Business Communication and Etiquette

In business, your words can make a good impression or a bad one with your boss, colleagues, and clients. These guides will help you choose the right words when writing emails, memos, reports, or proposals. Using etiquette in business can create a good impression with your bosses, colleagues, and clients. It can also help you to sustain good working relationships with them. In this section are practical tips on how to make your communications clear and effective. You'll find advice on how to use good manners on the telephone and online, as well as how to write emails that get results.

What is a Business Etiquette?

Business etiquette is a sort of social code that governs the way people conduct business professionally. The term “etiquette” can also be used to refer to a general code of good manners for all people in a society, but in a business setting, it refers to the way you should behave when dealing with customers, clients and other companies.

Why is it important?

In our increasingly global environment, there is a high likelihood that you will need to interact with people from other cultures.  For example, in a global company, you may need to work with colleagues in another country.  In an international business setting, you will interact with business partners from around the world.  You will be more successful if you understand the cultural nuances and observe business etiquette protocols from other countries.

Knowing how to act appropriately in business situations can make or break your career. Poor business etiquette can lead to miscommunication or even embarrassment for yourself or your company.  It can lead to lost clients or projects and can even affect your ability to get raises or promotions within your company.  On the other hand, knowing what is expected of you and adjusting your behavior accordingly can help you build valuable relationships, gain respect from colleagues, clients and managers, as well as keep doors open for future opportunities both within and outside of your organization.

Business Etiquette Rules

The following are some tips on business etiquette that will help you win friends and influence people:

Don't be late. If you're going to be late for a meeting, call ahead and explain why. When you arrive, apologize and try to make up for lost time.

Be on time. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early for meetings. This allows you to get settled before the meeting starts and gives you time to greet others as they arrive.

Be a good host. If someone visits your office, be sure to take them on a quick tour of the facilities and introduce them to employees they might meet during the visit.

Make introductions. Always introduce the more important person first — even if that person is someone else's client or guest. Stand when making introductions, shake hands and say each person's name clearly when introducing them.

Importance of Business Communication and Etiquette?

Business communication and etiquette are very important in today's world of business. The way you communicate with your boss, employees and customers can make a difference in the success of your company. If you are rude, abrasive and inconsiderate to other people, your business could suffer.

Here are some tips on communicating properly:

Be polite: Smile when you talk to people on the phone or in person. Stand up straight when talking to people face-to-face. Use please and thank you when asking someone a favor.

Use proper grammar: Make sure your punctuation and spelling are correct when communicating via email or instant message (IM). Don't use acronyms that someone might not understand unless you explain them first (ie., LOL = laughing out loud).

Be professional: Don't use slang words in emails or IMs because it can be viewed as unprofessional. Always proofread your messages before sending. Never send an angry email without taking time to think about how it will be read by the recipient.