Business Continuity Audit » Business Etiquette

Why Business Etiquette Matters

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:10:27 +0000

Today, most people pay little attention to social or business etiquette. While some elements of traditional etiquette may seem dates and pre-”high tech”, they are worth reviewing – and incorporating into your daily business life.

Telephone calls.

With the exception of “cold calls”, all calls received should be returned within no more than twenty-four hours. This applies to “internal” and “external” calls. Of course, calls to customers – current and potential – should be returned first.

Office Visits

When visiting someone’s office, whether a customer, boss or “internal” customer, take no more time than is absolutely necessary. Treat other’s time as if it were your own.

Bids

When you bid on a job, follow-up directly with the potential client or customer. When you are in receipt of a bid, follow-up with the vendor or consultant whether they win it or not. If the bid is delayed, communicate this fact to the vendor or consultant.

Resumes

When you post a job opening and you interview someone by telephone (screening) or face-to-face, follow-up the interview with either a call or e-mail. When you have selected a candidate, let those you interviewed who did not get the job know that you selected someone else.

Meetings

Schedule no more meetings than absolutely necessary. Make your meetings brief and to the point with an agenda and a time limit.

Conference Calls

Schedule conference calls when they are most convenient for all participants. If you have participants globally, schedule them at different times to share the inconvenience among all participants. Send out an agenda and time limit in advance. Make sure all participants are on time and remain for the entire call.

Customers

The customer is first in all things. Ahead of the boss. Ahead of subordinates. Ahead of suppliers. Even ahead of your family and personal life. They pay the bills. Do not ever inconvenience a customer.

Email

E-mail is both a blessing and a curse. Those who worked prior to e-mail remember regular mail drops and office couriers. Respond to all customer e-mails within no more than twenty-four hours. Respond to all other e-mail sent directly to you (excluding “spam” and mass group e-mailings) within forty-eight hours. Only address emails to those who absolutely need the information (response, request or whatever) within them.

Time

Respect the time of others. If you are going to be late, call them to let them know. If you must leave a meeting early, let the “owner” of the meeting know in advance. And if an appointment or meeting must be cancelled, let the participants know as far in advance as possible so they can rearrange their schedules.

Business etiquette may seem basic but increasingly, business people think of themselves and not others. Not their clients or customers. Not their employees. And not their vendors or suppliers. Business etiquette is often rewarded by others behaving in a similar manner. Take the first step by making an example through your actions and those of your team.

By: George F Franks III

Business Etiquette – A Primer on Your Business and Social Dynamics

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:22:56 +0000

Managing your behaviors in a positive way – good manners or “etiquette” if you will – will serve you well in your business and personal life. The term “business etiquette” refers particularly to those behaviors in the business world that can impact your career favorably. But what is it exactly? The dictionary defines etiquette as “the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.” Now, here’s the problem with that definition: it conjures up images of people drinking tea out of delicate china cups with their pinkie fingers extended. For that reason, I don’t like the term “etiquette.”

Emily Post once said, “Etiquette is the science of living.” Ah, now that’s better. Given that it’s all about our behaviors and attitudes, I choose to call this concept “Business and Social Dynamics,” since we’re talking about the dynamics of your interactions in your business and social life. There are other terms I like, as well: presence, professionalism, emotional intelligence. Why is this concept so important? When our behaviors are positive and professional, we have a powerful, positive presence – we’re noticed and taken seriously. When we practice these skills, we’re more likeable. And when we’re more likeable, our interactions are more productive, our environment is more pleasant, and our desired outcomes are usually more successful.

Here are some of these dynamics or behaviors — little things that mean a lot:
Show interest in others. Nothing – and I mean nothing – is a stronger likeability factor. Be a good listener. Pay attention when others are talking, hear what they’re saying, and let them know you’ve heard them by responding appropriately. Don’t interrupt someone who is talking. Resist trying to top another person’s story. Practice basic good manners: say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” when appropriate. Step up, take initiative, volunteer – it’s extremely memorable. Learn to make proper introductions. Here’s a tip: whenever possible, you say the name of the more important person first. Strive to learn and remember people’s names. Repeating the name, asking for its spelling, committing to remembering it, and making word associations will help. Return phone calls and emails promptly. Mind your dining manners. Don’t talk with your mouth full, learn place settings so you know which glass is yours (everything you drink from is on the right), choose your utensils from the outside in, put your napkin on your lap when you sit down at the table, and leave it there until you rise to leave. Compliment good ideas and good work. Be a team player. Not everyone can be the captain. Don’t engage in malicious gossip or spread rumors. Don’t whine and complain to others about things that can’t be fixed. Make your Facebook and other social media profiles clean and professional – something you’ll have no regrets about. Write a note – to say thank you, congratulations, best wishes, I’m sorry, etc. Strive to make others feel comfortable – whether it’s a newcomer, a customer, a guest, a junior associate. Show enthusiasm and energy in everything you do.

By: Barbara Busey

Table Manners – Business Etiquette Tips

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:17:45 +0000

In this day and age, business is being conducted outside the four walls of your company office. Business deals and transactions are occurring at golf courses, entertainment events, social venues and restaurants. There are many dynamics to building business relations, partnerships and associations. In order to maneuver through situations with grace and diplomacy, we suggest learning the right etiquette for successful and pleasant business meetings.

