BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

• Business etiquette refers to the requirements and expectations of social and business
behavior, practices and conduct that are prescribed by social convention, and a code of
ethical behavior among professionals.

• Business Etiquette is a set of social, professional and cultural sensibilities that a person is
expected to possess in order to be considered a well-informed business-person with proper
business acumen.

• Business etiquette is a set of general guidelines for manners and behavior in a professional
setting that allows professionals to feel comfortable and safe at work or in other
professional settings.
• Business etiquette is a set of manners that is accepted or required in a profession. Often
upheld by custom, it is enforced by the members of an organization.

• Business etiquette is a set of rules that govern the way people interact with one another in
business, with customers, suppliers, with inside or outside bodies. It is all about conveying
the right image and behaving in an appropriate way.
 THREE R'S OF BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
• Recognition: using names, greetings, and making a point of acknowledging people.

• Respect: treating people with respect, value and courtesy, and apologising to them where
the situation calls for it.

• Response: people do not want to be kept waiting, they need to be responded to.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF BUSINESS ETIQUETTE SKILLS
• Business etiquette is important because it creates a professional, mutually
respectful atmosphere and improves communication, which helps an office serve as a
productive place. People feel better about their jobs when they feel respected, and that
translates into better customer relationships as well.

• People in your organization would find it easier to trust you because you value their
opinions and empathize with them. Customers and clients will likely feel more secure
because you’re poised and exhibit professionalism. You’re better equipped to avoid
misunderstanding and conflict because you separate your emotions from your arguments.
You show emotional maturity and look at situations objectively.
 THE 5 TYPES OF BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
• Workplace etiquette

• Table manners and meal etiquette

• Professionalism

• Communication etiquette

• Meetings etiquette
 WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE
These rules deal with your behavior at the office. Culture and expectations differ from company
to company, so what's rude at one workplace may be normal at another. Figure out what's
acceptable and what's not by reading your company handbook, paying attention to how the
executives behave (and following suit), and sticking by the standard rules.
• Don’t have personal conversations at your desk.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Don’t be nervous, but also don’t overstep your boundaries.
• Do network with people outside of your cubicle.
• Do be willing to help out a coworker.
• Do dress appropriately for the office, and observe proper wardrobe and hygiene.
 TABLE MANNERS AND MEAL ETIQUETTE
• Two situations that arise, invoke the need to understand the need for dining etiquette and learn it - one, if you are the host
of a get-together and the second one, if you are the guest.

• When You are the Host

• Choose a restaurant that is conducive to holding sizeable meetings and provides good service. Make sure that you have
made all the adequate bookings and seating arrangements.

• Arrive fifteen minutes early on the day of the meeting and introduce people to one another if some of them have not
been introduced to each other earlier.

• Always be done with the ordering, before you start to discuss business with someone. Or else there will be many
disturbances with the waiter asking you repeatedly for your order. In addition, the guests will be caught in two minds as
to order or to listen to your business discussion.

• Always try to engage everybody in a conversation and be the facilitator in leading people to participate in the
discussion, bring their points of view and experience into play too. This will help people to come out of their initial
inhibitions of meeting someone for the first time and will encourage them to be themselves.
 TABLE MANNERS AND MEAL ETIQUETTE
• When You are the Guest

