3. Use technology appropriately

•  Cell phones (one of the most abused pieces of technology; don't hold private conversations in public places, never disrupt the service you are performing or the meeting you are attending to take a call; turn your cell phone off when you are conducting business with others)

•  Pagers/beepers (put on vibrate, don't check private or confidential information in front of others)

•  E-mail (not private, check spellings, keep short, use subject line always)

•  Fax (when faxing to hotels with your client's information, “white out” names and other confidential information) - include a cover page that has the number of pages and your phone number

•  Speaker phone (don't use unless it's a conference call; people who don't pick up their phones are seen as arrogant)

•  Voice mail (keep your own message short and change it regularly so people know when to reach you; say your name and number slowly at the beginning and end of a message when leaving a message)

•  Telephone (put a smile on your face and nothing in your mouth - no gum -- remember, no one likes to hold). When scheduling an appointment, make sure you are very specific - double check dates and times.

Remember - these guidelines will help you serve your customers and avoid making CLMs. The net result will be career longevity and long-term success.

Article copyright 2002 Brody Communications. Excerpted in part from Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move? ($10.95), co-authored by Marjorie Brody and Pamela J. Holland. Marjorie Brody is president of Brody Communications Ltd. in Jenkintown, PA, where she helps individuals and corporations achieve their potential by strengthening their professionalism, persuasiveness and presence. Marjorie is the author of 14 other books, including Speaking is an Audience-Centered Sport, and has appeared on CNBC, Fox-TV, Oxygen Network, and been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today, People, Glamour, BusinessWeek, Fortune and many other national publications. Pam Holland is COO of Brody Communications, and has been quoted on ABCNews.com and appeared on Bloomberg Business Television. For more information about their book or Brody Communications, contact 800-726-7936. Or, visit http://www.BrodyCommunications.com .

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