Business Etiquette

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

First impressions matter, especially in the business world. Whether it's a job interview, a meeting with a new client, or a networking event, how you present yourself can set the tone for future interactions. Here are a few tips to ensure you make a positive first impression.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 - Whether formal or business casual, classic pieces are your allies as they convey confidence and never go out of fashion. Save trendy items for other occasions. If extended seating is involved, choose well-fitting clothes that allow for ease of movement. Finally, you can never go wrong with subtle sophistication – strong perfumes, excessive jewelry, and revealing clothing can be distracting. Keep accessories minimal and avoid anything that might cause discomfort to others.

𝑩𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 – Make being on time your power move – it’s a simple habit with a big impact that can make a positive first impression. Modern technology with GPS and weather apps makes planning your arrival time for in-person meetings easy.

If your meeting is online, turn your computer on 30 minutes before to ensure the internet connection, camera, and audio are stable.

In today's fast-paced business world, punctuality isn't just a courtesy, it's a strategic advantage. Business meetings often have a set agenda and limited time. Punctuality shows respect for others' time. It demonstrates you take the meeting seriously and are organized. Aim to arrive a few minutes early to settle in, collect your thoughts, and prepare for the meeting. Arriving late conveys a negative impression of carelessness or lack of respect. It also disrupts the flow of conversation and can cause others to feel that their time is being wasted. Remember, chronic lateness can erode trust with colleagues and clients. Clear communication and a sincere apology go a long way if the unexpected arises and you run behind. By valuing punctuality, you will contribute to a more respectful, efficient, and productive meeting environment.

𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆 – When it comes to first impressions, it’s often our body language that speaks first. Studies suggest body language makes up 70% to 93% of our communication, so projecting confidence is key. Good posture, eye contact, and a firm handshake can show confidence and build trust and rapport. Actively listen by slightly leaning in and keeping eye contact. It shows you’re engaged, interested, and approachable.

A genuine smile will disarm tension and make others feel welcome. Avoid closed-off gestures like crossed arms and looking away as it can signal disinterest or disagreement. If you’re speaking to a group, learn to read the room and adjust your approach for better results. Overall, effective use of body language allows you to communicate more clearly, connect better with others, and ultimately achieve your goals in business meetings.

. A genuine smile will disarm tension and make others feel welcome. Avoid closed-off gestures like crossed arms and looking away as it can signal disinterest or disagreement. If you’re speaking to a group, learn to read the room and adjust your approach for better results. Overall, effective use of body language allows you to communicate more clearly, connect better with others, and ultimately achieve your goals in business meetings.

𝑩𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 - Being prepared demonstrates initiative, trustworthiness, and the ability to think ahead - all qualities that build trust and credibility in the business world. It also fosters efficiency and organization. Arriving on time with relevant materials reviewed and questions ready shows respect for everyone’s time and projects confidence and competence. You'll be able to speak articulately, answer questions thoughtfully, and contribute meaningfully to the discussion. By being ready to participate actively, you can move the conversation forward and contribute to productive outcomes.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩

For the next business meeting you have scheduled, research the person or company and when you meet, briefly mention something you admire about them or their work.

Effective Communication in Business

Lets look at effective communication in business. Clear and effective communication is crucial in business. It helps in building relationships, avoiding misunderstandings, and ensuring smooth operations. Here are some tips for improving your business communication skills.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏 – We discussed this yesterday, so, to reiterate – pay attention, maintain eye contact, and provide feedback to show you’re engaged.

𝑨𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑱𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒏 – Be clear about your message and avoid unnecessary jargon. The jargon might seem impressive, but it often confuses or excludes listeners. Jargon creates a barrier for those unfamiliar with your industry’s lingo and shifts the focus to deciphering meaning instead of the message itself. Stick to clear, concise language to ensure everyone understands. This will build trust and not distance. For example, a few lingo terms used in business coaching are value proposition, KPI, and low-hanging fruit. Unless your client has been in the sales world or studied business in college, they may not understand what those terms mean, so be sure to reword these. Replace “value proposition” with “what makes you stand out.” Replace “KPI” with “specific goals you hope to achieve.” Replace “low-hanging fruit” with “the easiest introductions to make.”

𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑬𝒕𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆 – In today’s digital world, electronic communication is considered a professional handshake. Some would argue email is the way to go, however, with a multi-generational business landscape, it’s more about the preferred method of communication of the person we are connecting with. Whether it’s a text, a Facebook Messenger, a LinkedIn message, or any other type of communication tool, be sure to use a clear, concise message with a professional tone. Proofread it before you send it (especially with the auto-correct features we have now!), and respond promptly.

