Often, etiquette and good manners are referred to a ball room dancing and white gloves , covering cotillions and has the connotation of being old – fashioned. The truth is Etiquette is about showing respect and making everyone feel valuable and at ease.
I have worked in Corporate America for the last eight years and the quote
“Degree will get your foot in the door, good manners will open it “ by Jeanne Nelson is exceptionally relevant.
In the US we refer good manners as a good business and we do consider our soft skills, as a management tools. In fact, according to a research from Stanford University , 85 % of our success is based on our social skills.
As a Business Etiquette Consultant I would love to share my essential 7 business Etiquette tips , which can help you to present yourself with class and confidence in every business situation.
Communication – is one of the most important skills you will have as a business professional. Your non-verbal communication skills need to convey a positive, professional, warm approach, because the client or business partner might not remember your name, but surely they will remember how you make them feel. Also, your verbal skills need to meet the necessary criteria for a business professional. Use polite words, do not use slang and bad language, this doesn't make you look relaxed, but more often, might make the other person feel uncomfortable.
Punctuality – In some countries , punctuality is not considered an essential element of a professionalism , but in the US this is one of the most important components for successful business. For us, Time is Money. Being on time , shows your dedication to your job, business partners and clients. And respectively ,indicates that you are capable of handling responsibilities. Let's face it, who wants to work with a person, who doesn't project a sense of commitment.
Proper attire – I know we live in a very relaxed society, especially here in San Diego. But how you dress has a meaning. Our attire reflects our presence and personality. Also , how respectful we are to the event we are attending and the people around. There are basic guidelines for a business attire, and we need to stay within them .It is a large subject , so we can discuss it further. For an important event, probably sneakers and jeans wont be the right choice.
Cyber civility and social networking – we realize that over 300 million people are using Face book and the number is growing.. We really need to be aware about the posts we send, and always need to ask our self if it is an appropriate one, or is it possible this post to be hurting somebody's feelings. People should be able to exchange thoughts and ideas in a very civil manner, without being a target of abuse. And always distinguish the personal from the professional topics.
Competition – we all know that in the business world competition is inevitable. The way we handle competition and conflict can clearly indicates our true colors. Always try to perceive the competition as a positive factor of doing business. Let's face it , without competition we won't be able to evolve , and we won't have the healthy opportunity to grow. I believe in a collaborating with my competition and as a matter of fact , some people in the same line of work do refer clients to each other. This shows high class maturity and it is very dignifying to have a competition as such.
Conflict - In regards of conflict, this is XXI century, and we have incredibly busy schedules. We all have our opinions and different backgrounds. Do not ever get personal. No matter the case, conflict has to be handled with grace and dignity.
The word “NO” - In business , this is a very big word, regarding protecting your morals, values, dignity or even time. You will need to learn the word “no” sooner or later , if you would like to be successful. This will show the clients , partners and co-workers that you are capable of establishing boundaries. You need to say “no”, without being rude. In business, the best way to say NO, is by solving the other person's problem. You can't always balance relationships and results, sometimes you might even lose relationships, because you couldn't save the results as well. So , think about it.
I have worked in Corporate America for the last eight years and the quote
“Degree will get your foot in the door, good manners will open it “ by Jeanne Nelson is exceptionally relevant.
In the US we refer good manners as a good business and we do consider our soft skills, as a management tools. In fact, according to a research from Stanford University , 85 % of our success is based on our social skills.
As a Business Etiquette Consultant I would love to share my essential 7 business Etiquette tips , which can help you to present yourself with class and confidence in every business situation.
Communication – is one of the most important skills you will have as a business professional. Your non-verbal communication skills need to convey a positive, professional, warm approach, because the client or business partner might not remember your name, but surely they will remember how you make them feel. Also, your verbal skills need to meet the necessary criteria for a business professional. Use polite words, do not use slang and bad language, this doesn't make you look relaxed, but more often, might make the other person feel uncomfortable.
Punctuality – In some countries , punctuality is not considered an essential element of a professionalism , but in the US this is one of the most important components for successful business. For us, Time is Money. Being on time , shows your dedication to your job, business partners and clients. And respectively ,indicates that you are capable of handling responsibilities. Let's face it, who wants to work with a person, who doesn't project a sense of commitment.
Proper attire – I know we live in a very relaxed society, especially here in San Diego. But how you dress has a meaning. Our attire reflects our presence and personality. Also , how respectful we are to the event we are attending and the people around. There are basic guidelines for a business attire, and we need to stay within them .It is a large subject , so we can discuss it further. For an important event, probably sneakers and jeans wont be the right choice.
Cyber civility and social networking – we realize that over 300 million people are using Face book and the number is growing.. We really need to be aware about the posts we send, and always need to ask our self if it is an appropriate one, or is it possible this post to be hurting somebody's feelings. People should be able to exchange thoughts and ideas in a very civil manner, without being a target of abuse. And always distinguish the personal from the professional topics.
Competition – we all know that in the business world competition is inevitable. The way we handle competition and conflict can clearly indicates our true colors. Always try to perceive the competition as a positive factor of doing business. Let's face it , without competition we won't be able to evolve , and we won't have the healthy opportunity to grow. I believe in a collaborating with my competition and as a matter of fact , some people in the same line of work do refer clients to each other. This shows high class maturity and it is very dignifying to have a competition as such.
Conflict - In regards of conflict, this is XXI century, and we have incredibly busy schedules. We all have our opinions and different backgrounds. Do not ever get personal. No matter the case, conflict has to be handled with grace and dignity.
The word “NO” - In business , this is a very big word, regarding protecting your morals, values, dignity or even time. You will need to learn the word “no” sooner or later , if you would like to be successful. This will show the clients , partners and co-workers that you are capable of establishing boundaries. You need to say “no”, without being rude. In business, the best way to say NO, is by solving the other person's problem. You can't always balance relationships and results, sometimes you might even lose relationships, because you couldn't save the results as well. So , think about it.