Business etiquette 101
THE WHOLE world is a marketplace deluged with information, and the only way to stand out is to assert your “personal brand.”
Image consultant and fashion designer Delby Bragais has written a book, “The Purple Pig Wears Red Lipstick,” that explains why personal branding can help you succeed in your endeavors. (The pig is symbolic of generosity and purpose; purple stands for power and enlightenment; while red denotes for passion.)
Bragais says that personal branding is about how others see you, and how you’ve developed distinguishing qualities that give you a competitive edge.
Her work goes beyond repackaging the individual with the right wardrobe and grooming, and keeping an eye on appalling elements that undermine one’s authority such as ill-fitting clothes.
She underscores the importance of how interpersonal skills can make or break a business relationship. Language, communication savvy and etiquette facilitate more comfortable dealings.
Bragais cites the norms to which people need to pay attention:
Do you know how to make proper business introductions? Always introduce others to the person with the more honored or higher position.
How is your handshake? A proper handshake is firm, and executed with two to three pumps of the hand, replete with eye contact and a smile to express warmth.
Are you aware of the business card etiquette? The business card represents you. When handing a card, your name on the card should face the recipient. Accept business cards with both hands and study the card for a few seconds to show sincere interest.
How are your networking skills? Learn to connect by learning the art of initiating conversation, open body language, conversing in a broad range of subjects.
How is your telephone etiquette? Build good speaking and listening skills over the phone in the absence of visual cues.
Are you aware of the proper cell phone etiquette? Use your phone’s features to minimize calls that can interrupt an activity or bother others. If you must take a call, excuse yourself and move away, speak softly and keep the conversation brief.
Are you aware of proper e-mail etiquette? Always go over your e-mail for errors or possible areas for miscommunication. Keep them short and professional, and be mindful of those who are furnished with copies.
Are you using proper etiquette on social media? Although social media is used as a personal account, be mindful of your posting. It can either boost or tarnish your personal brand.
How are your dining etiquette skills? Business deals and relationships may be established over meals. Knowing your dining etiquette will enable you to steer your meals with ease and allow you to concentrate on business matters.
How is your cultural awareness and sensitivity? People from different cultures and backgrounds will perceive and interpret things differently from you. What is considered right in one’s culture may seem improper in another. Misinterpretations happen when you are not aware of the rules of conduct. Remain safe by assuming there are differences, and respect them while finding a common ground.
Do you practice civility in the workplace? Bragais quotes Dr. P.M. Forni, author of “Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct,” as saying that civility is based on the 3Rs: Respect, restraint and responsibility.
Once your appearance, behavior and communication skills are aligned, Bragais goes on to talk about charisma that not only attracts and inspires people, but actually motivates them into action.
“It is the harmonious marriage of social skills and emotional skills that allows those that possess this attribute to influence others at a deep emotional level,” she says.
Charismatic individuals have a high self-esteem, highly motivated, highly aware, visionary and energetic.
Charisma can be cultivated through the following:
Smile and look at people in the eye.
Master the art of storytelling. Talking about facts and figures won’t turn on your client. Make a connection by telling stories. Research shows that when a person is emotionally engaged, the various locations in the brain will get stimulated. Thus, the client can be more receptive to your ideas.
Use the power of body language. Open body movements can communicate ideas more clearly and make people more interested in what you’re saying. Slightly nod every so often to show agreement. Visual poise and proper posture project confidence. Purposeful strides project authority.
Speak from the heart. The most authentic communicators use positive emotional language to stir up positive reactions.
Be genuinely engaged. When speaking to someone, give your undivided attention. Make the other people feel that they are the only ones who matter.
Be a wide reader. Charismatic individuals can conduct quality conversations with people from different fields or can talk intelligently about a broad range of topics because they are well read.
Humor helps. People like to be around individuals who are light and happy. Humor can also be used to ease awkward situations.
Learn the art of small talk. Starting a conversation with mundane subjects can break the ice and open doors to building important relationships.
