When one thinks of etiquette, they more commonly think of Mrs. Manners and her rules for keeping your elbows off the table. One doesn’t normally think of business and what proper etiquette can do for a business. While proper business etiquette may be low on advice for your elbows and table manners, it can be just as important.
The way a business owner or employee (or even a freelancer for that matter) conducts themselves to others can tell a lot about them and their business.
Pretend you were out at a business lunch meeting. Now, what if a business’ associate was constantly reaching across the table sampling other’s meals, talking too loudly, and displaying less than stellar table manners. It would reflect poorly on him and his company. It may show that his company was poorly run, based on how he is behaving. While the employee may actually reflect nothing about their company, one at times cannot help but make decisions based off a representative. While the above is an extreme example the overall point still stands.
A bit more quick advice:
Don’t hand out your card randomly. When someone is talking and someone runs past while throwing a business card at them, it’s more likely to end in in the trash than a rolodex. It can be considered outright rude, so try to establish a conversation and connection with someone before handing over your card. This will also give you the added bonus of seeming knowledgeable and create a more meaningful relation to your card.
Ask questions, instead of just talking ‘at’ people. While having a one sided conversation may seem like a good way to show benefits of your work, no body likes being talked ‘at’. Draw in the other person, and ask questions about their needs and interests as well. You may be able to find a good way to incorporate your work into the conversation.
