How Etiquette Skills Affect Business

Business etiquette is important because it creates a standard for a professional and respectful atmosphere. It is used each time someone speaks with a coworker, talks on the phone, and interacts with a customer. This communication helps workers build strong relationships. If an employee succeeds, the company succeeds, and with business etiquette training, employees can build their etiquette skills to boost their relationships and, in turn, boost the business.

Having business etiquette training can help to enhance working relations in the office. These skills help to not only develop a collaborative culture, but address common office courtesies such as not checking email during meetings, not talking loudly, etc.

Prospective clients form opinions about organizations by how they are treated. Employees that can communicate well and are comfortable in many professional settings will make customers and clients feel more at ease. This type of training teaches employees how to handle these situations with grace, how to handle business meals, and how to present in front of C-suite level leaders.

Giving off the right impression is vital in business dealings. If someone doesn’t show common courtesy or business acumen, others may make judgements on their capabilities. Training can help employees portray confidence when they are in meetings, giving presentations, or talking with clients.

Cultural etiquette knowledge is crucial if a business has international offices or clients. Knowing what to do and how to behave when meeting someone from and in another country can make or break a deal. This is sometimes tricky because what is seen as respectful in one culture may be perceived as disrespectful in another. Different cultures’ customs and behaviors can be learned through business etiquette training so employees can present their best selves when traveling abroad or meeting with international clients.

Why Business Etiquette Is Important

Emily Post’s name has likely become synonymous with the mention of etiquette, but just because she started speaking about good manners almost 100 years ago, doesn’t mean they aren’t still important in modern workplaces. It is more than good table manners. Good business etiquette is a valuable skill that will enhance success.

Relationships are the backbone to business. Without them, sales couldn’t happen, public relations wouldn’t work, partnerships would fail. Establishing good rapport with customers, media, partners, and co-workers is essential to the success of companies. Communication skills play a big role in this. Knowing when it is appropriate to speak and when to listen will get deals much further than just talking and not listening.

You only get one chance at a first impression. The impact made in that first encounter can make or break a deal, a promotion, etc. Other people’s impressions should be positive so that they continue doing business with your company. Dressing well and communicating professionally are the best ways to accomplish this.

And etiquette doesn’t stop outside the walls of the office. It can extend to lunches, networking events, and social media. Putting your best foot forward and representing both yourself and your company are crucial. How you act at a function could reflect negatively on job prospects or business deals.

Business Etiquette in the Digital Age

While Emily Post set forth what common etiquette is, she couldn’t foresee that the world would be almost completely digital one day. Known in the industry as “netiquette,” communicating appropriately and professionally online is vital. Virtual communication has rapidly outpaced snail mail and faxes, so it is crucial to have the right skills to maintain digital and virtual professionalism.

Emails written like formal letters with complete sentences and proper grammar leave a lasting good impression. While jargon and emojis might be right for social media, filling emails with them leave a poor taste of immaturity behind.

Social media can also have an effect on your job or business. Potential customers and hiring managers could look at your social media to get a better understanding of who you are, what you believe, and how you operate to see if you would be a good fit. If you are seen badmouthing a former employer or competitor, it could cost you an interview or revenue. Being cautious about what you post will benefit you in the long run.