Latest "Business Etiquette" Posts
September 24, 2012
It is estimated that more than half the meaning of our communication is transmitted through body language. Before we created words to communicate with each other, we used movements and gestures to communicate what we wanted.
Iconic actress Mae West said it best with this quote: “I speak two languages, Body and English.” The communication we convey with a hand gesture or a nod of the head is more powerful than we realize.
Our body language sends a message to the person we’re talking to, saying things like: “I’m bored and uninterested,” or “I’m interested and excited to be here” for example. No matter what words you use, your body language will always give you away. The body doesn’t lie.
Finishing the sentence
Just as we can’t form a verbal sentence with just one word (except for “go”), the meaning of a conversation can’t be derived simply from one bit of body language. We must look at the entire non-verbal communication to complete the sentence and read the message correctly.
So what kind of things can you do to ensure that a positive message is being conveyed?
Not sure what you’re “saying” with your body language? One way to find out is to evaluate yourself in the mirror – or videotape yourself having a conversation with someone. Ask yourself “How would I view someone who looks, talks, and acts as I do?” Then, adjust accordingly!
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged business etiquette tips, body language, personal appearance
September 4, 2012
Last week I was attending an event and saw a very attractive baldheaded gentleman standing across the room. I went over, smiled and introduced myself to him. He smiled back and made a sweeping gesture with his index finger across his teeth and said, “Do this.” Yes, you guessed it — I had lipstick on my teeth! Talk about embarrassing! Instead of dazzling him with my smile – he saw red! Red teeth that is!! I was caught with lipstick smeared on my teeth! Not the impression I was trying to make. Especially in a business setting!
Even though I was mortified, I was also grateful that he felt comfortable enough to tell me that I was walking around with lipstick-smudged teeth!
If you encounter someone with lipstick on her teeth, return the favor. Discreetly inform them of the smudge.
How to avoid the colorful smile
First impressions are important, especially if you’re in a business setting. My advice, to avoid being left “red-in-the-face” when meeting with a new client or mingling at a networking event is to take a few moments and do a mirror check before you enter the room. Check that there’s nothing stuck in your teeth, and test to make sure your lipstick isn’t going end up on your teeth!
To ensure that you haven’t applied too much lipstick – which is the main reason we end up with some of it smeared on our teeth – you’ll need to perform the Finger Test. Follow these steps before you leave the house!
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Stick your index finger into your mouth as if you were pointing to the back of your throat.
- Close your lips around the base of your finger.
- Pull your finger out of your mouth while keeping your lips pursed around your finger.
- Wash your hands.
This is a really common technique for making sure that excess lipstick doesn’t migrate to your front teeth.
So, how do we avoid getting lipstick on our teeth, ladies? I’ve also hear that applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly works. What do you think? Do you have a trick?
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged first impressions, business etiquette
July 30, 2012
Creating a LinkedIn profile, and knowing how to interact with your connections, isn’t always as simple as it seems. The information you include—or exclude—could affect your career growth, as well as your overall professional identity online.
The social network is a great place to showcase your achievements and build a network of professional contacts, but there are definitely some etiquette dos and don’ts to follow to ensure you are presenting yourself in the most positive light.
Follow these tips to avoid LinkedIn etiquette blunders!
DO:
- Include a profile picture. Investing in a photographer to take professional headshots is worth the investment. It’s the first thing people notice when they visit your LinkedIn profile.
- Complete your profile. Add your professional info, website address, honors and awards, interests, groups, etc. Also include widgets to pull in content such as your reading list, events, and your business blog.
- Give and receive recommendations. Utilize the recommendations feature to request endorsements from business contacts. While it’s great to be recognized, it’s important that you also recommend others. In good LinkedIn etiquette: what goes around—comes around.
- Join groups. LinkedIn allows you to connect with people who are in the same group as you are. But don’t just join: contribute and add value.
- Post regular status updates. Updating your LinkedIn status is a great way to stay on your network’s radar.
- Tailor your messages. When inviting someone to your network, take the time to personalize your message. Within a few seconds you can include a personal note to a contact that replaces the auto-generated “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn).
Don’t:
- Don’t add people you don’t know. While it’s great to have a large professional network, requesting a connection to a stranger will devalue the real connections you have. Add only the people you truly have a real connection with—whether you’ve been introduced in person or online.
