5 personal touches that tech just can’t emulate
In our tech-crazed times, now may be a good time to go back to basics. Use these quaint practices to reach out to people.
Category: Communication
What’s ‘too friendly’?
Question: “I have been having problems with a female co-worker. ‘Kelly’ and I have always had a friendly relationship, but now she’s avoiding me … I’d like to talk privately and get everything out in the open, but I don’t think Kelly will allow it. What should I do?”— Just a Friend
The serial comma
One of the most common reader questions we receive is about the serial comma—that is, the comma that comes before the “and” when you’re listing a series of things. The question is, “Should I use it or not use it?” The answer is, it’s up to you. The serial comma is used by some publications and dismissed by others, which makes it a matter of style.
E-mail marketing: 5 tips to get clicks
If you’re writing an e-newsletter or promotional e-mail for your company, remember: That “free” e-newsletter costs your readers time. And that could be the most valuable thing they possess. Persuading readers to click and read is more challenging than you might think. Heed these tips and tricks from the experts for writing more effective marketing e-mail:
Would you use ‘these’ or ‘those’?
When choosing when you should use “these” or “those,” the decisive factor is whether the things you’re talking about are near or far. In some cases, it’s a psychological distance: Are you referring to something that you just mentioned or something that you mentioned a sentence or two ago?
Overcoming the ‘quiet person’ label
“Although I’m viewed positively at work, I believe my reserved demeanor is holding me back. I’m not shy, but I have trouble making small talk … Can you suggest some communication strategies for meetings and social situations?” — Not a Talker
Punch up your résumé with these 20 words
Every résumé should contain strong action verbs that kick off most bullet points and accomplishment-based statements, says Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, CEO of Great Resumes Fast. Could your résumé use sprucing up? Take a look at Hernandez’s favorite action words—and give your résumé a makeover:
4 secrets to a happy customer
It’s easy to have your good mood shattered by a nasty customer, an out-of-the-blue criticism or a computer system that refuses to cooperate. Think of angry customers as a creativity test. Satisfy them without letting their discontent bring you down. Four tips:
Does being nice score points?
It’s become a reality-show catchphrase: “I’m not here to make friends.” The implication is that to win, you can’t afford to treat people generously. Will you go further by being cutthroat or collaborative? Let’s look at the data:
Misusing reflexive pronouns
A reader recently wrote: What gives with everybody using the words “to myself” instead of “to me”? The administrative people around me always write things like: “Please send your response to my secretary or myself.” That makes no sense … Did someone make this grammatically correct and forget to tell me?