out with a group of friends, talking on your phone is fine. If you are eating dinner with a friend or a loved one, you should turn it off so that the other person feels that your attention is totally on them. If you are having a business lunch, cell phone calls should only be answered if the call is related to the business at hand. Otherwise, you can return the call later.

As well as the cell phones themselves, your cell phone ringtone may be offensive to others as well. Today’s cell phone users have the option of picking their own ringtones, including popular songs that may not be appropriate to be played in public. If you are standing in line at the subway or bus station, the people around you may not want to hear inappropriate lyrics or loud music every time your phone rings. You should pick a more traditional ringtone that can be utilized whenever you are in a public setting.

Many of the devices also have the option that allows you to play songs while the party is waiting for you to answer the phone. Again, you should pick music that is appropriate for any person who may be calling you. For example, your boss may not want to listen to lyrics that contain obscenities while he is waiting for you to pick up. Something more traditional would be appropriate in this case as well.

Cell phone etiquette is similar to other forms of good manners. You just need to be considerate of those around you and use a little common sense when deciding the appropriate times to use your cell phone. The rest is up to you.

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Sauna Etiquette: The Dos and the Don’ts

You walk into a sauna ready to enjoy yourself when you suddenly hear what sounds like something from a horror movie. The loud breathing you hear over your shoulder has you frightened to turn around because you’re afraid that what you will see is some unearthly creature with red glowing eyes and big teeth. But after a few seconds of hesitation and mental reasoning that there is no such thing as monsters, you turn around to find that it is your uncle Bob got to the sauna before you did. What is worse is that not only is he breathing like he just ran a marathon, but he isn’t wearing a towel. And you just told yourself that there are no such things as monsters.

Uncle Bob is the perfect example as to what not to do in a sauna. It is true that the United States doesn’t exactly have a set of sauna rules like in European saunas, but many times it is just common sense for the sake of yourself and for the sake of those around you. In other words, a sauna is an excellent place for you to become your own worst enemy. If you notice that everyone in the sauna leaves when you arrive, then you know there is an issue.

Sauna etiquette

If you find that everyone is running from you when you arrive at the sauna or you are hearing huffs and puffs of aggravation while you’re there, maybe it is time to evaluate your sauna etiquette. Below are 10 things you should do and shouldn’t do to get you started:

- Do take a shower before going into the sauna. That way if you’re already sweaty or you’ve been in a pool with heavy chlorine, there’s no strange smell. Showering also minimizes germs and bacteria.

- Don’t breathe loudly. Loud breathing is not a pleasant sound for those wishing to relax. Imagine someone breathing hard in your ear while you’re trying to enjoy yourself.

- Do wear a towel. As with uncle Bob, many may find nothing wrong with being naked in a sauna. There are no rules that say not to, but a towel should be worn at all times for the sake of others. It is okay to not have shame, but others may not find it so appealing.

- Don’t talk loud. Keep it to a low whisper if you must talk. Others in the sauna may not want to hear about the bad date you had last night.

- Do stay in for as long as you’re comfortable. You don’t want to have a “who can stay in the longest” contest. This could result in some really annoying noises and others being concerned with whether or not you’re overdoing it. This can make the environment unpleasant for them.

- Don’t use the sauna as a “hook up” place if you have a romantic interest in one of those in the sauna with you. This can make the sauna experience unpleasant for that person and those around you.

- Do read the rules posted outside of the sauna before going in. This is the fool-proof way of having a pleasant experience.

- Don’t moan and groan even though the sauna is pleasant. This could be frightening to others.

- Do mind your own business and do not stare at others in the sauna. This could be quite uncomfortable.

- Don’t burst out laughing if told something funny. This could scare others in the sauna.

Follow these ten etiquette tips and you will be able to enjoy the sauna experience to its fullest without compromising the relaxation of those around you. As for uncle Bob, he is a different story.

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Cruise Etiquette – Dos and Don’ts

A cruise can be the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily living and just enjoy a week or two without responsibilities. Many people are a bit nervous about how they should act on a cruise ship though and are not sure exactly what is acceptable behavior. With that in mind, here are a few dos and don`ts to help you out.

