Reviving Business Etiquette

It’s More Important Than You Think

Career Services1047/1058 Williams Center

912/681-5197

http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/career

What Is Business Etiquette?

• Rules that allow us to interact in a civilized fashion

• Code of behavior that is grounded in common sense and cultural norms

• Manners matter in the workplace

First ImpressionsThe Rule of 12 in Business

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

• The first 12 words• The first 12 steps• The first 12 inches• The last 12 inches

The Business HandshakeHandshakes are the physical greetings that

go with your words~ Unknown

• How to shake hands• When to shake hands• When not to shake

hands• Handshakes to avoid

Introductions in BusinessI look upon every day to be lost, in which I do

not make a new acquaintance~ Samuel Johnson

• Introducing yourself• Introducing others• Responding to introductions• What to do when you can’t

remember names• Secret to remembering names

Mixing and Mingling in Business

• Prepare in advance• Arrive early• Position yourself• Work the crowd• Don’t clump• Know when to leave

Secrets of a Great Conversationalist

• Prepare• Make eye contact & smile• Take responsibility• Use icebreakers• Ask the right kinds of

questions• Be a good listener

Exchanging Business Cards

• Carrying your card• Presenting your card• Receiving a card• When to exchange cards• With whom to exchange cards• Never leave the office without a

good supply.

Body Language

• A person’s posture, facial expressions, and gestures send messages.

• Sometimes the message is loud and clear; sometimes its is open for interpretation.

• Five places NOT to put your hands in business

Communicating in a High-Tech World

The telephone is like the theatre~ when the phone rings you are on. Be a star!

• Answering the phone• Managing the hold button• Transferring calls• Effective screening

techniques• ASAP method

Voice Mail Tips

• Your voice mail greeting

• Leaving a message

• Do’s• Don’ts

E-mail Rules

Cell Phones Speaker Phone• Picture a phone booth

• Lower your voice• Turn it off• Give notice it may

ring

• Ask for permission

• Ask for the need

Dressing for the OccasionBy the time we meet and converse, we

have already spoken to each other in an older more universal tongue.~ Allison

Lurie, Author of The Language of Clothes

• Business professional attire• Personal props and accessories• The real meaning of business

casual

Correspondence in Business

• To key or write by hand?• Front, back or sideways?• The color of the ink• Thank you notes• Addressing the envelope

In Conclusion

• Manners will make the difference in whether you get that customer, a promotion, or that first job!

• Business etiquette is simply about feeling and showing kindness and respect for those around you. It is about exercising good judgment.

• Stop to hold a door, offer to help with a heavy package, or go out of your way to say thank you!

Career Services

• Rooms 1047/1058 Williams Center• Room 3336C COBA• P.O. Box 8069• http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/career• 912/681-5197• Hours of Operation:

– Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm– Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Any Questions?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!