Friday, April 12, 2013

Business Etiquette


20. When socializing at a cocktail party, it is best to hold your glass in the left hand so that your right hand is free for shaking hands, eliminating the need to switch hands at the last minute. It also prevents you from offering a wet handshake due to the condensation from the glass.

21. In a business scenario, one should hold a door open for superiors or clients (regardless of gender) simply as a matter of respect.

22.  Boring though it may sound the safest topics that make for small talk and serve as icebreakers in social get-togethers are the weather, popular sports or the pleasant party setting. Even if you are passionate about issues such as improving the education scenario or uprooting corruption, do not bring them up. For all you know, the person you may be talking to might be an educationist or a local politician himself/ herself! Topics such as religion, politics, family and personal appearance and grooming are an absolute no-no.

23. Perfume, cologne or aftershave should be applied sparingly, evoking a subtle scent. Strong fragrances are often offensive to business associates and therefore inappropriate in a professional venue.

24. If you end up speaking with a phone solicitor, you can simply say “I’m sorry, we’re not interested. Thanks anyway”. Then, without waiting for a reply, quickly hang up. Do not feel guilty, and think of it as doing them a favor by not wasting their time and yours.

25. If someone forgets to introduce you, it’s appropriate for you to introduce yourself by saying something like: “My name is Jane; I don’t believe we've met, and you are?”

26. When two business people communicate stand about 3 feet apart. Any closer and you could invade your colleague’s personal space. Any further and you’d be yelling. This distance will vary depending on a country; know the cultural differences before conducting business in a foreign country. 

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