Five Simple Ways To Be A Team Player

It certainly is amazing what a little teamwork can accomplish!

However, there are many among us who just can’t seem to work together as a team! Here are the five golden rules to be followed by every team player.

1. Never breach deadlines!

There’s nothing like a deadline to get you going on all four cylinders! However, it’s always a good practice to finish your work on time. Moreover, when you are working within a team, you should be punctual in finishing your work because someone else is beginning to start his work as soon as you finish yours! After all, a team work is a step-by-step work!

2. Always be candid!

When you are candid, you ensure that your team members stop short of pitfalls well in advance because of your warnings! After all, suggestions and constructive criticisms are two of the key requirements for any good team player.

3. Learn to adapt quickly!

With the advancement in technologies, change is a constant reality in the way you work along with your team members. Some hurdle or hassle is bound to arise and they require you to change your working method completely by adapting new outlooks and following new methods.

4. Be open to multiple styles of work!

Within a team, one individual may be good at one thing, while another individual may be good at another. Sometimes, their expertise conflict and the flow of work comes to a halt until a mutually agreed solution is not reached. This should not be the case in a team with each member being aware about the working styles of others and having an impartial outlook. After all, completing the work is more important than satisfying personal agendas.

5. Say a strong NO to politics!

Politics is the demise of every team with a hoard of non-related elements being brought into the sphere of working. For example, one person within a team is frequently irritated from another; therefore, when both of them work together, they end up in fighting and not working.

The Vintage Trends of the 90s are Making a Major Comeback

History seems to repeat itself. Yes, the trends of the 90s are making a huge comeback in the world of contemporary fashion. This fashionable comeback has been spotted on the red carpet when Hollywood celebs showcased their style gracefully.

Bold Burgundy Lips-

Then- Liv Tyler opted for the most attractive makeover with bold burgundy lipcolor in the year 1995.

Now- Actress Jessica Alba shows a similar trend with a modish twist.

The Choker Necklace-

The choker has been ruling the world of fashion since the 90s. Do you remember the tattoo-style version? It’s just a same thing with the twist of a necklace. 

Then- Drew Barrymore adorned a ribbon-style choker in the year 1994.

Now- Stylish Rihanna sports a bold look with a chic gold choker during the summer of 2014.

Attractive, Tousled Hair-

Gorgeous and attractive tousled hairstyle has made a major comeback in the world of fashion.

Then- Kate Moss who is also known as the queen of undone style proved that the messy locks of a tousled hairstyle can look fabulous in the year 1990.

Now- Model Alexa Chung flaunts the 90s beauty trend with a casual-cool getup. 

The Sporty Leather Biker Jacket-

A timeless trend that was never named ‘old’, leather bike jacket is always a choice when it comes to a sporty and chic look. The best part about the leather jacket is that it beautifully adds an instant edge to any ensemble. 

Then- Winona Ryder sets a cool-casual vibe with the black leather jacket in 1990.

Now- Cara Delevingne gets the most tough-chic look with the black moto jacket studded with bold embellishments.

The creative minds of the fashion designers are constantly creating stunning outfits by taking inspiration from the vintage designs. Among all, the 90s trends have made a wonderful comeback to complement the demands of the modern day ladies. 

10 Ways To Look Slim In Indian Ethnic Wears

So rightly said by Coco Chanel! Looking fabulous is the priority among the cosmopolitan ladies. Who doesn’t want to flaunt a slim figure? A figure that adds a subtle touch of attractiveness to your personality! However, not all of us are blessed with a perfect shape no matter how much we exercise or control our desire to binge over the mouthwatering goodies.

India, the incredible country shares a rich heritage in terms of ethnicity and culture. Women in India are naturally beautiful but at times sad because of a fat look in Indian clothes. Indian attires in general impart a thinner look as compared to the western outfits. Due to the presence of layers and embellishments, you can easily use these dresses to flaunt your style by camouflaging all the flaws. 

Following are some valuable tips that will make you look slimmer in Ethnic Outfits: 

1. It is essential for every woman to understand the kind of dress that complements her body contours in the most perfect manner. If you have a heavy upper part, avoid wearing fabrics that cling to your upper part. 

