Business Etiquette Definition Introducing people Handling handshakes The business card Business entertaining Body language

Business Etiquette Principles: Rules of good/correct behaviour Having consideration for others Self-respect and respect for others

Benefits Puts you at ease Gives you confidence Gives you a winning edge

Introducing Yourself Stand up Initiate handshake Introduce yourself, position and company “Hi, my name is XXX, I work for XYZ.” “How do you do, Ms XXX. I’m YYY. I’m from ZYX. Nice to meet you.”

Introducing People In business situations: – Rank (junior and senior) – Gender – Age – Outsider (client and boss/colleague) In social situations: – Gender – men are introduced to women – Age – youth introduced to elder – Outsider (friends and family)

Introducing People In business situations: Introduce the less important/more junior person to the more important/more senior person. Say the more important person’s name first. Say: ‘Mr Big Shot, this is Mr Small Fry.’ The more important person initiates the handshake. Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People In business situations: The higher ranking staff is the more important person, of course. When a client is present, the client is more important than your boss. Rank over-rides the issue of gender. Rank over-rides the issue of age. Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People In social situations: Age takes precedence – introduce young ones to old ones. Gender matters – introduce males to females, unless a king is present. Senior family members take precedence over friends – introduce friends to senior family members. Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People Mr Geriatric is the cleaner in Mr Punk’s company (business situation): – You: “Mr P, this is Mr G.” “Mr G, this is our CEO, Mr P.” – Mr P: “Nice to meet you, Mr G.” – Mr G: “Nice to meet you, Mr P.” – Mr P initiates the handshake. Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People Mr G and Mr P meet socially: – You: “Mr G, this is Mr P.” “Mr P, this is Mr G.” – Mr G: “Nice to meet you, Mr P.” – Mr P: “Nice to meet you, Mr G.” – Mr G initiates the handshake. Activity 1 (p.3)

Handling Handshakes Extend your right hand Grip the other person’s hand (webs of both hands meet) Shake hands 2-3 times Smile and make eye contact when shaking hands

Handling Handshakes Don’t use the wrong handshake: – The limp fish – The bone crusher – The fingertip grasp – The Dutch treat – The Godfather

The Business Card Have your name card ready Keep them in good condition Keep them in a case

The Business Card Presenting your business card: After you have introduced yourself and have struck up a conversation Present your card with: – right hand (Western practice) – both hands (Eastern practice) Present it so that print is right way up for your receiver

The Business Card Receiving business cards: Reciprocate way card is presented Look at the card a while Thank him for it – Repeat his name and check pronunciation, if necessary – Acknowledge his company – Ask about duties of his position Keep it in an appropriate place

Business Entertaining People – who to invite – Colleague-client ratio – Spouses Meal – Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner – Type of cuisine Money – Budget – Where to hold it Power play – Who sits where

Seating Arrangements Basic principles: First, decide where the host sits – at the head, centre or facing the door. The most important / senior guest sits to the right of the host. When in a group, spread out the seating, alternating guest and host. Seat those who need to talk to one another next to each other. Activity 3 (p.9)

Seating Arrangements Western practices: Alternate males and females if spouses are invited. Couples do not sit together. Activity 3 (p.9)

Seating Arrangements Eastern practices: Couples sit together. Activity 3 (p.9)

Body Language Leakage: Nervousness Aggressiveness Rudeness Activity Worksheet