Computers and Communication
iPad Etiquette
The iPad from Apple, it’s a book, it's e-mail, it's your social network or your office, it's your music and your photos plus the apps for all of that.
And the more ways we can use a device, the more we'll want to take a look at how using it affects those around us.
In a nutshell, that's how "old" etiquette is applied to new technology.
If you have an iPad, here are a few places you might find yourself:
First, be prepared for curious stares and questions from strangers. Don't break it out in public unless you're ready to play show and tell, and possibly share. "Can I see it? Can I touch it? Can I try it?" Know your answer, because like a proud momma with a new infant, all the old ladies will want to hold your baby.
Have kids? Set the rules for use first thing. Tell them it's only for mommy's or daddy's work, or else be prepared to lose your latest spreadsheet when you walk in the door.
Back at the office, think about your work culture. Will the iPad be a handy tool or overkill? Be explicit with colleagues about what you're using it for, such as taking notes or checking a calendar, so they don't think you're playing Angry Birds during your morning meeting.
The reading feature is a huge component of iPad use, so feel free to pull it out during your morning commute. The upside: No more awkwardly folding your newspaper into a postage stamp. The downside? People are bound to read over your shoulder; until iPads are ubiquitous, curiosity will draw wandering eyes.
When you're with your family, equate iPad reading to the same choices you make with your books and magazines. For example, if your family is watching "Dancing With The Stars" but it isn't your thing, and you'd be reading a magazine during the show regardless, fire up the iPad. Just consider dimming it if the room is dark.
But if the idea is to spend quality time interacting with your family, put it away. Even if you think you're paying attention, you won't look like it -- and that's all that's going to matter to your spouse.
Without question, turn it off at the dinner table. Reading in bed is another time to think about dimming the iPad. Again, how will it affect others? If their light is out, it's time to dim.
What about reading in the car? It's sad to have to spell this out, but never use it if you're the driver! Causing an accident is the ultimate rudeness, to say the least.
Networking Tips For LinkedIn
Networking Tips For LinkedIn
By Dawn Stanyon, AICI FLC, Professional Image Expert
Unless you’re living under a rock (which does sound appealing on certain busy days…), you know that LinkedIn is a social networking site where professionals connect. Whether you are on a solid career path, looking for a job or are just interested in building a virtual community for sharing ideas and opinions, LinkedIn might be the place for you. Here at Emily Post, we believe that face-to-face connections are the most powerful; however, there is no denying that social networking is here to stay, and we all need to learn how to use it to build relationships.
Here are five tips for growing your social network on LinkedIn.
- Make your profile an extension of your personal brand. What are your three top attributes? Determined, hard working and professional? Is that truly reflected in your profile picture, the language you use in describing your current and former jobs and your connections?
- Customize your personal URL. A tailored web address always looks more professional.
- Use a professional – or at least good looking – head shot. Cartoon characters, tropical vacation shots and pictures of your baby are for Facebook (maybe…). If you want to be seen as an expert in your field, you have to look like an expert on your profile page.
- The more information, the better. Don’t be stingy with your resume information – you want people to be able to see how amazing you are. Corporate recruiters and other HR-type professionals can search LinkedIn to find the “right” people. Make sure your attributes, skills and experience are fleshed out on your profile.
- Join or create “Groups.” Relationships don’t just happen – they take effort and nurturing, and groups are a way to interact with other LinkedIn users with similar interests. I am in several groups: a training and development group; an image consultants group; an etiquette experts group; and a table manners group(!). You don’t have to respond to every topic – pick and choose and answer thoughtful. Actually create conversations to engage members.
Using a Computer in Public
Computing in Public
Whether you’re on a laptop, smartphone, or mobile device, or you’re using a public computer in a cybercafé or library, privacy and security are concerns.
- What’s on your screen? There’s a very good chance that what you’re viewing, others can see too, even if they shouldn’t be looking. A privacy screen is a good investment if you need to work while traveling or commuting.
