Communicating Well, Crunching Numbers, And Blowing Glass

As adults, we will spend more than one-third of our life at work.

All business is people business – no matter where you work, you will be involved with people. In the people business, everyone is your customer. Sometimes you are selling something to your customer, and sometimes you are selling yourself to a boss or co-worker. Practicing effective business etiquette builds a foundation for satisfaction.

Good salesmanship is empathetic. Empathy means you can identify the feelings, thoughts and attitudes of others. If I am watching television or reading a book, and really getting into it, the character throws a punch and I stand up and throw a punch too, that’s empathy. This is not to be confused with sympathy. Sympathy is agreeing with the feelings of others. When someone gets hurt and we feel sorry about it, that is sympathy.

In business, rapport is essential. It starts with body language – a smile, a friendly wave, a sincere handshake, a kind word. During the day we “entertain” many guests – the mailman, customers, co-workers, vendors. Good business etiquette makes encounters more productive and allows people to agree to disagree.

On Friday, April 1, the Center for Lifelong Learning will host Meetings, Messages, and Media: The Modern Mastering of Professional Communications from 8:00am to 3:00pm. The course will feature Dr. Darlene Turner-White, discussing Social Media and Digital Communication. Also included is a segment on Email Etiquette and Professional Business Writing with Dr. Thomas Pieplow. Dr. Kimberly Jack will talk about Professional Dress: Appropriate Attire for Interviews and the Workplace. The final segment of the workshop is Establishing a Professional Climate. The fee for the workshop is $65, and includes lunch.

On Friday, April 21, we will be offering a workshop for accountants. The workshop, Implementing SSARS 21, will feature Mike Brand. The topics include Implementing SSARS 21 during your busy season, engagement letter best practices, what about independence, and FASB ASU updates. This course has been approved for 3.5 CPEs in accounting and auditing. The fee for the workshop is $75. The workshop will be held at the Center for Lifelong Learning from 8:00am to noon.

If you are looking for fun and have not registered for the Glass Blowing trip on March 22, you will need to do that by March 10. We are going to the Franklin Glassblowing Studio. The Studio offers unique glass art, home décor, and lighting. They also offer glassblowing classes. We will join a class that is making paperweights, ornaments or cups. All materials will be included in the fee, so there will not be an additional cost for the class. Lunch is on your own. We will gather at 8:00am at the Center for Lifelong Learning for the trip. Expect to be back home by 4:00pm. This trip is limited to 12, and we still have a couple of spaces left.

You can register for any of the above classes or trips online at www.athens.edu/CLL or give us a call at 256-233-8260. Remember we are on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too. You can keep up with what is happening at the Center by liking us on Facebook, Center for Lifelong Learning at Athens State, or following us on Twitter or Instagram at CLLatAthensState.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262