Business Etiquette – Essential Business Skills
Business etiquette is a set of expected behaviors that facilitate interaction between people in the working world. It’s essential in today’s business world.
It involves treating co-workers, employers, and customers with respect and courtesy in a way that creates a pleasant work environment for everyone.
Poor business etiquette can cost you the trust of your workers and your customers, and the loss of valuable business opportunities.
In what follows, we will focus on business etiquette in meetings and work in general. You might be interested in our Email etiquette and Telephone etiquette posts.
Business Etiquette in Meetings
To set the right environment before going into a meeting, here are some tips for getting the best out of your meetings:
- Socialize with the attendees of the meeting before the meeting starts. Speak about the weekend, your interests and any other nice conversations.
- Stand up when being introduced to someone and exchange your business cards.
- Be punctual. Being on time will reflect that you are dependable and committed.
- Sit upright at the same level as everyone else and don’t cross your legs as that could be viewed as inappropriate.
- Dress appropriately. Business attire is required for all business meetings i.e. formal pants, a shirt or blouse and a jacket with formal shoes.
- No need to pull out a ladies chair for her as this can be viewed as gender biased.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you keep and maintain a professionalism in a meeting.
Business Etiquette Tips for Communicating in a Meeting
Below are some points you can keep in mind when in a meeting:
- Be concise and clear. Be straight to the point and don’t repeat yourself.
- Make sure you are well prepared. Have a checklist of the different things that you would like to discuss and tick off the different points on your checklist once you have covered them.
- Speak out loud and clear so everyone can hear you.
- Listen well and do not interrupt. Interrupt only when you think is necessary and allow others to express themselves. Ask any questions as you move along during the meeting.
- You can drink something during a meeting like coffee, tea, and water. Just refrain from having any gum or food.
- Do not put your phone out. Keep it in your bag or pocket and do not send any text messages during the meeting. If you have to take a call, apologize for the interruption and take it outside the meeting room. Make sure it is quick.
- Take notes in the meeting so you can follow up later with an email or “minutes of meeting” document. If you choose to record the meeting on your phone and not use a paper and pencil make sure that you inform the attendees of the meeting that you are recording.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you communicate professionally during a meeting.
Professionalism in the Workplace – The Essentials in Business Etiquette
Characteristics you should possess to shine in the workplace and be recognized for his/her professionalism are:
- Be Competent. Make sure you have the skills and knowledge to be good at what you do.
- Be Reliable and Honest. Make sure that people can depend on you to show up on time and meet deadlines. Tell the truth about what has been accomplished and what has not.
- Have Integrity. Stick to your principles no matter the circumstances.
- Make sure you respect others and support others. Treat all people in your workspace equally and make sure you acknowledge their success and shed the light on their achievements and guide them if they need help.
- Upgrade yourself. Research and be up to date with all the details related to your field.
- Be Positive. Have an upbeat optimistic approach and attitude.
- Staying Work-Focused. Keep your personal matters at home.
- Don’t forget. You should always take notes and make sure you are on top of all your tasks and tick off the tasks you have daily. “I forgot!” is for slackers and unreliable people.
If you abide by the above, you will convey the professional characteristics of an employee. It would be great for your teamwork, for your customer service and for your sales efforts.
After all, you don’t want to be like every fish in the sea. You need to shine and stand out to progress and move forward.
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1 Comment
I have been looking for this Workplace and Professional Etiquette article since long time. Thanks author.