𝑵𝒐𝒏-𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒖𝒆𝒔 – We also discussed this yesterday, so, to reiterate – be aware of your body language and facial expressions. They communicate way more than what you say.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩

Review one piece of your marketing materials. Slowly and carefully read it and look for industry jargon. Also, consider various audiences who might read the material. Would they understand it the first time or would they have to Google certain terms or phrases? Rework the piece to be clear, concise, and free from jargon, misspellings, and grammatical errors. Ask a colleague who is not in your industry (or better yet ask a young teenager) to read it and provide feedback.

Networking with Confidence

Lets Talk abut where to network and how to build confidence by knowing what to do before, during, and after an event.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆! Don’t limit yourself to “formal networking” events. Think outside the box – attend events for the industry you’re interested in like seminars, workshops, and trainings. Also. look for industry-specific, business, and philanthropic associations that offer event opportunities for non-members (i.e. Homebuilders Association, The Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, the Junior League, etc).

Also, check for social events announcements online. The choices are limitless, and there are always women looking for other women to hang out with. You never know who you might meet. Do you enjoy sipping wine, making arts and crafts, hiking, attending sporting events, sightseeing, reading books, or listening to music? And don’t forget the gym, grocery store line, and your kid’s ballgames. Remember, every person you meet can be an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation.

𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚 ----> Keep business cards on you. Even if you’re looking for work, creating a business card that highlights your strengths and the role you want is an easy way for a new connection to remember you and potentially make a connection for you. 𝐴 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 – 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑, 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 “𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑘” 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑟. 𝐷𝑜𝑛’𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝐼𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤.

𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 – If possible, find out who’s attending beforehand and identify potential connections whose expertise aligns with your goals. Set clear objectives for the event. Do you want to learn about new opportunities? Do you want to expand your network? Based on your objectives, practice a concise introduction that highlights who you are and what you’re trying to accomplish (aka an “elevator pitch” – if you can’t tell someone what you do or who you’re looking to connect with during an elevator ride from one floor to the next, your introduction is too long.)

𝑫𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 - Project confidence with good posture, eye contact, and a smile. Remember, quality over quantity – your goal isn’t to meet everybody. Focus on building connections, not just collecting contacts.

Approach people who seem open to conversation and ask insightful questions that show genuine interest in them and their work.

To help you with this, have a few conversation starters in mind to break the ice, especially if you're feeling nervous. 𝐵𝑒 𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟and offer value by sharing relevant insights or connections.

Also, refer back to the business card advice above. Don’t walk around the room handing out business cards and/or marketing materials to everyone. 𝑃𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠. They will express interest if they want to learn more. The key is to be prepared to discuss your business or career goals when the opportunity presents itself.

𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 - “The fortune is in the follow-up” is a timeless adage many overlook. Send a follow-up email within 24 hours thanking each person for the conversation. Briefly mention a specific topic you discussed and propose a next step, like connecting on LinkedIn or scheduling a coffee or Zoom chat. Networking is a long-term and ongoing process. If you want to stay connected, send your new contacts occasional messages, share relevant articles, or offer congratulations on achievements you learn about.

𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓: refer back to step #1 of networking which is “genuinely connect.” It’s ok to be alert to opportunities everywhere you go, but don’t make it your sole focus. People can smell disingenuous a mile away, and you don’t want to develop a reputation for always showing up with an agenda that only serves your goals. Adopt the mindset of attending anything that genuinely interests you, seek to connect and provide value to another person, and stay open for opportunities to share your business or career aspirations.

Remember, building confidence comes with practice. The more you network, the more comfortable you'll become.

Dining Etiquette for Business Meetings

Business meals are common settings for networking and discussions. Knowing the proper dining etiquette can help you make a good impression. Here are some key points to remember:

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝑹𝑺𝑽𝑷 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕: Respect the host's time and effort by responding to invitations on time. If you can't attend, let them know by the deadline. Once you RSVP "yes," arrive on time. Remember, no-shows and tardiness reflect poorly on you and disrupt the event for everyone involved.

𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑻𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔: Good table manners are essential at a business meal. Proper etiquette ensures a smooth dining experience, avoids awkward situations, and projects a positive image. Using appropriate utensils, maintaining clean eating habits, chewing with your mouth closed (and not talking), and avoiding disruptive noises demonstrate respect for your colleagues and the host, fostering a more productive and enjoyable meeting.