2. Avoid adding any kind of frill or gathering of fabrics in your lehenga or kameeze to look slimmer.

3. Women with heavy upper portion, frills near the necklines are not a good option.

4. If you have heavy buttock, avoid the frills near your hips. In fact churidar is a great alternative for Patiala pants to hide that area and look slim. Choose long kurtis that cover your hips and gives you a narrower look. 

5. Monochromatic Indian dresses are a great choice when it comes to a taller and less bulky look. 

6. Opt for loose fitting kurtis that make you less bulky.

7. If you love printed outfits, always choose smaller prints.

8. If you have a secret crush on stripes, always opt for the vertical ones. 

9. Stick to the fine silk sarees and crepes as they will make you look slimmer than the heavy silk sarees.

10. Delicately sequined and embroidered sarees are also a good choice to look slender.

Be The Man Of Manners Even When On Wheels

Following a few basic rules of roadway etiquettes can create all the difference between safe, decent driving and careless, reckless driving.

Prove yourself as the man of manners even when on wheels by avoiding some common driving errors:

The Annoying Tailgater-

Tailgating is the act of an unnecessary drive close to the car just in front of you. This should be avoided as it depicts a rude image and could even be dangerous. Driving close to the car in front of you throws direct risks considering you may not have enough time or space to avoid the collision leading to accident. Thus, it is always safe and decent to maintain a certain distance from the vehicle in front of you. 

The Imprudent Multi-Tasker

When you are driving your car, your primary focus must be the road ahead of you and the environment surrounding you. Often some drivers try to act smart by showcasing their multi-tasking talent on the wheels by turning on the radio, speaking via mobiles and enjoying the GPS display while driving. Such activities only prove a person’s stupidity rather than his smartness.

If you have to make or attend an urgent call, drive your car at one side of the road and receive your call without any hassle. Always remember that you have got two hands and only one brain. Even professional drivers fail to maintain balance and concentration while driving. The current road environment is fast paced and at times chaotic. Thus, it is better to act really smart by paying your complete attention towards driving and nothing else.

The Impatient Approach to the Pedestrians-

No pedestrian prefers spending time in the middle of a road. They always tend to cross the road as soon as possible. It is always better to portray patience without unnecessary honking to give them their space and time to cross the road safely.

The Double Parking Space Occupiers-

Portray yourself as a confident man who always tends to park his car within the confines of a single parking space. Avoid consuming a double parking space that might offend others.

The Frequent Honkers at Traffic-

Frequent honking at the traffic signals not only irritates others but also portrays a foolish image of yours. Thus it is advised to follow the traffic signals patiently without blowing the horns constantly.

Play Smart With Your Hair To Camouflage Your Forehead

Wide foreheads are a sign of open-mindedness, superior intelligence and analytical powers. These are few comforting words for those who have disproportionately large foreheads. Every woman wishes to get a well-balanced synchronization of facial symmetries. For those who have wide foreheads, here are a few tricks to play smart and look aesthetically pleasing.

Back combed styles are not for you-

Tying a ponytail with a back brush style may be a cool trend but try avoiding this style if you have a broad forehead. This style not only draws attention to your wide forehead but also reduces the hairline further.

Opt for styles with headbands, scarves, bandanas & hats-

If you are bored with the styles you generally do to cover-up your forehead, try something new with these pretty fashion accessories. Create a funky style statement with summer hats or colorful head bands. A contrast can also be made with scarves and bandanas that beautifully cover your forehead by eliminating the monotony of style. You can also bring those cascading attractive curls in front so as to make an appealing statement for the world. 

Hairstyles can be illusive enough to hide your flaws-

 A wide forehead gives your face an elongated appearance. You must play some tricks to break this look. Nothing can be better than trying some hairstyles that not only bring a perfect balance between your forehead and face but also make you look attractive.

Layers & highlights for medium to long hair-

A layered style speaks of soft waves and bangs. Tell your makeup artist to make a side parting with a layer of hair falling gracefully over your forehead. Try some colour highlights to make those locks more interesting thereby distracting attention from forehead. 

