Business Etiquette

No matter what business you're in, at some point you will have to make polite conversation about non-business matters. It may be with your coworkers or a business associate. Often you will need to make small talk during a job interview or when meeting a new client. Everyone knows to avoid politics and religion, but there's more to choosing a good topic of conversation than that. Read on to learn what topics are good for a business environment. The main thing to keep in mind when choosing a topic is to aim for something that your conversation partner can enjoy talking about. This will be easier to do for your coworkers, once you get to know them, but for people you've just met this can be a little trickier. The key is to pick topics that either have broad appeal and most people are somewhat knowledgeable about. Current events are a good topic that the person you're talking to is likely to know about. Obviously, you shouldn't talk about the latest political news,...

In today's business environment, we rely more and more on technology to communicate with one another. Our ability to communicate has been greatly enhanced, and our choices for communication media are ever expanding. From cellular telephones, to Email, fax machines to Palm Pilots, communication devices are linked to the way we do business now more than ever before. This new technology has had many positive benefits for the business world. Unfortunately, since the range of options has expanded at such a quick rate, many people seem to be unaware of how best to use the devices they now have. It is essential to develop an awareness of how technology should best be used to avoid negative outcomes for employees and the workplace in general. In the last two decades, communications technology in the United States has developed at an extremely rapid rate. Twenty years ago, people did not even know what "Email" was. Now, phrases like "IM me" or "Google it...

When was the last time you received a handwritten note from a business associate? It may be that it was too long ago for you to remember. On the other hand, if you have gotten one lately, you know exactly who sent it and when. Handwritten notes have become almost extinct in the business world. So if you are looking for ways to stand from the crowd, to be noticed by your colleagues and clients, try putting pen to paper whenever you have the slightest excuse. There are few acts more impressive than handwriting a letter or a note to someone with whom you do business or would like to. Most people think that writing notes by hand requires extra time and effort. Ironically, it can be quick and painless if you do it frequently and follow these tips: 1. Have writing supplies close at hand. Store stationery and stamps in the most convenient place in your desk. When you need to send a note, all you have to do is reach for your stationary, dash off a few lines, address the envelope, p...

Every year companies debate whether or not invest in business gifts and if they do, who they should give them to. Budget plays a large part in the decision making process but it is not the only important consideration. Matching the gift and perceived value to each recipient is extremely difficult even if you know your clients well, let alone if you don't. The value of the investment made in the gift and the potential return is also something that maybe people don't like to think about but nevertheless is equally as important. We give gifts to our family and friends for special occasions and over holiday periods because it is customary for us to do so and we enjoy giving. To some extent it is expected of us because of the commercial hype that has developed over so many years. However, our business associates do not expect us to give them gifts and are usually pleasantly surprised if we do. A big problem arises if we have a huge number of business contacts because not very m...

First impressions count. And there's no better way to start off on a positive note than to orchestrate a smooth, genial exchange of introduction. Follow these etiquette tips when approaching someone for the first time: Watch your timing. Establish your presence in a small group before you introduce yourself. Make eye contact with each individual first. You don't want to appear as if you're "crashing" a conversation. Higher-ups extend the first hand. Chivalry may not be dead, but it's dying. It used to be considered proper for a man to wait for a woman to extend her hand before shaking it. Today, the individual who carries the more important job title or authority level initiates a handshake. Stand and shake. Never remain seated when you're introduced to someone who's standing alongside you. The old-fashioned custom of having men stand while women remain seated has lost its currency. You're expected to stand and shake someone's hand so that...

About the United Kingdom The United Kingdom is located in Western Europe, northwest of France between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is not very large, about the size of Oregon and is home to over 60 million people. The UK is made up of four distinct regions - England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, making it very culturally and ethnically diverse. It may seem that everyone in the UK could be called English, but many people in the UK, especially those in Wales and Scotland may be offended by this. The term "English" refers to natives of England and "British" to citizens of Great Britain. Language The majority of people in the UK speak English, but many areas have strong local accents and even dialects which may be difficult to understand. In Wales, Welsh is the language of choice - a Celtic language similar to Gaelic. Welsh is also spoken in some areas of Scotland. Business Dress Business dress in the UK is very conservative - dark colors...

Like your American Express card, you should never leave home without your business cards. Business opportunities can pop up at any time -- it could be at the grocery store, in line at the movies or at Starbucks. When a business opportunity presents itself, you need to take advantage by having a business card available. The business card is a lasting impression that is left behind after you are gone. You need to make it work for you. The appearance of your business card says as much about you as your physical appearance. As the tangible evidence of your meeting, it should reflect your style, grace and class. You should never pass out a business card that looks "used" - torn, folded, frayed corners. A business card case should be mandatory. It doesn't have to be a fancy sterling version from Tiffany's. You need something to keep your cards clean and prevent folding and fraying. Another no-no is to distribute outdated cards. If your cards contain outdated informatio...