Business relationships are strengthened through social settings, now more than ever. However, it also revolves around your handshake, the way you present yourself and… the way you eat your dinner roll?
The Madison Chapter of the Public Relations Society of American hosted their monthly luncheon on Thursday, September 20 and welcomed Susan Richardson, founder of Etiquette Essentials, LLC, as she walked us through the dos and don’ts of business etiquette for PR Professionals, or any profession for that matter.
So before you reach for that dinner roll at a luncheon or ramble during a voicemail to a client, pay attention to these simple etiquette tips.
• Don’t eat. Okay, yes, you can eat. Just not a lot. When talking with people at a business luncheon or dinner, it is all about keeping the pace with the people, never about the food. When you do decide to nibble on some food, here’s a key thing Richardson said differentiates pro-etiquette’s from others: how you eat your dinner roll. Tear your dinner roll apart instead of taking a big bite from the entire roll; it’s more proper and less messy.
• Voicemail. There is a one in six chance you will reach the person you want to reach on the first time. So when leaving a voicemail, keep it simple: your name, company, phone number, your message and state the phone number you can be reached at again. If it’s urgent or you’ve been playing phone tag for quite some time, send an email to the person you want to speak with requesting a time for a phone meeting.
• To the right, to the right. Just like you shake with your right hand, a nametag should be placed on your right hand side, as well. This allows people to follow their line of sight when they are shaking your hand.
• Face Value, First Impressions. Only seven percent of a person’s first impressions are a person’s actual words. Fifty-five percent of it is a person’s appearance and their body language. The best way to exude professionalism and confidence? Stand with your hands resting comfortably above your hips and your first impressions will shine.
• What IS Business Casual? Most people hate defining business casual and more often than not, can’t define it. When business casual is the dress code (which is usually the case), wear your performance. This means dress to show authority. Dress well, feel well.
• Napkins Tell A Lot. The placement of your napkin as you leave or join a table tells a lot about your manners. Immediately when you sit, place your napkin on your lap. If you leave to go to the restroom, answer a phone call or take care of some other business, place the napkin on the back of your chair. When you and your guests are ready to leave the restaurant, place your napkin on the table.
As always, don’t forget the basics like: a firm handshake that meets web-to-web and palm-to-palm, always mind your P’s and Q’s and flashy a simple smile is perfect to break the ice.
Caroline Radaj
The Creative Company | Social Media Specialist
caroline@thecreativecompany.com