Emo hairstyle for short, medium & long hair-

Add a spin to your style by trying the emo hairstyle that helps in hiding your forehead with an innovative side-swept fringe. Heavy and choppy in nature, these fringes can be streaked in vibrant shades to create a wow look for you.

Enjoy the Monsoon Showers with the Basics of Umbrella Etiquette

With monsoon rains soaring high, an umbrella becomes a necessity. However, you must make sure that it is just an anti-rain device and not a weapon. You must use it properly so that it doesn’t hurt people near your vicinity and at the same time keep you dry. Following are a few guidelines on proper umbrella etiquette:

Be Size Wise-

No matter whether you are on a less crowded street or a crowded one, unless you are sharing your umbrella with anyone, always choose to use a medium sized one.

Stay Dry! Tips to the Heavenly Showers-

Umbrellas are meant for giving you shelter from those drenching droplets and hence should be held upright always. You must be mindful when looking up and avoid tilting your umbrella backwards. While walking against the blow of rain, do not tilt it forward. If by any case the blowing wind doesn’t allow you to follow these rules, opt for a raincoat or a cab ride instead.

Maneuvering is Necessary-

Even if you have a proper sized umbrella, a little maneuvering will be necessary particularly for a crowded city-walk. Individuals with a tall height are expected to raise their umbrella while approaching others.

Let Others Walk under Canopies-

Don’t thrash others who didn’t have the foresight to carry umbrellas; be polite and let them walk under canopies while you walk on the rain-exposed area.

Create it a “No-Cell-Phone Zone”-

Use of cell-phones can lead to frequent collisions for umbrella carriers. To avoid those annoying hits, create a no-phone-zone while walking and be mindful about your surroundings.

Don’t Drip, Just Tap a Bit-

Before entering indoors, step aside from the gateway and tap your umbrella a bit to avoid dripping to some extent. It would be appreciated if you put the closed umbrella in a holder to stop dripping completely.

No Fuss inside the Bus-

Remember no one wants to get wet on a rainy day. Before boarding a bus, tap your umbrella and put it inside the plastic holder to avoid dripping and wet others. Your umbrella hasn’t bought a ticket to occupy a seat and wet the surroundings. Better let it be inside.  

Mentoring- The Perfect Way To Shape Your Careers

In the competitive environment of the corporate world, precise soft skills training provides the scope to take your careers to great heights.  At The Image Shoppe, we provide a comprehensive array of soft skills training programs which make you ready for the various challenges ahead.

Mentoring is one of the best ways to shape your career and excel at the helm of the best opportunity.  When you are working in a team environment, it is quite imperative to mentor your team members accordingly and make them ready for the stiff competition.

We have a core team which offers professional workshops to the team members where premier concepts about mentoring are shared. Multiple level of learning, practice and application are followed during the term of implementing the programs.

When a team mentoring session is organized by our experts, a lot of emphasis on practical sessions is provided. The team members get to interact with each other and learn the various traits related to leadership authentication programs.  A variety of organizational benefits can be achieved through these mentoring programs and can be termed as follows:

Improved Organizational Performance

Effective coaching and mentoring interventions ensure performances of individuals are improved. This in turn directly impacts the performance of organization as a whole. 

Superior Interpersonal & Inter-departmental Coordination

Through coaching and mentoring training session’s employees learn to become interdependent. These interventions develop the maturity to understand the pressures that their colleagues go through and empathize with them.

Increased Ability to Take On Greater Challenges 

When employee’s skills are developed their potential is enhanced and moves the organization forward. This allows the organization to explore unexplored paths, which in turn creates greater opportunities and heightened business results.

Higher Levels of Staff Retention

Coaching and mentoring training interventions ensures that a culture of learning is established within the organization. When individuals experience holistic development, they begin to feel a sense of ownership towards the organization. They start feeling that it is a great place to work. Researches show that more than 60% of skills learnt from one-on-one coaching & mentoring interventions in an organization has the highest transfer of knowledge. 

We are here to take care of your overall career development with the implementation of these mentoring programs which takes you a long way forward. Get in touch with us today, shape up your careers in the right way and add the much needed extra dimension. 

