Business Etiquette for Networking with

Professionals

Linda I. De Long, Ed.D, CPC

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Overview/Objectives

• Define Social etiquette. • What role does social etiquette play?• How do you foster positive relationships?• What is your professional persona?• How does networking enable your

career?• What are some strengths for strong

social etiquette?

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What is Social Etiquette?

“The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.”"Etiquette." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etiquette

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Overview

“Every day more and more individuals are using the internet and not just for sending emails. People have created whole businesses solely over the internet and are very successful. So much so that I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to revisit some well-known, yet easily forgotten etiquette tips” (http://www.linkedstrategies.com/social-media-etiquette-10-commonly-overlooked-best-practices-in-social-media/ )

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The Top Ten

1. Consistent courtesy

2. Patience is a Virtue

3. Appropriate Language

4. Networking

5. Guest focused

6. Be Social

7. Wine tasting – to be or not to be?

8. Professionalism

9. Your Telephone Voice

10. Punctuality

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Consistent Courtesy

• Texting, “Hey, I’m running 20 minutes late” is not as acceptable as making the effort to be on time.”– Why is this an concern?– What does it say or not say about you?

• Be nice – Remember, what you do on the internet is a reflection of you and quite possibly your business. Be positive and encouraging. No one wants to be associated with a negative individual.

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Patience is a Virtue

• Judgment– don’t be too quick to react.– People try to find the most proper way to

communicate. – Keep personal conversations and

arguments off social networking sites. The dramatic airing of grievances is best done through SMS.

– Remember how easily e-gossip can be forwarded along to the wrong person.

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Appropriate Language

• Be respectful – Don’t “hide” behind that computer.

• Treat people properly.• Be nice – Remember, all

of the internet is a reflection of you and quite possibly your business.

• Be positive and encouraging. – No one wants to be

associated with a negative individual.

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Networking

• Don’t abuse your network – Use your network the right way. – Ensure your post is significant to your

network (i.e., a great social media link you just found or a tip, great advice or a significant quote.

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Guest Focused

• Don’t say, “I’m having a party. Bring your own food and drink.” That’s not a party.

• Always RSVP to an event even if declining. Don’t RSVP at the last minute for an event that involves real planning by the host.

• Turn off your phone at a dinner party, and be in the moment.

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Be Social

• If you are wearing headphones, don’t tune out from social courtesies.

• Don’t be annoying – Do not send repeated emails. Give recipients time to respond.

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Wine Tasting – to be or not to be?

• Strategy and approach to entertaining.

• How to handle the Wine?

• What about Beer?

• If your customer encourages you, what’s next?

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Professionalism

• Act and behave courteously.• Dress at least one level above where

you want to promote.• Have your “elevator pitch” ready to go.• Ensure you have a current resume.• Smile!• Offer a great handshake when meeting

new people.

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Your Telephone Voice

• Don’t discuss sensitive personal issues on Facebook, Twittter, etc., especially if you’ve “friended” coworkers.

• Don’t be too quick to react.  –show patience and kindness–look for the good in people’s intent

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Punctuality

• What does arrival time say about

You?• What should you do, if you are

running late to work?• How does this factor help you to

achieve more?

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And finally…

But just remember the basic success principle underlying all manners: Think about other people’s feelings first because it’s still not all about you.

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References

• "Etiquette." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etiquette

• http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/top-10-etiquette-for-social-functions_1.html• http://www.forbes.com/sites/robasghar/2014/04/22/

27-etiquette-rules-for-our-times/• http://www.linkedstrategies.com/social-media-etiquette-10-commonly-

overlooked-best-practices-in-social-media/