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Dave Chartock

Guide to Business Etiquette

Conducting business in ways that are courteous to others can make a big difference

By Dave Chartock, Consultant and Sr. Writer, Information Resources

Business etiquette covers a wide range of conduct in the office, with customers, on the phone (especially cell phones), in your emails, when traveling on business and at a business meal or event. Business etiquette is the one thing that places the small business owner or employee on a level playing field with a large corporation and its employees.

Business etiquette applies to:

  1. Work
  2. Meeting people
  3. The use of telephones, cell phones and email.
  4. Dining

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Tune in business etiquette basics

Regardless of the country you are in, there are universally accepted rules that apply to implementing proper business etiquette. For instance, when arranging meetings, allow enough time for everyone. Greet people with a handshake and a smile, practice respectable table manners at business meals and events, and promptly return phone calls and emails. Be courteous to everyone.
I recommend: The Etiquette Survival Guide at the Career Center at Florida State University offers a crash course in etiquette. Business Etiquette Training profiles companies that offer training in business etiquette.

Learn where office politics fit

Understand the unwritten rules of an office. Listening well is a good quality. Be positive and willing to take on challenges and give credit to everyone who contributed to a project.
I recommend: Manners International offers downloadable etiquette courses, workshops and seminars.

Ensure proper business etiquette when traveling

Remember, etiquette applies to business travel, too. This includes maintaining the appropriate behavior and keeping alert because you represent yourself and your company. Remember, you are an extension of your business.
I recommend: Business Travel Etiquette contains information that provides tips on a variety of topics, including business travel.

Be courteous on the cell phone and via email, too

The dos and don'ts for business cell phone etiquette can help you maintain proper business decorum. Since business email is the property of the company, appropriate behavior and etiquette is required.
I recommend: The Microsoft Small Business Center offers advice on small business and cell phone etiquette. Also see the Brief Guide to Business Email Etiquette. The Telephone Doctor can help train you and your employees on proper phone etiquette.

Social skills are important

To succeed in business today requires an understanding of social skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
I recommend: ESP offers a downloadable course that instructs businesses in the art of social education.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Remain alert to the people around you and with whomever you communicate technologically.
  • Have the proper behavior, attire and attitude.
  • Effectively communicate, listen and, to get your point across, be succinct.

The official source of Business Etiquette is the Business Etiquette page at Business.com

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Recommended Solution Providers

Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette
Offers online business etiquette training.

Personalized Best: Training
Focuses on business customs and professionalism.

Sales Vantage: Business Etiquette Training
Directory of seminar providers for business etiquette and protocol training.

Business Culture: Business Norms
Series of reports on business customs, etiquette, cross-cultural communication, proper gifts, negotiating tactics, business culture, and manners.

Training Classes: Etiquette Training
Offers etiquette training courses.

Best Sites to Learn More

NFIB: Seven Refresher Tips on Business Etiquette
Etiquette advice from the National Federation of Independent Business.

Executive Planet: Business Culture Guides
Collection of country-specific etiquette guides for international business.

Side Road: Business Etiquette Articles
Collection of articles on business etiquette.

USA Today: Business Etiquette Quiz
Interactive quiz on business etiquette.

University of Tampa: Business Etiquette
Tips on common business meal mistakes, tipping practices and table manners.

Internet Based Moms: Business Etiquette Tips
Collection of etiquette tips for work at home moms.

All Business: Email Etiquette
Advice on proper etiquette for formatting and sending business email.

About.com: Mind Your Table Manners - Especially For Business
Guide to table manners in business and life.

Yale University: Netiquette
Presents advice on how to conduct yourself on the net.



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