Would you like to take your professional and private life to the next level? You may have great technical skills helping you at your work, but there is something standing on your way. It might be, that there are some secrets which others do that makes them even more successful? Hmm, by watching and analysing number of successful business people, the only thing I can say is what really makes them stand out is knowing, understanding and practicing good etiquette.
Studies reveal that 85% of someones professional success is connected to their soft skills and less than 15% to their technical skills. Therefore, it is important to develop and learn in this direction.
A lot of this is linked to your emotional intelligence. It is imperative when connecting to people, responding to people and being approachable and likeable. The one thing with emotional intelligence is that it can be learned. Therefore etiquette should be used and practices every day. It is all about being kind, respectful and compassionate. Bad etiquette can break a business deal.
First impression
It is true, that others judge us for our appearance and grooming. Therefore the first impression is so important. The way you enter the room, your friendliness, smile, manners, your clothing, posture, your voice, eye contact, and charm are evaluated. With all those on point, you will be able to influence others and bring positive emotions towards you.
Next to your professional grooming and appearance, you also need to be competent and have the abilities needed. Your knowledge and expertise is very important. You need to show honesty and integrity, reliability and demonstrate the highest work ethic.
When greeting people, be positive, smile and show you are happy to see them. A handshake in business is always appropriate. A good handshake shows confidence and self-assurance. Handshake should be firm, with smile and trusting. You always do it with your right hand, when standing and never squeeze the persons hand aggressively. Never put one hand on the others person hand. Make eye contact.
When introducing people make sure you know the rules so no-one feel offended. Always introduce first the most important VIP person, than the most senior person and females first. "May I please" is the correct formal way of introducing people.
You presentations delivered with power, confidence, authority and charisma will go a long way. Sometimes is not about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence is something we want to see from a successful person. Whats the formula? See few tips below:
Your appearance, grooming, things you hold in your hand.
Have a good powerful voice.
Built rapport.
Organise yourself and always be prepared.
Watch others, engage and respond.
Have powerful body language.
Use facts, stories and statistics when speaking to make your point.
Be decisive.
Remove fear.
Maintain positive attitude.
Be likeable.
Remove toxic people from your life.
Stay humble.
Remove words "Sorry", "Can I ask a question", "Just", "Pardon me", I can't", "To be honest...".
Practice, practice, practice!
When giving a toast always remember to keep it short. Talk about Past, Present and Future. You may say "Good morning everyone, thank you for coming to our annual event. I would like to take a moment to raise a glass to XXX or 10 years of dedicated service. We are delighted to have you with us today. We look forward to many more successful years". If you are giving a toast to multiple tables in a room, you should stand so everyone can hear you. The toast or speech is generally served at welcome. The host or the most senior representative of the event should give the toast of speech. Raise the glass and smile. To get everyone attention, say "Excuse me everyone" and raise your toast.
Speech is something you need to prepare in advance. Its is little longer and best if not read straight from a piece of paper! Be engaging, fully, grateful, thankful. You may use Past-Present-Future technique as well.
Your presence
In regards to your dressing, each business will have their unique dress code. Either corporate (most formal, suits and dresses, polished leather shoes, closed toe), business professional (button down shirt or blouse, skirt, dress), business casual (jeans for men with a belt, less formal skirt of dress for woman), and casual.
Some of the rules to avoid in any type of business dress codes is to avoid showing too much skin. We should also never show up to work or an event with flip-flops. Clothing that is too tight, ripped or with holes. Matching belt to your shoes will always give you that sleek and elegant look. Sometimes even wrong materials can make you look unprofessional, or big logos as well as yellow underarms. Eek!
When it comes to fragrance, many etiquette gurus advise not to wear one at all. A scent might be irritating to others. But if we wear one, we have to ensure we put it on our skin and not clothes. My rule is to always wear deodorant, this way you can avoid uncomfortable situations.
Make sure your nails are clean, neatly but and manicure as neutral as possible. Neutral shades or shades of garden roses are the appropriate ones in a business environment.
Your skin should be fresh looking and clean. As well as your breath. Bad breath can break a relationship as well as a business one. Gum in business is never good idea, but breath strips or mints are totally appropriate.
If you want to show respect to others you are the one opening the door for someone, when you at business dinner, you gesture to the highest ranking person to order first. Simple "Please, after you" is totally appropriate. If you are hosting a dinner, client should never pay. You are the host taking charge and care of people and you are the one opening door, elevator.
When taking a business picture it is important to present yourself in the best possible light. You never know? An opportunity may slip through. Dress appropriately, avoid logos or busy patterns, smile, make eye contact with the camera, wear minimal jewellery, avoid white backgrounds, but solid bright colours. A good photo will also be when you stand in three-quarters angle to the camera, placing one foot slightly ahead. We should also avoid head only pictures.
The way you sit, stand and move in business shows others your confidence and charming. Roll your shoulders back, keep your chin level in line parallel with the floor. We should avoid slouching when sitting and not using the arm rests will truly help with that. Your back should not touch the back of the chair and keep your spine straight. And, please, not elbows the table!
And, remember, punctuality is crucial. It applies to any meeting, either in person or online. Show up 10 minutes early, take a big breath, slow down. You do not want to run into a meeting late with your head spinning of anxiety.
A lot of information? If you already know the rules and use them, you are my hero! Thank you for being such an amazing readers.
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