Business Etiquettes

I saw anad sometimes back in ET, it was about the business ettiquette CD-ROM offered by ET. I actually wanted to have that but when i saw the cost of whole package, my plans took a backseat. Now i got to see a good presentation on business etiquitte. So thoghtto share it with all of you. Thanks to CITEMAN and HIWAY for such a good presentation. They have compiled almost all points necessary, however i was not agree with some points so removed them and have incorporated some new ones which i found suitable enough in Indian context. 

Appreciation of other culture

• Religious beliefs and rituals 

• Family and social structure

• Cultural Norms, Traditions

• Historical Background

• Politics and Government

• Economics and Industry

First Impression

·         First impression is the best impression

·         You represent the organization not yourself

·         Introduce yourself well

·         Memorize names of client representative. If you find it difficult to understand, ask the name again.

·         Handshakes

o   No moist / sweaty hands

o   Firm handshake (gentle if the other person is a lady)

o   Handshake to last only for a short while

Attire

•Appropriate protocol

•Shirt – Light pastel shades

•Trousers – Dark colors

•Shoes – Black / Brown (Polished)

•Socks – Color to match with shoes / trousers

•Slim wallet

•A respectable pen

•Party wear – Dark shirt, light colored trousers

•Different attire everyday during a week

Your personal appearance makes a lot of difference to your

level of confidence 

Personal Hygiene

•Shave / shower regularly

• Neat hairdo

• Use deodorant / perfume regularly

• Avoid herbal hair oils at work

• Clean and Ironed Handkerchief

• Make use of mouth fresheners

Must knows & do's

•Always carry and use your Business Cards

• Vision, Mission, Values … a must know

• History & Culture: Your company and client organization

• Clear idea on expectations from your manager

 Ask for help / clarifications

Communicating

•Speak slowly and clearly

• Watch your tone of voice … not to be too loud. Rememnber the primary aim of communicating is to make your point understand others.

• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something

• Watch personal space … stand a foot away from other person

• Speak in the universal language (English) when at workplace

• Say “excuse me” if you accidentally bump into someone

Telephone Manners

• Begin the calls with “Good Morning/Evening..”

• Identify yourself

• Keep conversation to the minimum

• Don’t speak too loudly or disrupt people around you

• During meetings, turn your cell phone off / put on silent mode

• If you must take a call during a meeting, excuse yourself and walk out

• Please do not make any personal calls from the client site

Basic Table Manners

•Always sit up when seated on the table

•Avoid making strange noises on the table

•If you have to leave the table in between the meals then always excuse yourself

•While not eating, hands should be either on your lap or rest your wrist on the edge of the table

•Avoid reading at the table

•Always request the person closest to pass on the dish that you desire to have

•Using fork and knife (Work inwards)

• Elbows not to be rested on table while eating

• Season food according to your taste

• Eat with your mouth closed

•Social Drinking:

 - Never drink on empty stomach

 - At a cocktail party, hold the glass in your left hand and

   leave the right hand free for handshaking

 - Do not drive after drinking

Some More Hints ...

•Always come in neat and clean and follow dress code

•Do not discuss personal matters at the work place

•Be discreet when coughing and yawning

•Use positive language

•Be direct in communication

•If you have called a meeting, be there first