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Step 1
Dress for what you're going to be doing each day. If you're meeting with a client, dress up. If your calendar is clear and you plan to work in the office all day, wear khakis. If you'll be moving files to the basement, wear jeans. Try to blend with the style of the organization you're working for. If you out-dress everyone else, you won't fit in. If you consistently under-dress everyone, you'll appear lazy and unobservant.
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Step 2
Watch your speech. Not only should you brush up on grammar and usage, you should also work to improve your vocabulary. Enunciate words. Make sure you're pronouncing things correctly. And make sure you don't confuse words like farther/further; fewer/less; and lie/lay. There are scads of resource materials both on the web and in the bookstores to help you review these types of things. Invest a little time each week!
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Step 3
Handle entertainment with grace and charm. Brush up on your table manners if you've forgotten which utensil to use. If you are the most senior person at the table, you should pay the bill. Brush up on tipping etiquette too. You don't want to come across as a cheap skate in front of potential clients or fellow employees.
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Step 4
Know when gifts are and are not appropriate. Your client may have a policy against accepting gifts from suppliers or other business partnerships. The nature of gifts you give should depend on whether they are professional or personal. This in itself depends on how well you know the person. Be sure to do your homework. You wouldn't send a bottle of wine to someone who doesn't drink, for instance. Also, when receiving gifts, always respond in a delighful manner, even if you are disappointed by the gift. Always send personal thank you notes!
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Step 5
Introductions are important! Make sure you are introducing the less important person to the more important person. Or, the more important person receives the less important person. For example, "Mr. Senior, I would like you to meet Mr. Junior, our departmental assistant."
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Step 6
Cell phones are everywhere these days, but there are times when they should be left in your pocket, purse or briefcase. For example, in business meetings with senior personnel or clients, during dinners, in otherwise quiet public places (waiting rooms, libraries, spas, etc.) silence the cell phone. Use your common sense. If a conversation is going to be disruptive to those sitting around you, or if you will in any way be making your guest(s) feel unimportant or slighted - leave the phone out of sight!
