Business Etiquette: Gaining That Extra Edge

When we learn the basics of etiquette, and where to apply them, we really do gain an extra edge in business. Etiquette is really a demonstration of good manners, and shows the respect you have for the people you spend time with. In this session, we will review some etiquette basics and develop an understanding of where these principles can be applied.

For some of us, remembering lessons we learned while growing up will remind us of what is proper etiquette in most situations. Like everything in life, though, things change. Rules of etiquette are no exception. In this session, we will review the pre-assignment and offer some ways to improve your etiquette.

In many cultures, the handshake is a key aspect of introductions. It can also be used to confirm understanding, be used as part of a farewell, and form the basis for a contract. Knowing how to shake hands well is essential for people who want that extra edge. In this session, we will look at the handshake technique. We will also explore when it is not appropriate and how to handle that situation.

Do you use business cards as part of your professional image? In the past, many business people maintained large collections of cards in order to keep track of their network, but now we integrate many of our contacts in electronic form. In this session, we will explore the basics for business card etiquette. We will focus on giving and receiving those cards.

When you meet people and get past the introduction, do you have a few topics handy to get the conversation going? People who are good at small talk can make connections and develop relationships readily. In this session, we will learn about the elements of small talk. We will also explore how to start and finish a conversation smoothly

Some people seem to have a gift for remembering names, while other people admit that it is something they have trouble with. For those of us who have difficulty, we can get better at remembering names by applying a few techniques. In this session, we will learn some techniques to help you remember names.

Some people become the center of attention when they enter a room. Other people enter a room and make whomever they meet the center of attention. What kind of an impression are you making? In this session, we will consider all of the aspects of a great first impression. Just as we watch people, they are also watching us.

If you drink certain soft drinks, eat at a certain restaurant, or wear a certain kind of clothes, you have looked at the brands associated with them. In our personal lives, the way we look reflects our own personal brand and what people associate with us. In this session, we will learn about dressing for success.

Going out for a nice meal, where the table is set elegantly and the meal is served by attentive staff, can feel wonderful. It can also strike fear into the hearts of the uninitiated, who are not sure how to behave. In this session, we will learn essentials that will help you to dine properly, whether you are going somewhere for work or to your own wedding.

Mastering etiquette for email and the telephone is essential in today’s workplace. It is important that our messages get noticed in the right way. In this session, we will learn the essential techniques of email and telephone etiquette, including what to say and how to go about it.

Disorganized and poorly run meetings are time wasters for everyone involved. In this session, learn how to run an effective and efficient meeting, whether it is in-person or electronic. As well, learn what is expected when you are invited to attend a meeting.