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BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Try answering these questions; the importance of proper business etiquette should filter through;

At a business lunch when do I discuss “the business”?

When entering a cab do I get in first or does it have to be my client?

When people attend a meeting organized by me, do I pay for the transportation and parking charges?

Are there places such as restrooms where one must not continue talking “important issues”?

Do I proffer my business card at the time of introduction or wait for some other moment to present them?

Are there topics that one must avoid with colleagues and business partners?

In what form do I thank people who send/give holiday gifts?

At a meeting do I introduce my superior to the client or the client to my superior?

When I am introduced by the wrong name how do I correct the announcer ‘politely’?

When returning from overseas on a company-sponsored trip, must I buy gifts for colleagues?

When gifting to clients, what is ‘acceptable’ and ‘not acceptable’ by way of presents?

How do I make a self-introduction at a gathering where I know very few people?

What are appropriate cell phone/mobile manners?

Do different occasions call for different dressing codes?

Can I get more informal with my client when the two of us get to know one another better?

How important is punctuality? Does everything have to start exactly on time?

In ca meeting where members veer off the main topic of discussion, how do I get them back on track in an acceptable fashion?

Being a woman executive who meets with clients from all over the world, will differences in culture stop me from shaking hands with some clients?

If you have been unable to answer the questions above to your satisfaction and also to the satisfaction of an expert in business etiquette then you are will and truly on your way to being a person of small stature in the world of business. If you have had a not-so-easy time with the questions posed above then there is nothing to really worry about if proper steps are taken to correct what is often perceived as incorrect business behaviour.

“Manners open doors that power, position, and money cannot.”

In an era when companies are competing on the basis of service, manners are much more than a social nicety-they are a crucial business skill. In fact good manners are good business.

Whenever you meet clients, you present an image of your company and the way your company conducts its business relationships. You want to be your best, bring out the best in your clients and cultivate lasting business relationships. Your skills in relating to people have never been more critical to your success. Your ability to relate positively and professionally to your colleagues and associates will place you in the forefront.

Our business environment is dominated by technology: videoconferencing, computers, answering machines, fax machines, complex voice message systems, fax-on-demand, e-mail, pagers, cell phones, and more. Although these tools are designed to speed our transaction and improve efficiency, they do not replace the need for personal contact nor free us from the responsibilities of good communication. On the contrary, we have more communication tools to operate, more responses to make, and less time to do it in.

People gravitate to those who are kind, considerate, thoughtful, courteous, respectful, and interesting. It is important to note that power comes from knowledge of business etiquette and knowledge builds confidence and confidence builds leaders.

Learning the “rules” of business etiquette is easy; they are 80% common sense and 20% kindness. Manners are skills that must be continually practiced and updated. Seeking help form colleagues may not leave you completely satisfied. Business etiquette consultants can be a great help just as good books on the subject will be.

The following areas require looking into:

Attitude; initial greetings; introducing people to one another; introducing yourself; body language; personal grooming; business wardrobe; meal manners; written communication; electronic communication; speaking appropriately; office manners; business travel; and after business hours conduct.