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Professional manners have a place in every professional situation from the basics to the most technologically adapted. Marjorie Brody says in her introduction, "Even if your office environment is quite casual and laid-back, etiquette is necessary and important." After a chance to take a self-assessment on the 10 most common business etiquette errors, Brody gives you 19 separate areas to consider improving your business etiquette. She reviews the basics in issues including greetings and introductions, handling visitors, business dining and written communication. She also reviews the most current situations in cell phones, beepers and pagers, privacy in email and business casual.

Her direct approach allows all readers regardless of their business experience, to be clear on her points. In the chapter Professional Presence, she clarifies, "Being able to dress casually and comfortably for work may sound appealing, but it is important not to get too carried away with the idea. 'Dress down' does not mean 'dress sloppily.'" Doing business internationally is the one section which could detail specifics for more traveled countries, however the guidelines do consider when you are the host and when you are the guest.

Brody's message, that good manners do matter, is a quick-read with entertaining anecdotes throughout which bring the message to life.

In her latest book, Marjorie Brody delves into the world of business manners and the proper behavior for all types of work situations. Her book shows salespeople and other professionals how to effectively navigate some tricky etiquette issues, from meeting and greeting to wardrobe selection, and from travel guidelines to proper conduct on the Internet.

Brody's book is timely and well written, and the audience for her message appears to be growing. A 1999 study by the University of North Carolina revealed that 90% of those polled believed that incivility is a serious problem in our culture, leading to such social problems as violence and a decline in moral values. In another poll, more than half of the 327 front-line workers surveyed indicated that they had personally experienced acts of mistreatment at work over the past three years.

What about lapses in etiquette that affect sales quotas? Brody astutely points out that incivility can also cost salespeople commissions and long-term customer loyalty. Her book offers pertinent, common-sense advice of interest to sales professionals.

The copy machine is out of ink. You know how to change the cartridge, but there's another functional copy machine sitting right next to the dry one. You look around to see who's watching and: a) Change the cartridge, b) make copies off the good machine and tell the office manager about the dysfunctional one, c) make your copies and steal away without telling a soul.

The correct answer, in case you're wondering, is a) change the cartridge. And if you have to think about it, Professional Impressions may just be the book for you.

Proper etiquette is important because it helps advance your careerr, and Marjorie Brody, an executive coach, is here to steer you through the confusing maze of workplace manners. She touches on such topics as the proper use of e-mail, table manners, negotiations, handshakes, and respect for the privacy of others. Much of her advice is common sense, but a reminder never hurts.

Brody also offers suggestions on grooming and appearance. For example, she explains, "business casual" dress codes and gives detailed descriptions of the components required in your wardrobe. She contends that the people who use good manners and dress properly will get the promotions because they exude professionalism.

Professional Impressions is written for people in any kind of business who feel an increased professional image would enhance their effectiveness. There are two chapters which have limited relevance to Networkers -- "The Job Interview" and "Living Together in the Workplace" -- but the others absolutely apply: "Professional Presence," " Greetings and Introductions," "Written Communication," "Networking," "Business Dining," "The Telephone," "Privacy," "Handling Criticisms and Compliments Gracefully," "Business Travel," "Meetings and Presentations" to name several.

If you've found yourself in situations where you've been unclear about protocol or just want to add a little polish to your self-presentation as a Networker, this book will prove helpful.