Business Etiquette - Dining Meeting....

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Business Etiquette - How To Apply It During Business Dining Meetings

It is often said that respect begets respect. This only goes to show the importance of the practice of business etiquette whether you are dealing with long-time or new-found clients as well as with your other business associates.

The corporate world is a host to a wide range of possibilities. Nowadays, several of the business dealings no longer transpire within the four walls of the office. Many businessmen conduct the transactions over lunch or dinner. Some of them are done while playing golf, during some special business functions, and during some entertainment events. Needless to say, the restaurants are among the common venues wherein contracts are signed and business deals are closed.

Below are among the essential business dining etiquette tips that you should observe. Keep them in mind and establish healthy business relationships.

Take note of how the clock works.

Prior to the actual meeting itself, you have to come up with a schedule. Is it going to be at breakfast time? Is it at lunchtime? Or will you have dinner instead? Whichever schedule you settle with, what is very important is that you arrive at the venue earlier than your client does. Don't let your client wait for you. Being on time or ahead of time is a sign of courtesy and respect. It is by arriving early that you have more time to fix yourself, to use the restroom, to check your documents, to warm up with your dialogues, and the like.

Do your own research.

There are instances when it is the client who suggests on the venue of the business meeting. If the place is unfamiliar to you, it is vital that you do your own research. Check out the website of the restaurant, make phone calls, or ask other colleagues for directions. It will also be helpful if you check out their menu beforehand so that you already know what to order for yourself. Doing so will save you from wasting too much time on the table.

Drinking alcohol or not?

Before the business meal itself, it is best to determine if you are in the mood to order for any alcoholic beverage. Be careful though if your client or associate is not at all a drinker. You may also ask your boss if drinking is the client's cup of tea. Of course, you have to know your own responsibility as you drink. More so, be sure that you know your own capacity to tolerate such alcoholic beverage. 

Let's talk it.

What are you supposed to discuss for the meeting? You may start the conversation with some hints about sports, travel, business trends, current events, entertainment, and the likes. Small talks like these help set the mood of the business meeting. As soon as you feel that your counterpart or client is already settled, then it is best to discuss your proposal. 

Be ready with your cash.

You may or may not be paying for the meal. However, there are times when the total amount of the meal may exceed that what you have previously expected. In times like these, your extra cash can save the day.

The business etiquette is best to integrate into your own system. After all, proper manners encourages long-term business relationships.

Email Etiquette....

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Email Etiquette: Don't Send The Wrong Emails!

The way people communicate has radically changed over the years. Email has become one of the most used medium because of obvious advantages it provides to the people. Email is the easiest, fastest, yet considerably the cheapest to send your messages to your loved ones, friends, and associates. Everyday, emails are being sent to millions of people around the world. Everybody is forwarding email messages, including unnecessary ones, and people have become so used it that proper etiquette has been neglected causing discomfort to other people.

One perfect example of violation against email etiquette happens at the office. In fact, most of the unnecessary forwarded email messages are coming from employees and happening during office hours. Unless your office environment does not mind, this can be punishable and can even mean termination if found guilty. Hence, it is advised that employees are more careful when sending emails to avoid the trouble.

Conversely, you have to be aware of the following tips when sending email messages and stop unnecessary harm.

Reply Only To the Right Email Address/es

It happens to you once, twice, or maybe even more? Again, in an office scenario: you and the rest of your officemates received an email from your boss indicating an apology because of some incompetence in his part. Maybe you have quite an ill-feeling towards the boss, so you pored over his email and then proceeded to comment and send it out to other co-workers.

Suddenly, it happened. In a hurry and carelessness, you have sent it out to the group and you did not forget deleting your boss' email address from the group list. You didn't realize it until he calls you to inform he is not happy about what you did. You know what happens next, don't you?

Next time, remember this thing: double check the names in the list before hitting the send button.

Brief Replies

People are always busy, especially when they are at work. Because of this, they often cannot appreciate long email messages that these end up unread or if read, unfinished. Avoid this by creating short email replies but be sure that it contains relevant data as asked. Be careful when being short with your replies though. A single or few words is a brief, curt message that often means non-committal on your part or is simply plain; thus, may connote a negative effect on the reader.

Spare the Sarcasm

Not all people see sarcasm in the same way. It can be seen by other people as funny, entertaining one, but to some others, it can be offensive. And the worst place to put sarcasm is in your email message. Remember that email is a non-verbal communication; therefore, the recipient has no inkling what your facial expression when you were typing the email and misinterprets the tone of your message. 

Next time that you intend to convey laughter, save it during one of your verbal communications.

Keep It in Small Caps

You know how big caps, or upper case, mean in email messages, and even in text messages. They mean fighting, conveying, and yelling. So, save the big caps for the first letters of the sentences if you don't want the recipient of your email to misconstrue the true meaning of the message. The rest, keep it in lower case.

And, next time that you are typing that email? Leave the Caps unlocked.

If you have been doing it the wrong way all this time, be sure to remember the above etiquette tips to avoid harm not only to the recipients but to you as well.

Cell Phone Etiquette Tips...

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Cell Phone Etiquette Tips

Cell phones are one of the great wonders ever made to mankind. The gadget has given lots of advantages to people especially to those who are always on the go. It has made families, friends, and associates to connect with each other instantly, conveniently, and cost-effectively. In general, cell phones have become every individual's best friend especially in times when they immediately need someone, even from across the world.

