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
Posts Tagged ‘Term Business’
Printing Business Cards Can Be An Enjoyable Business
October 21st, 2009
The Oxford’s and Webster’s Dictionary do not supply any meanings for the term “business card.” However, the said dictionaries provide a few examples and key definitions for the term “card,” which is defined as: (a) a rectangular piece of stiff paper used to send messages; (b) A thin cardboard, usually rectangular; (c) a card certifying the identity of the bearer.
Based on these definitions, printing business cards can then be defined as “producing promotional messages containing a person’s name, job title, business address, and contact numbers, usually on small rectangular pieces of thin cardboard or stiff paper which measure 3-4 inches in length and 2 inches in width.”
The very first business cards (branded as calling cards in the previous years) were created in China during the 1400s, and during the 1600s, the people in Europe used them for the first time. On the other hand, people from the United States have been using what we recognize as the modern day business card for more than two centuries now.
The first immigrants of the country used lithography to print their name and occupation on a calling card (also known as a visiting card) and personally gave them out. At present, you don’t have any reasons to use materials that are of cheap and poor standards in printing your business cards because the prices of up-to-date and quality printing facilities is at their all-time low. You have to take into account that a card is a “card.”
If you want to use a stiff card, you have to indicate that, and if you’re fine with spending on raised ink, you should also indicate that. The business cards you will print and hand out to your associates and prospective clients should suffice to prove to them that you are a professional.
And because it’s so easy to set up desktop publishing these days, you could start printing business cards on your own at a minimal cost. You could even turn printing business cards into a profitable business.
Using minimal capital is very important when starting your own business, and some time during the first stages of putting it up, you might think of ways on how to buy first-rate printing materials using only a small amount of your cash.
If you have very limited finances, you can still take into consideration printing business cards using laser printers. Despite the high quality of their output, they are still quite affordable. The reasons for using this type of printer are: A. different paper collection of perforated sheets of business cards, and sometimes preprinted four color elements, are included when you buy papers for laser printers; B. these kinds of printers have good graphics programs that will allow you to print scanned logos and other artistic graphic elements; C. there are no problems with smudges when handling materials printed on laser printers (unlike when using inkjet printers), translating to savings in the long run.
Action Step
You have to take note that printing business cards is not a duty but the start of having a fruitful business. Loosen up, enjoy the work, and do your best to create a unique design that will grab people’s attention. Give special attention to detail, too when printing business cards of your own. They will serve as samples of your high-quality work and creativity.
By: David Faulkner
