Professional Business Etiquette: What’s Rudeness Costing Your Organization?

What’s rudeness costing your business? Not knowing the nuisances of business etiquette could cost your business a deal. More and more businesses are hiring professional business etiquette consultants to train their employees and increase the bottom line.

Over the past eight years, First Impressions Training has trained thousands of students and employees from many organizations throughout the Lansing area. I believe professional business etiquette will enhance your career whether you are just beginning your career or are a seasoned executive.

According to Pattie McNiel, Owner of First Impressions Training here are the top ten tips on Professional Business Etiquette:

  1. When you walk into a room walk with purpose. First impressions take about 5 seconds that doesn’t get you past the “how do you do?” Dress professionally, not too much make-up or perfume/cologne, polished shoes, above all a nice smile on your face and a positive attitude. People tend to gravitate towards others who portray a positive image.
  2. Business introductions are based upon hierarchy not gender. Within your organization it is always Mr./Ms. Greater Authority I would like to introduce you to Mr./Ms. Lesser Authority. When you have a guest, customer, or client from outside of your organization they take precedence over anyone within your organization.
  3. During an introduction clasp hand firmly but not too firmly, make eye contact, and repeat the persons name right after meeting them. This will help you remember their name. Remember the sweetest sound to another person is the sound of their name. To not make an introduction would be considered rude and cause embarrassment.
  4. The key to networking is to make as many business contacts as possible for it make doing business much easier later. Remember that once you sit down for dinner/lunch you will spend the next two hours with the same people at your table. Try to pry yourself away from all the folks you typically mix and mingle with and reach out and get to know others.
  5. When entering the room for an appetizer reception please do not make a fast break to the bar or food. Mix and mingle with folks and then make your way to the buffet or bar.
  6. Business dinner conversation should not include: religion, politics, diet, or sex. So, what does that leave for proper conversation? Always allow everyone equal talking time as it is never polite to monopolize the conversation.
  7. During a business luncheon/dinner always follow the lead of the host. When they state, “enjoy dinner” place your napkin in your lap.
    From a food safety standpoint always excuse yourself should you need to blow your nose. Wash your hands thoroughly before returning to the table.
  8. When you receive someone’s business card take a moment to look at it and make a comment if your intention is to possible do business in the future.
  9. When invited to a business lunch/dinner always take the time to write a hand written thank you note to show you appreciation.

E-mail first.impressionstraining@gmail.com
Website www.firstimpressionstraining.com

Additional Information about Pattie McNiel

Pattie McNiel founded First Impressions Training (FIT) in Williamston, Michigan in 2001 upon realizing there was a need for Professional Business Etiquette workshop. Pattie has worked with many organizations and universities to help enhance their professional image. Pattie believes anything you can do to enhance your image will help you in achieving your career goals.

Other workshops Pattie provides are: Chinese Manners, Culture and Communication for business folks wishing to do business in China; The ‘Magic’ of Food Safety for Children teaching children the top ten tips on food safety; The ‘Magic’ of Civility based on the bestselling book titled Choosing Civility The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct by Dr. P.M. Forni, Cofounder of the Johns Hopkins Civility Project;
Pattie received a B.A. degree in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University (MSU) in 1996, and an M.S. in Food Service Management from the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at MSU in 1997.

In May 2008, Pattie was selected as a citizen of Williamston, Michigan who has made a difference in the community (business etiquette workshops) by receiving a Williamston Impact Award. Pattie is a member of the National Association of Professional Women.

When

Tuesday, February 23 2010 5:30–8:00 PM

Where

Lexington Hotel
925 S. Creyts Road
Lansing, MI 48917

Fee

Note: Additional $15.00 charge for each ticket type will be administered for tickets purchased at the door.

Register online for this event