Empathy At Work – Build Your Soft Skills With Image Shoppe

Image Shoppe is one of the premier softskills training providers which offers a comprehensive array of soft skills development programs to individuals and corporates. We are experts in formulating and conducting training programs pertaining to highest standards and emphasize on the empathy at work dictum.  While focusing on the various aspects of image consultancy training, empathy at work stands out as one of the most important assets one should work on.

We encourage you to follow a few simple steps and put the soft skill of empathy at work to effective use. As an employee of an organization, you always need to work in a team environment. Empathy at work arouses of the fact that you need to understand the emotion of the person working alongside you. He or she might be your colleague and you always need to think beyond yourself to emerge successful in  adopting this particular soft skill.

1.       Put aside your view point, and try to see things from the other person's point of view
When you do this, you will realize that other people most likely aren't being evil, unkind, stubborn, or unreasonable – they are  probably just reacting to the situation with the knowledge they have.

2.       Validate the other person's perspective
Once you "see" why others believe what they believe, acknowledge it.  Always remember that acknowledgement does not always equal agreement. You can accept that people have different opinions from your own, and that they may have good reason to hold those opinions for a long period of time.

3.       Examine your attitude
Are you more concerned with getting your way, winning, or being right? Or is your priority to find a solution, build relationships, and accept others? Without an open mind and attitude, you probably would not have enough room for empathy.

 We at Image Shoppe always encourage you to adopt the soft skill of empathy at work and cross all the barriers which come your way.
  

Fashion Tips For A Cool Breezy Monsoon

Alright, rain finally hits India and you don’t want a messy monsoon. Right? Although, you are relieved from the scorching rise in mercury but it is the trickiest time in terms of dressing fashionably. However, this blog will prove it a myth by putting forth some awesome tips that promises both comfort and style. All you need is to hold the right attitude to carry yourself perfectly.

There are a lot of factors that determine how smart you are with respect to the clothes you choose to drape. These days, people judge by the brands you wear because it acts as an eye-catching statement to create the first impression. Thus, to enhance your first impression, follow the below mentioned monsoon fashion tips.

 Denims can do wonders if chosen correctly-

Classic and comfy, denims are a popular choice both for men and women in a drenching monsoon day. What’s essential is the right fit of your jeans. The month of July-August marks a high humidity in the air that leads to sweating. Thus, it is advised to avoid draping straight fitted or too fitted denims as they tend to stick to your skin causing irritation. Such outfits can be quite uncomfortable particularly if you get drenched in the rain.

‘Color’ something that shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to denims. No matter how much you care your light blue faded jeans, you cannot help it get stained due to the muddy puddles and water everywhere. Therefore, light colored jeans are just a No for this season. Instead you can opt for dark colored denims which are a perfect choice indeed.

Feel like a breeze! Put on those loose Tees-

Light and comfy loose fitting bright colored opaque Tees are a must have in your monsoon wardrobe. This type of clothes is recommended because they are not only breathable but also dries easily. Opt for the comfortable tees with funky prints in vibrant shades to complement a gloomy rainy day. Ideal for style-conscious teenagers as well as happy go lucky individuals, these can be best paired with the above mentioned denims. A getup that is good to go in the rain.

Raincoats with cool colors are also a good choice to look fashionable for the monsoon months.

Short western outfits- A more comfy approach to monsoon

Invest in short western outfits such as skirts, knee length harem pants and shorts. They act as a savior on a wet humid day. You can also go for ankle or three fourth length colorful silk pants and play suits in case you do not prefer to expose your legs too much.

Feel light, go with the bright-

Always go for bright coloured fabrics that are light in weight and hence can dry off easily. Frocks, maxi dresses and knee length gowns can be the perfect monsoon wears. Avoid light colours that get dirty easily. Say ‘No’ to tight fitting dresses as they will make your movements stiff and uncomfortable. Prefer a knee-length dress of your favourite colour. Sometimes you just have to shove off your summer brights in favor of a deeper color.

A black dress does not always mean dreary; in fact, whether you like it or not, your LBD will never be out of fashion. All thanks to Coco Chanel, LBD first appeared in 1926, and it has been the ultimate fashion staple since then.

