Business Etiquette – A Checklist for Success
Is it really important to learn the rules of etiquette and protocol in today’s high-speed, high-tech world of business? Do you really need to spend time thinking about how to make a proper introduction, when to present your business card and which fork to use? The answer is an unqualified “yes.” If you care about increasing your confidence, projecting a professional image, developing lasting relationships with your colleagues and clients and becoming a polished professional, etiquette skills are the powerful tools to help you avoid embarrassments and distractions and focus on your personal and professional goals, not to mention the bottom line.
To be successful and effective in your career, it is not enough to be an expert in your field or offer superior products and services. If you want to outclass and outlast your competition—and there is plenty of it—you need to have interpersonal skills. You need to know how to:
- Greet others with grace.
- Make business introductions with poise.
- Dine with dignity, as either the host or guest.
- Mix and mingle with ease at networking events.
- Start and stop a conversation with confidence.
- Write email that positions you as a professional.
- Practice effective meeting behavior both in person and by phone.
- Dress for success, always with the client in mind.
- Contribute personally to a more productive and harmonious work environment.
- Understand the nuances as well as the universal truths about international etiquette.
The rules of etiquette are a common language that all successful professionals must learn to speak. These skills will give you an edge that can make the difference between you and another person who is just as smart and equally as well-trained and educated. The difference is that knowing the rules of business etiquette will put you at ease and make your colleagues and clients more comfortable with you so that you can focus your agenda and not on yourself.
People choose to do business with people they like, but you already know that. Successful relationships begin when you exhibit courtesy, kindness and respect others. Knowing and practicing good manners in the workplace adds the polish that builds profits. Taking the time to learn the rules of business etiquette and protocol is a worthwhile investment.
Hire Lydia to work with your staff to improve customer service and employee relations through the use of those priceless and often over-looked soft skills called manners. Lydia is the “unstuffy” business etiquette expert who helps individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. We’re talking about your bottom line here.
Since 1996, countless people have benefited from her wisdom through keynotes, seminars and conference breakout sessions. Her Southern charm and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, Lydia is available for national, regional and local speaking and training engagements. She has suitcase; will travel.
Contact her via email at lydia@lydiaramsey.com or call 912-604-0080. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and visit her website, lydiaramsey.com.