It is imperative in today’s competitive global arena for entrepreneurs to have sound business etiquette skills. Indeed, they are an essential requirement in order for you to distinguish yourself, develop and maintain business relationships, impress investors and lenders, strengthen your business presence, project a positive, confident, professional image, and thrive in every situation with confidence.
In everything you do, your manners have a direct impact on your professional and social success.
According to Tamiko Zablith, Founder and Director of Minding Manners™, a London based consultancy, “in today’s increasingly global society, etiquette is the essential ‘soft-skill’ that often determines who becomes a leader, and who gets left behind.It is your passport to feeling at ease in any situation: from properly greeting and entertaining VIP Clients to effortlessly navigating the place setting of a formal meal.”
You have the opportunity to set yourself apart by knowing the correct way to:
• Properly greet a customer or partner
• Write a business letter
• Participate in an important business meeting
• Entertain senior execs or customers
• Compose a thank you note or sympathy note
Ms. Zablith suggests “you can put the anxiety of ‘not knowing what to do when’ aside, so that you can focus on the matters at hand while feeling comfortable, poised and powerful in every situation. A person who can confidently greet colleagues, handle introductions and demonstrate dining and entertaining savvy is operating from a position of strength and authority.”
For better business success be sure to mind your manners.
About the Author, Jimmy Lewin
It is a sad thing that basic business manners or ettiquette seems to be slowly disappearing from today's society. What once was taught by schools and parents is left to specific business schools or universities, which means that fewer people are being taught these very important skills.
The great thing is that anyone can learn these skills, they just need to make it a priority. Learning and using these skills are definitely time and effort very well spent.
~ Pat and Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
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Great topic to address Scott. Social skills and manners are an often overlooked key to success.
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I just had an example of poor etiquette on my flight this morning. We are about to deplane and a lady whose seat was behinc mine kept crowding me and inching forward. I was not about to let her leave the plane ahead of me because proper etiquette, which most people follow without issue, is to wait until the people in front of you get out of their seats and get their luggage. Not only did she keep pushing to get ahead, but when I insisted that she wait until I get out of my aisle, she made a fuss “as if I had a problem.” She even said, “what difference does just one person make?” I told her, “It's the principle.” It was really the etiquette. It feels really good when people just stand and wait patiently for the person in front of them instead of bullying their way one person closer to the exit, purposely edging in front of somebody else. It is saying, “I don't care about you. Only I count.” That attitude does not work in business or in any type of relationship. Etiquette counts.
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I liked this post so much, I decided to share it on my page at my favorite business site, http://sta.rtup.biz.
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Erica. Thank you for passing this article along! I am so glad it had value for you.
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I like this post a lot and I see others do as well.
You've made some very good points here Scott and one of which I could have used more practice on this past weekend. I met a business partner in Chicago and it seemed like everything I put near my mouth while eating fell on the table or in my lap! Why had my etiquette gone right out the window leaving only red cheeks in it's place? Thanks for the reminder that I need more practice. 
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I like this post a lot and I see others do as well.
You've made some very good points here Scott and one of which I could have used more practice on this past weekend. I met a business partner in Chicago and it seemed like everything I put near my mouth while eating fell on the table or in my lap! Why had my etiquette gone right out the window leaving only red cheeks in it's place? Thanks for the reminder that I need more practice. 
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You make such a great point and I believe it is becoming endemic to our society in both business AND personal relationships! We are losing the skill sets of manners and appreciation. When I'm working with couples, many lose their passion by taking each other for granted. That includes not opening doors, pulling out chairs, being polite, and especially – being gracious. This world will be a much better place when we acknowledge and appreciate the best in our partners, our friends and our business associates. I certainly appreciate your article, Scott.
Adam Sheck
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Great article on business etiquette and manners.
Being polite, courteous, confident and comfortable is obviously important.
It would be great if we all were in any situation.
Thank You very much.
Yorinda Wanner
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Hi Yorinda,
Thank you for the feedback. I love working with clients and partners that have a good handle on business etiquette. It makes everything more enjoyable.
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