Do

Tip your steward. This is only fair, considering that he or she will be working hard during the voyage to keep your cabin neat and clean. Stewards also honor special requests and can help you find items or places you need. The tip should be given at the end of the cruise and should amount to about $3.50 a day.

Tip the wait staff. When you eat in the main dining hall every evening, you will likely be assigned a waiter who will be with you for the duration of the cruise. Nightly tipping isn`t expected, but you most certainly will want to give a tip at the end of the cruise, usually on the final night. How much is up to you, depending on the service of the waiter, but the norm is around $3-4 per day.

Be courteous. When you are polite and friendly with the crew, you`ll find that they are far more willing to help you out than if you are always snapping orders at them. Be nice and they`ll be nice right back.

Take the time to thank people. While on a cruise, you should still keep your manners about you and thank everyone who does something for you . . . even if they are being paid to do so. A simple thanks can go a long way.

Don`t

Criticize everything. Yes, you paid good money to go on this cruise, but hopefully you did enough research to know what to expect. Relax and enjoy the cruise, rather than looking at the bad side of things.

Become a cruise stalker. While you are bound to make new friends on the cruise, it`s one thing to get together for bingo and drinks, quite another to follow them around the ship all day! It`s a good idea to befriend several people so you have a variety of friends to hang out with, even if you aren`t with a partner.

Complain to random crew members. Cruise ships are usually big and if you have a complaint, you should go through the proper channels and not just pick someone at random who probably has no idea what you are talking about and can`t possibly help you. Instead, speak to the manager of the area you are having issues with. For example, if your problem is with the waiter, speak to the head waiter.

Slam your cabin door. Taking a moment to close it quietly, particularly at night, will help keep the peace among your neighbors! The same goes for talking loudly in the corridor . . . it can really be obnoxious to fellow passengers.

Cruise ship etiquette is really like any other etiquette. Unfortunately, many people use this time to gripe about the service and weather and just be rude in general. Just because you are outside your normal environment, doesn`t mean you should be able to act any way you please and it`s a good idea to remember this when you choose to go on a cruise. You`ll enjoy it a lot more, too, when the staff responds to you nicely because you`ve treated them well.

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Say Thank You With Your Wedding Thank You Notes

Opening your wedding gifts is probably one of the highlights of your wedding - well, aside from the ceremony itself, which forever binds you to the love of your life, and the reception, where you get to face your guests as newlyweds and celebrate the joyous moment. The wedding gifts that you will receive on your big day will be the cherry on your ice cream.

It is only right that you send thank you notes to the givers of the gifts to show them how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness. But the thought of writing thank you notes is often dreaded by newlyweds. Most of the time, they end up not writing the notes at all. And this is not right. You don’t want your guests to think that you took their gifts for granted, do you?

Writing thank you notes is relatively easy, as long as you know the basics. But don’t worry, there are no strict rules in writing thank you notes, just general guidelines to help you with the task.

What Cards Should You Use?

There are pre-printed thank you cards that you can get in stationary stores. These are quite are pricey, but are perfect if you had a big, formal wedding. You can also order wedding stores that offer services such as personalized wedding thank you notes. You can have your wedding pictures printed on the back of the card to make it unique and sophisticated.

But if you had a smaller ceremony, using printed, general thank you notes is okay. Just use your personal touch by using stickers with your monogram to secure it. But whatever thank you card you choose, remember to write your return address. And when you order the cards, make it a point to order a few extra items for gifts that may be given to you after the wedding.

How Should You Write Your Notes?

When writing thank you notes, the rule of the thumb is to handwrite each. Printing them out will definitely be fast and easy, but it will also make your notes seem impersonal and insincere. You want to make the giver of the gift feel your warm appreciation and gratitude.

What Do You Write?

Before you start writing, you need a guest list and a list of the gifts you received from each guest. Make sure you also have a list of their addresses, so that you finish the task in one sitting; no need to run here and there just to get the information you need.

Start your note with a warm greeting, and then go ahead and thank them for the gift. Include a brief description of the item, and how much you appreciate them. If you they gave you cash gifts, include in your note how you and your hubby will use it.

