In today's digital world, email is the cornerstone of professional communication.  It's the modern equivalent of a handwritten letter, carrying the weight of your message and representing you to colleagues, clients, and superiors.  Email etiquette in the workplace or in everyday interactions is crucial as it ensures clear, professional, and respectful communication among colleagues, clients, stakeholders, friends and family.
 
Proper email etiquette means using appropriate language, a clear subject line, and a concise and polite tone while avoiding slang and overly casual expressions.  It also involves timely responses, proper grammar, and thoughtful consideration of the recipient's time and workload.
 
By following these standards, employees can prevent misunderstandings and maintain a positive professional image, ultimately enhancing overall workplace efficiency and relationships.  Here are nine email etiquette tips to improve your emails are clear, concise, and portray you as a business-savvy individual.
 

1. Dress for Success: Maintain a Formal Tone - ​While a friendly and approachable tone is desirable, avoid informality, especially in your initial communication with someone or when addressing clients or superiors.  Maintain a professional and courteous writing style throughout your message.
2. Subject Matters: Clear and Specific Headlines - The subject line is your email's first impression.  Ditch generic titles like "Meeting" and opt for something specific and informative.  For example, use "RE: Meeting on 25th April at Ruby Meeting Rooms" instead.  This helps recipients quickly understand the email's purpose and prioritise their response. 
3. Attachments: Ensure They're Attached - Don't leave recipients wondering where the promised documents are.  Make attaching any files the first step in composing your email.  This minimises the risk of forgetting them and avoids frustrating back-and-forth exchanges.  If you receive an email without an attachment you were expecting, politely inquire:  "My email may have lost your attachment, would you mind re-sending it?"
4.  Emojis: Leave Them for Casual Settings - Emojis are fantastic for adding a touch of personality in casual communication.  However, they can be misconstrued in a professional setting.  Stick to clear and concise language – your message will speak for itself.  Additionally, different cultures might have varying interpretations of emojis, so it's best to avoid them altogether in business communication.
5. Timing is Everything: Sending Emails During Business Hours - Respect your recipient's time.  Avoid sending emails outside of regular business hours (typically Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm).  Don't bombard inboxes on weekends or holidays.  Utilise email scheduling tools if you need to send an email outside of these times.
6. Keep it Short and Sweet: Focused Communication - Shorter emails are generally better.  If your message requires extensive detail, consider summarising the key points in the email and attaching a document for further explanation.  Aim for a well-organized and concise email free of unnecessary phrases or clichés.
7.  Proofread with Confidence: Grammar and Spell Check are Your Allies - Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression.  Utilise spell-check and grammar tools to ensure your email is polished and error-free.  However, avoid using them excessively, especially in subject lines and paragraphs, as this can lead to awkward phrasing.  Remember, these tools are there to assist you, not replace your writing skills.
8.  Cc and Bcc: Understanding Your Options - The "Cc" field (carbon copy) is used to send a copy of the email to someone who needs to be informed but doesn't necessarily need to reply directly.  The "Bcc" field (blind carbon copy) includes recipients who will receive the email but are not visible to the other recipients in the "To" or "Cc" fields.
9.  Beyond the Tips: What Emails Are Not For - Email is not the ideal platform for everything.  Avoid using it for:

• Gossiping: Remember, the internet has a long memory, and emails can be easily forwarded or leaked.
• Debates: These can quickly escalate in writing. Utilize instant messaging apps for such discussions.
• Urgent Requests: In urgent situations, consider a phone call instead of an "ASAP" email reply. A phone call allows for immediate clarification and avoids potential misunderstandings.

Conclusion
By following these tips and embracing professional communication practices, you can transform your emails into powerful tools that advance your business goals and leave a lasting positive impression

​Today, cafés are on the top of many Australians daily or weekly agenda. They will discuss where to get the best coffee, ask for recommendations from friends and family. Research on the web or good food guides. Interest in where the coffee beans are sourced is another subject. Many good cafes won't just choose a certain brand for their café, but also source coffee manufacturers that will provide coffee from growing origins such as Ethiopia, Central South America, and New Guinea and make that a feature of their café.

