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When interacting with others in business settings, whether on the job or at business events, good etiquette skills help set you apart.
And, on the other hand, having poor business etiquette skills also creates an impression of you—but not in a positive way.
As an etiquette trainer and speaker, I can’t help but observe those with either really good business etiquette skills or those who are lacking in those skills.
For example, at a business lunch recently I noticed a gentleman who didn’t remove his baseball cap, another who buttered his roll by making a ‘pocket’ in it and sliding the butter in, and then others who were just too casually dressed for the event.
So—in this post, I want to give you five ‘gentle reminders’ of sometimes-forgotten business etiquette skills that help you present yourself in the best possible light.
To begin with…
- Dress a notch up for the event. If you think the speaker or emcee will likely wear a suit or sports coat, do the same. It might be tempting to wear that bright summer plaid shirt you just got on sale but keep that stashed in your closet for a social event with
friends. At most events, ‘business casual’ attire is appropriate, which means dress slacks, dress shirts, and polo shirts for men. For women, ‘business casual’ includes conservative dresses, dressy slacks, nice blouses, sweater sets and blazers. - Use your best table manners at business meals. That means breaking apart the roll with your fingers (not with the knife!) into two halves and butter and eat only one bite-size piece at a time. You may also like to read: Business Dining Blunders: how to correct them.
- Remove the baseball cap. Wearing a baseball hat at work may be part of the regular work attire for some industries. And that’s fine. But just remember to remove it at a business meal or other business event.
- Introduce yourself to others. Yes, it takes many people out of their comfort zone, but the more you do it the easier it becomes. And it really makes you stand out! For example, at a recent chamber lunch, I observed the speaker greet and shake hands with those at the front tables before she sat down. Impressive! You will be remembered in a positive way, too, if you shake hands and greet others at your table or introduce yourself to several new people at an event.
- Use correct titles and forms of address. For example, if someone is introduced to you as Dr. John Smith, you refer to him as Dr. Smith in conversation, not John, If Dr. Smith wants you to use his first name, he will say so. In other words, it’s courteous to use titles and forms of address rather than going too quickly to a first-name basis.
In summary, conveying good business etiquette skills in business settings is a powerful way to give a great impression.
Rachel Wagner is a licensed business etiquette consultant, trainer, and speaker. She is the owner of the Oklahoma-based business etiquette firm Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol.
Rachel provides engaging training events on business and dining etiquette topics, one-on-one coaching, and keynote speaking. She has corporate clients from many industries around the country. As an etiquette expert, she is interviewed and quoted in a variety of local and national media outlets. These include The Washington Post, MONEY, Forbes, and many more. She is also credentialed as a Virtual Event Professional and Zoom Producer.
Image source: Unsplash
You may also like to read: 7 Old Fashioned Etiquette Rules to Still Use Today.
