Business Etiquette

Etiquette generally is an important aspect of Japanese life and culture, so it should come as no surprise that business etiquette in Japan is one of those things Westerners would do well to learn a little about ahead of their first business trip. It won't take you long to see evidence of the importance of etiquette when you arrive at an Airport in Tokyo for example. Narita, Tokyo's main international airport is around 90 minutes drive from the centre of Tokyo and one of the easiest and most cost effective ways into the city is by using The Airport Limousine Bus. You will find the ticket desk in arrivals where you can buy your ticket and then step outside to join the queue. You will notice as a bus pulls in, at least one attendant on the kerbside will welcome the bus with a polite bow. Once parked up, the door will open and the driver will step out and bow to his colleagues and customers waiting for the bus. This is closely followed by a frenzy of activity while the attenda...

For a raucous good time, nothing beats a Chinese banquet. The Chinese love to conduct business while eating, and if you are lucky, your trip will include one of these feasts. The atmosphere is very different from a formal Western dinner. While a Chinese banquet can often seem rowdy, there is in fact a deep foundation of etiquette. Traditionally the host sits facing the door of the private room, to allow passersby to see (and admire) him. The meal begins with a selection of appetizers such as chilled meat. Try a little of everything. Sometimes, it's best not to know what you are eating. Soon you will stand up for a toast expressing hope for great cooperation and success in your new business ventures. As you clink glasses, show respect by keeping the rim of your glass below that of your host. Returning the toast later in the meal will leave a good impression. The Chinese phrase for a toast ("Gan Bei") literally means "Dry your glass," but don't do that. A...

Social networking websites introduce people to new friends thus expanding their circles of online pals and even business acquaintances. But they are also introducing people to a number of important etiquette issues. Some people haven't figured out out how to be polite in this situation, though truthfully, some people still don't have a clue about telephone, email or cell phone etiquette. In any case, if you want to elevate your Internet social graces on social networking websites, here are a few tips. 1. No Insults: If you're ever in the mood to badmouth someone, zip it, instead! Humiliating someone on open forums such as social networking websites is not very cool; it's actually pretty immature and will only serve to make you look silly. If someone tries to bully you into engaging in an online spitting match, your best bet is to just ignore them. 2. Moderate Communications: Don't over do it when it comes to communicating with your network. People who constantl...

Hopefully, you have understood and practiced some level of etiquette before today, but we'll review some of the helpful hints that will enable you to present yourself as the "man or lady of the town" and a "socialite" that will make your date feel special and comfortable. Knowing and practicing etiquette is also invaluable in business scenarios. Etiquette is a system of refined manners, or in other words, a code that influences expectations for social behavior. Emily Post said, "manners are the outward manifestation of one's innate character & attitude towards life." Manners are passed from generation to generation, justifying the statement, "we teach by example." Learn to practice etiquette until it becomes a part of you. Here are some refresher tips on etiquette and dating. *NEVER BE LATE FOR ANYTHING!! Be a few minutes early. This shows the person they are important to you. *Good grooming and dressing neatly are part of a well...

In many businesses, the first customer interaction comes through the phone. So what kind of first impression are you making? Train Employees . It seems simple enough, but you should make sure that every employee is answering the phone in an appropriate manner. This includes having a positive tone, being polite and helpful, and identifying the business properly. It might also include answering before a designated number of rings or stating something about a current promotion. Something as simple as, "Thank you for calling ACME, this is Jim speaking. How may I help you?" would help to avoid possible problems. Write down the proper greeting and post it by every phone. Have a direct conversation with each employee to make them aware of this greeting and its importance. Make sure that proper phone etiquette is understood as a job responsibility shared by anyone who uses the phone. In time it should become a force of habit-but this is one habit the business owner must carefu...

Professionals and entrepreneurs are constantly staying up-to-date with news, technology, trends and marketing. Being well informed and knowledgeable helps retain customer loyalty and attract new customers. Although business is always evolving, there are a few business practices that will remain tried and true. In regards to customer service or appreciation, sending hand written cards or correspondences is a great and inexpensive way to please customers and build the image of your organization or company. Listed below are tips that professionals and entrepreneurs alike can use to impress their customers for future and on-going business success: #1 Create a Lasting Impression Sending a handwritten note of appreciation is almost a lost art in this day of emails and e-cards and other advanced technologies. Your client would probably be surprised and flattered at the time spent, writing and sending a personal note. The note should be on plain stationary and include your business c...

With the large number of cleaning businesses out there, how do you get your company to stand out? Being a professional in all aspects of your cleaning business will go a long way towards showing your customers and potential customers that you are serious about doing the best job that you can do. Do you have the background, knowledge and experience to become a professional? You bet! Doing the best job that you can do and having a professional attitude is what it takes to show your clients you go that extra step. There are several factors that come to mind when you think of being a professional in the cleaning business: appearance, dependability, continuing education, pride in your work, treating customers and employees with respect and honesty, and abiding by general etiquette rules. Appearance: As a cleaning contractor you most likely won't be wearing a suit and tie, but your appearance is still important and it can leave a lasting impression on people. While cleaning an accou...