business etiquette

Business etiquette is, at its core, about building relationships with people. In the business world, it is people who influence your success or failure. The label, and in particular the commercial label, is simply a means to maximize your commercial potential.

If you are comfortable with someone and vice versa, better communication and mutual trust will develop. This comfort zone is achieved by presenting yourself effectively. Business etiquette helps you achieve this.

Business etiquette revolves around two things. Firstly, careful consideration of the interests and feelings of others, and secondly, minimizing misunderstandings. Both depend on one’s own conduct. Business etiquette polishes this behavior.

Trade etiquette varies from region to region and from country to country. For the international business person, too much focus on international business etiquette would leave no time for business. However, there are some key pillars on which a good business label is built.

Behavior

Your manners and attitude will speak volumes about you. They will point to your inner character. If you come across selfish, undisciplined, or rude, your relationship is unlikely to thrive. Proper business etiquette promotes positive traits.

Honesty

A reputation for delivering what it says it will deliver goes a long way in the business world. Remember, a reputation for integrity is slowly earned but quickly lost. Understanding the business etiquette of a particular country provides a framework in which you can work without fear of crossing borders in terms of agreements, promises, and contracts.

character

Your character refers to what you as an individual bring to the business table. Proper business etiquette allows you to showcase your positive qualities. For example, knowing when to be passionate and not emotional or self-assured without being arrogant. By simply learning another person’s business etiquette, you demonstrate an open mind that will earn you respect.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity and consideration are the foundation of all good business etiquette. Being prepared for foreign ways and methods and responding considerately comes through experience and knowledge of business etiquette. By avoiding misunderstandings and misinterpretations through business etiquette, the foundation is laid for a strong business relationship.

Diplomacy

Avoiding thoughtless words and actions protects you from negative consequences. Impulse often leads a business person astray. Business etiquette encourages careful thinking about the interests of others and the choice of acceptable forms of expression.

Appearance

Dressing appropriately, standing and sitting in the right place at the right time, good posture, and looking physically presentable are all elements of making a good impression. Business etiquette teaches you how to present yourself properly and what to avoid.

Analyzing, understanding, and implementing the above will help you recognize what business etiquette is and how it should be used within the business world.

For the business of the international business person, the label acts as a key. Close the doors of miscommunication and misunderstandings and open the doors to successful business relationships.