The 7 Pillars of Business Phone EtiquetteWritten by Neil Payne
Etiquette is in essence about proper conduct and presenting yourself favourably. Demonstrating good etiquette is important if one seeks to be successful. An area in which this is essential is business phone call.Millions of business phone calls are made every hour and day. Business people that interact solely over phone yet never meet still form strong opinions of one another. Practising good business phone etiquette helps encourage clear lines of communication, build rapport and avoid misunderstandings. Most of us can recollect a phone call that left us feeling frustrated or irritated. How much of this could have been attributed to poor phone etiquette? Here we explore a few simple examples of areas within business phone etiquette that should be employed when making or receiving calls. All successful business interaction needs preparation. The phone call is no exception. It is important to know who you are calling, most convenient time to do so, reason for your call and what you can do for them. Be structured, short and sharp. If caller is not known to receiver it is important that purpose of call and caller’s credentials are established immediately. A simple introduction followed by a sentence or two not only shows good phone etiquette but allows receiver to set forthcoming information within a context. Particularise your intention behind call. Do not assume receiver understands why you are calling them and what you expect of them. Expand upon information and specify purpose of call.
| | Business EtiquetteWritten by Neil Payne
Business etiquette is in essence about building relationships with people. In business world, it is people that influence your success or failure. Etiquette, and in particular business etiquette, is simply a means of maximising your business potential.If you feel comfortable around someone and vice versa, better communication and mutual trust will develop. This comfort zone is realised through presenting yourself effectively. Business etiquette helps you achieve this. Business etiquette revolves around two things. Firstly, thoughtful consideration of interests and feelings of others and secondly, minimising misunderstandings. Both are dependent upon self conduct. Business etiquette polishes this conduct. Business etiquette varies from region to region and country to country. For international business person, focusing too deeply on international business etiquette would leave no time for business. However, there are some key pillars upon which good business etiquette is built. Behaviour Your manners and attitude will speak volumes about you. They will point to your inner character. If you come across selfish, undisciplined or uncouth your relationship is unlikely to prosper. Appropriate business etiquette promotes positive traits. Honesty A reputation for delivering what you say will deliver goes a long way in business world. Remember, a reputation for integrity is slowly gained but quickly lost. Understanding a particular country’s business etiquette provides a framework in which you can work without fear of crossing boundaries in terms of agreements, promises and contracts. Character Your character refers to what you as an individual bring to business table. Proper business etiquette allows you to exhibit your positive qualities. For example, knowing when to be passionate and not emotional or self-confident without being arrogant. Just through learning another’s business etiquette you demonstrate an open-mindedness which will earn respect.
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