1. Savor your espresso the Italian way.... with a glass of water. The glass of sparkling water which often accompanies espresso is to cleanse your palate before, and after, a drink of your espresso. Due to its intensity and concentration, espresso can be a lot for the palate at once, so it is nice to have something to prepare the palate, then cleanse it, even during your cup, and at the very last of the cup.
2. If you wish to remain long after you receive your coffee to do work, check around you. How busy is the cafe? Good manners and common sense will help you to determine whether you should stay longer. Some cafes are made for you to stay and access their free wifi and facilities, some want you to eat, drink, then leave.
3. If you are working via phone or online or talking to friends make sure you use your 'indoor voice' so others are able to hear conversation.  Bring your best manners along with you, even though the café is a very casual establishment.
4. Cafe's tend to be small and what you say and how your behave can be overhead and seen by the café owners, employees and all other customers.
5. If you are by yourself, choose the smallest table, rather than spreading out and taking up a table and potential earning for the café .
6. Stop and think before plugging your electronic gear into the walls of the cafe. First and foremost, not all cafés may welcome your added contribution to their electric bill. Besides, you may not be insured if there is a surge and you certainly don’t want to be responsible for causing one. Cords can be a tripping hazard. If someone trips over any of your ‘office on the go,’ liability may fall onto your shoulders. It's good to ask and find out the cafe's policies in advance of pulling out your cords.
7. Cafés are a great place to meet people. Keep a smile with you and don't feel uncomfortable saying “hello” to others, while carrying on with your own day.

 
The humble café has transformed into a hub for Australians seeking not just a caffeine fix, but a full-blown coffee experience. From lively discussions about sourcing to savouring ethically sourced beans from exotic origins, Australians are embracing coffee as a journey of discovery. This discerning approach has driven cafes to elevate their offerings, becoming destinations for coffee connoisseurs and casual consumers alike. So next time you visit your local café, take a moment to appreciate the intricate dance between quality beans, skilled brewing, and the vibrant coffee culture that fuels Australia's love for this delightful beverage.

See article in: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com

#auersmont #coffee #cafe #australia #melbourne #etiquette #etiquette tips #etiquetteschool

In today's ever-evolving work landscape, video conferencing has become an indispensable tool. Whether it's keeping teams connected remotely or prioritising health and safety during a pandemic, Zoom and similar platforms have revolutionized the way we collaborate. However, ensuring a productive and professional online meeting experience requires a strategic approach. Here are 7 actionable Zoom tips to help you shine during your next video call:
 
Be Prepared, Be Present: Pre-circulate any materials or talking points for the meeting the day before. Take some moments beforehand to review the agenda and mentally prepare your contributions. If you prefer taking notes by hand, have a pen and paper ready. If you're presenting, ensure your notes or files for screen sharing are easily accessible.
 
Mind Your Background: Gone are the days of messy bedrooms or cluttered home offices as your backdrop. Luckily, Zoom offers virtual backgrounds that allow you to choose a professional-looking environment. Alternatively, a simple blank wall with minimal furniture can suffice. Remember, avoid anything distracting like unmade beds, dirty dishes, or cluttered shelves.
 
Make a Great First Impression: Take a few minutes before joining to freshen up and ensure you appear professional. Refrain from eating, chewing gum, or sucking on candy during the call, as it can be visually distracting. Have a glass of water and a clean glass nearby, and aim to join the meeting a couple of minutes early.
 
Be an Active Participant: Foster a collaborative environment by allowing everyone the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the discussion. To break the ice, consider prepping some talking points beforehand and actively speak up early in the meeting. Taking initiative demonstrates your commitment and value to the team.
 
Professionalism Matters: Treat online meetings with the same respect and professionalism as in-person gatherings. Having your camera off can come across as disengaged or disinterested. However, if you need to mute yourself momentarily due to background noise or unexpected interruptions (e.g., a spilled drink or noisy children), do so for a brief period (30-40 seconds) to minimize disruption. Remember to turn your video back on as soon as possible.
 
Utilise the Chat Feature Strategically: The chat function is a valuable tool for sharing additional information or asking quick questions. However, remember everyone has access to the chat history, so maintain a professional tone and use it only for meeting-related content. It's best to use the chat function when the moderator allows it or after the main discussion points have been covered.
 
Follow Up is Key: If you're tasked with creating a meeting summary or report, capitalize on the momentum by sending it out as soon as possible after the call. This keeps everyone engaged and on the same page.
 
Conclusion
By incorporating these tips into your video conferencing routine, you can ensure a seamless and productive online meeting experience. Remember, a little preparation and attention to detail go a long way in creating a positive and professional impression on your colleagues and superiors. So, the next time you log in to Zoom, embrace the virtual environment and elevate your video conferencing skills!
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