Frizzy hair? No worries! Follow some homemade remedies-

Monsoon steals moisture from your hair making it frizzy and unmanageable. Try some easy and effective homemade remedies for a smooth and silky feel. Apply a paste of two bananas mixed with honey for about an hour. This will help to moisturize your hair and keep it soft. You may also apply lemon juice on your scalp for 15 minutes and then wash it off. This ensures an oil-free scalp. Aloe Vera gel is ideal for treating dandruff, split ends and hair fall in this season as it restores the pH balance. Reduced hair bacteria and relieves scalp itching.

The Way We Say “Hello” Matters (Telephone Etiquettes)

In the global world of business, telephone etiquettes matter a lot, especially for job profiles like receptionist, marketing, telecalling, etc. Even though businesses are mostly conducted via internet but that doesn’t mean telephone conversation is an obsolete idea. 

Telephone was and will always be an integral part of office skill profiles where you have to handle different customers by making them feel well informed and appreciated. No matter whether you are an executive secretary or a front office receptionist, the following etiquettes will always help you to deal any kind of circumstances conveniently via telephone.

Clarity is at priority-

A picture can paint a thousand words but while attending a call always remember that the caller on the other end can only hear your voice. He/she cannot visualize your face or body language. Thus, it is important to speak with utmost clarity. A professional voice should be clear, smart and polite all the way.

Try not to make your tone sound artificial-

Always make sure to use your normal tone when it comes to a telephonic conversation. Artificial voice tone often seems humorous and false to the caller on the other side. Avoid loud voices as this may irritate others.

Kickoff the habit of munching or sipping when on a call-

Never munch or sip on anything while you are on a call. Such weird noises can disturb the flow of a conversation by frequent interruptions.

Etiquette of addressing a caller-

Address the caller by his or her title, for example- Good Morning Mr. Joseph or Good Afternoon Mrs. Gomes, etc. In the case of an unfamiliar caller, always ask for his/her identity in a polite way, for example, “May I know your good name? Or May I know whom I am speaking to?”

Patience is the fruit of success-
 

When responding to a professional call, be a patient listener. Always allow your client to speak his words first because in this case he takes the ace position. While taking a message, it is always a good approach to repeat the information back to the client. Before disconnecting the call, make it a point to verify the transcribed message for accuracy purposes.

Key To The Success Of Personality Development

Having an impressive persona certainly has an added advantage in the competitive corporate culture. It is essential to enhance the various traits of your personality and emerge as a winner amidst this immense competition.

As per the directives of experts, proper soft skill training certainly has a role to play in building your personality and enhances your image in the hardcore corporate sector. You would certainly want to grab attention with your functional skills and stand out as an iconic individual who can overcome every challenge.

Enhance your Persona with Emotional Intelligence

Where developing your personality is concerned, you can easily get in touch with professional soft skill trainers who will show you the pathway to success. These industry oriented trainers possess huge experience and deal with the various traits of offering training in a very precise way.  For instance, you can enhance your personality with a very effective method termed as emotional intelligence.

As per the emotional intelligence method, you are encouraged to study the psychology of others around. This is a very specialized technique and involves acute practice as per the prescribed methods.  A variety of human understanding of different issues are involved in this regard.

Build Your Attitude

Building a variety of attitudes and attributes also plays a pivotal role in personality development through soft skills training. Having a positive attitude before undertaking any kind of work is hugely important. It takes you a long way in achieving your dreams and touches the zenith of excellence.

 Develop Self Confidence

As per the suggestions of soft skills training experts, it is also quite important to develop your self confidence. A variety of group discussion sessions are held where you can participate and come out with a vociferous idea. These debates or group discussions allow you to speak about particular topics which certainly enhance the level of your personality.

Improving Communication Skills

Improving your communication skills in various languages also acts as a cornerstone to your success. If you are a good communicator, it is quite easy to win the hearts of others around you. You can create an immediate impression on the minds of your audience and have a concrete presence.

When all these skills, blend into your persona, it automatically reflects an all new stature of its own. You can stand out as a transformed individual who aspires for success all the time. 

