As Americans, we have devolved with our expressions of “please” and “thank you.” We feel like we are free to do and say as we like, without appreciating others with our words and actions. While this may be acceptable in the United States, many other cultures from around the world see Americans as rude and uncaring. What has happened? In this article, I will provide a few business etiquette tips to guide your employees on social behaviors that will positively affect their performance and production as well as the image of your corporation.
Business Etiquette Tips for CEOs and Corporate Executives
- Teach your employees how to meet and greet and the importance of a first impression. A first impression is hard to change, and it happens in one second! When meeting someone, say your name (Hi, my name is Lisa Burdette), give a genuine smile and extend a firm handshake.
- Dress appropriately for the event you are attending.
- Emotionally prepare yourself as needed before an event and extend an open mind to others when interacting with them.
- Show genuine interest in those you meet.
- Keep your eye contact steady and engage with those you talk to.
- Seek to learn from others…as business owners, you can teach your employees how to lead by following this principle.
These principles form the foundation of Social Graces for Business. The keys are good eye contact, a warm smile, a firm handshake and a pure soul that expresses genuine interest in others.
Want to know a game-changing secret to business success? Show others that you are fully engaged in conversation with them. Listen to others, focus on them and put your phone away. Focus on the human being and not on your phone or on trying to see “how many people you can meet”. This behavior change will transform your interactions, and you will become a dynamic person that all will enjoy conversing with.
Know the rules of etiquette for cocktail parties and business dinners. After you meet with clients or employees, take time to write down any pertinent details or names from your meeting. Keep a file with business cards from others.
Please, please follow up with business professionals that you talk with! Follow up with an email and, remember, there is power in a hand-written Thank You note. Never go anywhere without a business card…you never know when you will meet someone interested in your company’s products or services. Always be prepared to share about your company and role in the business.
Social Graces are Key to Success in 2025
Lisa Burdette is an expert in social graces and workplace etiquette in Dallas, Texas. Her private classes have helped many individuals with polishing their professional image and increasing their personal confidence when attending business meetings or events. In addition, Lisa’s experience in group business etiquette training and workshops for corporate clients such as the Bank of Texas, TEXO (The Construction Association) and others have prepared her to train many additional Dallas-area businesses in 2025.
Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
Happy New Year! May God bless you and your professional endeavors this coming year. I look forward to working with you!
