Business Etiquette 101
Whether you're looking to form a professional partnership with another company or want to introduce your new company to the world, it's essential to be aware of basic business etiquette. Knowing how to communicate with other businesspeople properly will help you make a great first impression that can lead to beneficial business deals.
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Punctuality
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It is very important for all professionals to show up to business meetings on time. If a businessperson will be late for any reason, it is appropriate etiquette to call the office receptionist to convey this information as soon as possible. In many business cultures, it's best to arrive at a meeting a few minutes early since professionals commonly engage in small talk to become comfortable with one another. Being punctual for business lunches or dinners is best as well. Punctuality equals reliability for many professionals.
Professional Greetings
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The handshake is the standard greeting for most businesspeople; a handshake should be slightly firm and short. When doing business in Asia, it is best to bow in greeting, unless a professional extends his hand. In parts of Africa, it is not proper etiquette to shake hands with a woman unless she extends her hand first. Professional women in Latin America will often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek in addition to a handshake. It is also ideal to smile and maintain a pleasant demeanor when greeting other professionals to give a favorable first impression.
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Business Cards
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Professionals usually exchange business cards before the meeting begins. It is proper etiquette to have enough business cards to present to everyone at the meeting. In most countries, the business cards are given or exchanged with the right hand, but in Asia, business cards are always presented and received with both hands. The business card should always be treated with respect, and should not be folded or written on. When doing business in a country where English is not the official language, having one side of the card translated into the country's native language is a favorable gesture.
Giving Gifts
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It is usually best not to present colleagues with business gifts at initial meetings, as this could be viewed as a bribe. Gifts should not be extremely expensive. Presents with a company logo are appropriate, along with small gifts that will fit on a desk, such as a clock or designer pen. All presents should be neatly wrapped, and it's best not to open a gift in public if only one or two people in a group are given gifts.
After Business Hours
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If invited to a meal after hours by a professional, proper etiquette suggests not eating until all guests have received their food. Business matters should not be discussed unless the host brings them up. It is not acceptable to exchange business cards during a dinner, even if the meal is informal. If alcohol is served during the dinner, only consume one or two glasses of wine, with a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. Being intoxicated during a professional meal can present a bad impression that could result in the loss of a business deal.
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References
- Photo Credit handshake image by Du...¡an Zidar from Fotolia.com
