In true spirit of today's topic, permit me to get straight down to business.

Business or pleasure?

It shouldn't be forgotten that even in this techno-driven, fast-paced world, the adage that ‘people do business with people’ still applies.

Work culture might have shifted dramatically in some ways in the post-2020 world, but in many ways they have not.

Having been lucky enough to travel to various parts of the world in my job, I'm more than confident in the following five tips I am about to give you so that you can be more CEO, and less 'C U Later'.

1. Understanding rank

Remember, in a work environment we rarely look at gender or age when deciding who is more important when it comes to introductions. A person's rank within a company is all that matters. The most important person's name is said first, regardless of gender or age:

Ms CEO, may I introduce, Mr Intern?

*Top tip: handshakes are briefer in business than for social occasions: a few quick pumps is all you need - words to live by.*

2. Business cards

There's a mistaken assumption that the mere handing over of a business card counts as successful networking - it does not. Instead, it is to establish genuine connections with someone: the art of selling without selling. Should you expect to hand some cards over at an event, heed the following:

Bring more cards than you think. It doesn't look good to say you've run out, even if you think it makes you look popular.
Never insist on handing them out if the other person does not wish to do the same.
Don't hand them out willy-nilly. Be sparing with who you give your details to and try to avoid giving them to people you don't have any intention of communicating with again.

*At international events, cross-cultural etiquette should be observed. For example here you see how it is customary in Japanese etiquette to hand over cards with both hands and a slight bow.*

3. Email etiquette

Email remains the lifeblood of modern communication in the West, even if more instant messaging systems like WhatsApp and Slack are gaining popularity.

Sign-offs

If you know the person to whom you are writing to, and state their name (Dr Mr Smith) end with 'Yours sincerely', if you do not (Dear Sir or Dear Madam) it is 'Yours faithfully'.

Professional writing

Try to avoid slang, emojis, and contractions. Write in full, clear, and correct sentences and save the yellow face symbols for texts to friends, if at all.

Reply times

All emails should ideally be responded to within 48 hours; if you need more time for a substantive reply, then still reply back informing them you will be following up in more detail shortly to manage their expectations.

4. The secret to successful interviews

Confidence counts for a lot in most cases but a fundamental aspect to a successful interview is to make a good impression.

Come prepared with questions about the role and company. Remember you are interviewing them, to a certain extent, as well.
Be prepared to answer questions about your own background (career 'gaps' for example).
Be enthusiastic and show interest in the role.
Follow up with a thank-you email, even if you don't get the job.

To understand the dress code required, find out how people dress specifically. Look on the company's team page to see what staff have worn or visit the office in advance and stand outside, watching the clothes of people coming and going - plus you know you won't get lost when the big day comes!

5. The correct way to interact in meetings

The way you conduct yourself in meetings, including body language, can influence how others will view you.

You are at that meeting because you should have something to contribute. Sit up and lean in to show you're ready to interject and don't be scared of re-directing the conversation back onto the agenda.

How to show approval

It's critical to praise people when something is done well. Nod when you agree and smile to signal their idea or strategy is a good one. Sounds simple enough but so few people remember to do this.

How to show disapproval

Never lose your temper. You may shake your head to signal your desire to express disagreement, and when prompted, keep a light and constructive tone while saying clearly 'I disagree because...'.

While this newsletter is by no means fully comprehensive of the business etiquette world (and how rich and varied it is), I politely implore you to practice better business etiquette in your workplace.

Let me know your own business etiquette turn-ons and turn-off, as well.

Yours sincerely,

William

My Top 5 Business Etiquette Tips