There is a lot happening at Edge this summer. We are enjoying some consistent sunshine (finally) while we work on a variety of projects for our diverse and growing client base.

Please check out our updated PORTFOLIO where you can view some of our more current work including website and eflyer design, graphic design, television and radio creative.

Coming soon – we will be managing Radio Thons this Fall for local Portland, Oregon non-profit Portland Rescue Mission. If you or someone you know would like to get involved by providing “match incentives” to help provide meals and care for the homeless men, women and children that Portland Rescue Mission serves, please get in touch with us! The provider of these incentives will receive fabulous exposure on top ranked Portland radio stations while doing good in the community and being associated with a wonderful cause.

Other News:
Did you know that Edge EVP of Sales & Marketing, Stephanie Chadwick, writes a monthly column for Riverside Homes? Edge has worked with this longstanding client to develop a web feature to help excite, inspire, and educate realtors on the nuances of marketing. If you’re a realtor, check it out! All you have to do is register…



Check out Stephanie’s monthly column in the Business section of Connections for Women.com.

Enter the role of business etiquette. Over the past few decades, correct manners in business have, in many cases, fallen to the wayside as companies become more virtual and more casual. Some companies have begun hosting company-wide etiquette seminars, since more and more employees are displaying a lack of knowledge regarding business place manners. Don’t let yourself fall into this category – following correct etiquette standards may prove to be the key to advancing your career.

A proper how-do-you-do
When introducing people to each other, always introduce the lower-ranking person to the person of higher rank. For example, if your boss is Mrs. Alpha and your new business associate is Mr. Beta, you would say “Mrs. Alpha, I’d like you to meet Mr. Beta.” If you happen to forget someone’s name, never forgo the introduction; simply apologize that their name slipped your mind, and then proceed as usual.

Handshakes are also an important part of introductions – a firm handshake with a smile and good eye contact will leave a positive first impression, while a limp handshake and no eye contact leaves a negative impression. Don’t forget to shake hands on arrival and departure.

Making good conversation
Our conversations with colleagues provide additional opportunities for good business etiquette.  Leave a positive impression with good listening skills (never interrupt) and good body language –steady eye contact, sitting or standing with good posture and no crossed arms. You should be able to contribute to the conversation by staying informed on a variety of topics, and always make an effort to involve everyone present in the conversation. Avoid topics such as personal finance or health issues, divisive topics or gossip, and don’t correct people unless it’s necessary. Also, avoid using foul language and slang.

Eating right
A breeding ground for etiquette mistakes, your manners at business meals are extremely important. Although it would seem like common sense, more and more people are treating meals like family dinners and forgetting they are still in business scenarios. Rules to follow include taking small bites; cutting things carefully rather than sawing them enthusiastically to bits; keeping your elbows off the table; asking kindly for items on the table to be passed to you rather than reaching over other’s plates to get to them and most importantly, never talking with your mouth full!

Netiquette
Email is probably the place where your etiquette skills will come into play most often. When you send emails to your contacts, keep in mind many people receive hundreds of emails each day. Limit the amount of jokes, personal emails and forwards that you send your business associates. Briefly describe the content of the email in your subject line to help the recipient easily manage and organize each email.  It’s also a good idea to reread your emails before you hit “send” for any grammar or spelling errors. Be careful with the use of emoticons and smiley faces, as some colleagues that may be more of an acquaintance could consider them to be unprofessional. When you receive emails (as well as phone calls), always respond in a timely manner. This applies to messages from salespeople as well – while clients always take first priority, you never want to burn a bridge in the business world. Salespeople deserve respect and courteous treatment just like everybody else. And, they tend to know a lot of people!

While it may seem that proper etiquette demands a lot of you, most of the ‘rules’ are just common sense. If you make a mistake, you can always apologize and then move on with the correct procedures. If in doubt, let the ultimate goals of etiquette be your guide: to treat your business colleagues with respect, consideration and professionalism. But if you can, take some time to brush up on your etiquette skills – you’ll be happy with the positive effects in your business and career.

Have you read a good business book lately? Or, have you found some great publications or online resources that have helped give you the edge in your business? Tell us about it! We are currently looking for contributors to submit business book reviews. If you are interested in submitting a business book review, please send us an article of 80 words or less. If we publish it in our newsletter, we will include your name and your place of business including a link.

7/22: Brokers' Open at Riverside Homes' Cobblestone neighborhood in Vancouver, Washington. Enjoy delicious cuisine from Qdoba Mexican Grill and tour their beautiful model homes. Enter to win a $50 gas care, something everyone can use.

8/21-23: Black Gold® is a featured exhibitor again this year at the Farwest Show at the Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. This trade show has been setting the standard in the nursery industry: Deep roots in floriculture and horticulture. Lots of growers, suppliers and services all under one roof. Respected educational seminars.