Business etiquette key to success

By Sherlyn Kim

Business etiquette is a manner and behavior considered appropriate in the business and professional world. It is about showing respect to others and is a core part of developing an image and substance.

It may seem outdated to the new generation of small business owners and their employees as well as large corporations who don’t see a need for it in this digital age. Those who overlook the value of business etiquette are losing business every day.

Perhaps it occurs that a client or customer walks in and no one bothers to offer a greeting. Or your representative isn’t aware of the protocol while doing business meetings or deals. It may be the customer’s name is never used.

Any number of details can either cost your business or win customers over. In any case there is a direct connection between business etiquette and the bottom line.

We all know that people do business with people they like. Here are some aspects of business etiquette that can improve your credibility and likeability.

Titles of respect

It has become commonplace in our society to do away with titles and call everyone by his or her first name. Unless the person you’re addressing is a friend or relative who is your age, this is not a respectful practice.

It’s still essential and good business for the business owner to treat his or her staff with dignity and respect; however, people have to remember that the customer is the higher-ranking individual in a business relationship.

Make good impression

You only get one chance. Smile, make eye contact and ask how you can help. Every customer has the right to expect recognition and courtesy within the first few minutes.

Professional appearance counts

In the business world, people do care. You are being judged by the way you look even before you open your mouth, so dress appropriately at all times. If your organization does not have a dress code, create one. Don’t leave how your people dress to their imagination.

Hands off to your phone during the meeting. Keep it off and out of sight. The message you are sending to others in the meeting or presentation is one of disrespect and a lack of interest. Reading under the table is more obvious than you think.

Be aware of your body language. When you’re uncomfortable, nervous habits often come to the surface. Fidgeting with your hair, adjusting your shirt, covering your mouth when you speak or clenching your hands in your lap indicate that you are unsure of yourself.

Mind your manners

What is polite in one culture may not be considered so in another, so know your manners for the countries you visit.

Be on time. “Early is on time and on time is late.” This holds true for a job interview, a meeting or once you’ve been hired, the job itself.

It’s better to arrive a few minutes early and be there before the person you are meeting gets there. That shows that you value his or her time and that you’re a professional.

Celebrate achievements and routine jobs

Recognize employees who go above beyond the call of duty and whose outstanding contributions are helping to grow the business.

At the same time, let people know you appreciate the everyday work they do, too. Celebrate closing a big sale or meeting a team deadline. No one should feel as if they’re stuck in a thankless job.

Model the qualities you want to see in others. As the leader, you’re judged as much by what you do as by what you say. If your behavior is consistently at odds, your leadership effectiveness will be seriously compromised. Be engaged and fully committed to your actions every day.

Share your passion

Enthusiasm is contagious. When you display passion for the business, people respond in kind. They want to know that what they’re doing helps grow the business you feel so passionately about particularly if you frequently show gratitude for their efforts.

Be positive no matter what. Obstacles and challenges spring up all the time, but a true leader doesn’t let his or her mood reflect doubts or pessimism. Employees look to you for a positive upbeat attitude. Even when you feel it hardest to smile, demonstrate your optimism and excitement for the work ahead.

People with executive presence aren’t simply born. They’re made. Anyone can wear the executive title. But only those that are experts in etiquette, confident in communication and proficient in people skills are revered as someone with executive presence. Pay attention to how you conduct yourself at your place of business. The people who work for you will follow your lead and mirror the tone you set, for better or worse.

Sherlyn Kim is a certified international etiquette consultant and trainer and CEO of Molly Manners Korea (https://www.mollymanners.co.kr), a leading manners and etiquette institute that helps children build the necessary blocks for a solid future through poise, confidence, integrity and leadership. She has a thriving practice helping executives and business people advance in their careers, clarify their strategies and goals and increase the value of their organizations.