When talking about Business Etiquette what separates the professional from the amateur?
There is a major difference between business etiquette and social etiquette.
Social etiquette would be what your parents taught you from a young age. Be nice, share, be considerate and care about others.
Business etiquette do’s and don’ts..
Handshakes are the first place to examine. When you shake hands with someone you should always look them direct in the eye and shake firmly. Firmly does not mean you are proving your strength but strong enough they know you are sincere. A limp handshake is seen as not being interested or genuine.
Introductions are important to realize the etiquette of. You typically always address the person with the higher position first and then introduce to the person below in rank. Example: If your CEO is John Smith and you are introducing an admin to him the correct way would be “Mr. Smith I would like you to meet Suzie Jones”. Always use their name not just friend, or someone I just met. Please make sure you if you have had a slip of memory just simple say, “Forgive me, your name has just slipped my mind”. Also, when you are making introductions don’t just say you remember my friend right? Say their name and if possible their company or Dept.: You remember my friend Cathy with Market Research Team right?
Technology and Electronics allow us to be in contact 24/7 but please don’t expect that of anyone. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Using Email needs to be careful that it is keep professional as that represents you and your professionalism. Make sure your emails contain ways to contact you. Just because people can get emails on their phone and read them immediately doesn’t mean you should expect that. Always expect the next BUSINESS day to hear back from them. Cell phones are the same in the fact don’t expect to speak with business professionals after hours unless they make it clear they don’t mind.
When sending a fax please makes sure it also has your contact info including name, date and time.
Conference calls have a Business etiquette as well. Please announce yourself when you enter a conference call before the scheduled time to begin. Once the call has begun do NOT announce yourself. Watch that you are not multitasking and not paying attention when called upon.
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