Business Etiquette & Professionalism

If you want to be taken seriously by your clients, colleagues and bosses, you have to know and practice business etiquette. There are certain manners and practices that you should always observe in business settings in order to remain professional and advance in your career.

Identification

Business etiquette is about having manners and social skills, and presenting yourself to clients, employees, bosses and other colleagues in a professional manner. In business, you need to be taken seriously by these key people.

Conflict

According to business author Paula Gamonal, you should always approach business conflicts from a "situation-related" standpoint instead of as a personal attack on the other person.

Superiors

As an employee, never surprise your boss with information. Always notify him of new information as soon as possible, and preferably before anyone else does, especially a client.

Gossiping

Avoid office gossip. It is poor manners and devious in nature. According to Natalie Pezzenti of CollegeView.com, if you gossip, people will not trust you. Gossip could impede your career.

Email

When writing a business email, include a specific subject line, write in proper grammar (capitalization included), check spelling and sign the email with your full name and title. Do not send pages of forwards; shorten the email to include just the most important details.

References

• Ravenwerks: Business Etiquette
• CollegeView.com: Avoid the Temptation of Office Gossip

Resources

• Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work; Jacqueline Whitmore; 2005