Let’s be honest: Most of us didn’t start our businesses because we wanted to master communication under pressure, resolve misaligned client expectations, or figure out how to lead a team without coming off too cold, too soft, or too scattered.

We started because we had a gift—and a desire to serve.

But people are part of business. And if we’re being real? People dynamics can make or break your momentum.

It’s not enough to have business acuity.
You need social clarity.
You need emotional intelligence.
You need to understand how others experience you—especially when the stakes are high and you’re under stress.

Let me be clear: Personality, perception, and presence aren’t soft skills. They’re power sources.
And depending on how you use them, they’ll either run your business or slowly ruin your progress.

Let’s unpack the 5 areas most affected by your personal connection style:

The 5 People-Powered Areas That Shape Your Business

1. Reputation

Your reputation is more than your results—it’s your relational footprint. It’s built in the micro-moments:

• How you communicate when something goes wrong
• How you close loops and follow up
• How consistent your tone, presence, and energy feel across platforms

👉 Spoiler: People don’t always hear what you meant. They hear what your personality filters out loud.

2. Client & Team Communication

You might be giving clear direction.
They might be hearing criticism.
Or worse—they might be confused and not say a word.

When you don’t understand your own style and the styles of the people you work with, you risk constant friction and misfires (even if your intentions are pure).

3. Trust & Referrals

Reputation gets you in the room.
Trust gets you recommended.

People refer businesses that feel reliable, consistent, and values-aligned. If your energy clashes with what your brand says it stands for? That gap costs you word-of-mouth momentum.

4. Sales & Opportunities

You can say the “right” words and still lose the sale—if your personality doesn’t match your audience’s expectations.
→ Trust and resonance often happen before the pitch.
→ And connection starts long before you’re on a Zoom call or stage.

5. Revenue

All of this adds up.
Every dropped ball, awkward silence, misread tone, unclear boundary, or mismatched impression?
It’s a leak—and over time, it becomes a drain on your time, energy, and income.

Now you may be wondering, “So what do I do about it?”

You start by seeing yourself clearly—the way others do.
Because what we often think is “just who I am” might actually be “just what I’ve learned to default to under pressure.”

That’s why I created the Restore Your Relationships Quiz.

This isn’t your typical personality test.
It’s designed specifically for service providers, creatives, and coaches navigating the people parts of business.
It doesn’t just tell you what type you are.
It shows you how that type:

• Builds (or blocks) trust
• Handles communication under pressure
• Impacts your reputation
• Influences client and collaboration dynamics

Can a personality quiz really help me improve my reputation?

A: Absolutely—when it’s built for action, not just insight.
This quiz gives you clarity on how others experience your presence, communication, and energy—and how to make those traits work for your business, not against it.

I’ve taken other quizzes before. How is this different?

A: Most personality assessments stop at labels.
This one is built around how your presence performs in business.
It reveals your stress style, your communication blind spots, and your relational superpowers—all of which influence your reputation and your results.

What if I don’t like the archetype I get?

A: It’s not about changing who you are.
It’s about owning how you show up and making intentional adjustments so your clients, collaborators, and community experience you in the best light—consistently.

🧩 Bonus: The 4 Connection Types Everyone Should Know

Understanding your Connection Archetype gives you insight into your personality—but understanding how others can perceive you gives a full-circle view of how you build trust and relationships in business. Customers, clients, and collaborators likely fall in one of these personas:

• The Diplomat – Warm, community-driven, but often boundary-blurry
• The Analytic – Respected for logic, but may struggle with connection
• The Taskmaster – Love SOP’s and clear deliverables, but resist going with the flow.
• The Trailblazer – Charismatic and expressive, but can lack clarity or follow-through

When you know your Connection Type (and how others interpret it), business relationships become clearer—and easier to navigate.

To Wrap Up

Each entrepreneur brings a distinctive persona to this wild business journey. Your personal brand values serve as a compass for how you show up and connect. But here’s the truth: Your energy is already introducing you. The question is—what is it saying?

If you’re ready to get intentional about how you are perceived, how you show up, how you speak up, and how you build a reputation that works while you sleep…

👉 Take the Restore Your Relationships Quiz

Then join me inside the 7-Day Reputation Reset to start fine-tuning your presence, connection style, and client communication—all with strategy, not guesswork.

Let’s be honest—terms of endearment in business settings can be more awkward than adorable.