Listed below are five helpful tips for business dinning etiquette:

Clock Works

If you are scheduled to have a business breakfast, lunch or dinner it is important to arrive early to the location. Arriving early is a subtle form of etiquette and courtesy. You are basically respecting everyone’s time by not arriving late. By arriving early, you have the opportunity to use the restroom, check your messages, turn off your electronics and reduce any distractions during the business meal.

Deja-Vu

If the date, location and time for your business event have already been determined, we suggest you visit the restaurant website to view the menu and get directions. Previewing the menu early, gives you adequate time to select what you would like to eat. You can even select one or two dishes in case they are out of a particular order. This is very helpful for the day of the business event, because you are able to make a quicker decision on your meal without wasting time or prolonging the order status for the entire table.

99 Bottles of Beer

You should determine before the business meal if you will be ordering alcohol. You can ask the host of the event, fellow colleagues or your boss, if it is ok to order wine, a cocktail, beer or other alcoholic beverages. Also, keep the client or nature of the business meal in mind if you decide to order alcohol. If this is the first meeting, we strongly suggest that you refrain from consuming alcohol. If you are comfortable with your business counterparts and have good business relations, then ordering alcohol might not be a bad decision. Make sure that you are familiar with your tolerance level and drink responsibly.

Talk the Talk

Before the business event, take some time to think about topics to discuss during the meal. This would be a great time to brush up on current events, sports, business trends, entertainment, travel, technology etc. You can also visit the company sites of your business counterparts to learn about their business culture, objectives, missions or current projects that may be national or international. Try to refrain from controversial topics that may not be appropriate during the business meeting.

Green Backs

Make sure to bring extra cash with you whenever you attend business events such as these. Although you may not be paying for the meal, you may have to pay cash for transportation, parking, valet or any other activities after the business event. ATM machines may be difficult or inconvenient to find, depending on the location of the business event. And not all restaurants/venue expect every credit card or personal/business checks.

By: Chi Chi Okezie

Business Card Etiquette

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:39:12 +0000

When doing business abroad it is important to understand the local culture. Culture includes areas such as a country’s norms, values, behaviours, food, architecture, fashion and art. However, one area of culture that is important for the international business person is etiquette.

Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable in your dealings with foreign friends, colleagues, customers or clients. Knowing what to do and say in the right places will help build trust and open lines of communication.

One aspect of etiquette that is of great importance internationally is the exchanging of business cards.

Unlike in North America or Europe where the business card has little meaning other than a convenient form of capturing essential personal details, in other parts of the world the business card has very different meanings.

For example, in Japan the business card is viewed as a representation of the owner. Therefore proper business etiquette demands one treats the business card with respect and honour.

Below we have provided you with a few examples of international business card exchange etiquette that may help you on your business trips abroad.

General Business Card Etiquette Tips:

• Business cards are an internationally recognised means of presenting personal contact details, so ensure you have a plentiful supply.
• Demonstrating good business etiquette is merely a means of presenting yourself as best you can. Failure to adhere to foreign business etiquette does not always have disastrous consequences.
• When travelling abroad for business it is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into the appropriate language.
• Business cards are generally exchanged at the beginning of or at the end of an initial meeting.
• Good business etiquette requires you present the card so the recipient’s language is face up.
• Make a point of studying any business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.

Business Card Etiquette in China

• Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinese characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious colour.
• Ensure the translation is carried out into the appropriate Chinese dialect, i.e. Cantonese or Mandarin.
• Your business card should include your title. If your company is the oldest or largest in your country, that fact should be highlighted on your card.
• Hold the card in both hands when offering it.
• Never write on someone’s card unless so directed.

Business Card Etiquette in India

• If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.
• Always use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
• Business cards need not be translated into Hindi as English is widely spoken within the business community.

Business Card Etiquette in Japan

• Business cards are exchanged with great ceremony.
• Invest in quality cards.
• Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
• Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
• Make sure your business card includes your title. The Japanese place emphasis on status and hierarchy.
• Business cards are always received with two hands but can be given with only one.
• During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated.
• When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.

Business Card Etiquette in the UK

• Business card etiquette is relaxed in the UK and involves little ceremony.
• It is not considered bad etiquette to keep cards in a pocket.
• Business cards should be kept clean and presentable.
• Do not feel obliged to hand out a business card to everyone you meet as it is not expected.

By: Neil Payne

Business Etiquette Tips For Greeting Cards

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:10:08 +0000

Whether you are trying to build a business or simply want to recognize your employees on occasion, greeting cards are an effective choice. However, adhering to proper business etiquette when sending will make all the difference in a kind gesture that exudes professionalism. We have tips to help you use those greeting cards to promote your business and build professional relationships at the same time.

One effective use of business cards is to notify customers and fellow businessmen of special offers or promotions you might be offering through your business. Not only do you build your business through this method of advertising; you also build relationships with the clients who appreciate the fact that you included them on this exclusive list.

Greeting cards are a personal way to keep in touch with business associates and let them know of new developments within your company.

You can also use greeting cards on a more personal level. For example, you can send holiday greetings to clients throughout the year, taking their personal traditions and faiths into consideration.

If you are unsure of the proper way to send greeting cards for a celebration that your family does not celebrate, check online for the socially acceptable ways to acknowledge that particular event. It is also a good idea to send sympathy or get well cards to clients and employees facing adversity.

There is no doubt that proper use can be effectively used to further your business. By understanding basic business etiquette, your customer and employee relationships are guaranteed to thrive.

By: Billings Farnsworth