Business Etiquette

When you ask Myspace users to listen to your music, there are a few things to keep in mind... Artists and bands on Myspace want to expose as many people to their music as possible. Clearly I am on Myspace to do the same and then some. I know that when artists send a message or comment asking me to listen to their music that I am not the only person that received the request and it's not necessarily because they are seeking my approval or opinion...they simply want to be heard and are hoping for a new fan. Here's the thing with me and probably other Myspace users. I am open to a wide variety of music and genres but I am particular about what I let into my subconscious mind. Just to give you an idea of where I am coming from here are two quotes that I take to heart: Take control of your suggestive environment and only let in words, images, and ideas you desire. Feed your mind with mental protein, not mental candy. Read, listen to and watch positive, upliftng material. So ...

Have you ever heard the saying, "You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression?" While that may not always be true in love, it is definitely true in business. In fact, the effects of a first impression in business go far beyond the initial contact creating a domino effect. Everyone that comes in contact with your business, even if it's only with your business card, becomes a potential customer and advertiser. They can have a positive or negative effect on the success of your business. This is why making a good first impression is so important, every time. So how do you make your first impression count and create a positive domino effect? You make a commitment to be your best, on and off the clock, and in every detail of your business. This includes network meetings, cold calling and the delivery of your product or service. It also encompasses your business identity, sales materials, business operations, direct mail campaigns, print advertisements ...

Your big remodeling project might be very exciting for you and your family but have you stopped to wonder how the neighbors are going to feel about it? It is worth taking the time to follow a few of these "remodeling etiquette" tips to make sure that you remain on good terms: * Let your neighbors in on your remodeling plans well ahead of the first day that the contractors arrive. Tell them when the remodeling work will begin, the approximate completion date and what remodeling work you are actually having done. * Only have the remodelers working on your home during reasonable business hours. It may be tempting to let them start before nine, or work on a Saturday morning but the neighbors are likely to be less than thrilled to be woken by the sounds of sawing and hammering on the only day they can have a lie-in. * If there are going to be large trucks parked in the street that may affect your neighbors' access to their homes or parking spaces discuss it with them ahea...

If you are a keen golfer, then you probably have two very distinct groups of people you play with - your close friends, and business associates. When you play with friends, you can probably get away with a few less than polite activities on the course, but when you play with business associates, they are not only watching you play, but watching you in general. There are a few must learn business golf etiquette rules that you should never break, and in this article, we list them. Patience Is a Virtue Be patient. Patience is most certainly a virtue, and when you are on the golf course, being patient is not only polite, but a good idea when you are playing with business associates. Wait your turn, do not try to rush other groups, and do not show your impatience. Trying to rush the game, or trying to rush others, will not reflect well on you! If you are pressed for time, you probably should not be playing business golf anyway, so only play when you can do so at your leisure. Don't...

Happy New Year! New attitude? New habits? The past year brought many changes, unfortunately, when it comes to proper technology use, many still feel online is a free for all. Certainly that is not the case and is simply a misnomer to lend shelter to those who still do not want to make the effort to learn the online rules of the road. Everyone can improve on their skills -- if they are willing. Remember, perception is the only reality online! Those you communicate with will form an impression about you based on how you choose to use technology - positive and negative alike. For whatever reason, these issues in particular, are those that I notice are neglected by too many on a daily basis. Make a commitment to improve in these areas and you may find your online activities to be more enjoyable as well as more profitable and effective. It won't hurt; rather it will only add to the positive impression you will make with those who communicate with you. Many who may never have t...

$elling $elling $elling What makes a great sales person? Well, the natural ability to sell defnitely could not hurt. Sales people are a passionate, obviously people oriented, motivated and energetic bunch. An entrepreneur needs to be everything in one. And one key ingredient to molding an entrepreneur is his/her ability is to be a good salesman. Why after all how can run a business if you can't sell your product or service? It obviously makes no sense whatsoever. An entrepreneur either has to be the salesman or hire a kick ass salesman to help him with the job. Sometimes they cannot be in a position to dish out a big figure salary for whatever factors be it just starting out, saving money and what not. An entrepreneur is then forced to sell and become the top salesman for his team. Factoring their creative knowledge and natural sales abilities would determine whether or not the entrepreneur is a good candidate to make his sales quotas succeed. However, if you want...