- Don’t post an inappropriate photo. LinkedIn is not Facebook and humorous photos are not appropriate in your profile. Keep it professional.
- Don’t overlook grammar and spelling. LinkedIn is a great place to promote yourself and misspelled words are not going to make your personal brand shine.
- Don’t use automated invites. Add a personal message to the invitation.
- Don’t be spammy. This should go without saying, but avoid posting over-promotional comments on your LinkedIn page. LinkedIn is not the venue for peddling your latest product.
- Don’t ask for LinkedIn endorsements from people you don’t know. In real life, it would be a strange networking move to ask for a testimonial from a stranger. The same applies here.
From “The Power of Polite: A Guide to Etiquette in Business.”
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged business etiquette, networking, social media etiquette, LinkedIn
July 19, 2012
We’ve all experienced one of those awkward moments when meeting a business associate and you extend your hand, just as they move in for the hug (or vice a versa)—and then there’s this awkward, jerking-movement where one of you pull back and then each of you mimic the others’ first move.
Sound familiar? It’s a chicken-dance moment that will definitely throw both of you off guard!
To hug or not to hug –that IS the question.
Here are my thoughts on the subject.
First, it’s important to note that the way you greet someone in a business situation is often an indication of the relationship that the two of you share…
For example, have you known the person for a long time? Are you friends outside of the business arena? There’s a comfort zone that is obvious to both individuals that makes a quick hug more appropriate, even in a business setting.
And then there’s the setting. What if their boss is present when you meet with them? No matter how well you know the person, a handshake may be the better choice in this situation. The first rule of thumb of manners is “always make people feel comfortable.”
If you’re meeting with someone in the rain, opt for the handshake and take your meeting indoors. Who wants to hug someone who is wet?
In the business world, there are definitely industries where hugging is more – or less– accepted as a greeting between clients or business professionals. You will see less hugging in the legal, banking or accounting arena, whereas the more artistic industries—personal care industries like film making, restaurant, wine producing, and beauty industries – people are more likely to greet you with a hug.
Of course, there are also geographic and cultural considerations when it comes to greetings. From my personal experience, hugging is more prevalent on the west coast than the east coast of America. And in Japan they are teaching how to correctly hug in “Doing business in America” classes. Maybe it’s something we should be learning as well? Put your left hand here …
What do you think? Are you a big-time hugger? Or do you prefer to only greet people with a hand shake in a business setting? This is a great topic for conversation as we also have our own personal boundaries. Our comfort zone. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with hugging in the business world!
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette
June 15, 2012
When making introductions in business, the order of introduction is important—the easiest way to remember is whoever has the highest honor is mentioned first.
For example, when introducing the vice president of your company to a new marketing manager, you would say: “Bob Smith, I’d like to introduce to you Angela Morrison. Angela is our new marketing manager at the Tampa Bay office and is here for the business expo.”
In the social arena, however, gender and or age determine who is introduced to whom. If the individuals being introduced are of the same generation you would use the female gender first rule.” Sally Martin, may I introduce to you George Tilley. ” However, in the event you were introducing a young woman to gentleman who is much older use “Grandpa I would like to introduce to you my good friend Dawn.”
Examples introducing a man to a woman include:
Formal:
“Ms. Lawrence please let me introduce Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones is visiting the Sunshine Coast from Seattle, Washington.”
Informal:
“Jane please let me introduce Steven. Steven is visiting the Sunshine Coast from Seattle.”
Always add a piece of information that will easily spark conversation. And when introducing relatives, take a moment to clarify their relationship to you. For example, “Jane, I would like to introduce my sister Michelle to you. She has just moved to Vancouver from Ontario last week.”
In small-group gatherings, the host or hostess is expected to introduce guests to other guests. However, among large groups, if you are hosting a gathering you are off the hook—guests are responsible for introducing themselves to each other.
Be careful about introducing one guest to another and calling only one of them “my friend.” To single out a particular person as “my friend” implies that the other person is a stranger! You never want to leave anyone feeling slighted.
Take action on these introduction tips and you’ll feel confident at any gathering or business function this summer!
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette
May 25, 2012
Mastering the art of conversation is an important factor in being successful at networking and relationship building; however, starting conversations with new people can be daunting.
Starting a conversation
As you start a conversation, make the initial greeting brief and friendly; and always incorporate inviting body language. Smile, it’s a powerful greeting in itself. A smile will not only make you more approachable, a happy person exudes confidence and leaves a great impression!