In one week, I heard from two different professionals with the same gripe: “If one more person calls me ‘sweetie,’ I’m walking out.” And honestly? I get it.

In fact, when someone sent in an Etiquette SOS asking how to politely push back against being called “sug,” “honey,” or “dearie,” I knew it was time to talk about it.

Because here’s the deal: pet names have a time and place. But customer service is rarely it.

Where It Goes Wrong

We use pet names—sweetie, love, babe, sis—as a shortcut for warmth, but when there’s no established relationship, it doesn’t land the way we think it does. Instead of sounding personable, it can feel presumptuous.

Even well-meaning professionals get caught in the middle. I received one message that said,

“Do you know how many times I’ve been cussed out for calling someone ‘ma’am’ or ‘sir’ because it makes them feel old? Sometimes you can’t win for losing.”

It’s true. There’s a fine line between friendly and familiar—and if you’re not reading the room, you’re probably stepping all over someone’s reserve nerve.

The Real Issue: Crutch Words & False Connection

Using pet names in business is often a crutch—a way to fast-track connection without doing the actual work of building rapport. But in professional settings, trust comes from clarity, consistency, and respect.

As one colleague put it:

“I started my consulting business and decided not to give clients cutesy nicknames. I don’t want to risk making anyone uncomfortable.”

Smart move. Because once your communication feels forced, so does your service.

So, What Should You Say Instead?

1. Use their name. It’s simple, respectful, and neutral.
2. If in doubt, default to professionalism. “Ms. Jordan” goes further than “sugar” ever could.
3. Establish the relationship before the nickname. Familiarity should follow rapport—not replace it.

And if you’re still unsure, ask. A quick, “Do you mind if I call you [nickname]?” Or “what do you prefer I call you?” goes a long way.

Etiquette Exit Notes: Before You Close This Tab…Professional Doesn’t Mean Cold

There’s a belief that professionalism requires us to be robotic or stiff. Not true. You can be warm, engaging, and personable without assuming a level of familiarity that hasn’t been earned.

When in doubt? Skip the pet name and let your service speak for itself.

Want to explore how your communication style could use a professional polish? Reserve a Clarity Call and let’s refine your client interactions—so every word reflects the reputation you’re building.

Say goodbye to awkward silences.

In a world driven by abbreviations, emojis and quick exchanges, meaningful conversations have become something of a rare and invaluable skill. Because past experiences haven’t made you feel like you excel in the area of networking, social events or everyday chats, you may be inclined to pass on opportunities for connection and/or feel regret after interactions that didn’t lead to the outcome we wanted. Success for service providers depends on your ability to connect with people first— break the ice, build instant rapport, make purposeful relationships that lead to profits. 

The way you communicate shapes how others perceive you. Which means that because you don’t feel naturally gifted at conversation, doesn’t mean you can’t get better at it. 

Whether you’re navigating a client relationship, making a new introduction or strengthening your bond, the quality of your conversations can set the tone for success or struggle. Because let’s face it, we are all strangers until we aren’t. 

Nonetheless our job as exceptional service providers is to help clients and collaborators feel comfortable with us. Which make first-impressions, conversations and coffee chat connections vital and more valuable to our businesses. 

Ever had awkward silence dominate interactions? You aren’t alone because struggling to keep conversations flowing can be stressful, leading to uncomfortable pauses. 

Do you have difficulty initiating conversations? Trust me, feeling unsure how to start or what to say, especially in new social or professional settings is more common than you think.

Sick of superficial exchanges? Conversations that lack depth or stay on surface-level topics without meaningful engagement can feel like a total waste of time. 

Do you find yourself declining networking opportunities? I get it. But missing out on personal or professional connections due to an inability to effectively communicate can cost you BIG. 

Starting and maintaining better conversation happens by elevating your conversation skills. Easier said than done, am I right? Then again, maybe not! 

Thoughtful conversations position you as approachable, professional, and trustworthy—qualities that open doors and keep them open.

Authentic, thoughtful exchanges signal that you value the other person, creating a sense of safety and reliability. In business, this translates to better relationships, repeat clients, and stronger networks. 

Meaningful conversations help uncover the needs, challenges, and aspirations of those you interact with. This insight allows you to respond in ways that are genuinely helpful and impactful.

So you have to challenge yourself to get curious about who you are meeting and/or connecting with. You can make yourself memorable by simply asking questions that you genuinely want the answer to. 

Prepare for any conversation with open-ended q’s that prompt the other person to respond beyond a yes or no. 