But proper cell phone etiquette has always been a concern, especially now when practically millions own cell phones. It has caused growing issues over what proper way to use it without being inconsiderate to others. It is alright if you bring with you your cell phone wherever you are, in the business environment, business meeting, in social gatherings, and in other public places. However, if it is already causing a hassle to other people, it is a different story.

In a Movie Theater or Concert Hall

If you are in a movie theater or in a concert hall, remember that everyone goes there to watch and enjoy the movie. But if your phone is suddenly ringing in loud volume, you are disturbing other people, and defeating their purpose to enjoy. If you take the call and talk loudly while the movie is on, it even can get them even more annoyed. To avoid a scenario, turn your phone into silent mode so that when someone is calling it does not disturb others. If you think the call must be answered, be nice and go out of the movie house and then take it. 

In a Restaurant

It is the same when you are in a fine dining restaurant where every body is enjoying a quiet moment with their respective partners or companions. It can be easily ruined when a cell phone is ringing loudly or you are talking on the phone loudly that the person next on the table practically hears the conversation. If you can't move up from your table, at least tone down your voice, so you are not causing a distraction to the people at the other tables.

In the Church

The church is a place where everybody visits to solemnly spend a time to pray, meditate, and attend a mass or any religious gathering. It is surely infuriating if there is a cell phone causing the noise. It is not okay to turn the phones on when inside the church. So before you go in, be sure to check the gadget and turn it off or in silent mode.

In a meeting

It is extremely unethical to take calls from cell phones while in a meeting. You just don't distract other people who are serious in attending the meeting but it disrupts the flow of whatever is in progress inside. It is best to leave the phones in silent mode and inside the bag to avoid the unpleasant scenario.

In some locations, particularly in private and even public buildings, wireless phones are not allowed and are indicated from the signs suggesting people to turn the phones off.

If it is important that you leave your phone on and being in silent mode is not an option, you can at least set it in vibrate mode. However, when taking calls, be as ethical as possible by doing it discreetly in the sense that you are not causing any disturbances to anybody.

Also, leave your voice mail on. Tell your friends and family to leave a message when you are unavailable to take the calls.

Unique Rules of Etiquette Around the World

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Unique Rules Of Etiquette Around The World....

 

We all know that each culture is different. But how different? That's the question. In this article, we will tell you some of the different rules of etiquette found around the world.

Argentines

Argentines are comfortable with touches so they stand very close to you during conversation. They think that the "thumbs up" sign is vulgar and obscene. And when they want to express their disbelief in someone else's idea or if they think it's stupid, they hit their left palm with their right fist.

Australians

Yawning in public is in bad taste among Australians and so are the "thumbs up" gesture and the V-sign which is made by extending the middle and the index finger with palm facing inward. Australians, however, think that you're putting airs if you don’t sit on the passenger's side in a taxi. They are also not good admirers of subservient and apologetic people.

Austria

Austrians are title respecters, they are very specific with the usage of last names and first names as well as their job, academic or profession titles. They appreciate direct eye contact during conversation. They, however, dislike people who put their hands in their pockets while speaking.

Brazil

Like Argentines, Brazilians consider touches an important components of communication. They also stand extremely close to anyone they talk with. They are expressive during conversation and they don’t mind cutting-in a conversation or being interrupted by someone else.

China

Chinese are not huge fans of touches, so refrain from hugging, slapping or making any body contacts with traditional Chinese people. Whistling and clicking your fingers are also rude for them and so is being boisterous, loud and overly dressed.

Canada

Canadians place a high value on personal space so touches and close proximity during conversation is frowned upon. Depending on your location, a "thumbs up" gesture can mean okay or obscenity. It is also generally considered rude if you do not sit straight with your legs close together.

France

French gives considerable value on privacy so it is best to refrain from asking personal questions. They also do not like telling or hearing jokes, they prefer satirical wit which to them is more substantial and smart.

Germany 

-->To be impolite in Germany is to ask a tour of a person's home, hand in your pocket when you're shaking hands with somebody, to chew gum in public and to shout or lose temper in front of someone. Policing is common and is seen as a social obligation and so is being protective, especially to ladies.

Italy

Italians appreciate eye contact. The lack of this can signal that you are hiding something. They stand near someone during conversation and appreciate flirtation.

Japan

Touches and prolonged eye contact are considered rude by Japanese. It is also not okay to show affection, extreme emotions and disinterest during conversation.

Russia

In Russia, expansive body languages are okay, in fact, kisses on the cheeks between people of the same sex are common. However, do not expect to receive warm greetings during your first meeting with a Russian.

Korea

Unless you are part of the family, you cannot touch a Korean. Direct eye contact should also be avoided, this signals disrespect.

United Kingdom

Staring is considered uncivilized by the English people, touches are reserved only for family members and it is advisable to respect their personal space. They are also not fond of using superlative adjectives, thus, expression are toned down.

United States

Handshakes are firm among Americans and formalities are often not stiff. Americans also love using friendly gestures such as asking "How are you?", "We'll have to get together", and "See you later". These are just pleasantries but are not really meant exactly as they sound.