Love it or loathe it, the fact is that there are rules of behaviour in the world of business. Break them and you risk being shunned and excluded. Understand the rules and your business life will go forward more smoothly.

Dale Carnegie’s book How To Make Friends And Influence People is rightly regarded as a classic in business literature. That’s because we tend to do business with those that we know, like and trust.

Business Etiquette is not about old-fashioned or outdated behaviour. It’s a practical set of guidelines to help you successfully navigate each stage of a successful business relationship. For example, think about when you first meet someone. You each probably know little or nothing about the other person. In such a situation it’s all too easy to give the wrong impression, or even to cause offence without realising it. What might have been a valuable relationship is over before it has even begun.

Understanding some simple rules and principles will help you to avoid making those kinds of mistake.

It can be all too easy to give the wrong impression. Knowing the right way to maintain those relationships will prove very valuable to you. You’ll most likely find that people will respect you and hold you in higher regard, simply because you’re someone who knows how to conduct themselves properly.

Here are three ways to do that:

Action Step 1: Be Impeccable

Common courtesy is no longer quite so common. A ‘Thank You’, simple politeness, and a hand written note or card will make you stand out from the crowd.

Action Step 2: Your Word Is Your Bond

Put simply, say what you will do and do what you say! ‘Your word is your bond’ as the expression goes. Nothing will ruin your reputation faster than failing to meet commitments. Conversely, become known as someone who can be relied upon and doors will open and opportunities present themselves.

Action Step 3: How To Make Introductions The Right Way

Ever had to introduce two people and wondered who you should address first? There’s a simple answer. When making an introduction always start with the person you consider to be more important.

For example, when introducing a client or potential customer to a member of staff, you would say, ”Mrs Client I would like you to meet our Sales Manager.”

Keep these three rules in mind and you’ll boost your reputation and be known as someone to do business with.

To your success

Judeth
Founder and Lead Trainer at Upfront Communications