Business Etiquette 101
Keeping a Few Simple Rules May Determine Your Next Move
Jul 9, 2008 Theresia Whitfield
Proper business etiquette can also often make or break a sale. Consider the commercial where the American traveler is unable to retrieve cell phone messages because of lack of service. He ends up calling his best foreign customer a not-so-nice name. Customs are important and so is general business etiquette common sense.
In her book, Power Etiquette: What You Don't Know Can Kill Your Career, Dana May Casperson suggests that proper business etiquette translates into influence. She also says, "Good manners open doors that position and money do not."
Your Word is Your Name
Make sure you're always punctual, return phone calls and emails promptly, dress for success and do what you say you're going to do. And never forget to thank your customers and vendors with a hand-written note.
Social and Business Networking
Social and business networking situations also call for proper protocol. Always carry business cards, and always carry them in a presentable business card case. Only give out your business card when someone asks for it.
What to Wear?
When working the crowd at a social or business event, make sure to dress appropriately. If in doubt, err on the side of formality. Avoid skirts that are too short or tops that are cut too low. Enjoy the cocktails if they're provided, but drink responsibly. Most etiquette experts suggest limiting yourself to one or two alcoholic beverages.
Sticky Fingers
When it comes to food, try to avoid those items that will create messy hands, such as buffalo chicken wings. Items that are hard to pick up, such as tomatoes, should also be avoided. It's a disaster waiting to happen. Never go to an event hungry, and always keep your right hand free when an introduction is made. Mix and mingle; don't hang out with only those you know.
Getting to Know You
Some people are uncomfortable in social settings. The key is to practice remembering names. Make a game out of it if that helps with memory challenges. When making conversation, ask open-ended questions. And don't fill nervous dead air by telling your life story. Remember, business always follows relationships. Build trust and the rest will fall into place.
Technology Rules
In sit-down dinner scenarios, make sure all electronic devices are turned off or set to vibrate instead of ring. Only answer the phone if it's an emergency or if you know in advance that someone will be calling. If you can't miss the call, kindly inform your dinner party of your intentions to excuse yourself when the call comes. And never return text messages during business meetings.
What You Say and the Way You Say It
Jacqueline Whitmore, a foremost authority on business etiquette says emails are a representation of your business and personal brand. Instead of using today's common text abbreviations, write complete sentences. Yet, keep it short and simple. Always spell check before sending and read for errors. And never send an email when you're angry. Tough subjects should be discussed in person as tone of voice can always be misconstrued in an email.
Becoming proficient in business manners can help work-place moral, improve team relationships, and ensure successful sales results.
Sources:
Etiquette Expert - Jacqueline Whitmore
Power Etiquette: What You Don't Know Could Kill Your Career - Dana May Casperson
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