If you’re in a group setting, wait for an appropriate opportunity to jump into the conversation. Refrain from interrupting a conversation as the entire rhythm of it can be altered if your timing is off. Wait for a low point in the conversation, or when someone excuses himself, to add to the discussion.
When starting conversations, pose open-ended questions that elicit a response longer than one or two words. Opening with “How are you?” is certain to prompt a familiar reflux response like “Good” or “Fine, thanks” –and then, you’re dead in the water! How many times have you actually asked that question and actually considered the answer? Next time explore using a question such as “What exciting project are you working on now?”
Exiting a conversation
We’ve all been in situations where the conversation becomes uncomfortable or tedious and you find your mind drifting to find ways to exit (quickly). First and foremost, always be gracious, even when you’re “stuck” in a conversation with someone.
As with joining group conversations, in order to make a “gracious” break for it, wait for a pause in the discussion in order to make your move. Start with “Thank you,” and extend your hand to offer a “goodbye” handshake. Smile (always!) and then offer your exit (or polite excuse). Something like “It was lovely meeting you. I have to run. It’s been great chatting with you.”
If you would like to build on this new relationship, ask for their business card or offer your business card and invite the person to connect with you. Whether you’re off to another engagement or trying to escape a tedious conversation, always use common courtesy and common sense!
Not everyone is a natural born talker, but practice really does make it easier to tackle engaging in conversation with new people.
Are you nervous starting conversations with new people? We would love to hear your experiences!
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged the art of conversation
May 17, 2012
Be prepared. Before you even pick up the phone to make a business call, be prepared for what it is you want to say. What is the purpose of your call? Summarize this, in your mind (or on paper if you must), in a few short sentences.- Introduce yourself. Begin every voicemail message with an introduction. Don’t assume that the recipient will know who you are from your voice. Start with something like: “Good morning, this is Joan Smith, marketing director at ABC Company…”
- Keep it short. With most answering systems you have a one minute time limit to leave a message so be sure to keep your message short, simple and concise. You don’t have to divulge every detail in your voice message. It’s completely acceptable to leave a short message that conveys the reason for your call, such as: “Good morning, Bob. Our monthly sales meeting has been moved to tomorrow at 10 a.m. I look forward to seeing you then.” If there is more information to share, simply end your message with something like: “Please give me a call back to discuss the details.”
- Speak slowly and clearly. When the “BEEP” alerts you to start your message, remember this: It’s not a starter pistol…and you’re not off to the races! Even though there is a time limit for your message, speak slow enough that the recipient can understand what you are saying. Speak clearly, and with an adequate volume. If the recipient is jotting down notes or a callback number, you want to be certain that the message is understood. When listening to your voicemail, it’s really frustrating to have to replay the message three times just to get the info straight!
- Include your phone number. One of the things many people forget to do when leaving a voicemail message is to provide a callback number. When ending the call, leaving your number twice is a courtesy – as often people can’t write down your number as fast as you say it. Something like: “Thank you for your time. You can reach me at 888-555-4444 anytime. That’s 888-555-4444. I look forward to speaking with you.”
Are there any voicemail pet peeves you’d like to share with us? What about leaving a message? Do you feel at a complete loss for words when faced with the “…leave a message at the sound of the beep”? Leave your comments below!
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette
April 30, 2012
Inc.com posted an article last week that shared the importance of courtesy and manners – especially in business. One of the “5 Rules that Matter Now” they referenced was elevator etiquette… and with good reason.
If you work in a tall building, it’s inevitable that you’ll be sharing an elevator with clients, colleagues and business partners–but did you know that some of the most common etiquette faux pas occur in that tiny space?
Many people find the elevator to be an awkward place, and it’s often the etiquette of fellow passengers that really push people’s buttons!
Some simple etiquette elevator tips to ensure everyone enjoys a comfortable ride to the top include:
- When the door opens, wait for everyone to exit the elevator before stepping in.
- If you’re with a large group, wait for an empty elevator.
- If the elevator is crowded when you enter and you can’t reach the button for your floor, ask someone near the buttons to push it for you. Refrain from stretching across someone to choose your floor.
- Once inside, stand as close to the wall or corner as possible to make room for additional passengers.
- Hold the door for people who are rushing to board the elevator. (It’s really just common courtesy.)
