Professional Courtesy, LLC

Karen Hickman specializes in Etiquette and Protocol Consulting and is based out of Fort Wayne, IN | TEL: 260-486-7758

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You are here: Home / Archives for thank you notes

Sending Thank You’s for Physician Gifts

December 27, 2021 by procourtesy

Sending Thank You’s for Physician Gifts

Gifting Physicians

Gifting physicians and their staff during the holidays isn’t unusual. Referring physician specialists often send a gift thanking other physicians for sending them patients. And patients will often gift a physician’s office with seasonal goodies or other items the physician and staff can share to express appreciation for their care. But regardless of who sent it or why, all gifts should be acknowledged with a note. (In this case, it’s not redundant to thank the giver for the thank you gift.)

Corporate Gift Giving

Many other business people send gifts to their clients at the holiday time to thank them for their business. These corporate gifts are optional and a generous gesture on the part of the giver. And again, should be acknowledged, especially if they are sent via mail or a delivery service. The sender needs to know the gift arrived.

Managing Holiday Gifts

In the physician’s office, keep a list of everything that comes in. If gifts are sent to the entire staff, designate one person or a few people, if the list is lengthy, to write the thank you notes. Take turns if this is a yearly thing. The notes don’t have to be long, but should identify the gift and let the giver know how much it is appreciated.

For Physicians Only

If the gift is for the physician only, it’s the physician’s job to write the note, not one of the staff members. For gifts going to the physician’s home that will be enjoyed by the family, a spouse could write the note as well.

In Person Thanks

You can say thank you in person if the opportunity presents itself, but if gifts are sent via mail or a delivery service a note letting the sender know you received their gift.

Phone or E-mail Thanks

A phone call would be another option or an email thank you. Email isn’t as personal, but it’s better than nothing.

Remember to be a gracious recipient this year by sending thank you’s for  physician gifts.

Filed Under: thank you notes, Uncategorized Tagged With: etiquette expert, gifts of appreciation, good manners, Karen Hickman, medical manners, medical office courtesy, physician gifts, Professional Courtesy, thank you notes

Professional Neccessities

April 13, 2010 by procourtesy

PROFESSIONAL NECESSITIES

The term “professional” takes on many meanings depending on the venue in which you work. However, there are certain things that everyone who strives to be at the top of their game should know.

Here is my list of professional essentials:

1. Know how to introduce yourself and others properly.
2. Be able to make appropriate eye contact.
3. Understand the power of a smile and pleasant demeanor.
4. Men and women need a firm confident handshake.
5. Standing for introductions.
6. Business card etiquette.
7. Knowing the art of small talk.
8. Observe Internet courtesy.
9. How to use personal technology courteously.
10.Develop a stationery wardrobe to include correspondence cards for “handwritten” thank you notes.
11. Navigate dining situations for business and pleasure with ease.
12. The ability to work a room and network effectively.
13. Dress for success in all situations.

If you are not confident in all these areas…you may be damaging your chances for getting a job and possibly, keeping it or advancing in it. We are judged much more on our social skills than any of our other talents.

Filed Under: business card etiquette, business etiquette, dining etiquette, networking, Professional Courtesy, professional dress, thank you notes

Accounting Isn’t Just About Numbers

March 30, 2010 by procourtesy

A Conversation with Debby Penar

Deborah S. Penar, MBA, Sales and Marketing Specialist/Recruiter for
BKD, LLP accounting firm is my guest blogger. I thank you Debby, for taking your valuable time to share your knowledge and expertise with everyone.

Debby, please tell us what your position at BKD, LLP involves.

I am the Sales & Marketing Specialist and Recruiter for the Fort Wayne and Merrillville offices of BKD. BKD is the 10th largest Certified Public Accounting and Advisory firm in the United States. Being responsible for both the marketing and recruiting for two offices within such a large organization is wonderful. I have an unending variety of responsibilities and each day is different.

When recruiting potential new hires what critical things do you look for?

BKD was selected one of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For by Accounting Today for both 2008 and 2009 http://www.bestaccountingfirmstoworkfor.com/
With that distinction, we truly do look for and hire the best of the best. Technical ability is essential, but that is only the first accomplishment that we require. We hire candidates who are the “entire package.” The folks we hire must have: business acumen, excellent verbal and written communication skills, a change orientation, conceptual thinking/problem solving, initiative, leadership, relationship building, teamwork/collaborative ability and a desire to develop themselves and others.

Where do you look for potential new hires?

We have found BKD team members on college campuses, through resumes sent directly to recruiters, on recruiting websites and through referrals from employees and clients or friends of the firm

How much weight do you put on academic achievement?

Academic achievement is essential, but is only the first hurdle of the interview process. As mentioned above, we are looking for the “complete candidate.”

How important are social skills in your organization?

Our BKDers are professionals and advisors to our clients. Social skills are essential in our business. We take social skills so seriously that as a firm we have incorporated etiquette training into our continuing education.

To advance at BKD what does one need to do.

The first step is to pass the CPA exam. This is a huge accomplishment that launches the career of a certified public accountant. Once this major goal has been completed, one must have a hunger for lifelong learning. The rules and regulations in this profession change constantly. It is essential that our people are continually learning so they can be trusted and valuable business advisors to our clients.

What areas does BKD routinely address in continuing education for employees?

Technical training is a cornerstone of all of our continuing education. BKD routinely provides more continuing education than is required in the industry. Other areas addressed in continuing education are business development, coaching, presentation skills, industry specific knowledge, etiquette and team building.

What would you recommend to young people starting their careers, to focus on to get noticed for a job?

Once they determine their profession of interest, learn as much about the profession and requirements as possible. Know your industry and potential employers. Do your research. If an internship is possible, that is an excellent way to get real world experience and is a great selling point for a candidate. Get involved with the career services office of your school and participate in organizations that will provide networking with potential employers. Have a perfect resume, there is no room for error on a resume, and know that you may meet potential employers anywhere. You only have one chance to make a first impression, so take advantage of that opportunity. Network, network, network.

What would you tell them not to do?

As stated above, do not make any errors on your resume. Be sure that any possible representation of yourself is professional, whether it’s your voice mail greeting, your email address, your social networking site or what you wear. It all represents you.

Do you look at social networking sites to check out potential new hires?

Yes, and have occasionally been unhappily surprised with what I find out there.

Is a handwritten thank you note after an interview a mark of distinction when considering someone for a position at BKD?

A handwritten note is always appreciated. Candidates in our industry seem to understand the importance of a handwritten thank you. What takes it a step further and makes it distinctive is to specifically reference items discussed in the interview and explain what the candidate can bring to our firm based on specifics from the discussion.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share about your position at BKD?

I just wish everyone could find a job they enjoy going to everyday as much as I enjoy mine.

Filed Under: accounting firms, BKD, CPA, job interviews, LLP, recruitment, resume, social skills, thank you notes

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Founded in 1999, the mission of Professional Courtesy and Karen Hickman is to present programs of the finest quality with the highest degree of professionalism.

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Business Email Etiquette                                                                                      The number of emails we all receive every day can be overwhelming, but they are a fact of life. Keeping that in mind, try to observe some of the basic email etiquette rules for emailing within the business world. Your email message may … Read More

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