The Etiquette of Introduction-Turn a Simple Greet into a Beautiful Moment

The way of introducing people is an art in itself. It also acts as a means of ensuring good etiquettes. A decent introduction can help people embark upon a great conversation which can in turn ease any discomfort or hesitation during a first time interaction. While making an introduction, the first thing to figure out is who should be introduced to whom on the basis of rank and authority. Once you have successfully figured this out, you can easily conduct an interesting greeting with a great conversation.

Wait for the right time-

When you are about to introduce people to each other, it is essential to get the timing right. Of course you will never want to spoil a meeting just by making a wrong introduction or by interrupting a smooth conversation just to get over the details.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are interacting with two people who don’t know each other, try to introduce the unknown individuals as soon as possible. After the introduction, you should always attempt to bring both of them in the comfort zone of interaction. The perfect approach would be to get involved in a common topic of interest. This will keep away all awkward conditions without the hit of boredom.

Avoid introducing any individual to people who are involved in a serious conversation. For example, you might have to introduce a person to your boss who is extremely busy discussing on some major issues. To avoid any kind of hard hits from your boss, it is better to be patient and wait until the discussion reaches its end.

Figuring out the person who have got a higher rank in social & business settings-

The rule is that the person with lesser rank is introduced to the individual with higher rank. Now when it comes to an introduction, gender takes the ace position. Generally in a social gathering, women take the priority over men unless the male is considerably older than the female. After gender, age is a factor that decides priority. In other words, the younger individual is generally introduced to the older one. When the same thing occurs in a business setting, position determines the authority.

The correct art of making formal & informal introductions-

Generally formal introductions are made either on a work place or on a business party. While making formal greetings it is essential to address with both the first and last name of a person. Also try to use sober phrases such as “I would like to introduce Mr. X” or “Have you met Mr. X” and many alike.
The reverse is the case when you put yourself in a casual setting with informal introductions. Here you can address the introducers directly with their first names. Such a setting allows you to bother less about sober phrases and other formal etiquettes.

With Right Shoes, Anyone Can Control The World

“It is totally impossible to be well-dressed in cheap shoes” – Hardy Amies.

Shoes not only transform your body language and attitude but they enhance your personality both physically and emotionally. According to one of the American Psychologists shoes reflect your personality. If you are presenting yourself with a battered pair of shoes, then you are simply giving out a negative impression of your own personality. It is true that the outer appearance does matter in today’s age of glitz and glamour, the first impression always counts.

Get a new shoe:

If you are still wearing the old pair of shoes, it is time to get new pairs. But you should know that if you are on a budget constraint and you can afford only one pair, then you should choose the style that would suit all your apparels.

Take good care of your shoes:

Remember, when you are going out, you shoes will bring out the elegance of your personality. So you should polish your shoes every day or at least clean it with a soft piece of cloth preferably linen. This will keep the shine of your shoes intact and always make it look like new one.

Know your shoes:

Have you ever wondered why do you ever buy what you buy? That is because, when you like a particular thing, it likes you too. It is an unsaid understanding and a feeling of love that goes on between the buyer and the buy. So, you should know which shoe is for you and why you should buy it. You should select your footwear at par with your personality and the clothes that you are planning to buy.

Always choose comfort:

Comfort is of utmost importance. No matter how important your occasion you have to attend, you should never wear something which makes you feel uncomfortable. Your closet might be filled with designer shoes, but they might not suit you. So it is feasible that you get a comfortable pair of them and not be conscious of your appearance.

Right posture:

Shoes are lot about your postures. It may so happen that wearing high heels can affect your postures. Don’t wear them if they are hampering your figure and not letting you take the right posture. Be confident of what you are wearing and conquer the world.

Corporate shoes and casual shoes:

You should distinctly know the difference between corporate shoes and casual shoes. When you are attending an official conference, you should always try to wear black formal shoes. They are shining and sophisticated, absolutely ideal and in accordance with your formal trouser. On the other hand, when you are going out with your friends, wear anything but office shoes. Add funk to your candid moments and flaunt the wackiest shoes you can get.