- When sharing an elevator with a prospective client, refrain from sharing your “elevator pitch” with him until you’ve reached your destination.
- If you’re wearing a backpack, remove it and hold it in front of you.
- Refrain from using your cell phone while in the elevator.
- When sharing an elevator with clients or other guests, allow them to exit first. And it should go without saying gentlemen, always allow ladies to exit first unless you are blocking the elevator door.
What are some of the most annoying elevator etiquette habits you’ve encountered?
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette
April 8, 2012
Here is a list of the stories we shared that you read, re-tweeted, liked, favorited, and shared this week.
- An Offer You Can’t Refuse: Leadership Lessons from “The Godfather”
Five essential leadership lessons you can learn from “The Godfather”
www.fastcompany.com/1826672/an-offer-you-cant-refuse-leadership-lessons-from-the-godfather
- Slow Down, You Move Too Fast
A great reminder to slow down—that it’s okay to stroll, mosey and linger. http://blogs.hbr.org/schwartz/2012/04/slow-down-you-move-too-fast.html
- Giving a Presentation? Don’t Tell ‘Em What You’re Going to Say
Why telling your audience “why they’re there” is a great way to grab their attention
www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2012/04/02/giving-a-presentation-dont-tell-em-what-youre-going-to-say/
- Cultivation Charisma: How Personal Magnetism Can Help (or Hurt) You at Work
Why charisma is so critical to business—and how to master the art of magnetism
www.fastcompany.com/1826514/cultivating-charisma-how-personal-magnetism-can-help-or-hurt-you-at-work
- How to Share in a Religious Celebration – While Avoiding Awkward Moments.
Tips from good behavior experts on how to avoid awkwardness during gatherings where guests and hosts don’t share the same faith.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/how-to-share-in-a-religious-celebration-while-avoiding-awkward-moments/article2393551/
- 6 Great Questions to Ask on a Job Interview
List of key questions to trot out on your next job interview.
www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-57386747/6-great-questions-to-ask-on-a-job-interview/
- 10 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders
How to be an excellent communicator.
www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2012/04/04/10-communication-secrets-of-great-leaders/
- 12 Golden Rules of Email Etiquette
Reminders of how to communicate effectively by email.
www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2012/04/04/10-communication-secrets-of-great-leaders/
- Are You an Oversharer Online? How to Tell.
A new tool that helps you determine if you’re in danger of tainting your reputation by sharing too much personal information online.
www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/are-you-an-online-over-sharer-secureme-will-tell-you.html
- Making Eye Contact: What You Are Saying in Various Cultures
A peek at what we are saying by our “non-verbal” communicate when we make eye contact in different cultures.
www.brighthubeducation.com/social-studies-help/9626-learning-about-eye-contact-in-other-cultures/
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette
March 19, 2012
Your personal appearance is not only an important factor in how you present yourself others, the way you dress reflects the importance you attach to the situations and people around you. If your clothes are unclean or wrinkled, you may appear to be careless and uninterested in the business situation or people you are interacting with.
If you’re dressing for a job interview, be sure to choose attire that projects the image you want the employer to receive. If the company has a “business casual” dress policy, it’s still better to take a conservative approach for the initial introduction. Just because the receptionist told you it was Casual Friday, that doesn’t give you the green light to wear your comfy jeans and your new “TGIF” sweatshirt to the job interview.
Even after you get the job, consider your appearance. Someone once told me this, and it stuck, “I dress to the level I want to achieve.” So, if you want to be CEO, think about how you look when you leave the house in the morning. Do you carry yourself like an executive?
Here are some basic rules of thumb you can follow:
- When meeting with business associates or clients, whether in your office or theirs, you should dress appropriately — if they wear suits, you should wear one.
- If you’re interviewing for a job and don’t have the inside scoop on their dress code, try to scope out the place before your interview to see how the employees are dressed. It’s also perfectly acceptable to contact the receptionist and ask her about the company dress code policy. You can tell her you’re applying for a position at the company without having to introduce yourself.
All business attire, whether traditional or casual, should be reflective of a professional, dignified appearance.
Great men are seldom over-scrupulous in the arrangement of their attire ~Charles Dickens
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged business etiquette, career etiquette, dress for success
It is estimated that more than half the meaning of our communication is transmitted through body language. Before we created words to communicate with each other, we used movements and gestures to communicate what we wanted.
