Business etiquette: Because most of us dont even know it exists

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Greetings friends and students i trust you all had a wonderful easter holiday and are ready to get back some of that money you used and abused over the long holidays. And today we are going to talk about business etiquette because such a thing exists even though most of us are not aware of it. It exists and it is very much at work in the business world and as such you need to know what it is. In simply terms etiquette refers to rules of conduct or decorum when it comes to conducting business or any thing else. It is about mannerisms and codes of conduct that are neither written down nor spoken but should be common knowledge. And these codes of conduct also exist in the business world. First we will talk about some basic rules.

• Be punctual..for all meetings and appointments
• Use formal language and be professional
• Dress appropriately and look (and smell) your best
• Always carry your business proposal with you
• Know your products and suppliers inside and out
• Be aware of current business trends and news

1. Send a Thank You Note

This sounds very silly when you hear it for the first time but it is shockingly true. You need to send a thank you note to suppliers and the like when you conduct business with them. The thank you note should never die. If you have a job interview, or if you're visiting clients or meeting new business partners—especially if you want the job, or the contract or deal—take the time to write a note. You'll differentiate yourself by doing so and it will reflect well on your company too.

2. Know the Names

It's just as important to know your peers or employees as it is to develop relationships with clients, vendors or management. Reach out to people in your company, regardless of their roles, and acknowledge what they do.
We spend too much of our time these days looking up – impressing senior management. But it's worth stepping back and acknowledging and getting to know all of the integral people who work hard to make your business run.

3. Observe the 'Elevator Rule'

When meeting with clients or potential business partners off-site, don't discuss your impressions of the meeting with your colleagues until the elevator has reached the bottom floor and you're walking out of the building. That's true even if you're the only ones in the elevator.
Call it superstitious or call it polite—but either way, don't risk damaging your reputation by rehashing the conversation as soon as you walk away.

4. Focus on the Face, Not the Screen

When you're in a meeting or listening to someone speak, turn off the phone. Don't check your email. Pay attention and be present. It is the trend now to always be on your facebook, twitter but when you are in a meeting desist from doing so.

5. Don't Judge

We all have our vices—and we all have room for improvement. One of the most important parts of modern-day etiquette is not to criticize others.
You may disagree with how another person handles a specific situation, but rise above and recognize that everyone is trying their best. It's not your duty to judge others based on what you feel is right. You are only responsible for yourself.
We live in a world where both people and businesses are concerned about brand awareness. Individuals want to stand out and be liked and accepted by their peers--both socially and professionally.
The digital landscape has made it even more difficult to know whether or not you're crossing a line, but I think it's simple. Etiquette is positive. It's a way of being—not a set of rules or dos and don'ts.
http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/glp/28411/Business-Etiquette.html
http://www.cyborlink.com/
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/business-etiquette-important-3112.html

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