Business Social Etiquette

Business Social Etiquette

       Social etiquette is a form of interacting with business associates, family, friends and strangers that allows you to make a good impression and avoid conflict or embarrassment. According to Professional Image Management, social etiquette encompasses manners as well as how to project confidence and deal with any situation. You get much of your social etiquette training as a child, but structured, professional training can help you meet any situation with grace and style.

Etiquette can help businesses improve the following areas:

• Branding. Everything we do reflect on our company and our products. By acting professionally, we send the message that our business is credible and trustworthy. Personalized care may very well be your edge against the competition.

• Customer Care. The best way to show customers that their patronage is valued is to treat them with respect and consideration. This in turn can inspire customer loyalty and positive feedback.

• Employee Engagement. Good manners help improve employee/ team morale and confidence.

• Team Synergy. Good manners help establish smooth working relationships within a team, which contributes to greater productivity

Example: “President Andrews, I would like you to meet Caroline Daniels. She’s the head of the Public Relations Department. Caroline, this is President Mike Andrews.”
      Talkshop, the best English school in the Philippines has been in the industry for more than 13 years and is now the proud leader in soft skills and communication training. We offer a wide variety of programs and customize them according to your needs.

Three steps to introducing yourself effectively:

1. Project warmth and confidence.

Many people size you up even before you say a word, which is why it’s important to mind your body language. When introducing yourself, stand up straight, relax and establish eye contact.

2. State your first name and your last name. Depending on the situation, you may also state your affiliation and/ or your position in the company. Example: “Hello. I’m Jacqueline Smith. I’m the Quality Control Officer.”

3. When the other person has given their name, repeat it in acknowledgment. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Andrews.” or “It’s nice to meet you, Joseph.” Repeating their name is an acknowledgment that you heard their introduction.

Networking is not just about presenting yourself. You may also find yourself introducing two strangers to one another. Here are three guidelines to introducing others:

1. Take note of the pecking order. In business, introductions are made based on a person’s seniority in a company. This is regardless of age and gender. When you present, present a person with the lesser status to the person with the higher status. Mention the name of the person with the higher status first. 

2. Introduce strangers first! If you are introducing two persons of equal rank to one another, start with the person that you don’t know. This way you can use the introduction to make the newcomer feel welcome.

3. Mind titles.

Unless invited otherwise, stick to using formal address such as “Mr. Gallagher” or “Attorney Louis Harris”.

Conclusion:

      While positive human interaction is the ultimate goal of social etiquette, formal training usually includes lessons on how to navigate a formal table setting and how to compose proper thank you letters. Specialized training sessions can prepare you for various cultural exchanges as well as acceptable etiquette for the telephone and Internet communications. 

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