For junior staff members, formal business meetings at your office are a great opportunity for you to make a good impression. When you conduct yourself in a professional manner, it will be noticed by your boss and senior management. Then, when the time comes for deciding who should be promoted, and who could be counted on to positively represent the firm with clients at meetings outside of the office, chances are you will be considered.

Following are business protocol guidelines that are applicable to any formal meeting:

•  Prepare for the meeting as your contribution may be integral to the proceedings.
•  Dress well and arrive on time. Your professionalism is linked to both.
•  Smile. Your facial expression says more than your mere words.
•  Introduce yourself immediately. As soon as you approach people you don’t know or are approached by them, say who you are.
• Offer a firm handshake. Your handshake speaks loudly about your professionalism, credibility, and confidence. Extend your hand as you give your greeting. The person who puts a hand out first comes across as confident and at ease.
• Pay attention to names when you meet people. If you concentrate and repeat the name as soon as you hear it, you stand a better chance of remembering it later. Use first names of individuals whom you have just met only after they give you permission.
• Always switch off your cell phone—particularly if you are a junior member of the staff.
• If there is an established seating pattern, accept it. If you are unsure, ask.
• Stand up when you meet someone. This allows you to engage the person on an equal eye-to-eye level. By remaining seated, you send a message you don’t think the other person is important enough to warrant the effort it takes to stand.
• Acknowledge any introductions or opening remarks with a brief recognition of the chair and other participants.
• When discussions are under way, it is good business etiquette to allow more senior figures to contribute first and lead the way in discussions.
• Never interrupt anyone, even if you strongly disagree.
• When speaking, be brief and ensure what you say is relevant.
• Always address the chair unless it is clear that others are not doing so.
• It is a serious breach of business etiquette to divulge information to others about a meeting. What has been discussed should be considered confidential.

It’s another rainy week in New York City, so I thought it might be a good idea to give everyone a gentle reminder of the rules of the sidewalk when carrying an umbrella.

10 Tips to Avoid Umbrella Rage:

1. Carry an umbrella that’s appropriate for your size—one that you can manage. If you are a small person, don’t carry a golf umbrella.
2. Be considerate when you open your umbrella: Look both ways before you open it. Be mindful of anyone who may be standing nearby.
3. Be considerate of other pedestrians walking beside you, as well as those approaching you from a different direction.
4. Raise or lower your umbrella depending upon the other pedestrians passing you. In other words, be flexible–be prepared to adjust the level of your umbrella to accommodate others.
5. Keep it closed if you are standing under an awning or going through a covered area where there is little room to pass others.
6. Close your dripping umbrella before entering a building or public transportation.
7. Park your umbrella in a stand or place that is designated for umbrellas when inside.
8. Carry your closed umbrella cautiously: When you are not using it, always hold it vertically, with the pointed end down. Don’t tuck it horizontally with the ends sticking out ready to stab someone.
9. Properly dispose of broken umbrellas—don’t toss them angrily into the gutter.
10. Be patient with your fellow pedestrians. Try not to get angry at others who may not know the rules of umbrella etiquette. Besides, a little rain never hurt anyone.

 Watch Patricia on Fox 5 News talk more umbrella etiquette HERE!