All about Business Etiquette!

Business Etiquette is not just about getting along well with your client. It also about knowing the right ways of presenting yourself professionally and yet able to make your business associates feel comfortable around you. When it comes to Business etiquette, many aspiring executives receive’A’ in skills but a ‘D’ on the way they deal with people, which inhibit their climb up the corporate ladder.

What is Etiquette?
Etiquette is about manners and courtesy. It is a set of guidelines, which will help you to build a relationship and sustain that relationship. It is all about making people feel important and respected, with your self-esteem intact.
Look around at some of the successful executives in your office. You will notice they have a polished air, and that they are well connected, approachable and polite. They have mastered the art of etiquette, which is their personal practical understanding for success.
By mastering this art, you too can project the polished image of a successful executive. So that you can impress further to stay in business. People do business with people they like.

To help you remember the tips better, I will use the ABC of etiquette:
Appreciation:
Appreciate people who work with you, for you, under you and above you. All men and women are the same–we like to feel appreciated. Give credit to a fellow colleague. Express a rewarding word for a job well done, and for the extra effort put in.

Boss:
Always make your boss look good. Keep him informed of the developments at work. Even if you are on first name basis with your boss, address him by surname or official name when introducing him to associates or customers.

Courtesy:
Practice courtesy at all times, at work and at home, with customers, colleagues, subordinates and superiors. Some pointers of courtesy:-
-When office hours are nine-to-five, it means work starts at nine.
-Say” please”, “thank you”, “May I” with soft tone. Use your friendly facial expression as well to show sincerity.
-Start the day with a cheery “good morning” or “good afternoon” to friends and colleagues you meet, regardless of class and status, or return the greeting in a cheerful manner. It makes your day as well as someone else’s.
-’Open door’ does not mean walk in anytime without permission.
-Never, yell between offices or cubicles.
-Do not eat over your office telephone.