Executive Club Newsletter

April 2009

Managing Clutter in Your Life

April 16 Monthly Meeting

Does this sound like you?

I keep every bill, receipt, or financial statement because, I don’t know what I can safely toss.
I can never find anything after I put it away.
My spare bedroom, closets, and basement are full of junk that I don’t know how to tackle.
I want less clutter, but I just can’t figure out how to get started.

Then you need to come to the April 16th ECCC meeting and learn from Kathy Sweedler, how to manage the clutter in your life. Kathy is an Extension Educator in Consumer and Family Economics. She has a Master of Science in Consumer Education from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from University of California at Davis. Kathy develops new and unique methods of providing financial and consumer information to people, including web-based education programs.

Registrations are due by noon on Monday, April 13 Please indicate if you are bringing a guest. Contact the Treasurer with questions about registration. Register online now!

*Remember, there will be a $5 late fee for reservations received after the Monday Noon deadline. Attendees with late or no reservations will be permitted to attend as seating is available.

Pre-register online and send a check for $15 to ECCC, P.O. Box 61, Champaign, IL 61824-0061 OR pre-register online and pay on day of luncheon.

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More on Etiquette

President’s Message

by Hope Wheeler

We started out the month with a business etiquette dinner. There are always new tips to learn regarding business dinners and I know for myself, refreshers are always welcome. We were reminded which silverware to use when and how to hold and place the silverware. We also learned how much and when to eat (and drink) and what topics are off limits at business dinners. We learned a proper way to give toasts. And so much more…

I thought I would continue the etiquette theme this month. In many ways, working environments have relaxed in recent years with much more casual dress codes and more flexible hour arrangements. In some cases, employees from younger generations bring with them more relaxed attitudes. While all of these can have positive impacts on our working life, we also do not want to get too casual and lose our professionalism. Below are some simple tips on different aspects of the business world. These are simple refreshers to help you maintain your professional image.

· Introductions--When meeting a client or professional colleague/supervisor, rise if you are seated, smile, extend your hand and repeat the other person’s name when introduced. Frequently refer to the individual by name over the course of the meeting in order to help make a connection.

· Cell phones/PDA’s—It is simple: turn them off or don’t bring them with you. The ring alone is intrusive and answering it is a worse breach of etiquette. You are leaving the impression that whomever you are meeting with is less important than the voice on the phone.

· More on cell phones/PDA’s—I can’t write enough on these. Not only is answering a call bad form, but checking to see who called or viewing your last email update is just an insulting.

· Email—This topic warrants its own section. This has become such a significant means of communication for many of us, including myself. Consider the following:

o Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT; only use these words if it really is such. If it is that urgent or important, it might be best to pick up the phone and call the person to signify the importance of your message.

o Avoid long sentences. Try to keep it to a maximum of 20 words. Email is meant to be a quick medium and requires a different kind of writing than letters. Also try not to send emails that are too long. If a person receives an email that looks like a dissertation, chances are that they will not even attempt to read it.

o Use spell check and watch the grammar. Our emails give customers and potential customers, employees and potential employees, etc. an impression of us. Nothing is more unimpressive to me than to see an email filled with errors—not a good professional image.

o Do not send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist, or obscene remarks. I know this seems so obvious, but by sending or even just forwarding one libelous or offensive remark in an email, you and your company can face court cases resulting in large penalties.

o Please, no junk mail. This is my pet peeve. We are all very busy and receive a lot of emails. Do not forward the non-business, chain type emails to other business people. We have enough business related email to sort through.

o Be careful when you reply; make sure you check too see who all you are replying to or just reply to sender, not all.

· Courtesy—Speak up and be friendly in the hallways of your business. Say good morning, how are you today. Make eye contact.

· Say thank you—Take a quick second to say thank you to employees, co-workers, clients, etc.

As leaders in Champaign County, we should work hard to maintain the highest level of professionalism we can. Appropriate business etiquette in our daily lives is possibly more than half the battle.

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Welcome New Member

Cindy Clennon

Cindy is the Director of Electronic Resources at the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI). She has a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from UIUC.

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Please Welcome New Member

Cynthia Coleman

Cynthia works in the Department of Computer Science at UIUC as Associate Director of External Services. Before coming to UIUC Cynthia worked for four years at Coventry Healthcare as Director of Service. She graduated from UIUC with a bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and English.

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Please Welcome New Member

Cheryl Mitchell

Cheryl is the Director of Training and Development at McClure Financial Group of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Before moving into the world of finance she taught grade school in several places including Holy Cross School. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.

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Please Welcome New Member

Stephanie Record

Stephanie is the Executive Director of Crisis Nursery where she is responsible for the daily operations of Crisis Nursery. Before coming to Crisis Nursery Stephanie was a Attendance Improvement Specialists at Central High School. She is also the Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach at UIUC where she coaches 35 collegiate athetes in cheerleading skills and techniques. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Ecuational Administration and a Master of Social Work from UIUC.

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Please Welcome New Member

Bobbi Duval

Bobbi is currently the Program Coordinator of Premium Seating in the UI Athletic Department. She has held a variety of position in the Athletic Department including Associate Recruiting Coordinator, Director of Football Operations Student Intern, and Student Equipment Manager. She has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Studies Recreation Sport and Leisure and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Sport Management.