|
tips4me.com - business etiquette | BUSINESS ETIQUETTE |  | | BUSINESS MEETING ETIQUETTE |  |
You’ve finally convinced your boss into thinking that you’re perfect for that business meeting with that really important client. This could be your one chance to get that long-pending promotion and prove yourself to your boss. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind when going for a business meeting.
 | Reach the venue of the meeting well in advance. Whether it’s to be held in your own office or your client’s, make sure that you’re present there at least a quarter of an hour before the stipulated time. You can run over your presentation, check if all the equipment is in place and fully functional and be present in the boardroom when your business partner arrives. | | | Make sure that you have everything you need for your presentation in place. This would include your whole presentation with all the slides in the right order, all your paperwork, documents (if any) that the client would need to sign as well as all corporate financial figures that would be required. | | | Many a times a lot of people who go for client meetings invariably forget to carry their business cards with them or make the mistake of carrying just a few cards. Although this might not seem like a big deal, it really is. Your business card would be a physical reminder of you and your firm once the meeting is over. | | | Dress appropriately, perhaps a little better than how you would when you go to work. Remember that when you go for a meeting you’re representing your entire organization so you don’t want to come off looking shabby and underdressed. No matter what anyone says, clothes and outward appearances do matter. | | | Converse with your business partners either before or after the meeting. Many people prefer to do this a few minutes prior to the meeting as it helps them break the ice as well as makes them a little less nervous before the presentation. This is the best way to get your business partners to remember you the next time they’re interacting with your firm. | | | | | | Business lunch etiquette | |
As schedules become more hectic, the business lunch continues to grow in popularity. Make sure to do things right when meeting over lunch with a prospective client or important associate. The last thing you want is for your encounter to be the final one.
Avoid extravagance. Pick a quality restaurant noted for its good food and reliable services.
Book a table that is in a quiet corner where business can be discussed without too many noisy disturbances.
Leave instructions at the counter to usher in your guests to your table.
You need to stand up when someone arrives and wait for them to be seated before you sit down.
If the client has a cocktail, follow his lead. If they order alcohol, you can too, but limit your drinks to one or two light ones. If they don't drink, you don't.
Enter gracefully, don’t be late. People typically have a limited amount of time for lunch.
Take time to chat. Don’t delve into business until you’ve placed your order. Instead, make conversation, and try to get beyond the weather. Most people love to talk about themselves, so ask thoughtful questions that aren’t too personal in nature, and actively listen to your dining companions’ responses.
Despite all of your preparation, you may make a faux pas during a business lunch - remain calm. A fork could slip out of your hand, or a piece of food could get stuck in your throat. Pardon yourself, smile and continue the conversation. Your ability to handle a glitch with grace will make a far deeper impression than any minor blunder could.
The most important people are the ones sitting in front of you. Remember to turn off all cell phones. If you answer a phone call and discuss other business in front of them, the meeting may be over before it began.
Order with care: Ignore your craving for the barbecue pork sandwich or any other potentially messy dish. By sticking to easy-to-eat items, you’ll save yourself the embarrassment of sauce dripping down your shirt. Also, don’t order the most pricey entrée if you’re not paying, and follow the lead of your host when it comes to appetizers, desserts and other extras.
| | Making A Client Wait | |
An urgent and unexpected task may lead to unavoidable delays at times. The situation becomes even more critical when one has a client waiting in the office wondering about the appointment that had been fixed well in advance! So, how does one avoid alienating a customer who has been inadvertently placed in such an awkward situation?
• First, take the trouble to make apologies in person. Tell your client how long you are likely to be delayed. If you are away from office, have your secretary or a colleague do this for you.
• Offer refreshments and reading material. This is definitely an occasion to pamper him.
• Don't keep him waiting longer than 15 or 20 minutes. If you can't get away from the urgent task delaying you, explain the situation, apologise and schedule another meeting.
• Call to express regret for wasting his time. Making amends and restoring goodwill should be your top priority.
| | Learn About The Art Of Gifting | | |
The act of gifting is a symbolic way of marking special occasions, impressing another, expressing thanks, and sometimes offering a bribe! Your reason for gifting is your business, but here are some tips on how to do it graciously.
• Ensure that your choice of gift is appropriate for the occasion, and for receiver. For instance, a chocolate cake given to a friend on a diet would be a little thoughtless!
• Sometimes very expensive gifts could embarrass the receiver, especially if he is not in a position to reciprocate with one of similar value. Be sensitive to this issue.
• Certain companies have strict policies about their employees NOT accepting expensive gifts or any gifts from business associates. Take note.
• Be careful when considering your choice of gift, by keeping the nationality of the person in mind. Certain items may signify mourning, or be considered a bad omen and the last thing you need to do is upset a foreign business associate, whom you’re trying very hard to impress.
| | Express Yourself Through Your Business Card | |
Business stationery is the first step in building a corporate identity. It allows a free expression of one’s true personality in a smart, 'business’ sort of way. If you are an artist, or employed ‘in the media’ you can give your imagination free rein. For most other kinds of business, it is best to be conservative and project an image of practicality.
The finer print…
The purpose a business card is to introduce you. It is also an invitation to establish and retain communication.
• Your card should bear your name, position and responsibility in the organization, the name of the business, address, a scaled down logo (if any) and information about how you can be contacted.
• Use a standard sized business card. If your card is too large to fit into a card holder or wallet, it will end up in the back of a drawer or thrown in a dustbin, and it’s of no use to anyone there!
• The standard business card measures 31/2 inches by 2inches. The most appropriate font size for a business card is 8-10 point for name and business name and 6.5-8 point for address and other information.
| |
tips4me.com
| |
|
BC Web Wise Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or
in part in any form or medium without express written