Katie

There are times when you may need to answer the phone professionally on behalf of your boss. You may do this on a full-time basis as their administrative assistant or in some other capacity. You might also be required to answer the phone on occasion. For example, they may be occupied and then ask you … Read more

Answering business phone calls is a subtle art, as the lack of body language and constant commitments that may interfere with speaking time may impede the ability to have a clear and effective conversation. Answering phone calls from friends at work is even more of a challenge given the expectations of constant professionalism. Answer phone … Read more

It isn’t rude to tell someone to email you instead of calling you, but the way you go about it can influence how they feel. You set the tone for the relationship, and you can control how you correspond with someone. Make sure your request for an email instead of a phone call doesn’t seem … Read more

Arranging a meeting may seem like a straightforward process, but in our fast-paced economy that now juggles in-person, hybrid, and remote positions, coordinating schedules and meeting times can be critical to maximizing meeting effectiveness and overall efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or a new hire, being aware of how to hold effective meetings can … Read more

If someone tells you that they are busy at work, there is only one acceptable response: you must accept what they say. It is up to you how you do this, but since work commitments are non-negotiable, the person who tells you informs you of their unavailability. This article will take a look at this … Read more

Whether you’re applying for a job, planning a meeting with an existing client, or making arrangements to meet with a friend, you might want to let the other person know that any time that’s convenient for them would be good for you. Tell the other person directly that you can flexibly adjust your schedule to … Read more

Misunderstandings can quickly arise during a telephone conversation, either because the connection was poor or because the conversation partners do not share the same understanding. You could find yourself in this situation whether you’re making personal or business phone calls. It is then essential to politely let the other person know that you have just … Read more

Ever call somebody, get their voicemail, and panic? Do you ramble on and on, and end the (one-sided) conversation feeling like an idiot? Or, given the option to erase and start again, give it yet another shot? You aren’t alone. Nobody wants to sound like an idiot when the call recipient plays their voicemail. You … Read more

It isn’t rude to ask for another person on the phone, but how you do so makes a difference. If you ask for another person in business phone calls, be cordial but make sure you value their time too. When calling privately, be friendly to whoever takes the phone call, have a brief conversation, and … Read more

In the new era of Zoom meetings, Skype sessions, or Microsoft Team get-togethers, a frequent problem arises: how to leave an online meeting politely. Sometimes you just have to go, whether because of prior commitments, unexpected emergencies, or errantly-scheduled appointments (you may even just be suffering from Zoom fatigue and don’t feel like sitting through … Read more