You Are Your Brand –
Or, Business Etiquette 101
Whether you own your own business, are senior management, or are an employee, you should always be “marketing” yourself to your business associates. It may sound trite, but your business image – that is, the brand of “you” - is essential to your professional success.
For example, what would you think of a business that has a terrific product, but their marketing materials have typos and their Web site is outdated? What if they don’t return your calls - after you managed to navigate your way through their confusing voice mail system? Eventually, these problems could overshadow the excellence of their product and you’d stop buying their services - and you certainly wouldn't recommend them to anyone.
The same is true in marketing yourself. Your work may be first-rate, but if you don’t always appear professional, it will be noticed. There are several basic tips to remember when communicating your image to the world.
Casual business attire does not mean sloppy, dirty, torn or wrinkled. There are plenty of non-business times for casual dress and for you to have fun with your wardrobe. Dress to impress – not to shock. Ever. This includes office parties and after work functions. No matter what the business situation, ladies – it is not acceptable to show your tummy or too much cleavage or wear skirts that are too short or too tight. And gentlemen – you can’t go wrong wearing a long-sleeved dress shirt, tie and nice slacks.
Many people don’t know simple food etiquette. Don’t begin eating your meal until everyone at the table has been served, know which water glass is yours and never use a piece of bread to scoop up the pasta sauce on your plate. If you’re attending a meeting, remember what we were taught in first grade – if you don’t have enough food to share with everyone, leave it at your desk! Finally, while the presenter is speaking, don’t chomp your ice or munch potato chips. It’s amazing how those sounds carry.
Return phone and e-mail messages promptly. Enough said.
Several basic cell phone etiquette tips require repeating. Without realizing it, many people talk louder than normal when on the phone. You never know who’s going to overhear, so don’t talk about an employee you’re planning to fire or a client you’re having a problem with while you’re in a public place.
Unless it’s truly urgent, never, ever take a call when you’re meeting with a current or potential client. Show them the respect that they deserve. If you do need to take a call, excuse yourself. Don’t make someone stare uncomfortably at you while you chat on your phone.
While some of this is a bit lighthearted, we have recently seen examples
of all of this - and from seasoned business professionals. And of course,
we could go on and on with other examples. We’re probably all guilty
of making some of these mistakes. However, always remember that how you
communicate your brand - YOU - to your business associates is crucial to
your success.
©2005 Wise Women Communications