Aside from thanking them for their gift, make sure to mention how you appreciate their presence on your wedding day, especially if they had to go out of their way just to attend it. If you are writing a thank you note for someone who could not make it to your wedding, be sure to state how sorry you and your husband are that they could not partake in the celebration.

After writing the note, do send them out at once. Don’t reserve the task for the next day. You might be caught up in other task, and you might not come around to actually sending them out.

There’s still much to do after the wedding such as writing thank you notes and getting a groomsmen gift. For the latter, visit ExecutiveGiftShoppe.com for a lovely selection of flasks or a nice leather magnetic money clip.

Father’s Day Flowers

Father’s Day is a great time of year to celebrate how wonderful dad has been for all of these years. Mom gets her day, so it is only fair that dad gets his. The only dilemma is what to get dad for Father’s Day. Mom gets candies, flowers, and other gifts and dad is usually the recipient of his one hundredth baseball cap or necktie. It is only fair to break the Father’s Day gift monotony by doing something a little different that makes him feel as special as mom does on her special day.

To make dad feel special, try giving him the gift of nature, which is flowers. Some may feel that flowers are too feminine, but men love flowers too. The reason is because they have a pleasant fragrance, they look nice, and the emotions that are derived from receiving flowers are all positive. Even after they have been received, looking at them and knowing where they came from can make dad’s day an even brighter one.

What kind to get

Men do have a softer side to them whether they admit it or not. There are plenty of men who enjoy gardening or buying fresh flowers for their homes. Simply hanging out at the local greenhouse will reveal this and these men are not shopping for their wives. They are men who know exactly what they want and exactly how they want their flower garden to look. When receiving flowers for Father’s Day, A smile will surely come over his face when he receives this expression of love. If in doubt as to which flower is the best flower to express that love, there are certain flowers that men tend to like. Some do enjoy roses because of what they represent, but there are other flowers that he may really enjoy.

Flowers that would be ideal for Father’s Day are:

• If dad likes roses, then white and red roses may be ideal. These are flowers that have a great deal of architecture to them and they are also the official flowers of Father’s Day. However, it is typical that a white rose is worn on the lapel for a father who has passed away and a red rose for a father who is still living.

• To be a little different and stray away from the traditional flower, try something bold or something tropical. Anything with bold colors or a tropical flower really appeals to men. These are flowers that show strength and uniqueness. Dads are strong and these types of flowers last a long time, which makes them a great gift for dad.

• In terms of colors, anything that is red, orange, yellow, or purple with a linear design is really going to appeal to a man. There is something intelligent about a linear arrangement that men love.

• Contemporary arrangements are quite trendy and men enjoy those as well. One may opt for a mixture of flowers within a certain color theme. An individual may choose to buy dad a bouquet of red roses and yellow daisies.

A great gift idea

Flowers certainly make a great Father’s Day gift. They can also be presented to him along with candies, balloons, and so much more. If it is tradition to give Dad that one hundredth baseball cap, give it to him with flowers. There are so many possibilities, especially in how flowers and gifts can be packaged together that it is hard to go wrong. Most importantly, dad will feel the appreciation and will always remember his bold and beautiful Father’s Day gift.

Celebrate Dad with wonderful Father’s Day flowers from Fathers Day Flowers Toronto

Smoking The Good Cigar

Smoking cigars require a hint of attitude, a dash of poise, and a spoonful of consideration. If you are a cigar lover, make sure you follow the etiquette that comes with your passion.

You might have never thought about smoking as something that could be done properly, but believe it or not, there is a right way to smoking a cigar. There are do’s and don’ts to cigar smoking, as well as a proper way to handle a cigar and a right way to light it. This article will serve as a primer to cigar smoking.

The Basics Of Smoking

First of all, you have to understand that we are talking about cigars, not cigarettes - that’s a different thing. Now, the first thing you must learn is how to light a cigar properly. Take a cigar clipper and use it cut off the section of the cigar you put to your mouth.

After cutting, you may then take a cedar match and hold the edge of the cigar to the flame. Avoid using sulfur matches as they leave a bad taste in the mouth. Also, do not allow the cigar to be in direct contact with the fire. Just hold it over the heat and draw in deeply until the cigar is well lit.

