Business EtiquetteBusiness etiquette can be defined as the sett of rules which govern behaviour in an office or in business interactions.It is difficult to master all the etiquettes, so follow the simple principles when unknown to some etiquettes Be Sensitive Be AlertBe Ready to admit mistakes

Topics to be covered Work Interaction Business Cards Hand ShakesOne to One Interaction Socio-Professional Interaction

Work InteractionsIntroduction your self is first impression in verbal communication of the meeting.While introducing yourself keep the following in mind:Name Title Affiliation StatusWhen introducing other: always introduce less important person to the person higher important or rank

Work InteractionsLADIES FIRST??? NO WAY!!!

Work InteractionsWhos Name Is It Anyway?Always mention first the name of the person to whom the introduction is being made & then the name of the person being introduced For Ex: if you are introducing Mr. Manager to Mr. Customer the right way is to do it would be to say Mr. Customer please meet Mr. ManagerHOW DO YOU RESPOND TO INTRODUCTIONSIn response to informal introduction just say HELLO In formal introduction say HOW DO YOU DO Mr. CustomerAlways stand up to meet someone In office get up & come around to meet new contactIf you are not able to get the name of the guest, just ask for repetition with an apology

Work InteractionsBUSINESS CARDsOffer your card when your host offers his/herIf you are meeting the person for first time offer the card in the beginningIf your company is familiar with the person exchanging the Business card at the end of the meetingDont exchange the business card in the middle of the meeting it means you want to end the meetingKnow where you have kept cards are, dont search for them in front of the guest it shows you are not prepared for the meeting. Make sure your cards in the card holder/card case

Work InteractionsHANDSHAKEs

Work InteractionsONE TO ONE INTERACTION Interaction of subordinate superior Interaction with equals (within & outside office)Interaction with Firm & Client

Socio-Professional InteractionsSocio-professional interaction is an informal setting like discussion in Golf Club, over a dinner, party provides a good opportunity for business to get know each other better.Party, Meeting or Get-Together, informal as they may be, they do not happen by themselves.A lot of Meticulous Planning goes into making the arrangementsFor EX: NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHTO DO LIST:Making a guest listArrange venueIdentify caterers Print invitations Confirm participation Identify Gifts for guest

Personal Tips

Apparel Proclaims The Man ( Dress Code)When dress code is specified in invitation it should be observed. Dont hesitate to call and ask if nothing is mentioned In absence of direction, it is better to go in formal

DRESS CODE - MEN

SHIRTS

As a rule, the simpler the better. Colours: White, off white, pale, blue shirts are preferred; though you may wear dark colored shirts too. (given below are the colours preferred by professionals). It is important to button up your shirt till the collar button

SHIRTS: Do not wear CHECKS.THICK STRIPES

TROUSERS: They should preferably be dark though you may wear beige and with a dark colored shirt.Try to have at least one pair of black trousers.

Trousers may or may not have pleats

TIES To play it safe choose a traditional silk tie, No loud colours or patterns.Given below are some well accepted colours and patterns It may be wise to avoid ties with images and designer logos

TIES

Do not enter a clinic like this(observe the tie and the shirtbutton)Your tie should co-ordinate with your attireThe knot should be a perfect triangle

SOCKS Choose a color that coordinates with your trousers (usually black, dark gray, dark brown, or dark blue) Make sure they are long enough not to expose your skin when you sit down. As a thumb rule, do not wear white socks.Wear clean socks to avoid bad odour

SHOESWear a good pair of leather shoes- black and brown/tan shoes. Shoes must be polished everyday. Do not wear shoes that look casual. Also, do not wear shoes with worn out heels.

BELTS Wear only formal belts with a sleek buckle. As thumb rule, match your belt to your shoes.Avoid these buckles.

WATCHES Preferably wear leather strapped watches. If you wear a metal strapped watch, make sure that it fits the wrist well.

DRESS CODE - WOMEN

You may wear salwaar kameez or formal shirt/trousersPreferably choose small prints or self colors. Avoid plunging necklines, sleeveless and tight fitting clothesYou may wear a tunic with a pair of formal trousers.

SHOES/SANDALSShoes with 1 - inch heels are standard. You may wear a pair with smaller heels or a flat pair.Stick with a black/brown pair. Be sure your shoes are polished and that your heels are intact.

Do not wear colorful sandalsAvoid heels and sandals with blingAvoid white colored sandals as they get dirty easily. If you do, clean them well.

BAGS Apart from your working bag if you are carrying an additional bag,preferably, carry a black or a brown one

ACCESSORIESEarrings Wear stubs or small rings Do not wear hoops or dangling earrings

Bracelets/Bangles: You may wear either a bracelet or a bangle. Avoid both. Avoid chunky bracelets or too many bangles.

Rings: Keep them simple and not chunky.Chains: You may wear thin chains with small lockets.Do not wear ornamental/ chunky jewelry even if it is an occasion.

Dining EtiquetteDont chew gumKeep elbows off the tableKeep conversation politePlace napkin on lap as soon as seatedTaste food before seasoningPass salt and pepper togetherDont dunk foodBreak off one piece of bread, butter it, eat it, and repeatOnly order appetizers or desserts if others do so

Dining EtiquetteWait for everyone to be served before eatingCut a small portion of food at a time (one or two bites)When squeezing a lemon, use other hand to shield others from squirting juiceIf you need to temporarily leave the table, place napkin on seatWhen interviewing, follow the lead of the employerBe courteous and demonstrate appreciation when appropriate

Dining Etiquette Conversation TopicsAvoid discussing: politics, religion, gossip, sex, anything too personal or negativeSafe topics:WeatherNews/current events (dont let it get into politics or religion!)Books or moviesMusicTravelPetsAnything non-controversial

Bread and butter plateButter spreaderDessert ForkDessert or Coffee SpoonDinner ForkDinner KnifeNapkinPlace Plate/ChargerSalad ForkSalad KnifeSoup SpoonWater GobletWine Glass12345678910111213

Can you match the right items with their function?

3. Bread and butter plate4. Butter spreader8. Dessert Fork7. Dessert or Coffee Spoon2. Dinner Fork9. Dinner Knife5. Napkin6. Place Plate/Charger1. Salad Fork10. Salad Knife11. Soup Spoon12. Water Goblet13. Wine Glass12345678910111213

Place Setting Answer Key

Dining EtiquetteWait until everyone is seated. Everyone should start and finish at the same time. If you are a fast eater try to pace yourself. Take small bites, keep your mouth closed.

Excusing Yourself and ProblemsBe discrete if you have problem with the food.Remove food the same way it went in-on silverware.Excuse yourself, if you have to leave the table.Turn your head from the table when you cough or sneeze.If someone uses your bread plate as their own.Do not use the bread plate on your right as a replacement.

Serving foodPass food to the right.Transfer dip to your plate.Plates are served on the left.Dishes removed from the right.Pass the salt and pepper together.

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