The essential business conventions that make our business day easier

To become successful in today competitive business environment we have to know the rules and standards of communication. There are some essential business etiquette rules that help you to perceive yourself and know how you are perceived by others in business environment.

1. Greet and acknowledge others. When you say “Hello, “good morning” and shake hands you state your presence in a positive mode. Do not avoid anybody, (running, or hiding is not good) even you do not feel like meeting or greeting someone special.
2. Do not interrupt.  If you interrupt it shows disrespect or a lack of attention to someone’s talk. If you absolutely need to, apologize in advance.
3. Be familiar with e-etiquette.  Use the same name that was on an original message, pay attention to a last and first name.
4. Respect Physical differences. Avoid words such as handicapped, crippled or invalid.
5. Look sharp.  Remember-you have no second chance to make a first impression
6. Watch your body language. For example, rolling eyes, hiding hands behind your back or under a table are considered to be the bad manners. Think twice before you give someone a hug at work.
7. Speak loud enough but not yell. People will lose attention very quickly if you the volume of you speech is low. Evenly important, do not speak monotonously.
8. Use humor wisely. Remember, diverse cultures might understand your jokes differently.
9. Stay sober at a business lunch. One glass of a drink is plenty for business lunch.
10. Be familiar with the business lunch etiquette, which includes how to eat and talk; how to pay and how to tell your guest that she has spinach in her teeth.
11. Do not share your personal dramas or intimate life at work. Even your close friends at work can use it against you.
12. Romance at work. There are a lot of speculation about couples that share the same business world being an asset for many companies. However, it must be approved by a company policy. Evenly important, do not cross someone’s relationship at work. The last- not least, before you date your boss- be aware that is favoritism could be suspected.
13. Speak respectfully about your company. Even you are not happy about some aspects, do not share your negativity with outside world
14. Have positive confrontation when it is appropriate. It is healthy to open a discussion or express your point of view openly at work. Your silent attitude could be interpreted as ignorance or indifference.
15. Treat peers and subordinates respectfully. It is very possible that one of your former competitors might become your new teammate. Demonstrate your courtesy to everyone regardless of position or company. That way, you will avoid an awkward situation in any unexpected turn of events. 
16. Never surprise your boss. Be sure that your boss knows what you are doing. Communicate with your boss immediately if you forecast some alerts or changes.

Test your etiquette intelligence:

The best way to meet people at a business or social functions is to:

a) Rush to the nearest bar  upon the arrival.
b) Introduce yourself to two people that talk warmly.
c) Look confidently at the centre of a room and wait for someone interesting to approach you.
d) Introduce yourself to a person who stands alone or a group of people.
e) Stay close to those whom you know well and forget about others.