𝑶𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚: Unless your host has specifically designated your next business meal as a reward for a job well done and invited you to order the Surf and Turf with Dom Perignon , ordering appropriately goes beyond personal preference and shows respect for your host and colleagues. Show consideration for the host’s budget by choosing a moderately priced dish. To avoid distractions during important business discussions, avoid messy foods or anything that requires excessive attention. While you may adore hot wings, meatball sandwiches, and spaghetti, save it for the ball game, dinner with your family, or girls' night out. Focusing on enjoying a delicious, simple meal while maintaining professionalism will leave a lasting positive impression.

𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔: Maintaining focus during a business meal shows everyone your respect for their busy schedules and allows for relationship building within focused discussions. Productivity and efficiency during business meals will ensure a valuable experience for all and strengthen your professional image.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩

The next time you RSVP for a business meal where you’ll be ordering off the menu, peruse the restaurant's online menu. Thinking about the tips above on appropriate ordering, take a few screenshots of items that appeal to you. When you arrive, look through your screenshots and decide what you’re in the mood for.

𝐍AVIGATING 𝐂ULTURAL 𝐃IFFERENCES

Understanding and respecting cultural differences is more important than ever because of today’s globalized business world. While you may not physically be in someone else’s city, state, or country, knowing how to navigate cultural diversity is essential if you interact socially and/or conduct business online. Here are a few tips to help you out

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡: This is probably the most important key point. If you’ve ever attended a business class or training, you’ve likely been presented with information regarding cultural norms and business practices of different regions within the US and other countries. A few of the most common cultural differences you might encounter include:

· communication style (direct vs. indirect and humor)

· response time

· nonverbal communication

· the level of formality to use

While it’s difficult to pinpoint with absolute certainty what cultures you may encounter in the online business world, there are some regions with a high volume of online business activity:

North America (Canada and the US)

· Europe (France, Germany, and the UK)

· East Asia (China, Japan, and South Korea)

· Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam).

This list is a great start to help you research the country’s business etiquette to help you strike the right balance. Don’t forget to research regions within the US as well (for example, how you communicate with someone in New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Birmingham, Atlanta, Seattle, or Boston can vary greatly.)

𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝

· 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬:You’ll find articles published by The Economist or Forbes on conducting business in different regions or countries.

· 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬:The Britannica and Lonely Planet websites provide general cultural information that may help you understand communication styles around the world.

· 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬: Visit each country’s government website to learn how to do business with their country. You’ll likely find sections on cultural etiquette and communication styles.

· 𝐇𝐨𝐟𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:Country profiles are provided with breakdowns of power distance, individualism, and communication style factors.

Inter𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧(𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐂): Intercultural business communication resources and research are available. They may have articles or webinars specifically focused on online communication.

· 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞:In-depth guides to business etiquette in various countries, including communication styles, greetings, and negotiation strategies.

· 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬: Coursera, Udemy, and EdX offer courses and training modules on intercultural communication.

When researching, consider the specific culture you'll be interacting with and the nature of your online communication (email, video conference, etc.). This will help you tailor your research to the most relevant information.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: Once you’ve completed your research and know the cultural differences, respect them. Approach each interaction with an open mind and acknowledge that communication styles may vary. Avoid pressuring for an immediate response. Use inclusive language rather than culturally specific references. Express appreciation for their understanding as you navigate these differences. Finally, focus on common ground – shared interests and goals can bridge cultural gaps and foster a more positive online business environment.

𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude will help you be successful with intercultural business interactions. Ask yourself how this culture greets each other. What are some nonverbal cues to look for? What is this culture’s follow-up protocol? Is humor acceptable? What about non-business-related chit-chat? How formal should you be? Avoid industry jargon and use clear, concise messaging. Slow down your pace and actively listen. A little extra effort shows respect and sends a clear message that you are genuinely interested in who they are and how they see the world.

𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞: In addition to online research, utilize other resources for navigating cultural differences. Start with colleagues you know are already doing business with other cultures. Seek out cultural experts and consultants. Business professionals who have experience working across cultures may offer mentorship programs. Attend workshops and use resources provided by industry-specific or international business associations. Lastly, cultural embassies and consulates of the countries you’re interacting with may offer resources or information on business etiquette and communication styles.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩

Pick a region of the US or a country to which you’re interested in expanding your products and/or services. Search for online reviews, forums, and social media discussions in the target region and/or the culture's language (use a translation tool if needed). You’ll hear directly from potential consumers about their needs, preferences, and pain points. Keep a journal about patterns or themes that reveal cultural influences on consumer behavior. How do cultural values or traditions impact their purchasing decisions or how they might use your product/service?