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November / December 2017
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ETIQUETTE FOR AN RSVP
Of course, not everyone is completely at ease with knowing whether they are conveying proper business etiquette to corporate hosts, colleagues and other guests. Keep in mind, the purpose of etiquette is to create an environment that allows everyone to feel comfortable.“ RSVP”--“ Répondez s’ il vous plaît” in French, or“ please reply”-- you’ re expected to accept or decline the invitation in advance. If you don’ t, advise Yes / NO to the RSVP, the host, speaker or facilitator may think you don’ t value other people’ s time or are not professional or reliable.
How to Respond
Invitations usually include instructions on how to RSVP. If the invitation says to register online, RSVP at the site instead of calling or emailing to confirm. The DIVA Zone Enterprises will look at the list of registered guests when making final plans, and if you’ re not there, you might not be included. And by all means, we want to include you in our events.
How Soon to Respond
Once the event is announced, review your calendar and respond as soon as you can. The DIVA Zone Enterprises events are set with a RSVP deadline at least one week before all scheduled events depending on the theme. If you decided to attend an event at the last minute contact the host so that we can place you on the list. If you are not attending an event, reply if you’ re not going to attend.
What To Wear
What to wear to any event is a critical aspect. When attending events, we want you to remain comfortable yet business like. The event host will be more specific about the attire requirements in the RSVP. As a default, business casual is best if it’ s not listed on the RSVP. Below are some of the meanings that may appear on an RSVP listing.
• Business attire( suits and
dresses)
• Black tie / black tie optional( more formal evening wear)
• Business casual( trousers / khakis with long sleeve shirts)
• Jackets and ties required( as instructed)
Bringing a Guest
If you plan to bring someone, it’ s crucial that you include them when you RSVP. Even if you’ ve confirmed the invitation on your own behalf, if you bring an unexpected guest at the last minute it’ s the same as if you show up announced, potentially leaving your guest without a place at the table. So please do a + one until you receive confirmation from your guest if they are going to attend or not. Canceling
If you RSVP in the affirmative to a business lunch, you are expected to attend, and being a no-show could cost the host a hefty bill for several uneaten meals and entertainment. We understand that our lives can get busy, and circumstances do happen. In turn, we ask that you cancel as soon as you know you can’ t make it, and make every effort to reach the host in person rather than emailing or leaving a voice message.
When should you arrive for an event?
The event host spends a large amount of time and resources to plan and execute an event, so most people know the answer to this question: be on time! If you are a representative of the host, the answer is that you should arrive up to 30 minutes early( you will be given a time, show up when requested). If you are a guest, understand that the organizer has been selective with the invitation list. Many invitations will include a brief agenda that highlights when guests may arrive for the event, typically providing a window of 15 to 30 minutes for registration and welcome reception times. Also, it’ s important to stay as long as possible or to the conclusion of an event.
Linda L. Henderson Owner of Outsourcing Outlet Ltd www. outsourcingoutletltd. com virtualpro @ outsourcingoutletltd. com