I read an article today on a brides action and reaction to a wedding gift received and I could not, NOT have a thought about it, or have something to say about it. I was shocked, appalled and simultaneously empathetic and sympathetic to BOTH parties!! Who are the 2 parties? The article states something around 1 guest & 2 Brides (but that sort of confuses me). Anyway, the crux of the matter is this: The Bride(s) from UK, sent an SMS a guest from Ontario, Canada and began a Hellish WAR of Words, because... (and here's the kicker)... the bride felt the gift she received was "too cheap"! Now, you, being the reader of the article, may instinctively choose one party over the other and will definitely have very valid reasons in doing so. The article writers themselves took a quick survey and there were people who favored both sides. But let me (for arguments sake) explain my dilemma and why I can't chose one over the other as easily. Let me begin by saying, I can...

Business phone systems are communication systems that all businesses need. They usually consist of handsets, interconnectivity and a host of host of features including hands free intercom, silent room monitoring, internal paging, caller I.D, etc. The system should work well with other equipment like answering machines, cordless phones, fax machines and computer modems. Basically. There are three kinds of commercial phone systems on the market today. They are the Key system, Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems and KSU-less phones. PBX systems are suited for firms with over 40 plus employees and also suited for advanced functionalities. The Key system is suitable for a 5-40 employee firm. This system uses a central unit called as a key system to provide unique features like allowing users to make calls to another in-office extension. The problem with this system is that it is less customizable. Recent technological developments have blurred the distinction between PBX and Key sys...

One of the beauties of staying at a vacation rental home is you have the option of eating in. However, you're most likely to venture out for a few meals during your trip. Eating at a restaurant in a foreign country is intimidating, especially when you don't speak the language or understand the cultural nuances. If you're headed for Costa Rica here are 3 tips that will help you feel and act like a local. Tip #1 - The Check Will Never Come Unless You Ask for It Unlike the western world where the waiter can't wait to hustle you out the door and seat another customer to get his next tip, a Costa Rican waiter treats clients with a completely different attitude. In the land of Pura Vida (live the pure life) no one rushes and there's time for everything. Don't sit at your table and fume thinking you're getting poor service because the waiter hasn't brought your check yet. It isn't bad service, it's cultural. Costa Ricans feel you should relax, enjo...

Business cards have to be one of the cheapest forms of advertising that there is. That is "if" they are distributed. With that said, I've had some business colleagues that hang on to their cards like they're dollar bills. Now me, I'm just the opposite. If you get within arms length of me, you're going to get one of my cards and I'm going to try to get one of yours. That leads to the point of this article. I recently had a young salesman ask me this question: Is it okay to automatically add somebody to your database when you have their business card? My return question was: where did you get the card? If you just came across it and never met the person, then my answer is no. But, if it was at a trade show or networking function I would say yes. But even then, I would use the following stipulations: It depends on which database you are taking about. Let me explain. 1. If it is a potential client, I'll tell them that I'll be sending them an email...

Telephones have been around for more than 100 years. And now cell phones have become common place, even among some elementary-age children. More and more companies are finding the need to review Office Etiquette guidelines with their employees, taking into consideration how dependent we have become on devices such as cell phones and Smartphones. Keep these 10 tips in mind the next time you find yourself on the phone: Speaker phones were never designed to use in a cubicle or open floor office setting. They have the incredible ability to pick up the littlest of noises and are best if used in a closed door meeting or conference room. If you work in a non-private office, be sensitive to those around you by using a hand- or head set. Speaker phones work great in conference rooms or offices with doors. Just be sure to shut the door before getting started with your conversation. In the event of coughing, dogs barking, sneezing or other bodily sounds, know where your mute button is. Ot...

