subject: Practice Business Etiquette [print this page] Practice Business Etiquette Practice Business Etiquette
Manners are like zero in arithmetic. They may not be much in themselves, but they are capable of adding a great deal of value to everything else. - Freya Stark -
The golden rule is as important in business as anywhere. Treat people with respect and consideration, and they'll return the favour. Furthermore, there are certain rules of conduct in business that others have every reason to expect you will follow. You can meet these expectations. Yes, you can!
Return phone calls within twenty-four hours. When the person answers, ask, "Is this a good time for you to talk?"
When holding a meeting in your office, have your incoming calls held. If there's a vital call you need to take, explain this to your guests in advance.
Don't keep appointments waiting without a personal explanation and a sincere apology.
Answer letters within ten days. Respond to every request in them.
Get to meetings on time; don't monopolise discussions. If you lead meetings, start them and end them on time.
When making presentations, don't go even one minute over the allotted time.
Introduce people properly. Present the younger / lower-ranking person to the older / higher-ranking person.
Address doctors, judges, military officers, academics and elected officials by their proper title.
Remain sensitive to the culture, religious laws and diet of international visitors and colleagues. Study the practices of other nations before you visit them.
Get a book on table manners for business meals.
RSVP within one week to all invitations.
Write thank-you notes to acknowledge any thoughtful act.
Remember, you can! (Phillipians 4: 13)
This article was written by Dr David Molapo. David Molapo is a Management Consultant, Educationalist and renowned Motivational Speakerrepresented by Conference Speakers International.
David Molapo is a Management Consultant, Educationalist and renowned Motivational Speaker. Using a fine combination of humor, an incredible stage presence and his personal life experiences, David Molapo has a unique ability to mesmerise any audience with his message of hope.
Through his public appearances, stints in the media and books, David Molapo is able to effectively motivate, inspire and guide over a million people in South Africa each year, providing them with the confidence and tools to change their lives and those of the people around them.
At the age of thirteen, David Molapo was imprisoned for political activities. It was there that he started an amazing process of changing his life that led him to be the successful businessman, leader, husband and father that he is today.