In a perfect world...:

In a perfect world, there are several rules, do’s and don’t’s, criteria and norms. But when it comes to everyday life, it is you who makes the ultimate decision. You know how to carry yourself in the most suave manner. At The Image Shoppe, we try to achieve perfection for you. There is no rule book, just confidence.

How to Eat Sushi Platters in an Authentic Way? (Sushi Etiquette)

When it comes to dining etiquettes, there are a lot more things to consider other than polite behavior and a sober attitude. There are certain rules to follow to make your dining experience more pleasant. In this blog I am going to state Japanese dining etiquettes for those who love to relish sushi platters in the most authentic style.

In a Japanese restaurant, the host or hostess will greet you with the traditional “irasshaimase” which means “please come in”. You just need to accept their greeting and say nothing other than answering to their questions if asked.

Use of Oshibori (A Hot Wet Towel)-

During dining, you might be offered a hot wet towel at the beginning of your meal which is known as an oshibori. It is being offered to the customers for washing their hands. After making its correct use, you need to return back folding it in the same manner as it was offered.

Never Hesitate to Ask About Other Items-

Don’t hesitate to ask for other sushi items that are not mentioned in the menu card. Often such restaurants have other seasonal dishes which are not included in the list. If you ask about them, the itamae (sushi chef) will always appreciate your interest over their cuisine.

Right Use of Chopsticks-

1. Keep one chopstick between the thumb and forefinger of your hand. 
2. Balance it right with the tip of your ring finger.
3. Now take the second chopstick and hold it firmly like a pen.
4. Use your index and middle finger to open and close the chopsticks and enjoy the authentic and proper way of having a Chinese meal.
5. Do not play with your chopsticks when not in use. It’s better to place them on the holder (if offered) or keep them on the shoyu dish (the plate where soy sauce is being served). Once you are done with your meal, place it on the same place. 

Follow the above etiquettes and enjoy any sushi meal with complete pleasure and sophistication.

Business Communication & Etiquettes For Long-Term Success

As said by the famous author Emily Post, “Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor”. Communication and etiquette are used as soft skills for a successful conduct of business. Proper behavior develops a bond of trust among business contacts and a smooth flow of communication works on the improvement of an enterprise. Thus, both these elements materially enhance the bottom line of a business.

First Impression is the Last Impression-

While dealing with business contacts outside your organization, create a positive first impression by implementing the right etiquette and communication. This is important particularly for making a sale or finalizing a deal. Always remember that people coming across your way will access you by your dressing style, body language, personal grooming, handshake and most importantly the flow of communication. All these are vital and constitute a positive impression which paves the path of success for your business.

Follow the “Elevator Rule”-

While attending meetings and conferences with potential business partners and clients off-site, never discuss anything about the meeting with your colleagues until the elevator reaches the ground floor for your exit. Follow this rule even if you are the only one inside the elevator. The bottom line is to refrain yourself from ruining your reputation just by getting involved in a rehashed conversation just after leaving the meeting hall.

Communicating with Your Colleagues-

The way you interact with your colleagues, in a professional environment is very important. For instance, if you are in charge of leading a team, you should always make the effort of approaching your team mates to an open communication. You should also be a patient listener as it will make the converser feel valued and engaged. Likewise, if you are an entry-level employee, try communicating with your seniors with a proper flow. This will significantly speed up the chances of your promotion.

Never forget to send a ‘Thank You’ Note to your colleagues:

If you have made a business project successful, you work in harmony with your team mates. You must remember the success of the project is not your single credit. So whenever you get on board with a project and make it successful, never forget to send a thank you note to your team mates. This will not only boost your team mates’ morale but will also create a positive ambience in your team.

Sunshine Smile at Work Place:

It does not take much to form a healthy relation with your colleagues. Even if they are not working together, a smile can help you in forming a cordial terms with them, so that when in need they will be there for you to help. Smile it out and make it a Sunshine workplace.

International Business Communication-

When it comes to international business etiquette and communication, they vary across cultures. If you are visiting overseas for a business trip, make sure to do a prior research on the business etiquettes of that particular country. You might find a difference in the way of greeting, dressing style and a lot more things needed for a successful business interaction abroad.