BUSINESS ETIQUETTE ESSENTIALS PART 2

Business Etiquette is the conduct or procedure required within a business: - This starts from the door of your establishment. The fist-contact personnel, typically security and front-end staff. They should be clean, smart, professional and polite. They should be firm but helpful and inspire confidence in the visitor to engage in a business relationship with you. First impressions are lasting impressions.

Ensure that everyone in your office exhibits courtesy and civility: be respectful, be considerate, be sensitive, be humble, be kind.

A few points to note:

1.   Dress for the next position – whether you are in a casual or formal environment, it is important to be deliberate about your dressing. Attention should be drawn to the value and integrity of your business, not to your person. Always dress a level higher than your current position.

There is a saying: ‘be armed for success.’ The longer your sleeves, the greater your air of authority. Except the job specifically demands it, shorts sleeves (or sleeveless dresses for ladies) are considered inappropriate in a formal office setting.

The gentleman’s rule of leather-to-leather and fabric-to-fabric shows that the belt and shoes should match, while socks and trousers are also to match.

2.   Adjust your verbal and body language:  Show that you are interested. Cell phones should be in silent mode and not looked at, for the duration of your conversation. This shows respect for your client. The rule of the thumb is: Person over gadget. You can always return a missed call later.

Carefully choose your words and be mindful of the tone of your voice. Be clear and audible, but your voice should not be unduly raised.

3.   Never assume you are on a first name basis – even if you are introduced to a younger person, use the name and title you were given during the introduction, unless invited to do otherwise.

4.   Stand up when meeting people for the first time and go around any object that may be between you and the person you are met (desk, chair, etc.). Make eye contact and smile. During the present era or the COVID-19 pandemic, a handshake would be considered inappropriate. A nod of the head, slight bow or the namaste (both hands with palms touching, held in front of you), is gaining global acceptance.

5.   Respect the ‘Law of 13’ – If all your accessories amount to over 13, you are overdressed. Earrings, chains, necklaces, bangles, ornamental buttons, brooches, cuff links, lapel pins and even the buckles on your shoes are included.

To get it right, seeing that the world has become a global village, as it has often been said, it is vital for anyone wishing to succeed to enrol in a professional etiquette class.  Where education and skill stop, etiquette begins.  Regardless of whether you are a housewife, a job seeker, an entrepreneur, CEO or a public office holder, good etiquette provides the much-needed polish to make the rough, unattractive looking stone transform into the sparkling gem that it really is.  The knowledge of etiquette lends the right expression to your assets.  It ensures that you are always the partner of choice, through the manifestation of impeccable behaviour, a positive attitude, professionalism, attentiveness, good grooming and tact.  Etiquette is the key guaranteed to open the double doors of opportunity and success.  The wise key into it.

Sonye Allanah

Certified Etiquette/Image Consultant

Abuja