Even in business one need to follow or adjust to certain rules or manner of doing things, because this guidelines may assist in opening opportunities for us. Those that we do business with will be patient with us, be willing to listen to what we are to propose or say because we would have presented ourselves accordingly. Therefore we need to be careful not to compromise such etiquette in business.
1.Communication
Communication plays an important role in our lives, in business too. How you approach and communicate with your business associates is crucial, to a fact that people may lose interest of doing business with you due to your lack of proper communication. We must still continue with our formal traditional way of communicating regardless of the type of medium we are using. When you write your email it must consist of the Headings (Greetings), Body (Content) and Closing. Do not assume that because you are using the informal type of medium the format does not apply. For example you would like to send me a formal proposal via email but only to find out you do not have my email address, you then decide to send an inbox message on facebook, you will still simply write “Good day Dikeledi, Can i please have your email address, thanks” . There is no way this message will not grab my attention and i will therefore forward to you my email adress without thinking twice and i will still be looking forward to your email. But could you just have inboxed me “send me your email address” without greetings, though i personally will give to you but it would have raised some concern, even more especially if we have never spoken before. Often the use of simple words such as “Please” and ‘Thank you” when necessary is important.
2. Be presentable
Reputation is everything in Business. You must learn to be presentable at all times. It is true when it is said you are the face of your company as the owner. Before you even introduce yourself or sell your business you would have been assessed or analysed by how you carry yourself .
Being presentable should not be interpreted otherwise, it simply means being clean and well dressed.
3. Be on Time
When you have a meeting set at a certain date and time make sure you make it on time, this shows you are serious, professional and not taking the other party for granted. It is also considered to be rude to be late but it would seem more disrespectful if you have not communicated your delays. When you see that you are late please do warn the other party/s, that will show a sign that at least you are considerate.
4. Know when to sell
It is an obvious case that we want people to know about us and our businesses but the truth is we need to have good timing for this. Engage with people first, start with a favourable topic and when all parties are warming up into the conversation it is then that you may find a way to issue your business card or marketing material. You also don’t want people to be worried when meeting you as they know that the networking will only be about you, you and you.
I hope you will find this helpful, i had to learn such in my two and half years in business.
Compiled by Dikeledi Seoloane on behalf of Matsobanemetja Business Consulting (Pty) Ltd – Coaching Division
Matsobanemetja Business Consulting Pty Ltd 