Make yourself memorable by chatting beyond stale and cookie-cutter questions like “what do you do?” and “who do you serve?” And definitely don’t say tell me about yourself…people don’t know if you want a sound bite or honest trauma. 

Don’t rely on the other person to have “better” conversation skills than you. You can avoid awkward pauses and sudden silence by being prepared in advance with go-to prompts that keep a conversation going: 

“What inspired you to pursue your line of work/industry?”

This question invites the other person to share their story, offering insight into their passions and values.

“What’s been your most rewarding experience working with a client so far?”

This helps uncover shared values and highlights the positive aspects of their business journey.

“What’s a challenge you’re currently navigating, and how are you approaching it?”

A supportive question that opens the door to collaboration or sharing solutions.

“What’s a professional goal you’re working toward right now?”

A great way to understand their aspirations and explore opportunities for mutual support.

“How do you celebrate wins—big or small—in your business?”

This adds a personal touch, encouraging them to share something uplifting and relatable.

You’re on your way to saying goodbye to sudden silence and hello to impactful conversations! 

When you equip yourself with go-to questions & prompts that focus on the other person, you’ll present as authentic and relatable. 

And when you know how to build instant rapport and make meaningful connections with ease, you break the ice effortlessly, keep conversations flowing, and leave a lasting impression—online or in person. 

Give these recommended prompts a try in your next conversation or choose from 50 of my favorite conversation starters and prompts here.

Remember, authentic, curious and genuine conversations lead to developing trust with potential clients and collaborators quickly. Whether your networking, making small talk with clients or simply connecting with new people online, authentic and genuine conversation ensures you’ll always be in a position to foster purposeful business relationships. Cheers to intention, impact, and authenticity.

Do you have a favorite question/prompt you like to ask? Drop it in the comments.

Last week, I experienced Tropical Storm Ernesto. And let me tell you, it had a few things to say about the journey of business and entrepreneurship.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen dark rain clouds in the dark. Just me? Well, this storm was a force of nature that reminded me of the twists and turns we face in our entrepreneurial journeys. We think we’re planning for every possible rainy day, but the truth is, we aren’t always prepared for the wind that comes sideways, the unexpected challenges that disrupt our flow, or the forces we simply can’t control.

Tropical Storm Ernesto was like that stubborn client, unpredictable market shift, or challenging project that throws everything into chaos. But here’s what the storm taught me, and it’s a lesson every entrepreneur needs to embrace:

Preparation: We all plan and prepare, outlining every step and tucking away backup plans. But just like in business, sometimes all the preparation in the world can’t shield us from what’s coming.

Surrender: There’s a point where we must surrender. After all the planning, we have to step back, watch, wait, and trust that we’ve done enough. In business, this means believing in your vision, your mission, and that you’re serving the right people in the right way.

Gratitude: When the storm passes, gratitude fills the air. We’re thankful for the protection, the support of our network, and the small wins that come our way. It’s in these moments that we realize the power of community and the importance of paying it forward.

Reflection & Growth: After the storm, we reflect. We analyze what worked, what didn’t, and how we can grow from the experience. It’s a cycle, much like solopreneurship, where every challenge fuels our preparation for the next.

But here’s the thing, just like surviving a storm, thriving in business isn’t something you do alone. It’s about constantly growing and developing your foundation—helping you build a resilient business that can withstand any storm.

By consistently investing in your growth, you’re not just preparing for the challenges ahead—you’re setting yourself up to thrive, no matter what comes your way.

So, what strategies do you use to weather the storms of entrepreneurship with confidence and grace? Share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with us on IG or LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

NEWSFLASH:  your industry doesn’t need another (insert your service)…they need a phenomenal one! 

Your clients aren’t looking for another generic experience. They want a memorable one. 

Whether it’s bookkeeping, copywriting, marketing or system set-ups, your clients want a place that feels comfortable, easy & aligned. 

They want to feel served with your solution. 

They want honesty & authenticity. 

They want the experience to live up to your promise. 

If polled, I am confident that each generation would claim the next to be just a little bolder,  ruder, outspoken, and even more entitled than the last but…that is life.  

Advancements in technology continue to alter & evolve our realities, which means service providers must also evolve at what can feel like an unprecedented rate. 

Everything and the kitchen sink doesn’t make a service valuable. Good service does! 

It is vital to develop rapport with your clients throughout their journey so you can ask for meaningful feedback & insights to influence your offer & delivery.

