Business Etiquette Facts
Etiquette, the rules governing polite behavior, may be different in business settings than social ones, but you must still follow the rules if you want to make a good impression, get others' attention and succeed at your chosen profession. Etiquette rules vary from country to country and may be different in different areas of the same country. Always do your best to manifest polite behavior whether you are in the office or in a business meeting overseas.
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Learn Cultural Expectations
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Foreign countries have different expectations of business etiquette. If your business involves contact with people who live and work in other countries, you should learn the business etiquette rules for those countries so that you don't accidentally offend a client. For example, in Canada, you are expected to give a gift to either the office of a person who has just finalized a negotiation with you or the person himself, while in America this practice might be frowned upon.
Appearance is Important
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According to USA Today, 55 percent of communication is conveyed via your physical appearance, which includes body language as well as how you are dressed. Always dress appropriately for business meetings and be sure to smile. Maintaining eye contact is also important in many Western cultures, as it signifies honesty and confidence.
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Etiquette Rules Change as Technology Does
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Business etiquette constantly evolves to keep up with the way people do business. As of 2010, the Internet, cell phones and video conferencing are important business tools that were not available or relevant in earlier times. Business etiquette therefore addresses behavior related to using these tools. For example, it is common to conduct business over email, so business etiquette has evolved to include rules about not sending private correspondence through this medium and not tying up a client's bandwidth by sending large files.
Employees Must Respect Privacy
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Offices carry no expectation of privacy, as workers share small spaces, and employers have the right to monitor company phone and email communications to ensure that they are business-related. However, employees should make every effort to respect each others' privacy. It is rude to deliberately eavesdrop on a conversation going on in the next cubicle, and if you overhear something by accident, you should keep it to yourself.
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