Business Etiquette

Editor's Notes

1. When you do not know others do it immediately. This will clue others to do the same. Introduce the least important person to the most important person. For example “Mr. Riles I would like to introduce to you Mr. Brown, our Experiential Education Coordinator.” When responding say “hello, it is nice to meet you”, and get the conversation started, be sure to give and get information from the other person. No, running away is not an option! Just say, I’m so sorry I have just forgotten your name. Be sure to apologize! Or say “ have you two met each other” and that sometimes will get the ball rolling. To remember other peoples names, be sure to say their name on the first part of the conversation and at logical times. Don’t be thinking about what you will say next and miss the person’s name, this will keep you from hearing it and remembering it. Get a story about a person’s name, this will also help you remember. Rules: Always make the introduction Introduce the most important person first Give information about the introduced person Smile and make eye contact Introduce yourself a lot
2. To overcome mingling phobia prepare yourself in advance. Know what is going on in the world/current events. Call and find out who will be at the event to prepare yourself for people who will be there. Early bird- at least 5 minutes in advance, that way you are not playing catch up and trying to get yourself into conversations that have already begun. See the people you want to see. Opportunities will present themselves. Stand about 15 feet from the door and at 45 degrees, that way you can see everyone who comes in. DON’T GO STRAIGHT TO THE BAR! Have a plan, you should already know who will be there since you prepared, you have found who you want to talk to. Be in and out of conversations, make them quick this way you can float around the room. Get good exit lines…have you had any of the food or drink? Practice these lines to end a conversation but be graceful. Don’t sit or stand with people from your office. Sit with people you want to build relationships with. Don’t become part of the clean up crew- know when to leave. Pay attention to the clock. To get into the conversation- 3 or more people are a group, don’t interrupt them, ease into the conversation. Preferably find one or two people not in conversation or light conversation.
3. This is one of the most important things we do in business. Have your fingers extended, thumb out to side, and make contact web to web, close thumb and give a slight squeeze, go up and down about 1 ½ to 2 times. At business events, at first meetings, when leaving, during or right after an introduction, to congratulate someone, to thank someone, when you haven’t seen someone in a while, when greeting people in your office. When you have a cold~ but explain why you are not shaking hands. When the other person’s hand is occupied. Avoid the dead fish, the glove, the finger tip or bone crushing handshakes. Always be ready to shake hands, keep your right hand free and be sure to hold purses, briefcases, cups etc…with your left hand. If you are sitting (women) be sure to stand to shake hands in a business setting.
4. Have cards printed on nice paper and it should include all the important information such as your company name and logo, name, title, address, phone and fax number, and email if you have one. Have your card in a convenient place. It is suggested that you have a nice carrying case. Don’t hand out a card that is tattered and torn or wrinkled, your card is an extension of your personality and it will show if you treasure your cards. Hand out your card in a way that the receiver can read it. And as the receiver, acknowledge something about the person. This shows that you read the card. You might mention something about the logo or comment on the office location. Think of something! Use selective judgment when handing out your card. Don’t just deal them like a deck of cards. Don’t ask for cards during a meal, wait until the meal is over. Never, never exchange cards at a social function. Doing this will make you look opportunistic and can be insulting to your host/ess Don’t give outdated cards. Never cross out outdated information and put new information. Take the time to make new cards. Exchange cards with people you want to build a relationship with. Never exchange your card over dinning. When someone hands you his business card, hold the card by its edges, thank the person and read the card. You can inadvertently convey disrespect if you grab the card and simply shove it into your pocket. Absorbing what is on the card not only shows that you are interested, it also gives you a chance to learn something about the person and the company that could help you transition into a meaningful conversation.”
5. Hands belong out in the open in business! Above your neck- fiddling with hair, fingers in nose or mouth. It makes you appear nervous or uneasy. In your pockets~ looks like you are hiding something, unsure of yourself, arrogant Behind your back~ Eastern people are uneasy with this position again they may think you have something to hide or are ill at ease. Your hands should rest at your side when standing. On other people~ Don’t touch others unless you really know them, this can lend itself for an uncomfortable situation. No matter how well intentioned, a pat on the back or a touch on the arm can be misunderstood. Under the table~ forget what your mother told you about keeping your hands on your lap. Hands belong on the table where they can be seen. Rest your arms at wrist level. On the words of Mae West “no uncooked joints on the table, please.” Keep your distance, don’t stand too close or too far away. For Americans, about arms’ length is a good length Remember the way you stand and where your hands are sends a message.
6. People judge us by the way we dress, whether we like it or not! In all situations our dress sends a message. If you wish to promote yourself and your organization, you need to know what constitutes appropriate business dress. One size does not fit all! Dress for the industry you work for, the job you have, the position you have, the region of the country you are in, the climate, what the customer expects to see. For personal props and accessories use the rule of 13. Start counting your accessories: Earrings count as 2 Watch Bracelets Belt and buckle Shoes and adornments Pins Scarves Rings Purse Briefcase Etc. When you have reached 13 you are at your limit. Or you can just turn away from a mirror and then turn and face it and the first thing that catches your eye take off…not clothing wise! Of course. Business casual is one notch down from business professional, not from a suit to jeans. That is going from one extreme to another. It is not your favorite set of old comfy clothes. Don’t dress casual if you are having a meeting.