Business etiquette is so much more than knowing which fork to use at lunch with a client. Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you can be taken seriously. Etiquette is also about being comfortable around people (and making them comfortable around you!)

Good etiquette adds to your overall credibility. If you treat all people with respect, show courtesy in the office and dress well, those you work with will most likely think highly of you.

On the other hand, poor etiquette can hurt your professional relationships.

During this workshop will look at many areas of business etiquette, including networking, meeting manners, dining decorum, international business etiquette and more. 

Research and everyday life demonstrates that having clear measurable goals are important. If we make sure these goals are kept at the core of any learning experience, the learning occurs more easily and rapidly. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our goals for today.  

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

* Identify what business etiquette is and why it’s important.

* Network with confidence.

* Present themselves professionally.

* Understand the importance of dress codes and what they mean.

* Understand how to use a business card effectively.

* Remember names easily.

* How to conduct themselves at a business lunch.

* Understand basic guidelines regarding, grammar standards in all written communication.

* Understand telephone etiquette.

* Understand the benefits of international etiquette

A few skills that will help you make that great first impression:

* Don’t be late

* Be confident

* Demonstrate good listening skills

* Use your new acquaintances name frequently

* Be careful when using humour

* Avoid being confrontational

* Make sure you dress appropriately

* Try to speak correctly avoiding slang

* Understand your subject, be knowledgeable regarding the company or product you represent.

* Answer question clearly

* Ask relevant questions

* Keep your word

* Repeat the person’s name whilst speaking to them. “That’s very interesting David”. “David would you like a cup of coffee”.

* If you are in a meeting and there are many people sat around the table, draw the shape of the table on a sheet of paper. Then write the names of the attendees on the paper where your drawing represents their location at the table.

* Try using imagery to recall any individual’s name e.g. Philip Sargent is the manager of an IT company, imagine him dressed as an army officer shouting at a computer. 

* The most effective way of remembering someone’s name is because you want to remember it as you are genuinely interested in them

A good handshake will always leave a lasting positive impression. When you shake someone’s hand, it’s important to communicate confidence and friendliness.  You can achieve this by following a few simple rules.

* Your handshake should be firm but not painful and last about three seconds.

* It’s very important to introduce yourself whilst shaking hands.

* Smile and make eye contact as you shake

White Tie is the smartest of all dress codes and is exactly the same as black tie other than the tie and waistcoat the gentlemen ware is white (ironically enough). The difference between the two is that white tie indicates VIP attendance, usually dignitary or royalty.

Black Tie means a very formal dress code. Men wear black tuxedo coat, trousers with satin ribbon, and a black bow tie. Ladies are to wear ball gowns which must have a full length dress.

Business Smart would be a typical business suit, plain shirt and tie for a man. Ladies would be business suit with either trousers or skirt with a plain blouse.

Smart Casual implies a dressed up version of casual. For men, this would mean neatly pressed trousers and a jacket, an open shirt (no tie) or polo shirt as long it has a collar. For women, it can be slacks, but also skirts, dresses with a coloured blouse. Jeans and sandals are to be avoided as well as T-shirts and shorts. All of which would be considered casual.

Casual implies a relaxed dress code, however unless expressed avoid wearing shorts and sandals.

In Europe or the UK in particular, business cards are given away easily as they are used as a simple way of gathering contact information.

However in the Arab world you would never give or receive a business card with your left hand. In China and Japan you should try and use both hands to give and receive.

In addition it is always good etiquette to examine the card and make a positive comment on it. If you are not sure treat the card with respect, a good way of displaying this is to place the card in a business card holder rather than putting it in your pocket.

Please call Australian Salesmasters on 02 9700 9333 to book your attendance. Looking forward to meeting with you.