Success is your birthright so anyone can have it. Here are a few etiquette rules that children can follow to help them to become more successful in life: Ten Etiquette Rules for Children Do's 1. Stay away from people who are troublemakers 2. Say please, thank you, excuse me, good morning/evening, I am sorry 3. Put your hand over your mouth when you cough 4. Be kind to other people 5. Be polite on the telephone 6. Be neat and clean 7. Obey parents/teachers/elders 8. Go to church 9. Boys should open the door and always pull the chair out for a girl 10. Boys should take their hats off inside the building Don't 1. Chew gum in class or church 2. Talk with food in your mouth or throw it across the room 3. Talk when adults are talking 4. Use curse words 5. Smoke or drink alcohol 6. Curse parents/teachers 7. Be rude to other people 8. Act ugly in public 9. Put other people down or tease them all the time 10. Lie on other people and get them in trouble Copyright © 2007, Dr. M.E....

Business cards are a common form of advertising and of the exchange of contact information between businessmen and the public. They have a long history that dates as far back as the 15th century in China. The business card began as a "visiting card" or a calling card. It was a social convention that was bound by some very strict etiquette rules. The visiting card was introduced to Europe in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV who was known as the Sun King. In the same century the practice began to take hold in English society. At around the same time, the card moved from its social beginnings to a business purpose with the introduction of the trade card. It was a period where newspapers were an undeveloped resource, and the media that is the center of today's advertising did not exist. The trade card was designed to direct the public to a merchant's location and usually contained a map and directions. This was at a time when the current system of stree...

Have you ever thought about how much rudeness may be affecting your bottom line? What is the cost to your company when you or the people who represent you lack proper manners? Do you know how many clients are turned off by employees who would rather carry on a conversation with each other than with the person who came to purchase your service or product? Can you count the number of people who hang up and call someone else because the person who answered your phone put them on hold without asking permission? How does the client rate your professionalism when the employee who welcomes him to your office looks as if she is dressed for a day at the beach? Do your employees understand that it is more offensive then friendly to call the client by first name unless asked to do so? Are your employees treating each other with courtesy and respect? Do they honor the invisible walls of each other's cubicles? Do they work as a team and help each other or do they act like cast membe...

Etiquette...we talk about it all the time. One dictionary defines it as the code of ethical behavior regarding professional practice or action among the members of a profession in their dealings with each other. There's an acceptable code of behavior for just about everything yet, there are clear violations every day. Let's take email marketing for example. Do you have a cluttered inbox full of crap that you have no intention of reading? What about emails with no subject lines or those that make it dam near impossible to unsubscribe? Yes! We're talking about email marketing etiquette because if you're building a business whether on or offline, email marketing should be part of your strategy and if it is then you need to take notes. Email Marketing Etiquette Tip #1- Build organically When you're starting to build your list, it may be very tempting to purchase a list just to give you a jump start in your marketing. However, what you're purchasing is a bunch o...

Thailand is one of the business centers in South East Asia. Bordering Burma to the west, Cambodia in the east, Laos in the north and Malaysia in the south, Thailand's economic growth makes it a popular destination for western investors. Tourism, garment and textile industries, agricultural processing, cement, computer parts, beverages and light manufacturing industries are the main drivers of the country's economy. The government of Thailand is a monarchy headed by the king. The majority of Thais are Buddhists, making up about 94 percent of the population. The rest are Muslims (4 percent) and Christians (1 percent). Thailand's capital city is Bangkok, which is also the country's commercial center. Other cities that are popular with expatriates are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chonburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Khon Kaen. Doing Business in Thailand Understanding the country's people and their culture is one of the things that...

For many of us, mobile technology is our lifeline. Whether it's a Smartphone, Netbook, Laptop, Electronic Reader, iPad, or some other handheld electronic device we rely on them to communicate with others and to keep us updated almost instantaneously. While they have become a vital part of our personal and professional lives, mobile technology can also be a hindrance by causing unnecessary disruptions in the workplace. To ensure your mobile technology doesn't hinder you professionally, here are a few basics tips to follow especially when attending business meetings and training sessions: #1 - Turn off your mobile phone when attending a meeting room. If you are expecting an important call, it should be placed on vibrate, prior to entering the meeting. #2 - If you are expecting an important call, always advise the meeting facilitator in advance. Then when the call comes in, quietly ease out of the room to take the call. Also, be mindful of the volume of your voice, if you a...

