Q. Is it appropriate to write a personal note to a business colleague on office stationary (with the company letterhead for instance)? The nature of the note is within the area of business, but slightly personal in nature (like a one-to-one)?

A. The protocol in company stationary is that it should only be used for business related subjects, especially letterheads, envelops or any material that has the logo of the company. If an employee wishes to write a personal note to his/her colleague, the proper tool to use is a blank paper.

Q. What are the proper etiquettes of asking for a dish that is kept away from you at the dinner table?

A. Always ask the person closest to the dish to please pass it to you, never reach across the table to get it yourself. In general, passing at the dining table is from the left to the right until it reaches you.

Q. I would like to know that when meeting some one, especially for the first time, how important is it to Say Hi or to Shake hand first, and then say Hi. The problem with me is that I am hesitant to do so and at the same time, I do not want them to realize that I am unsociable. Please advice as how one must act in such situations?

A. First of all, try to say “Hello” instead of “Hi”. A handshake and the hello go together and you add to it the person’s name that has been introduced to you. So, as an example, it goes this way, “ Hello Jane, it is a pleasure meeting you!” do personalize your greeting, use the person’s name during the short conversation that you are having after the introduction, it helps you remembering the name. Just be natural, opened and receptive; and there is no need to be hesitant.

Q. What is the right place to reapply lipstick when dining out?

A. In private. Do excuse yourself and go to the washroom where you can apply the lipstick and adjust your hair and clothes if necessary.

Q. Eating soup seemed like the easiest thing to do until a friend gave me a set of do's and don't to follow. She is not really an authority on this subject so I thought I could ask you instead.

A. Well, there are some rules set to eating soup! First of all, it should be spooned away from you, in order to keep from spilling. And in order to get that last precious drop, tip the bowl or plate away from you. The second rule is slurping; soup should be seen, not heard. And the third rule is blowing; never blow on your soup to cool! Wait till it cools by itself. There is a saying related to business “You might be blowing a deal while blowing your soup”

Q. How appropriate is it to use acronyms like BTW (by the way), FYI (for your information), OBO (or best offer), etc in an official e-mail?

A. As much as it is inviting to use these acronyms; as improper and unprofessional they are to be used. In business correspondence, conduct yourself in a professional, business like manner at all times using appropriate business language and proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Q. When answering a business call, I need to say my name, the name of the company and a pleasantry like "Good morning". In which order should I do this? Or, should I leave something out?

A. Business calls must be answered in a professional and pleasant manner and it goes in this order:
Good morning/afternoon. Company name. This is “your name” how may I help you?

This is the greeting to be used by the operator or the person with a direct line. If the line is transferred by the operator then there is no need to repeat the company’s name.

Q. I am a senior person in my company. When clients come to visit, should I stand and shake hands or it is OK for me to be seated? (When I have a meeting with a lady professional, I always stand up and shake hands.)

A. Well, you have to always remember that your client, no matter what his/her position, is the important person in this scenario! The code of behaviour is to stand up, go around your desk, greet your client, seat them, and then go back to your seat.

Q. What is the right place for setting a lady's handbag at a restaurant when having a meal - is the table alright or should one put it on the floor next to the chair or hang it on the chair?

A. A handbag should not be placed on the table. If the seats back is closed then you could put it behind you or it could be placed under the table where it will not cause the waiter to stumble over it. Hanging it on the chair will also distract the waiter’s movement. There are special handbag hangers that could be carried along with you and when at the restaurant you place it on the side of the table and hang your bag, this would be the best option.