“What about lighters?” you ask. Well, as much as possible, use a wooden match to light your cigar. But if you must use a lighter, choose a butane lighter. Regular cigarette lighters produce a nasty odor that ruins a good cigar.

Another point to remember is to light your own cigar. Do not offer to light another’s or to have someone else light you cigar for you. Offer your match or your lighter instead.

Here comes the main part of cigar smoking - and that is smoking the cigar! But you can’t do it any way you please. There are certain points a good smoker must follow. First, lightly hold the cigar between your thumb and your index thumb. Anything else is considered in bad taste.

A Couple of Do’s and Don’ts Every Cigar Lover Must Know

Do not rush the process of smoking. Keep a slow burn and allow yourself time to savor the taste and the aroma of your cigar. Smoking a good quality cigar usually takes half an hour. Bigger sized cigars take at least an hour.

Don’t knock off the ashes of the cigar. Rest the cigar in an ashtray every few minutes - don’t huff and puff like a little madman! Place it in an ashtray when not being smoked, and allow the ashes to fall off naturally from the cigar. But be sure you have the right ashtray size.

Never burn a cigar down to a nub. Leave at least and inch or two to your cigar. Otherwise, you’ll get a bitter taste in your mouth. So how do you extinguish and discard your cigar? Allow the cigar to sit on the ashtray and it will go out by itself.

And remember, a good smoker is considerate of the people around him. So when you want to light up a cigar in public, make sure to ask the person beside you if he minds you lighting up one.

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Choosing The Best Gift Boxes

When the time comes to buy a present or two for friends, family, or business associates, your chore is a lot easier when you choose gift boxes. Whether purchasing for a friend down the road or a cousin across the country, these are a great idea simply because they are structured to be more stable offering your present a better chance of arriving in one piece. Even if you shop glass items, the box makes it more likely the glassware will arrive safely and without incident.

There are a copious number of gift boxes on the market today. Each one guaranteeing the greatness you will find from the one you choose. With so many options on the market today, you will find that it is easier than ever to get that perfect present for anyone. You will get to choose from food gifts to playful gifts of toys for adults as well as children. Each choice will be tailored to your needs, and should you not find that perfect present for your needs, you can even consider making your own.

There are many ways of getting those perfect gift boxes. Whether shopping at a local merchant, shopping via the convenience of the internet, or making your own exquisite treasures, these are gifts that keep on giving. Whether going for unique or conformity, there are choices allowing you to choose what is best for your needs today. Of course, you will find that the best way to get something they like is to get something you like.

Christmas is a popular time of year for gift boxes of all kinds. However, in recent years, these gifts have become popular for everything from a thank you present to a baby shower treasure. Yes, you can have perfection, and all you have to do is keep your eyes and ears open for something new, something unique. In fact, these are fun to put together yourself with items you collect over time. Imagine trading these with a friend instead of s stocking every Christmas season. The possibilities are limitless.

Choosing the best idea for your needs means deciding on what type you will purchase. For me, I prefer something for the occasion that will stand out yet give the recipient something for all time. Mexican gift boxes are a great idea, and since most of my friends and family love Mexican food, this is a great idea for me. Salsa is a great way to start the box, and then you can end it with a jalapeno ornament that will be treasured for years to come. Even margarita glasses or tequila glasses can make your gifts better.

Of course, perhaps you are more into the sweet side of life. Try Mexican chocolate! This is absolutely delicious chocolate that will be remembered for a long time to come. Mexican chocolate is sweet, yet tastes slightly richer than American chocolate. Definitely something you will want to explore if you are a chocolate lover like me.

Yes, gift boxes can offer so much more to your hectic day. Just stick with favorites and you will have a present that will be remembered for years to come.

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Cell Phones At The Workplace

Most workplaces do not appreciate if you use your cell phone while you are supposed to be working. Many companies have implemented rules prohibiting cell phone use in work areas. If you are a person who cannot stand to be without your cell phone, there are some simple rules to ensure that your cell phone use does not interfere with your job, your supervisor, or your co-workers.

