Positive Personal Impact

I posted this piece yesterday, but a server problem caused it to be accidentally deleted.  I am reposting it here today.

Personal impact is one of the five points in my career star power model.  Knowing and using proper etiquette is a big part of making a positive personal impact.  Recently, I came across an article in the Denver Post entitled A Primer for Houseguests: Yes, We’re Talking About You, written by Marni Jameson.

Ms. Jameson makes some great points about the etiquette of being a houseguest.  She also has a sense of humor.  I decided to post her thoughts here because people who make a positive personal impact do so in all aspects of their lives – not just in business…

Ten Rules of Conduct for Houseguests

1. Treat your host’s home as you would like others to treat your home – not the way you actually treat your home.
2. A short stay with long notice beats a long stay with short notice.
3. Wear two accessories at all times: antennae to pick up vibes and special glasses to read between the lines.
4. Come bearing gifts; leave bearing gifts.
5. If the hosts have been making every meal, take them out to dinner and pay.
6. When you’re out on the town, pick up something simple for the house: a bottle of wine, some great bread, cheese or a confection.
7. Remember that just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean your hosts are.  Don’t expect to be entertained 24/7.
8. Make your bed, Put the toilet seat down.  Hang up your wet towels.
9. Don’t try to change anyone’s religious or political beliefs.
10. Even if they tell you that you’re no trouble, assume that you are.

This is some good, common sense advice on how to be a houseguest with grace and aplomb.  Read this list over the next time you’re invited to stay at a friend’s place.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense career advice.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

Comments

[david]

wish i could remember ashtray in parents' guestroom- something to the effect:
“Remember, on Sunday, when we ask you, please, to spend another night, we don’t mean it!