It is critical to improve upon your communication to call in your ideal client, clarify with care, lessen misunderstandings, manage expectations, navigate difficult situations, listen with intent, and engage in conversations that lead to learning, improved solutions and more opportunity.  

Communication is that important to your business! 

You can’t buy trust from your clients, colleagues, contractors or collaborators— you have to earn it. So use freebie templates & swipe copy as inspiration, not the gospel. 

Instead seek to enhance your etiquette skills so you can begin to infuse your unique personality & core values into your interactions; connecting human to human & highlighting your uniqueness as an added bonus or benefit. 

Develop a raving reputation for simply being a brand of your word. Deliver on what you say you will do, when you say you will do it, the way you say you will. 

In your efforts to look, sound, and present like the best…don’t forget to be the best. Execute and deliver. Period. 

Your social & relationship building skills are what  keep clients coming back. And why they share & recommend you to others…foundational for effortlessly generating recurring revenue. 

Need a resource to help you along? Learn to carry yourself, communicate & connect with ease & authenticity with the free weekly for ambitious service provider solo & entrepreneurs, Etiquette for Entrepreneurs.

And the next time you’re tempted to compare yourself to others…remember that your industry doesn’t need another (whatever you do)…they need a phenomenal one.

I had a blast sharing the mic and my insight on Keeping Your Composure for the Beyond Small Talk Podcast. I will be honest, if you didn’t see the show LIVE on IG a few weeks ago, you just missed it. Every technical difficulty possible tried to interrupt our flow; making the replay painful to watch, but you can listen (warts & all right here).

Part 1: Keep Your Composure

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-small-talk-season-2-5-keeping-your-composure/id1533365078?i=1000507872565

Difficulties aside, we had such a great conversation that Jackie ask me back for a bonus episode to dive a little deeper.

And you know I couldn’t wait to share it with you! Get caught up with the audio link below.

Here is the link for the first ever BONUS edition of Beyond Small Talk as we continue the conversation with Michelle A. Whyte on keeping your composure. Especially now, living in such a heated political and social environment, Michelle’s tips and tools help us navigate this ever-evolving terrain of communication. 

Part 2: BONUS EPISODE

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-small-talk/id1533365078?i=1000509485273

A big takeaway for the Beyond Small Talk community – knowing how, when and what to do when taking your emotional temperature. Practice makes progress! Life is messy! There are no perfect solutions! 

Find Michelle at www.michelleawhyte.com and check out her Conflicts & Confrontations Etiquette Quick Guide. IG @themichelleawhyte

Beyond Small Talk IG live Season 2 Every Thursday at 4 pm ET. Catch up on Season 1 on your favorite Pod (Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Audible) Show some love with a follow and download.  www.jackiejaniec.com • @jackie_janiec

#etiquettecoaching #womensupportingwomen #civility #tolerance #jointheAlist #personalgrowth #professionaldevelopment

If you are noticing that your mindset, your mood, your productivity, are tapering off or taking a dive mid week.

Many of us have been working exclusively from home for almost a year now. I’m talking about an entire calendar year. Unbelievable!

We have forged our way through the chaos and uncertainty. We’ve managed to establish systems, routines and some semblance of normalcy and order for our individual lives. All the while, maintaining some sense of sanity.

Remind yourself of this when days are hard, friend, you should feel very proud of yourself!

You are still surviving. You being of sound mind and body is enough! Groceries, emails, zoom calls – everything else – is a bonus. So be easy on yourself, and remember to award yourself a point for every bonus activity you accomplish. Hang in there. You really are phenomenal.

Now, if we are going to bother to show up, then we must do so with intention and purpose.

With that being said…We need to talk.

I can see the smokey embers of burnout kindling. I feel your frustration mounting and the balancing act of expectation versus reality becoming all too heavy to juggle.

We need to talk about how relaxed we are getting- in our productivity, our communication and our presence.

Lean in, because I’m going to say a hard thing. It might be time to put on pants.

Have you ever heard anyone use the phrase, when you feel bad, look better? I lived by this as best a broke college student could during my undergraduate years. If there was a big exam or presentation or I literally felt a bit under the weather, I’d boost my mood and my odds of a more successful outcome by passing on the oversized sweatshirt and shorts for a dress, sweater or dressy jeans.

I’d sit more attentively in class. I likely took better notes and felt a little more studious. It could be because I thought I was cute on those days. But it could also have been an intentional shift in my mindset. A change in routine prepared my brain in advance that we were out to handle the business and tackle it head on.