• Always, promptly reply to an invitation. Your answering will help the host in organizing and
coordinating the meeting so try to answer as early as possible.
• Many times, you will come across a generous host who will ask you to order what you
please. Although you have been given a free rein on your choice of dishes, be considerate
while ordering and do not take up this opportunity to order something extravagantly
expensive.
• Do not order runny, messy food as that might soil your clothes. Try to order food that can be
easily eaten with cutlery, as opposed to those dishes where you have to use hands to eat.
• Always remember that a business dinner or lunch is basically, a professional, formal
meeting in a restaurant, instead of a room. Carry the same body language that you would
carry when you would sit in for a business discussion with someone. Have a smile on your
face but be on your guard.
• As a rule of thumb, the host is the one who steers the conversation from small talk to
business discussion, so wait until he hints before discussing business.
 PROFESSIONALISM
Being professional means contributing to a pleasant, productive, and inclusive work environment.
Professionalism includes an entire range of behaviors; however, here are the most standard:
• Keeping your word: When you make a commitment -- whether it's big or small -- keep it. If you
know that will be impossible, give the other person as much notice as possible.
• Being punctual: Show up on time (or early).
• Remaining calm: Even in heated situations, do your best to stay cool.
• Acting flexible: Sometimes you'll have to stay late, show up early, change plans, move meetings,
and more to make things work. Unless this is happening all the time, accommodate these
changes.
• Using diplomacy: There will be people you don't like -- prospects, coworkers, or both. Be kind
and amiable anyway.
• Accepting constructive criticism: Throughout your career, others will offer feedback. If you're
closed off to it, you'll not only harm your professional rapport, you'll also lose valuable
opportunities to improve.
 COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE
• Phone Etiquette
• Don't speak too loudly or too softly. If you're worried about your volume, ask, "How am I
coming across? Do you need me to talk more or less quietly?"
• If you're on a conference call and you're not speaking, mute yourself so the others aren't
distracted by the outside noise.
• Smile and speak in a conversational manner. Smiling while talking changes the shape of
your mouth when you pronounce the words and the listener easily picks up this change in
tone.
• Place a notepad, pen, and a copy of the document that is being discussed near you for
reference and jotting down important information.
• Try to go to a place that has as less background noise and interference as possible while
attending a telephonic interview.
 COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE
• Email Etiquette
• Plan your message.
• Use the subject line to grab the reader’s attention.
• Keep your message short and clear.
• Do not type your entire message in lower case.
• Proofread your message before sending it and assume accountability.
• Take a few minutes to cool down before sending any email while angry.
• Do not type your message in capitals. Capitals are considered to be SHOUTING.
• In certain cases, emails may not be suitable. Prefer to call someone when −
• You have to discuss personal, sensitive or confidential information.
• You are going to give bad news.
• Your message is complex and meaning might be lost in the wordings.
• you need an immediate response.
 COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE
• In-Person Etiquette
• Steer clear of complimenting someone's appearance, since this can make people feel
uncomfortable.
• Maintain eye contact 60% to 70% of the time.
• Match their speaking volume.
• Show interest in what they're saying.
 MEETINGS ETIQUETTE
Maintaining proper meeting etiquette, whether you're meeting in-person or virtually:
• Send a meeting agenda around when you invite people to attend so they can prepare for
the discussion in advance.
• Be mindful of time zones and the daily schedules of the people you're inviting when setting
a time so nobody has to attend a meeting too early or too late in the day.
• Set up lunch or ask people to bring lunch if your meeting is scheduled during a typical lunch
hour.
• Introduce new team members or first-time meeting attendees to the larger group.
 MEETINGS ETIQUETTE
• In-Person Meetings Etiquette
• Give attendees up to five minutes to settle in before diving into the agenda.
• Follow or set a clear agenda so people have time to think about contributions and ideas
before presenting.
• Call on everyone who wants to participate in the discussion, or go around in a circle so
everyone can speak.
Virtual Meetings Etiquette
• Look at the camera -- not your own face or theirs -- so you seem like you're making eye
contact.
• Shut the door and make sure you're not interrupted by your pets, children, roommates,
significant other, etc.
• the meeting facilitator, make sure all participants have the chance to speak or present
ideas, even if they're tuning in remotely.
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IN THE
PHILIPPINES
• Introduction
It is common to shake hands with both men and women, when introduced or
greeting a person.
• Meetings and Appointments
Business hours are generally from 8am to 5pm including an hour break for
lunch. Mid-morning or afternoon meetings are preferred, and a follow-up call
to confirm the meeting a day before is recommended.
• Negotiation and follow-through
Communication is indirect, truth is diplomatically presented, manner is gentle,
and the perception of the recipient is considered in all communications.
• Gifts
Gifts are not expected, but are appreciated. A small gift at the first meeting
might be a good idea. Gifts are not opened in the giver's presence.
• Mind the clock:
Punctuality is appreciated, but there is some lenience for lateness because
sometimes traffic jams make it unavoidable. For social occasions, being overly
punctual may be seen as a sign of anxiety or over-eagerness
• Don't be offended by personal questions. These are asked to show interest. Feel free to ask
the same questions in return, especially about family.
• Aside from the business etiquette and practices, know the local ethics in the place. Never
joke about religion and avoid direct confrontation. Expect light snacks to be served at any
business meetings. Shun away from aggressive actions such as strong eye contact, tapping,
or raising conflicts closely. Filipino culture is a blend of professional ethics and enthusiastic
actions, especially in the business culture.