- To Wi-Fi or not? While convenient, unsecured networks are risky: Your computer can be hacked or infected with a virus.
- Do you have a name tag? Take a couple of minutes to tape your business card to your computer so that if it’s lost, you have a better chance of having it returned to you.
Instant Messaging
IM Etiquette
Instant messaging allows those connected by the Internet or an intranet to send real-time, typed messages. At work, instant messaging is the fastest way to receive and convey information. Yet it has its drawbacks. They can come so thick and fast that they’re intrusive. Here are some ways to keep IMs on track:
- Be as cautious with IMing as you are with email. Make sure you know whom you’re talking to.
- Never offer any personal or private information via IM.
- Choose your screen name wisely.
- If you IM and get miniclip no response, try again later. They could be busy with something else or away from their computer, so don’t take it personally.
- Respect “Do not disturb” status or “Be right back” messages.
- At work, keep messages on task.
- Keep track of your conversations.
- Don’t IM from a friend’s computer unless you’re both in on the conversation.
- Sign off clearly so that others know you’re exiting the conversation.
E-Mail Tech-Traps
1. CC vs. BCC
The use of BCC is great for e-mails with long lists of recipients, for example company wide e-mails. When the recipients of the e-mail do not all necessarily know each other, the use of BCC is courteous. Not using BBC in this case could expose e-mail addresses to spam or other e-mails they do not wish to receive. Make sure you respect the privacy of your contact list, not everyone wants there e-mail address out there for everyone to use!
CC is best to use in e-mails where smaller groups of people are involved. You may want to CC a manger on an e-mail who needs a copy of the e-mail, but does not necessarily need to participate in the conversation. In this instance it would be important to use CC, so that all recipients know who is a part of the e-mail thread.
2. Reply vs. Reply All
Only use reply all when you are sure that your reply is essential information for everyone on the recipient list. Getting constant information that does not pertain to you can start to feel like spam in your inbox after a while. On the other hand, be sure to use reply all when working as a part of a group or team to ensure that everyone is receiving the same information.
3. Let's start fresh
Continuing an e-mail thread back and forth is a simple and easy way of communication, but be careful not to take that thread too far. Replying back and forth is quick, but when starting a new topic it is appropriate to start a new e-mail as well. If you've been e-mailing back and forth with a co-worker regarding a meeting time, its time to start a new e-mail when you have a question about the project you've been working on. This keeps e-mails more organized and the recipients focused on the current subject of the e-mail.
4. Think about your subject line
A meaningful and poignant subject line is important and can be extremely helpful for recipients who sift through dozens of e-mails a day. For someone gazing through their inbox, a subject line that gets straight to the point saves them time. This is also you chance to convey the importance of your e-mail, so give the subject line more than just a quick thought before you hit send.
5. A right to privacy? Forget it!
Your e-mail at work belongs to your company, not to you. Your employer has the right to monitor and intercept you e-mail, to access e-mail you have received, even to retrieve from your computer's hard drive e-mail that you long ago dumped or deleted - and your employer is also free to act on what he or she finds. Sending proprietary company data to a friend is the same as stealing confidential documents from a file. And insulting bosses or the company in a e-mail note is the same as slapping them in the face. More companies are setting e-mail policies and communicating them to their workers. Some policies are actively communicated, but it's a mistake to assume that in the absence of a policy statement, you are free to use office e-mail as you like.
6. Don't accept packages from strangers
Computer security is more important today than ever before. Viruses can pop up anywhere in new and unexpected ways. While we cannot totally stop computer viruses and spam, there are somethings that can help to keep your computer safe.
- Use virus protection software.
- Avoid opening e-mail from people you don't know.
- Never open an attachment
7. Keep an eye on your junk
Your junk e-mail folder is a great tool that keeps useless and potentially harmful e-mails out of your inbox, but don't forget about it altogether. Be sure to take a glance at your junk e-mail folder every few days. You never know what e-mails it may decide to filter out, and they could be important!
