CourtesyFirst

1) Cell phones: one of the main challenges for this generation of families are cell phones. It’s a parents job to move children out of the “me” mentality and help them think about the people around them. With their heads in their phones, their is little social observing going on. Therefore, social awareness has gone down the drain leaving little for children to observe in their own parents or the culture around them. Most children learn good manners by observing them in from friends and families. 

2) Social Media: Although not bad per se in and of itself, social media tends to foster an egocentric attitude. Children are not necessarily selfish they just have no idea how they come across when playing games/texting in front of others. They’ve grown up with it as a cultural norm. 

Solving The Problem: 

Sometimes it can be hard to know how to confidently and gracefully network. We don’t want to intrude on other’s conversations but at the same time, we do want to network and meet new people. Below is a graceful and effective way to network. Keep the following guidelines in mind the next time you are at a networking event 

1) Enter the room and move to the side: 

When you first arrive at a networking event, enter the room and move to the side. This allows others to see that you’ve arrived while also giving you the advantage of plotting out your networking path so you’re not walking around aimlessly, looking unconfident. Don’t head to the food table straight away. By doing so you will communicate to others a greater value in people rather than food. 

2) Introduce yourself to single people: 

If someone is standing alone, that is a great opportunity to introduce yourself as you will not be interrupting a conversation between two people. It becomes awkward to introduce yourself to a group of people because you don’t know if what they are talking about would stop dead in it’s tracks if you joined in. So look for those standing alone. 

3) Walk by and Listen: 

To engage a group of people in conversation, walk by and listen to what they are talking about. Don’t eavesdrop but rather inconspicuously listen if they are talking about generic subjects likes sports, news, weather, etc, these topics are all good indicators you can join in. If however they are talking about a particular office situation or a particular person you don’t know, move on and look for another group to join. You can also look for for someone you know who is talking in a group. If the conversation is one you can enter and not private, simply pat the person on the back and say it’s good to see them and then continue to stand there engaged in conversation.  

4) Engaging a group of two (2) or more: 

Once you have determined that a group conversation is “bud in” worthy, here’s what you do next; If you don’t know anyone you can do one of two things: 

Stand next to the group waiting for someone to acknowledge you and then introduce yourself to the group and begin joining the conversation. CAUTION: with this scenario, you risk someone not acknowledging you and looking needy. 

As you pass by listen to the conversation to determine the topic, once you determine the topic is one you want to join in on, as you walk by again you can bud in and say something to the effect of, “Hey, I’m John Ramsey, (shake hands) I heard y’all talking about the “_____” (sports team, latest news etc) then proceed with a question, “did you hear “_____” (Share something new or exciting about the team or incident) 

5) Meet five new people: 

It’s hard to know when you’ve networked enough or when it’s ok to leave. You don’t want to come across as being in a hurry. So make time to linger. Try to aim to meet five (5) new people. This means getting five new business cards and following up with them within the next 24 hrs. 

6) When to exchange business cards: 

A business card is your most effective and cheapest way to advertise yourself and business. But the timing of when you pass this little gem out is crucial to if someone wants to do business with you. 

Establish report first before you pass out your business card. If you pass your card out too soon, people will assume you are card hungry. Business is about relationships, even at a networking event. Genuinely focus on the person first then business. 

Pass your card out at the END of the conversation. Ask for their card first. This is when people typically will ask for your card. If they do not, simply offer yours, shake hands and tell them it was nice to meet them and you will be in touch in a day or so. (within 24 hrs) 

7) Food and drink savvy when networking:

Hi, so sorry for the late response. I’m new on tumblr and just figuring out how everything works. 

Trick or treating can be such an exciting experience for kids. While for others it’s a nightmare. To avoid major meltdowns and dangerous mishaps, here’s a few things to keep in mind over the season.

1) Sharing:

Discuss with your children before they head out what the protocol will be on the candy. Can they eat some while trick or treating? If so how many? Should they be expected to share with their friends? Can they eat it all when they get home? Will mom allot a certain about to them over time? This helps avoid embarrassing meltdowns as you begin your trick or treat experience. Taking the time to mentally prep and prepare children for this event, especially if it’s their first time will save you a lot of stress.

2) Rehears Their Reactions:

Some people may not be home when you come calling or they may run out of candy. Practice this scenario with your child and coach them how to handle the disappointment of no candy. A simple, “It’s ok, have a nice night” with a wave as you walk away does wonders.

3) Check Their Basket:

Depending on who is dishing out the treats, there can be some unwanted items that make their way into your children’s baskets. Some men will put porn in little boys baskets or condoms in little girls baskets creating curiosity before it’s time. Just be aware and ask them what they got. Have them show you if it’s not obvious.

4) Trick or Treat With Them:

Stay with your kids as they trick or treat. You can safely watch from the road if your child has an independant spirit and wants to brave it alone with friends.

5) Educate Your Kids:

It’s important to inform your children that while Halloween can be really fun, there are some people out there who like to do scary and mean things to people on Halloween. Making them aware of possible danger is half the battle.

Remember to be safe and have fun.