And Speaking Of... Business Etiquette

While I'm OOO on The McGovern Epic Summer Adventure, I've asked a few of my colleagues from Gifted Travel Network to be featured guests on my weekly newsletter! Thank you to Sandy Adcox Saburn , GTN's Chief Membership Officer, for starting us off this week!

See you in August!

-Vanessa

When someone mentions “etiquette,” you may have visions of your grandmother drilling you on the correct way to use a knife and fork. While table manners are certainly important, there are even more unwritten etiquette rules in the business world that you need to be aware of.

Make no mistake: people notice when you break them!  

Etiquette is essentially just a set of rules within a group. In business, etiquette is about making people feel comfortable and respected, as well as presenting yourself as a professional.

These rules evolve over time, but some really are timeless. I am sharing some of the most important ones below and welcome you to comment on those you always are mindful of.

Make People Feel Welcome and Included

No one wants to be an outsider in a conversation while the rest of the group laughs at inside jokes. If you are with a colleague at a gathering and another person walks up and greets you, introduce your colleague and the new group member.

Don’t assume people know one another or remember names.

Even in a larger group, you should still be polite to every person you encounter. From the wait staff to CEO, everyone matters. You don’t have to know or be introduced to them to be polite to them.

Give Speakers Your Full Attention

Have you ever been in a meeting when someone starts scrolling through their phone?

For most people, this sends the message that this conversation and the people having it are not important to me.

Give the speaker(s) your attention. Put away your phone or other technology, and ensure your body language indicates you are engaged in the conversation.

This is also true for audience members in larger presentations. While the speaker may not see that you aren’t engaged, others around you can. If you are on your phone or having a side conversation, it clearly signals that the speaker and their message are unimportant to you. However, it might be very important to those around you.

If you must handle something urgently, it’s better to step out of the room.

Be Mindful of the Impression You Are Making

You communicate in many ways, but most of the information a person receives about you comes from non-verbal clues. Body language, eye contact, what you wear, and how you speak (more than what you say) all play a significant role.

When speaking to others, be aware of your body language. Are you giving signals of interest or disinterest? Your eye contact goes a long way here. If you are talking to someone and at the same time scanning the room, it says, “I’m looking for someone better to talk to.”

What you wear matters too. Wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the setting makes your appearance speak more loudly than what you are saying.

For instance, if you are at a conference and the attire is “business casual” and you are wearing clothes that are too casual, you look out of place. It communicates that you don’t care about where you are (or you don’t understand the rules, which can be just as bad).

Be on Time

Being late happens to all of us. Yet, some seem to think time doesn’t matter and are habitually tardy. What that says to the person you are meeting with is that you don’t value their time or possibly even them.

If you will be late, message the person and make them aware, then apologize for the delay when you arrive. This clarifies that you value the person’s time and don’t intend to keep them waiting.

Mind Your Table Manners

Your grandmother was right that correctly using a knife and fork matters.

This isn’t about knowing all 17 items in a formal place setting (Yes, 17! You can learn about them here). It's more about basic manners like chewing with your mouth closed.

Also, remember that you shouldn’t begin eating until everyone has been served (if you have skipped a course, tell your tablemates so they aren’t waiting on you to start). Try to bring everyone at the table into the conversation if possible, and don’t dominate the discussion.

One long-time rule still applies, no discussing religion or politics!

Business Card Etiquette

In today’s digital world, business cards are still important to many people. In some cultures, they are given great significance. Please pay attention to how someone hands it to you. If they present it to you with two hands outstretched, receive it the same way. Don’t just casually shove it in your pocket; hold onto the card after reading its information.

Etiquette isn’t about an archaic set of rules dreamt up years ago that no longer apply today. It’s about thinking of the larger community you are a part of and behaving in a way that makes everyone welcome and comfortable.

What are some etiquette rules that you think are timeless? Or, what are some rules that you often see broken in professional settings and always notice? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts!