Professionalism and Business Etiquette

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

What is business etiquette and why is it important? This is the question I asked myself upon first introduction to business etiquette my senior year at West Virginia University. As my teacher continued to speak and go in-depth about it and explain to us fresh faces about to enter the workforce what business etiquette was, I couldn't help but think that some of the stuff he was detailing was a little weird and maybe a tad bit extra mile-ish for interviews and formal business functions. However, I continued to listen and absorb the information because I wanted to learn how to be a professional and talk to other professionals without making a fool of myself in the process. 

Over the next couple months, I began practicing this business etiquette at interviews and with various professionals that I knew outside of school and work. I picked up on some of it right away because I am naturally a social and energetic person but it was more than just being social. Having grade A business etiquette is something that takes practice and something that is not always set in stone. It kind of shifts between different people that you're interacting with. For example the CEO of Texas Road House is probably way different than the CEO of Ford or Ferrari for example. 

Regardless of who it is that you're talking to or doing business with, the basis of all business etiquette is fairly the same and can take you far in your business with other people. It's a very nice skill to practice and can help you succeed in ways you never expected. Always know your audience and always stay professional!