Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2019 | Page 18
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
DOREEN HUGHES
Open for Business Consulting &
John Maxwell Business/Leadership Coach
[email protected]
What is Business ETIQUETTE?
B
usiness etiquette, is about building
relationships with other people and working
professionally in a friendly, respective
manner. It is not about rules and regulations
to follow, rather it is about providing basic
social comfort and creating an environment where
others feel comfortable and secure. Good business
etiquette will set your business apart, with customers,
clients, co-workers and your employees. Business
etiquette is easily noticeable, both when it is present
and absent. Below are five basic etiquette rules:
1. Be on time. Start out every interaction, be it a
networking event, customer site visit, co-worker,
colleague, employer or business acquaintance.
Show up on a positive note rather than having to
start out by apologizing for being late. Arriving at a
meeting exactly at the appointed time can make you
feel rushed and you will look it, trust me. Time is a
commodity; by being on time, you show your respect
for others. At the same time, if you are facilitating,
ending on time is also a mark of respect, for others.
You will have more participation when people know
you will start and end on time!
2. Use “Please,” “Thank you” and “You’re Welcome.”
“Please” turns a demand into a request. “Thank you”
changes an expectation into an appreciation.
“You’re welcome” acknowledges the other
person’s thanks, it makes a tremendous
difference in the way you are perceived. Your
good manners show that you acknowledge
those around you and are considerate of
their presence. Avoid discussing political or
religious matters in the workplace.
3. Dress Appropriately for Work – You are
going to work, not to play! While appropriate
business attire varies from job field to job field
along with our temperature, some things remain the
same. Clean clothing, without body parts hanging
out is pretty standard. Look around at the people
around for ideas to see what sort of clothing they are
wearing.
4. Watch Your Body Language it speaks louder
than words! A handshake is still the typical
greeting in most workplaces, in some circles fist
bump is acceptable. Say hello with a firm but quick
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handshake. This handshake is the extent of how much
you should ever touch a co-worker – when it doubt,
just don’t touch. Hugs or other types of affection that
you share with friends and family are out of place in
the workplace.
5. Avoid Gossip or eavesdropping – This is big one!
Gossiping, saying negative things about someone
or eavesdropping are childish behaviors that have
no place in the workplace. If you hear a rumor about
someone, do not pass it on. If you believe someone
is being gossiped about, you have a choice; join in or
walk away. Because you have a beef with someone,
it does not give you the right to spread negative
things about the person. People don’t always know
or remember who starts a rumor, but they always
remember who spreads it and you will be talked
about, as well!