Abc of professional etiquette

1. ABC of Professional Etiquette ‘A’PPEARANCE ‘B’EHAVIOUR ‘ C’OMMUNICATION Author:Nilesh khanna

2. How Does Etiquette Benefit You? Differentiates you from others in a competitive job market. Enables you to be confident in a variety of settings with a variety of people. Honors commitment to excellence and quality. Modifies distracting behaviors and develops admired conduct.

3. Critical Topics to Consider Etiquette Basics. Business communication. Professional Appearance. Office Etiquette . Networking . Dining and Table Manners.

4. Business Communication “ It’s not just what you say , but how you say it ” Effective communication in Business – Builds Rapport. Attracts Buy-ins from business Partners/counterparts. Gets your point across succinctly and Achieves the desired results

5. Business Conversation – “ The ability to communicate effectively is a leadership Skill for which companies are willing to pay a hefty premium ” To be Focused : Your Choice of words , Your Voice, use of grammar & accent. Self-evaluation of Your communication skills. (neither speak too fast nor too softly)

6. Conversation pitfalls – Speaking too loudly Speaking too fast Lack of conversation starter Verbal Garbage

7. Professional Appearance “ We Judge a book by its cover ” Basics – Dress according to your position Dress for your Client Never dress in such a way that makes you or any body feel uncomfortable Upgrade your visual resume Keep your dressing pattern situational

8. “ Image is everything ” Grooming is fundamental - Hair clean and styled appropriately Clean nails, skin and teeth Many professionals wear make-up Check fragrance and clothing care

9. Professional Attire “ Keep your clothes well pressed will keep you from looking hard pressed” – Coleman Cox Formal Attire For women – skirted/pant suit, blouse / Saree or dress shirt, clean well maintained dress shoes (generally closed-toe shoe) For men – suit, dress shirt, tie (well maintained dress shoes)

10. Business Casual For women - dress pants, shirt, Salwar - Kurti casual shoe (no tennis shoes, flip flops, etc.) For men – slacks/khaki/chinos pants, polo shirt, or other collared dress shirt, well maintained dress or casual shoes (no tennis shoes, flip flops, etc.) **NOTHING SLOPPY**

11. Office Etiquette “ Politeness gets you ahead ” Be helpful with the new comers Help your colleague in their hour of need. Disagree gracefully.

12. Attending a meeting – Come prepared Stand up ,smile and offer a Shake hand Introduce yourself and your colleague Offer a beverage/ glass of water Start with Small Talks Listen carefully Keep a strict eye on the time and Agenda Be concise and articulate when speaking Show respect and accompany your visitor to the lift/reception area.

13. Cubical – Keep in mind that others work around you. Professional business calls only. Use your “inside voice” when on the phone or speaking with a co-worker. Remember cubical conversations and calls can be heard by others (use discretion and good judgment as there is no “free air space”). Respect privacy Minimize cubical decoration Maintain hygiene and Manage odor

14. Telephone Etiquette – Use appropriate tone of voice. Avoid use of Irritating Ringtones Never make a business call to your client after the Business hours Maintain a positive attitude. Remove slang terms and use good listening skills. Take complete phone messages (name, date, time, reason for calling, where they can be reached). Cell phone – TURN IT OFF.

15. Email Etiquette – Make subject line specific. Address emails. Reply to a question- copy question into your email and then provide your response. Follow standard writing guidelines - business letter format as a professional courtesy. Keep it short and concise. Include your name and contact information. REMEMBER – NOTHING is confidential when sent electronically.

16. Email Etiquette : “ Golden Rules ” Emails are not a substitute for face to face meetings Emails lacks Confidentiality Wait…….. Don’t hit ‘ SEND’

17. Business Etiquette Making a positive impression – Recognize that what you do early on will be magnified Be ready to learn, adapt and change. Exercise professional maturity by showing good judgment and build good relationships.

18. Show a healthy respect for colleagues experience and expertise. Exhibit a positive attitude and know what your role will be on the team – How can I best assist? Leave your personal life at the front door. Inquire about the proper way to respond to co-workers, supervisors, clients ( Business letter head, phone call etc.)

19. How to Manage Different types of Colleague - Gossip Mongers - be a part of the gossip but don’t contribute The show offs – Smile politely , say ‘WOW !’ and move on The Human Encyclopedia – use this walking talking encyclopedia when needed Mr. /Ms. Impolite - accept the honest remark gracefully Over-friendly ‘Cling-wrap’ – one who would want to take you completely under his/her wings.

20. What is Not Appropriate in Business etiquette? No swearing. No loud or obnoxious behavior. No crude comments or topics. Subjects to avoid : health, gossip, love life, politics, religion, race and inappropriate stories or jokes.

21. Business Networking Why Networking ? because it is one of the most effective ways of expanding your database of business contacts . People in your Network Business associates Teachers/professionals Friends Family

22. Types of networking Events – Global seminar Exhibition Trade Fair Sports Events Private clubs Cocktail parties

23. The GOLDEN RULES of Office parties – They are ‘ Strictly Business’ The invite Show up & Stay Put Your Conduct It’s a network event Loose lips sink ships

24. BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE Don’t travel with your friends Make direct eye contact, smile and speak Contribute positively to the conversation with your thoughts and open ended questions Don’t monopolize someone’s time If appropriate, collect business card(s) Politely excuse yourself and move on to another individual

25. THANK YOU