As more and more people begin using conferencing as part of the standard way to conduct business---the question is poised, what are the do's and do not's of conducting a conference call?  We seem to have business etiquette for introductions, making presentations---but for those who are venturing into webinars and demos via web conferencing---how can I ensure a professional call and experience? Like any meeting the key is to practice and prepare ahead of time.  If you are using a new audio or web service for the first time-make sure to test out your dial-in number and passcode, check your equipment (speaker phone, handset or web cam) and of course make sure that you have all your documents or presentation materials ready (if you are conducting a demo or sharing).  Here are our first official 5 tips (we will post another 5 tips tomorrow before the holiday weekend): Plan ahead for an efficient and effective meeting. In the conference invitation, inform participants of ...

Do you gossip? I bet you think you don't, so did I until I got caught out - then had to Google the definition of gossiping and the truth is we all do (well probably about 90% of us) to greater or lesser degree, some worse than others, and those that don't are either in line for a heavenly seat or mute!! We all share that juicy morsel of information with our friends not maliciously and usually without a second thought never thinking that it could be passed on -I won't repeat it, honest- how many times has someone said it to you, and then you heard your own gossip repeated back to you? Well gossip has now entered a new age with a bang - The Social Media Age!! As the famous footballer story unfolded over the weekend never was it so clear who not to trust your secrets with - preferably not anyone who is on Twitter and has thousands of followers!!! In the 24 hours following the court gagging order Twitter users flouted the order and posted approx 6000 tweets naming the foot...

Happy Holidays! In the diamond business October begins our Holiday season. We have 3 solid months of extra work, longer hours, and an increase in inventory. This means your retail jeweler will have more work which means it could take longer to get your custom diamond ring or diamond earrings finished. During this time of the year it is a great time to purchase a pair of diamond studs for your loved one and it is the time of the year where more young couples get engaged on Christmas and New Years. If you are reading this right now you might be having those same thoughts crossing your mind. Congrats! This is a great time to purchase an engagement ring but here are a few tips to help you through this chaotic time. Most important part of the holiday shopping for diamonds of any sort is to start early! October and early November should be your starting point. Don't wait till Black Friday or the 15th or 20th of December. You would much rather have a larger selection to choose from a...

Are you wondering how to start a business online? Would you like to build online business for free? Well, you're in the right place! Starting your own online business can be fun, rewarding, and profitable. It definitely takes time, but you'll be happy to know that it doesn't have to take a large financial investment. In fact, you can begin to build online business for free, starting right away! Below are 5 strategies that you can begin to implement this week! 1. Start Tweeting Running an online business is best accomplished once you've established a large social network. Today's savvy marketers are using online marketing to do so, and Twitter is the hottest place to be to build online business! This social media giant, once used primarily as a means to communicate quickly with friends and family, has grown in popularity as a free marketing tool. the site grew by 1,382% between Feb 2008 and Feb 2009 as a result of the masses of people joining Twitter for help ...

The verdict is out, and it's split. Some people say it's OK to text message clients, while others say, "no way!" Here's the correct answer! Text away, but GET PERMISSION FIRST. In an initial meeting with a client, you should find out which methods of communication your client prefers. Some will prefer text messages, while others will let you know that texts are a "no-no." Now should your client indicate he or she prefers receiving texts, we offer the following suggestions: - Do preface a text with an introductory statement such as, "This is [your name], your [state professional relationship]." - Do not assume the client has stored your information in his or her phone. - Do not include an auto signature with each text. Though they serve as identifiers, they get annoying, as phone and PDA screens are only so big. - Never return a client's call with a text. If the client wanted to text, he or she would've texted you first. A call plac...

If you are an entrepreneur, just starting out, then there's a good chance you have heard (or are living) the old saying 'fake it till you make it.' These days, it is easier than ever to project a professional corporate image, even when you are operating from your garage. You can attend business-networking meetings in borrowed suits; you can spend on business cards, and eat baked beans for a week, all in the name of projecting that image. The good news is that it is possible to fake it until you make it with business golf, and in this article, we look at the how, and the why. Why Play Business Golf Before You Need To? Firstly, I have to say that there is no such thing as 'before you need to' when it comes to business golf, or any other marketing activity for that matter. The real question is, if you are just starting out, looking for an edge, for that thing that is going to take you from zero to hero, then why aren't you taking advantage of doing business on...

