What Is Business Etiquette? An Ultimate Guide

Did you know it’s incredibly easy to commit cultural faux pas when doing business abroad? Something as simple as eating with the wrong hand can offend your hosts and sour a business deal.

While international business etiquette is important for global deals, professional etiquette is just as important on your home turf. Without proper business etiquette, you can come across as rude and offend coworkers and clients alike.

So, what is business etiquette exactly? And is it really something every employee needs to learn?

We’re here to fill you in. Keep reading below for a master class on business etiquette.

Reaching Out

When you’re first forming professional relationships, it’s important to make a good first impression. It’s always a smart idea to ask someone for the easiest way to reach them.

This action serves several purposes. First, it shows that you’re considerate and want to reach them through their preferred communication method. Second, it will prevent an unread email or unanswered voicemail from breaking your connection with them.

When communicating, keep your tone clear and direct. If you’re planning a meeting, propose a specific date and time, as this prevents an unnecessary back-and-forth. The recipient can then easily confirm that the time works for them or ask for a more convenient time.

Arriving for Meetings

When meeting with others, be sure to arrive a few minutes early. You should always give yourself some buffer time before meetings in case you run into any roadblocks along the way.

Handshakes are often a customary way of greeting one another, but some cultures and industries may greet each other differently—it all depends on the environment. When speaking with someone, address them by name occasionally. This helps quickly build a rapport between the two of you.

Dining with Others

Professional etiquette extends outside of the office. If you’re doing business over a meal, the conversation tends to be a bit looser. However, you still need to be conscious of your behavior.

Naturally, you don’t want to chew with your mouth open or act rudely towards the waitstaff. You should never show up too hungry—chances are you’ll chat about business matters before you even put in your order.

It’s the host’s responsibility to pay for business dinners. However, even if you’re not the host, it’s proper business dinner etiquette to make the move to pay when your waiter comes around for a card. However, once the host says they’ll cover it, you shouldn’t argue with them—simply accept and thank them for the meal.

Maintaining General Business Etiquette

So, what is business etiquette beyond being polite to new business acquaintances? Well, it’s common courtesies and actions that extend into your daily work routine.

If you want to master professional etiquette, you have to respect not only others but yourself too. Dress appropriately for your position, use respectful language, and keep your workspace tidy.

Communication is perhaps the most important component of business etiquette. Avoid flubs by asking for feedback from supervisors, truly engage in conversations, and avoid interrupting clients and your coworkers.

What Is Business Etiquette: Unraveled

Even the best services and products can fall flat if an employee lacks proper business etiquette. Luckily, with the guide above, you’ll no longer have to ask yourself, “What is business etiquette?” Get started strengthening your professional career today with your newfound info!

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