Communication and Professional Ettiquette
11 Mistakes to Avoid

By Renée Phillips

Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International, an author of several books, and a public speaker. She is known as "The Artrepreneur Coach" and provides empowering life and career strategies for creative individuals.

Your art may be amazing but if you lack business etiquette skills in the area of communication you may not be given a chance. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

1. Creating a sloppy, unprofessional, unkempt promotional package.

2. The absence of a cover letter in your promotional package. If they have to guess your intention, it will probably go into the circular file cabinet, otherwise known as the wastebasket.

3. Reusing envelopes. I believe in recycling but you must know when it is appropriate. Using envelopes manufactured with recycled paper is cool, but reusing envelopes already worn and torn isn't cool - unless done with supreme creativity.

4. Not being prepared. Everyone knows success begins with showing up but that's not enough in this competitive profession. Show the world you are prepared for success. Prepare the appropriate materials, questions and answers for interviews, contract signing, entry deadlines -- for all of life's opportunities.

5. Showing up late for an appointment. It is simply disrespectful. Worse than having poor time management is using lame excuses. Take your cell phone and call if there is an emergency. If you know ahead of time you'll be running late, give them ample notice and you will lessen their anxiety.

6. Lateness or failure to reply to emails. No one expects an immediate response. But, if you cannot respond within 3 business days, set up a polite auto responder. And, please use spell check!

7. Same is true of phone calls. Same day or no later than 3 business days. If you go out of town, record an outgoing message to announce your absence and date of return.

8. Having an unprofessional outgoing message. This is no place for your child to record your outgoing message. It should sound professional. If you must, devote a separate line for business than using your family line.

9. Having an unprofessional appearance. This goes for your appointments, opening receptions, or other public events. It's not cool to look like you just crawled out of bed or smell like turpentine.

10. Neglecting to express appreciation. Whether the gesture is small or grand an act of gratitude goes a long way. Whether it's a thank you letter to a critic when you get a review or a colleague who has offered to write a letter of recommendation.

11. Pesty emails and phone calls. Learn the difference between polite professionalism and being a bother. For example, if you have sent unsolicited materials give them time - 1-2 weeks - to evaluate before following up. The point being, they didn't ask you to send the materials and it is considerate to understand they have many other functions and priorities.

Do you have any pet peeves of your own? Send me an email.

Read more articles by Renée Phillips.

Visit Renée's Blog