Business etiquette: what is it and why it matters?

Business etiquette is the set of expected behaviors for individual actions within society, group, or class. It involves treating clients, coworkers and employers with respect and courtesy in a way that creates a pleasant work environment for everyone.

As such, it allows an individual to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and partners as well as to build rapport with clients.

Business etiquette is not about rules & regulations, but rather about providing basic social comfort and creating an environment where others feel comfortable and secure. It differs from culture to culture, from country to country and even from region to region inside the same country.

When dealing with your clients and prospects, keep in mind that you are the one supposed to adjust to their business etiquette, not the other way around. So, you may need to rethink your concepts on how to dress appropriately, your body language, presenting your business cards, gift giving, conducting meetings and many other important elements.

Examples of etiquette behavior include:

• Be on time
• Never forget to switch off your phone during meetings
• Smile and offer a firm handshake when meeting someone
• Maintain eye contact
• Always use please and thank you as appropriate
• Address others using Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. unless otherwise requested
• Remember their names
• Don’t interrupt
• Be assertive, not aggressive.
• Watch your language.
• Speak clearly and distinctly while using a pleasant tone of voice
• Leave politics and religion topics at the office door
• Write thank-you notes and letters of appreciation, congratulation, and condolence as appropriate
• Double-check your email for spelling and grammar errors before you hit send

When meeting new people, do your homework. Conduct some research about them and their organization. ‘Meet’ them before the meeting takes place.

And finally… we are living in a world without borders. Quite often, our meetings will include foreign nationals. Learn about the business etiquette in their home countries and make them feel comfortable with you.

Business etiquette goes a long way in establishing and maintaining relationships.

At Florida Connexion our multicultural and multilingual business brokers can assist you with the challenges of properly conducting professional meetings and handling working relationships.