This year, chauffeur services took an incredible ascent, creating excitement among seasoned and new entrepreneurs alike to venture in this thriving industry. If you're a neophyte businessmen looking to get your fair share of success from this trade, put on your business hat and start your own chauffeur service with these tips. To rise from among the rest, come up with unusual schemes. You may consider building your business around a central theme or a current trend - like as EnviroCar, which uses only fuel-efficient hybrid luxury cars, in line with the current hype on environment-friendly lifestyle. Consider, too, providing additional services such as entertainment, food service, telephone service and personal assistance. 1. Study the chauffeur business It would be of great help to seek mentoring from the chauffeur service veterans. Acquire information on the ins and outs of the business. Learn effective strategies and suitable promotional tactics from those who have been long...

Many home based business start with nothing else but an idea and somebody's will to make that idea into a reality. While it's true that financing can help you start up quicker and make your new business into your only job sooner, a home based business can become a full time career quickly if you use your resources wisely. It's important however to take a good look at your business idea before abandoning it all to chase after your dream, since some business ideas won't be profitable and you may need to adapt it and correct any potential issues before starting up. Viability analysis of a business idea You should go to great lengths to decide about the potential of a business idea, because your vision may be clouded by the fact that you'd love to make your business idea into your full time job. Do not leave a stone unturned, and quantify things. Do not buy a full warehouse before knowing for sure that there is enough people willing to buy those goods, even if you ...

Having a presentable and identifiable business card is important. But equally important is how we exchange our cards. Since I partake in a lot of business networking meetings and am constantly meeting new people and potential clients, I have seen a variety of ways people pass out their business cards and how they handle cards they receive. I felt that it was time to brush up on the do's and dont's of passing out business cards. Here's a few tips I'd like to share to improve your business networking interactions: 1) Make sure your business card is clean, has no dog-eared folds, and doesn't have any writing on it. Of course make sure that all the information is current. Just like wearing a clean and pressed outfit with no stains, so should you think about anything that you give a prospective client. You don't show up with a wrinkled shirt and expect that your prospective client take you seriously. 2) Never force your card on someone that did not ask for it. A...

A designated secretary can handle phone calls by herself but at one point, the whole office will benefit from a business phone answering service. As your business grows, clients will be calling at off-peak hours or during times when no one is available to answer. There are office hours that clients should respect but it would boost your business if your client knows that you have a customer service line that's reachable anytime. This will boost sales and productivity, two must-haves in business. These services are necessary in handling the endless calls that come in at unpredictable times of the day, and even at night. A business phone answering service is more personal than a voice mail or pre-recorded voice because the needs of the customers are addressed directly and immediately. A phone call can be redirected to a business phone answering service line if no one picks up your office line. The phone answering provider will then receive the messages given by your customer and...

How overcoming cultural differences in communication benefits business. Today companies trade goods and provide services to global customers. Many companies have facilities in different countries and most companies, small and large, work already with a highly diverse, international workforce. Communication is clearly the enabler of any kind of cooperation and business activities - nationally and internationally. Different cultures have particular business communication styles, well accepted and adopted by their population. Other cultures have different ways to conduct business and with that, use different styles to open, discuss, negotiate and close business deals and maintain business relations. What is the best way to communicate for people of different cultural background? The potential customer's style or the one that relates to the language used during the communication? Unfortunately there is no clear answer to this question. Specific communication styles have developed ...

Remember the old days when sending an email seemed high-tech? Now we're all on Twitter (or at least I am), and using social networking sites to expand our business and connect with clients and colleagues. One of my favorite online tools is LinkedIn. As an image consultant, it's great for virtual networking-with the added bonus that I don't have to wear heels or make small talk over canapés! What many people don't realize though is that LinkedIn has more advanced features that can help you promote your services with just the few clicks of a mouse. Here's how: Create a profile. Think of your LinkedIn profile as an online resume. Even if you aren't looking for a job, your skills and past work experience can help you make contacts with people in related areas. Add a photo and a link to your business site or blog, and always keep your information up-to-date. Make friends. Invite fellow LinkedIn members from your email address book, whether it's a former cli...