Basic Information On Business Etiquette
No matter what career field you're in, it's essential to know the basics of business etiquette. Showing courtesy and respect when greeting someone, participating in a business meeting or accepting a professional invitation can significantly improve your reputation and help your business to grow.
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Punctuality
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In most professional situations, it is essential to be on time, even if the business meeting will take place over a meal. Punctuality shows that you have respect for the clients or colleagues that you're meeting with and gives you a good reputation as a company representative or independent professional. If you will be late for any reason, it is proper etiquette to call the person you've scheduled the meeting with as soon as possible to give him your estimated arrival time or to reschedule the appointment.
Greetings
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The handshake is the basic form of professional greeting. Making eye contact while shaking hands makes the greeting more personable, and men are often expected to give firm handshakes when meeting one another. Women in business settings can shake hands with one another as well. If you are doing business internationally, keep the customs of the country in mind when greeting other professionals. For instance, if you are in the Middle East, it may be best (depending on the lead of your host) not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex; if you are greeting businesspeople before a meeting in Asia, a slight bow along with the handshake is acceptable.
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Business Meetings
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During business meetings, it is proper etiquette to maintain a pleasant demeanor, even if you disagree with some of the negotiation tactics or opinions of some of your colleagues. Stating your position on a matter should be done in a manner that attacks the issue, not the person. In some cases, it is fine to engage in "hard selling" (observe the business culture for clarity). Be patient during the negotiation process as well; it may take a while for a company to reach a decision, and your disposition in the interim may determine if you are called on for future business deals.
Business Cards
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The business meeting is the time to hand out business cards, so be sure to bring enough cards for everyone at the meeting. Keep international business etiquette if you are in another country--in places like Saudi Arabia, business cards are given and received with the right hand; in China, cards should be presented and taken with both hands. When receiving a card from a colleague, it is generally a nice gesture to glance over the card for a few seconds to show your interest.
Gifts
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It is usually not necessary to present colleagues with a gift at an initial business meeting. However, if you want to give something from your home country, or a small gift that displays your company's logo, this is often acceptable--anything more extravagant could be taken as a bribe. If you are invited to a professional's home, bring a small token of appreciation; a bouquet of flowers, a dessert or bottle of wine is generally appropriate.
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References
- Photo Credit professional image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