The first rule that you should follow if you are bringing your cell phone to work is to shut your ringer off. Leave the phone on vibrate if you must have it on. This will keep your cell phone ringtone from bothering the employees around you. It can also prevent your boss from knowing how many calls you get at the workplace.

When you do get a call at work, it may be prudent to let the call be picked up by voice mail. This prevents other workers from complaining to the boss about the calls that you are receiving. It also eliminates any temptation that you may have to begin a conversation that you really should not be having.

While at work, you should only answer important calls. These include calls from your child, calls from his school, and emergencies that must be taken care of immediately. Chatting with your sister or checking on a doctor’s appointment that you have next week are not emergencies.

When you need to make cell phone calls, you should find an isolated place to do it. In the break room during lunch when there are twenty other employees sitting around is not a private place. Having a conversation in front of your co-workers that they are not included in is rude. If you chose a place out in the work place during your break time, it may distract the people who are still working as they try to overhear your conversation.

You should never ever use your phone in the public restroom. If one of your co-workers is going to the bathroom and the person on the other end of your call can hear them that is an invasion of your coworkers’ privacy. You might also consider that many bathrooms in the work place are large and echo so that any co-worker who is present may be able to hear the entire conversation.

You should not bring your cell phone to any meetings. Your concentration should be on your job and your boss will notice if you are paying attention. Even if you have your cell phone set on vibrate, if it rings it can disrupt the entire meeting as well as gain you some unwelcomed attention by your supervisor. You should also never check your cell phone to identify who is calling. Your boss will think that you do not care about your job.

While some companies have stopped the use of cell phones during work hours, the businesses that allow them encourage their employees to only use them in case of emergency. Otherwise, you should only make calls on your own time, such as during breaks and lunchtime. This gesture is just a common courtesy that you can extend to your bosses and co-workers.

You just got a new cell phone or you want to personalize your current cell phone visit this article on cell phone accessories.

Cell Phone Etiquette In Public

As more Americans are purchasing cell phones, there is a new etiquette specifically targeted at cell phone users. While some of these rules are necessary, others are personal choice.

Picking a ringtone for when you are in public may be a good idea. If you are on a subway or waiting for a bus, people around you may not want to hear loud music playing every five minutes as you are taking incoming calls. One option would be to put your cell phone on the Vibrate Only setting, although in densely crowded areas you may not have easy access to reach it if you do get a call. Another option is to program a backup ringtone that is a milder song or a more traditional one that sounds like a regular telephone ringtone.

Some phones enable you to program music that will play while an incoming caller is waiting for you to pick up the call. Again, although you may be a fan of heavy metal music, your grandmother probably is not, and may end up hanging up before you get a chance to talk to her. Be considerate of everybody that may be calling your cell phone. Make a selection that most callers will enjoy listening to.

There is always a question of when and where you should shut your cell phone off. While hospitals and airplanes are places that require you to do this, you may also want shut it down in the theater or a library. Any conversation that you may try to have in either of these places is going to disturb those around you. College classrooms and Sunday church services are two other locations that you may just want to shut it down. Allow your voice mail to pick it up and you can return the call later.

There is nothing wrong with answering your cell phone in a restaurant if you are with colleagues from work or a group of close friends. It may not be proper, however, if you are dining with just one friend or celebrating a romantic dinner with your spouse. The friend may feel as if you would rather talk to the caller than to him, and your spouse will probably just become angry. Again, in these situations you may be better off just shutting your cell phone off.

Using your cell phone in the checkout aisle in a busy store may not be a good idea either, especially if there is a long line of people behind you. These customers may feel that you are holding up the line, even if you are not.

You should also always turn your cell phone off during a wedding ceremony or a funeral service. Receiving calls during such a solemn occasion may offend the family and anger many of the other people that are in attendance to pay their respects. Although this example may seem to be common sense to most adults, some younger people may not realize how disrespectful answering a cell phone call can be on these occasions.

Again, cell phone etiquette is a personal choice. You should just be considerate of the people around you and you will do fine.

You just got a new cell phone or you want to personalize your current cell phone visit this article on cell phone accessories.

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