The Geeky Hostess is gonna help you get your manners on! Have an etiquette question or topic suggestion? Email tara@geekyhostess.com!
This past week, Inc. posted an article on business etiquette from Eliza Browning of Crane & Co., and I really enjoyed it. They understand our world and business structures are changing, but believe that certain rules of etiquette still apply. Whether you’re working retail or starting the next huge social network, these tips will help you. You can see them listed below, but I recommend you read the whole article here. It’s ok, I’ll wait.
The main etiquette rules are:
- Send a thank you note after every interview or meeting with a client or business partner. I still believe that in this day and age, it doesn’t need to be a hand-written note (though props to you if you send one!), just a quick email will do. Easy rule of thumb: Contact them in the same way they contacted you.
- Know the names of everyone you work with. This is a tough one for me (I’m bad with names), but it’s as simple as making more of an effort to introduce myself to new people and follow up with people, asking them about their day.
- Don’t talk about a meeting you just had until you are out of the building. You never know who might be able to hear you!
- Focus on the people around you, not on your phone. We’ve talked about this before–I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve been in business meetings where everyone’s been on their phone the whole time, and it makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. Heck, I’ve been to movie nights and parties where everyone’s been on their phone. That’s even weirder!
- Don’t judge others. This is another tough one. We naturally want to figure out why people do the things they do, and compare ourselves and our performances against each other. I love that this etiquette rule is posted. It’s a great reminder to focus on yourself and your own strengths.
Overall, their etiquette rules are grounded around one question: “Will this make them feel good?” Try to put out that effort and positive energy, and you’ll see yourself rewarded. It reminds me of a quote I’ve been seeing a lot lately: “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”—Malcolm S. Forbes.
So this week, try to be nicer to those around you–even if they can’t immediately help you get ahead and blend in the company events prepared by the best corporate event planners. You never know where you’ll both be in a year or even a couple months!
And if you haven’t yet, please check out the full article at Inc. It’s great!