There is something to dressing the part that can enhance our mood, our focus and even boost our productivity. Look, I get it. Home is home. And some days it can feel like the longest loop in time; and still no end in sight. You are still a professional, still a leader, and your next opportunity is still waiting for you. You are still responsible for showing up and bringing your best!

So I want you to ask yourself, is it time to put pants on? I mean really think about your energy, your posture, your approach to the work.

It’s not just you, I have been super guilty about sporting my business on top and sleep in Sunday on the bottom. But the truth is, I find that when I actually do my morning routine, choose clothes and get dressed before my coffee, I am more alert and ready to start my day than when I stay in pajamas and meander from one room to another. I get more done than when I fake it through the day. You know what I’m talkin about, throwing on a decently ironed shirt 10 minutes before a call.

And I wonder if the same could be true for you too.

Here’s what I’m going to do? I’m going to challenge you to choose just one day this week to get dressed. Nothing over the top, just a bump up from what you’ve been doing. Instead of yoga/exercise or sweatpants…remix your routine to break up the monotony of this week.

Reverse the concept of casual Fridays. We’ve been casual fridaying…any everydaying for about 52 weeks now. All I’m saying is try something like cardigan Tuesday.

I want to see if we can find a way to re-energize you and the work you do. Let’s try to counter these sluggish feelings with a little style.
Snap a pic. Tag me on social sharing, not only, how great you look but how your day goes. Do you notice that you feel more refreshed? Did you sit a little straighter during your Zoom? Did you find yourself more attentive and engaged? Maybe you answered more emails with focus and intention? Or did it just feel good to boost your mood? Totally counts!

This year is far from over and we’re just going to have to get creative in bringing our best selves to our digital spaces. Your next opportunity is still waiting for you, how you show up and deliver still matters. Try this small step to get you back in the groove.

And if you find yourself doing your best proofreading after you hit send – there’s a guide for that. Head over to the site to scoop your Email Etiquette Quick Guide and brush up on the 15 rules of email you should be respecting.

The holiday season has officially kicked off and don’t get me wrong, I absolutely want you shop, shop with me! With my whole heart, I want my Email Etiquette Bundle in your hands (especially the pre/teen guide). I want you to book a Situation Room Strategy Session to talk through a difficult situation or obstacle standing in your way. And I want at least 10 students for my upcoming Etiquette Exchange Monthly Mastermind program when enrollment opens.

I may be a CEO but I am also a wife and mom, so I get it! I understand that money is tight for a lot of us. I also know that many of us are being much more intentional with our spending. And I don’t blame you one little bit. But I also know that you want to help a friend like me, continue to serve and grow her purpose through small business.

Listen, I know if you could, you would…I know if there was something you could do, you’d be there for me.

Friend, I’m asking! I need your help. Believe it or not there are a number of no money ways you can shop small this year.

1. Help Me Grow The A-LIST. It doesn’t cost a thing to join The A-LIST {Ambiance Leadership Institute for Success Training}. But I only want you signing up if you are interested in finding more clarity and confidence in your professional skin. You know, learning to be comfortable with who you are, mistakes and all. You should also join if you’re interested in proven strategies to help you build better business relationships or better manage your people, preference, and pet peeves with more tact and diplomacy. It’s a community for etiquette, awareness, application, mentorship, and engagement all rolled into one. Best of all, you’ll be safe because no perfect people allowed.
2. Help Me Grow Socially. No money, just a few clicks. This is a super easy way to help me grow my reach on social media. Follow and share @themichelleawhyte on FB, IG, and or Twitter. Be sure to turn your notifications on, so you don’t miss a thing.
3. Help Me Grow My Network. Virtually introduce me to a friend, colleague, or young professional. Send a DM, text, or email saying hey, I saw this and thought of you. Maybe a good fit for you? Check it out when you get a chance. Just be sure to share a post, link to my website or social channel in the message and that’s it!
4. Help Me Grow My Opportunities. Offer up my name for professional development training in your spaces and places. Mentorship Workshops in self-awareness, leadership development, and personality preference assessments help strengthen the civility, character, and confidence of a team; individually and collectively.

There you have it. 4 different ways you can help grow and support this minority, woman-owned small business today. No money required!

If you can’t purchase, help me progress. I appreciate you choosing 1 or all of the above. But I thank you for being open to wanting to find ways to support me, more.

IT MATTERS!