What is Business Etiquette?

What is Business Etiquette?
Initial Author: Mary White

The word etiquette refers to the norms and standards for behavior that govern socially acceptable behavior in a given situation. Business etiquette focuses on actions deemed appropriate in professional settings. By getting in the habit of behaving in a manner consistent with the principles related to good business etiquette, you'll be more likely to make an excellent impression on people you encounter on a daily basis.

Basic Business Etiquette Tips

Avoid Improper Cell Phone Usage

One of the most prevalent etiquette problems in the modern business world is related to cell phone usage. Too frequently, people breach proper business etiquette by leaving their telephones on during meetings; taking calls while in the middle of conversations with clients, co-workers, and even supervisors; carrying on loud cell phone conversations while in office building elevators; and using cell phones in additional inappropriate situations. With the widespread adoption of cell phone usage, many people have lost sight of the fact that the person who is in front of you at a given point in time deserves your full attention. Ignoring or postponing the person who is with you to take a call from someone else is rude, and conveys a general lack of respect. It's also disrespectful and inappropriate to inflict your telephone conversations on other people. If you want to make a positive impression, you should limit your cell phone conversations to times and places where they are not disruptive or intrusive to others.

Wear Appropriate Attire

Dressing in a manner appropriate for your company, position, and activities is essential at all times. As a professional, the image you convey sends a message to others about you and the organization you represent. When you dress in an appropriate manner, people are likely to form positive impressions about your abilities and the professionalism of the organization you represent. If your image is less than professional, however, people will assume the same is true about your abilities and actions.

Be On Time

Punctuality is an important component of business etiquette. Developing a pattern of being late or getting in the habit of keeping people waiting sends a very unprofessional message. Individuals who have the habit and reputation for punctuality tend to be viewed much more favorably by colleagues, customers, and clients than those who have problems with timeliness.

Watch Your Language

If you want people to view you as a professional, it's important to conduct yourself as a professional at all times. You should avoid using any form of profanity or swearing in business settings or when you are in the company of business associates in other environments. It's also vital to avoid telling off-color jokes of any type. Making inappropriate remarks or using language that is not appropriate in a professional environment sends a negative message about your judgment and professionalism.

Use a Proper Telephone Greeting

While there isn't one right way to answer your office or cell phone, there are certainly number of wrong ways to greet callers. When you answer the telephone, it's important to remember that the words you use and the attitude your tone of voice conveys can be the first impression you make on a new contact.

Sound professional, positive, and sincere when you answer the phone. Greet the caller, state the name of your company, follow with your name, and conclude by offering to help the caller.

Develop a Professional Handshake

In the business world, people often form initial impressions of other people based on their handshake. When you meet a new person, or greet a business associate in a formal setting, it's advisable to extend your hand and offer a firm handshake.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Don't lose sight of the fact that the way you conduct yourself is the foundation on which other people form their opinions of you. You can claim to be committed to customer service, but if you don't behave in a manner that conveys respect to your customers, you will not be seen as an effective service provider. You can tell your boss that you're ready for a promotion, but if you don't dress and act the part, you'll never be viewed as management material.

The way you behave sends a much stronger message than the words you speak. By adopting and following these basic business etiquette tips, you'll be on your way to making sure that your actions send the right messages to the right people all the time.

MY THOUGHTS

one of the things that can help us follow these business etiquette tips is to remember that we are not at home. at home, we may be given the freedom to be too relaxed. rowdy, even. but not at work. there are rules. and we can't just bring our own rules in.

business etiquette for corporate events

Business Etiquette for Corporate Events
Useful Tips for Good Manners at Meetings and Social Events
By Rob Hard, About.com

Appropriate business etiquette is expected of everyone, especially at corporate events. However, few are trained in the art of good manners. That means most people learn meeting etiquette and how to conduct themselves at business events “on the job.”

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. The following Q&A provides some business etiquette tips for meeting environments.

1. When should you respond to an RSVP?

Event invitations will provide most of the important information of an event, including details about the host, type of event, purpose (even as much as a brief agenda), location, time, specific instructions, and – of course – the RSVP.

Events today rely on a variety of RSVP options, including email, phone, mail in cards, and more. It is important for guests to respond quickly when they receive an invitation, and it’s best to respond within a week. If you must decline at the last minute, please notify the host prior to the event or first thing the next day with sincere regrets.

2. What should you wear to an event?

Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:

* 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)

Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.

3. When should you arrive for an event?

The event host spends significant 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.

4. When should you extend a handshake at an event?

Always upon arrival and departure. This is an easy rule that few people violate. Greet everyone with a firm, sincere handshake, a friendly smile and direct eye contact. However, when approaching a group of individuals, it’s important to note that guests should always shake the hand of the host first.

Of course, there are scenarios when handshake greetings aren’t possible, such as when both hands are full. In those situations, either party may nod and use some sort of other body gesture to convey the greeting.

5. How should you introduce people in a group at an event?

Most people will find themselves at some point introducing various individuals at an event, especially when they are the ones who will be expected to know all parties. But what’s the order of introductions? Simply remember to rules:

* Introduce lower ranking individuals to higher ranking individuals.
* Remember to include titles (e.g., Dr., Judge, etc.) and name prefix (e.g., Mr., Mrs. Ms.).

6. What should you talk about at the event?

It’s important to have strong listening (don’t interrupt) and conversation skills in group situations. This means maintaining open body language (stand up or sit up straight, don’t cross arms, and maintain good eye contact) and showing interest in what others have to say.

Contribute to conversations by being able to speak to a variety of subjects, find topics of mutual interest and avoid correcting what others have to say. Make sure to involve everyone in the group in the discussion (and not just one or two). Encourage people to talk about themselves, and be graceful when providing and/or accepting compliments.

It’s unfortunate to add the following, but necessary for some: avoid the use of foul language and slang in conversations.

7. What shouldn't you talk about at the event?

Just as it’s important to understand what to talk about, there are several topics that should generally be avoided:

* Personal finance topics
* Personal health topics (yours and others)
* Divisive topics
* Gossip

8. When should you defer extra courties (deference) to others at an event?

It may sound old fashioned, but it’s very important to let people know that you hold them in high esteem. And the act will usually not go unnoticed by the recipient. Several examples (but certainly not an all inclusive list) of when deference is important at an event:

* Follow the lead of others (e.g., host) to know when/where to sit.
* Hold doors for others.
* Don’t assume empty seats are available.
* Allow others to take the better seat.
* Wait to speak until others acknowledge you.
* Wait for the host before taking a first drink.
* Wait to eat until after everyone is served and the host has begun.

9. What other business etiquette rules should be kept in mind?

* Never drink more than two alcoholic drinks.
* Allow the event host to make the first toast.
* Notify hosts of any dietary restrictions prior to an event.
* Understand how to use flatware (eat outside in).
* Glassware is placed to the right.
* Bread plates will be placed to the left.
* Place the fork and knife in the 4:00 position when finished.
* Place napkins on the chair seat or arm when briefly stepping away.
* Research the event topic and venue before arriving.
* Thank the host in person prior to leaving.
* Send a “thank you” note to the host within a week.

10. What should you wear to an event?

Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:

* 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)

Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.
11. What should you wear to an event?

Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:

* 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)

Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.

MY THOUGHTS

Wow!!! I should have read this years ago. This would have helped in our planning of events and we could have avoided certain problems. These business etiquette tips will certainly go a long way. I like the "what to talk about" part. Sometimes we get carried away, especially when we are with people we are familiar with. Business etiquette for corporate events should be part of the orientation we provide our conference staff. or all staff for that matter.