Professional Speaking

10 Most Common Mistakes:

Assuming that all business associates want to be called by their first name. Wait until they ask you to call them by their first name--don't ask them.
Sending out sloppy looking business correspondence. Typos, misspelled words, incorrect spelling of proper names, etc.
Mistreating secretaries of the business associates--right arm to the decision-maker, can be of great assistance; get them on your team.
Displaying a cavalier attitude on the telephone by not identifying yourself, putting people on hold (call waiting), and answering machines.
Being lax about making and keeping business appointments. Be on time (early). If an emergency comes up and you have to be late, call and let them know.
Smoking in the wrong places. Always ask. Never at a meal except before the 1st course arrives and after dessert is cleared.
Giving conflicting signals about who pays. The interviewer pays. If you don't know, you can offer to pay your bill. Don't argue. Say thank you.
Talking about business at a function that is social.
Inviting higher ups out socially before they have taken the initiative.
Failing to put your "thank you" in writing anytime it takes someone more than ten minutes to do something for you. Respond within 24-48 hours.

**Get rid of silly answering maching messages. They are inappropriate when conducting a job search...if not all the time!

Special thanks to Carolyn Leusing & Associates and At Ease Inc., for sharing this information!