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Press Releases

For Release: Nov. 1, 1999
Elizabeth Upham Howell
(802) 860-1814
media@emilypost.com

“Your personal code of behavior at work can
ultimately determine whether you get ahead
or get left behind.”—Peter Post

The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success
by Peggy Post and Peter Post

Burlington, VT—A recent survey conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill called “Workplace Incivility: The Target's Eye View” finds that rude behavior at work is on the rise, and is affecting the corporate bottom line, costing us all money. The survey of 1,400 workers found that 12 percent of people who experience rude behavior at work quit their jobs, 52 percent lose work time worrying and 22 percent deliberately decrease their work effort once they encounter rude behavior. In addition, the survey found that men are seven times more likely than women to be rude or insensitive at work.

Now, from America's first family of social graces comes “The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success,” (HarperResource; $35; November 1, 1999) by Peggy Post and Peter Post. This timely guide provides everyone from job seekers to seasoned professionals with advice and guidelines for surviving and succeeding in the modern workplace.

“E-mail, wireless telephones, e-commerce, video conferencing, just-in-time inventory, a record number of women in the workforce, a more global economy, Generation X, casual dress environments—these changes have revolutionized the workforce,” states author Peggy Post, a third-generation family member carrying on the tradition first established by Emily Post in 1922. “The Etiquette Advantage in Business” is Peggy's fifth book, and the first devoted entirely to the world of business. “Your personal code of behavior at work can ultimately determine whether you get ahead or get left behind,” adds co-author and successful small business owner Peter Post.

“The Etiquette Advantage in Business” aims to prove that everyday common courtesy can be a competitive business tool both for individuals and companies. Whether you work in a cubicle farm, an office high-rise or a home office, this book has go-to guidelines for a wide array of business settings and situations “The Etiquette Advantage in Business” provides sound advice for handling sticky situations in a savvy manner.

• For the manager—how to create a work environment where courtesy reigns over rudeness, how to set policies and execute painless performance appraisals and tips on motivating employees;
  
  
• For the sales professional—conduct at conventions and trade shows, guidelines for gift-giving and tips for developing a winning customer service strategy;
  
  
• For the executive—a country-by-country guide for traveling abroad, business entertaining how-to's, and table manners 101;
  
  
• For the small business owner—tips on collecting money you're owed, hiring employees and establishing good client relationships;
  
  
• For the executive assistant—how to's for handling demanding people, confidential information and important guests;
  
  
• For the job seeker—tips on sharpening interviewing skills, writing cover letters and the artful follow up;
  
  
• For every business professional—selecting appropriate work attire; winning over your boss; introduction how-to's; examples of efficient and polite phone manners, written correspondence and e-mails; and ideas for conducting and attending productive meetings.

“The Etiquette Advantage in Business” is a must read for those looking to achieve professional excellence. It will provide readers with the information they need to gracefully navigate any business situation.

About the Authors

Peggy Post represents the third generation of Post authors, whom society has recognized as the authority on etiquette for more than 75 years. She provides advice through monthly columns in Good Housekeeping and Parents magazines as well as through hundreds of media interviews annually. Peggy's diverse career includes work in the travel, banking and relocation management industries.

Peter Post is the owner and president of PostScript, Inc., a marketing agency based in Burlington, Vermont. One of Emily's four great-grandchildren, he serves as an officer of The Emily Post Institute which continues her work. As such, he is developing a seminar series on business etiquette for companies. His diverse background in marketing, education and journalism spans more than 25 years.

THE ETIQUETTE ADVANTAGE IN BUSINESS: Personal Skills for Professional Success
Peggy Post and Peter Post
Published by HarperResource
Publication Date: November 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-06-273672-8 Price: $35.00
A Main Selection of the Money Book Club,
November 1999

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