Eleven Business Etiquette Rules That You Should Always Follow
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Eleven Business Etiquette Rules That You Should Always Follow
Business etiquette is extremely important. Everyone you come into contact with and work with is going to evaluate you by your manners and etiquette. How you treat people says a lot about how your business will treat them.
Below are 11 Business Etiquette Rules that will help reflect positively on you and your business.
- Introduce Others in a Group
It is extremely difficult for some people to meet new people. It can be uncomfortable for everyone. Even for an outgoing individual, it can be awkward to be with a group of people who are strangers.
It is not only polite to introduce people within a group, but it is also correct business etiquette to include a little information about the person’s employer and job title.
- Shake Hands and Make Eye Contact When Greeting Someone
Unless you know for sure that handshakes are frowned upon because of a cultural difference, it is polite to offer your hand when you meet another person. It is also polite to make eye contact to acknowledge that you are giving the person your entire focus.
If someone does not extend their hand, simply withdraw your hand, and continue with your conversation.
- Proofread Emails and Text Messages for Typos and Grammar
Even though email and text messages may be informal forms of business communication, you should ensure they are still well-written and professional.
As communication is moving to more electronic platforms, it is important to ensure your communications always reflect your professional standards.
- Be On Time for Appointments
When you are late to appointments, you immediately give the impression that the meeting and the person are not important enough for you to make an effort to be on time.
When you are late to a meeting or appointment, you may delay everyone’s schedule for the rest of their day.
- Maintain a Neat Work Area
A disorderly work area can give the impression that you may not be able to manage your work effectively if you cannot manage to maintain a neat work area. In addition to causing a distraction for you, a messy work area can also reflect poorly on your employer and co-workers.
- Remember Names
Remembering names can be challenging; however, it is an essential form of business etiquette that all professionals should follow. When you remember a person’s name, it shows that you took an interest in that person. If you need help remembering names, try some tips from Psychology Today.
- Dress Appropriately for Every Occasion
Dress codes have changed substantially over the decades in some industries. However, there are certain times and places that require professional business attire.
Even if your employer allows a “casual” Friday, you may want to skip that perk, especially if you are meeting with clients or other professionals. First impressions are important, and whether we like it or not, we are often judged on our attire.
- Be Prepared to Pay When You Invite Others to Lunch
The rule of thumb is that when you extend an invitation to meet over a meal, you are the one paying for the meal. Practice good business etiquette both ways. Be prepared to pay the bill if you invited the person to eat with you, but also do not argue or make a fuss about paying for your tab if you were the guest.
- Do Not Take Calls or Check Messages During Meetings or Meals
It can be extremely difficult for some individuals to put down their cell phone and other electronics during a meeting or a meal. However, it is rude to put more importance on your electronic device instead of the person sitting across from you.
- Find the Line Between Oversharing and Being Standoffish
This business etiquette rule takes practice. It can be difficult to know where the line between being friendly and sharing way too much information exists. You do not want to be distant, but you also do not want to offer information that another person does not want to know or could possibly make the person feel uncomfortable.
In general, stay away from religion and politics. Also, avoid providing too much information about your family – the basics are sufficient.
- Do Not be a Complainer or Negative Nancy
As the old saying goes, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” If you need to discuss a negative aspect of a situation, try to follow that comment with an affirmative suggestion for improving the situation. If nothing can be done to improve a situation, avoid whining about the situation. If you cannot fix it, learn a way to cope with it.
Contact Matthew Fornaro, P.A. to Discuss Business Law Matters
Matthew Fornaro, Esq. provides business law services throughout Coral Springs, Parkland, and Broward County. To request a consultation, call 954-324-3651 or contact us online.
