articles business etiquette
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Mind Your Manners network – 4 Rules To Remember professional etiquette
Do you know which fork to use at a formal dinner sitting? Do you know how many call emails?
If you answered "no" to these questions, then you need to refresh your label business. First impressions are everything when you meet people. As technology takes over business climate, business etiquette has become sloppy and almost a thing of the past. Stop the bad manners in their tracks by the following the top 4 rules of professional etiquette.
Rule # 1 – Send emails without correct grammatical errors and abbreviations
One of the biggest "Net-iquette" error sending emails to colleagues in the same way you talk, or text. It is at both tacky and unprofessional. e-mail spell checker and proofread before sending emails.
Keep emails short and professional quality. Who wants to do business with someone who sends e-mails filled with misspellings and abbreviations? Make sure you respond to emails in a timely manner (This also applies to your voicemail messages).
Rule No. 2 – Do not be late!
Another child offender is the size of delay. It's annoying waiting for other people when you try to start a meeting on time. When you are constantly late for meetings or events, you disrespect others by showing them their time is not as valuable as your time.
If you run your e-mail and end of circumstances can not be helped (traffic, weather, etc.), then call or text the person you encounter. Most people will understand and be flexible.
Rule # 3 – Do not text or make phone calls during the events or meetings
With modern technology, communication is easier than it has ever been. However, with the convenience of cell phones and PDAs, it also adds business etiquette questions. During meetings or networking events, turn off your cell phone and do not disturb others by SMS or answering your cell phone.
If you answer your phone during a meeting, put your cell phone or PDA on vibration mode so as not to disturb others. Do not speak the phone during the meeting – leave the hall to take the call. If you use a laptop, use it only for taking notes during the meeting but did not sit there and surf the Internet or send e-mails – which is very rude and disrespectful to the speaker and other guests.
A good rule of thumb is to remember to not use your cell phone or PDA when you are within arms reach of a another person. It is impolite to talk on your phone so close to another person.
Rule No. 4 – Go one step further with your appearance
Before you present a professional networking event, take time with your appearance and hair. Dress to impress and get a feel sustainable. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on a wardrobe of business, but it helps to look professional.
It is rude to attend a formal dinner wearing jeans and sandals. Make sure you know the dress / clothes before attending an event. Most networking events are business casual, but some events call for the evening / party dress. Remember to take that extra step with your appearance.
If you liked this article, tell all your friends. They will thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even by post to your own website (do not forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).
About the Author
Jonathan Boyd is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in online interaction. For more information regarding business networking meeting, meeting people, please drop by at www.meetingwave.com.
International Business Etiquette
