What is Business Etiquette?

Etiquette is what you are doing and saying when people are looking and listening. What you are thinking is your Business. Etiquette is a very important factor in determining the success or failure of a business or a person.

Business etiquette is a way of presenting yourself in such a way that you will be taken seriously. No matter how you behave with your peers, when it comes to professionalism you have to maintain a basic etiquette. In business it is all about quality works, performance, and manners. Poor Business Etiquette can cost you the trust of your workers and your customers, and the loss of valuable business opportunities.

BASICS OF BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

·        Building Relationships

Your relationship matters,in business relationships, time taken is worth everything. Show others that you value their work by taking time to visit and talk with them. This can include not only your immediate colleagues, but also people who work under you, such as secretaries  these people can help you look more professional and will go the extra mile for you if you treat them with respect. Make time to actually talk to people; do not rush off immediately after exchanging greetings. Send a card or word of congratulations when an important event occurs in their lives. Such thoughtfulness will help you build better relationships.

·        Courtesy

One of the most basic elements of business etiquette is courtesy, or respect, which should be displayed to the people you work with, including your customers, no matter what. You should consider the feelings of others and address conflicts in a straightforward and impersonal manner. Raising your voice, using bad language and interrupting others is discourteous and shows disrespect for others. People who are disrespectful may find themselves losing credibility and the respect of their peers.

Please read understanding emotional intelligence

·        Communication

Business etiquette involves communicating effectively. This includes always returning phone calls and emails. When calling or receiving a call, you should always identify yourself and your department, and speak in a polite and considerate manner. Personalize the conversation with a short question about the other person rather than rushing straight into business. This will help you to make a connection with your caller. When sending an email, use a specific subject line and keep the message business like and not overly personal or casual.

·        Dress and Appearance

Good business etiquette includes dressing appropriately. The way you dress impacts whether you have good business etiquette. The business world is professional, and the people who work in it must dress to reflect that level of professionalism.

An unkempt appearance indicates that you do not care about yourself or respect those around you. For work-related social events, do not be afraid to ask what the dress code will be.As such, make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, and that you wear suits, blouses, skirts, blazers, ties or other clothing that makes a good impression.

·        Peers, Subordinates and Superiors

Good etiquette involves showing respect not only to your superiors, but also to your peers and subordinates; in other words, to everyone. If you treat everyone with respect, you will avoid making costly mistakes and experiencing discomfort by accidentally treating a superior in a disrespectful way. A consistently respectful attitude will also build your credibility within the business or industry.
Showing respect also means refraining from gossip and from being critical and negative to or about others. Proper etiquette can help people land jobs, get promotions and establish excellent relationships with others. The most successful businessmen and women know how to turn on the charm and exhibit their best business etiquette to get the job done professionally and effectively.

·        Listening Skills

Listening is the very essential in business. For people to get along, work in harmony and establish professional relationships with one another, you must give audience. Listening skills are a main part of communication etiquette. When others are speaking do not interrupt them. Employ active listening techniques, such as making good eye contact and showing the speaker that you are paying attention to them.

·        Meetings

When attending meetings ensure that you are punctual preferably, a few minutes early to meetings. Try and make research on the agenda of the meeting also come along with pen and paper. Turn off your gadget in a meeting,when everyone is unplugged and focused, meetings is much more productive.

·        Politeness

Remember to always express gratitude, say please and thank you when you interact with others, in person or over written e-mail. Being polite makes you pleasant to work with and shows respect.

·        Best Behaviour

To be on your best behaviour, always give others your utmost attention when they are speaking or conducting a presentation. Put your cell phone away during this time and do not engage in side conversations with co-workers.

·        Handshake

Shaking hands with your business counterparts establishes rapport and is in good form. A good, well-timed handshake to pair with your smile is a sure way to stand out.

·        Table Manners

There will be times when you have to attend a business lunch some tableside manners to practice are not speaking with your mouth full, using your napkin and not setting bags or briefcases on the table.

·        Diplomacy

Etiquette and effectiveness, says to always be diplomatic when engaged in a business conversation, even if you disagree with what others are saying. Apologize if you step on other peoples’ toes, but do not be afraid to hold true to your opinions.

·        Voice tone

Never raise your voice to others in the work environment, or use foul language toward them. Keep your tone as neutral as possible, and avoid “talking down” to others.

·        Following Up

Following up correspondence is seen as a proper gesture. After working with a client, customer or co-worker it is in good form to send a thank-you email or note, recognizing their business or efforts.

• Business phone call Etiquette

Instead of raising your voice to match the caller’s volume, speak softly. That will soothe the speaker and show him or her that you’re interested in handling the complaint in a calm, rational way.

Why is Business Etiquette Important?

As the globalization of industries and marketplaces bring managers ever closer to unique cultures around the world, it is more important than ever for managers and small business owners to understand why business etiquette is important.
Good business etiquette allows your business to put its best foot forward and can protect business owners and employees from internal and external conflicts by setting a high standard for behaviour by all. Business etiquette is a set of standards for behaviour in which individuals treat everyone respectfully and display good manners in all interactions.
Proper etiquette sets a tone for clients and customers that the business has a productive and successful environment, and the impression created when everyone displays professional manners helps the company’s profitability.
Success in business requires preparation, hard work and determination. Even after putting together the perfect presentation, you may still lose the business because you did not attend to the important detail of business etiquette.

Organizational Quality

Insisting on business etiquette throughout your organization creates a boost in morale. People feel better about what they are doing because everyone in the organization takes the time to be courteous and positive. That morale boost works its way through the company and can help increase productivity, improve product quality and retain employees.

Creates Confidence

When you consistently get positive reactions from business associates when you use business etiquette, it starts to build your confidence. Getting positive reactions from the use of business etiquette gives you just one more way to help turn a business conversation into a sale.

Final Thought

Business owners should demand good etiquette from their employees and should model these themselves. It is always ideal for you to imbibe good business etiquette into your professional life. This is why top organizations take etiquette in business so serious that they sanction employees if such standards are not adhered to.

Furthermore, business etiquette can be seen in action when you visit banks, from top workers down to security operatives exhibit such in their line of duty and such manners varies from organizations to organizations.

This article is to help you understand the basic insights and relevance of business etiquette. It is said that when purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable. So we try to share our knowledge of top topics and issues as it arises. Trust you have been updated and lifted by the words we share with you. Please remember to share this article and read up on other interesting post on the blog. For more, leave a comment.

Article by Peculiar Eze and Maduka Tony

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