“Professionally
Polished” by Skyler Baty
Some
might call me a “spring chicken.” So call me an upstart, but here are some tips
for making good impressions on prospective clients or future employers. Female/male, young/old or CEO/intern, these etiquette
tips can smooth the way to success. Yes, it’s an old-fashioned word, etiquette,
but it’s newfound savvy for all business situations.
·
Business cards in a classy
folder. Never leave home without them. Card holders keep cards from getting folded,
soggy or smudged. When you’re presented
with a card, avoid sticking it straight into your purse or pocket. Comment on the location of the office, design
of the card or the person’s name. It
will make your contact feel acknowledged. Then put their card somewhere it’s obvious
you’re keeping it in a treasured spot – not stuffed into your purse or pocket
in a haphazard way.
·
Thank you. It’s simple. Yet few take the time to say it,
even here in the Friendly State. And say
it twice – once verbally and once in writing.
·
Smiley faces, abbreviations
and explanation points. These are fine for text messaging, Google
Chat (Gchat) or Facebook. But in the business world, create friendly messages
without using symbols.
·
Promote your “Rock Star”
Attitude. For any new business, interview situations or
sales jobs, it’s important to highlight your past accomplishments, volunteer
work and/or leadership positions. They
show your enthusiasm, positivity and confidence quotient.
·
Dress the part. Save the flip-flops, hats and T-shirts for
the weekend. If you don’t have a Tide
to Go Pen, get one. Dressing well assists in establishing credibility with
clients.
·
Smile (not just at your boss
and clients, but also at customers, secretaries, vendors, janitors and
contractors). You’re not just representing
yourself; you’re representing your company.
Whether it’s to someone at the bottom or the top of the corporate ladder
or the ladder of life, try to always be amicable.
·
Cell phone etiquette. Trust me, I know this one’s tough. But either
turn off your phone, or put it on silent during an interview, lunch, or
meeting.
·
Southern Hospitality. Table
manners, making eye-to-eye contact, shaking hands with your right hand and
introducing yourself with your name said several times with a memory trigger are
some common ways to build rapport.
While dining, if you think of BMW (Bread is on the left, Meal in the
middle and Water on the right), this will help you navigate the landscape. And remember:
elbows off the table, wait until everyone has been served to start eating, don’t
put salt or pepper on your food before you’ve tasted it, and chew slowly with
your mouth closed.
·
Generational gap. For all Gen X-ers engaged to social media,
please remember to make sure your Facebook page looks appropriate, don’t say
anything you wouldn’t want your boss or parents to see on Twitter or your blog,
and keep your iTunes speakers on low so they don’t disrupt others around
you.
·
Building Good Rapport. It’s important to say “good morning,” use
active listening skills and take an interest in the whole person, even when you
don’t need someone to do something for you to sustain strong professional relationships. When in an interview or meeting, spend the
first five minutes and last five minutes on non-work related topics (even if
it’s the weather). And
remember:
“All lasting business is built on
friendship”
So
whether you’re a spring chicken like me – or the biggest old dog in Big D –
these simple tips make good business sense.
And hey, who knows? You might find
a few friends along the way, too.
