Business Etiquette

Business EtiquetteAs the rapid development of world economy ，business interactions are becoming more and more frequent. China’s continuous in the construction of the socialist market economy promotes the great interpersonal contact. In order to adapt to the development of society, it is necessary for us to promote ourselves. When conducting business abroad or in your own country with someone of another culture, the knowledge of certain rules of social and business etiquette is of great importance. Learning business etiquette and applying business etiquette has become a general trend. If you master business etiquette well, you will hold more opportunity in the business interactions.Business etiquette, can be defined as behavior norms that should be abided by business people in their activities. How to acquire business etiquette? How to acquire business etiquette? We can do from four different aspects below.The first is introductions and greetings. A good introduction and greeting can make a successful starting. You will leave a good impression to your cooperator.The procedure for making introductions differs from culture to culture. So, learning different culture and customs is necessary. If you meet an American, people of all ages prefer to use first names instead of titles and last names. When your American friends don’t use your last name or title, that doesn’t mean any lack of respect. Using first names usually shows friendliness. But in business communication with Japanese, you are advised to use their titles instead of their first names.As to making greetings, proper greetings can make you appear polite and sociable in intercultural business communication. Some easy way is to say “Hello.” “Good morning.” Usually, nonverbal greetings can be seen in communication. It includes shaking hands, kissing and bowing, but don’t kissing someone you don’t know well. They might recoil in surprise. Both of you will feel embarrassment.Second, handshaking and exchanging business cards also have business etiquette. The good time to shake hands will be: when you are introduced to others and when you say goodbye to others, when the visitor comes into your room or office, when you go to meet you client, when you go to attend the receptions or parties and when you take leave. When you shake with someone, your handshake should be relaxed but firm and you should look at the other person in your eyes, smile, and say “I’m very pleased to meet you.” If the person you are meeting seems to back off, don’t force a handshake. Presenting a card with two hands conveys respect and an application of the importance of the ritual in most Asian cultures. It is best to hold the card by the two upper corners when making the presentation. Likewise, you should receive a business card with both hands, once you have it in hand; take time to read it, not merely a glance but a deliberate study.The third is dressing and dining. Dressing properly means the respect to others. People communicate through what they wear, their hairstyles, and the polish of their shoes and even the look of their fingernails. Clothes may not make the man or the woman, but the reality is that how you look goes a long way toward leaving a great first impression. A well-fitted dark suit, usually blue, grey, or black, is appropriate for almost all formal business situations and most social occasions, including evenings out at restaurants or the theater. When you are having dinner together; the way you behave at a meal will leave an impression on people:If you arrive before most guests and are seated, rise when introduced to guests, both male and female, for the first time.In most cultures it is rude to arrive empty-handed. Although lavish gifts are usually not expected, flowers for the hostess are the best bet.Eat what is on your plate and praise the host or the hostess. In most cultures leaving food uneaten is rude and considered a poor reflection on the host or hostess.In most Asian cultures it is appropriate to leave one’s shoes at the door. Follow the lead of your host but never insist on keeping shoes on. Be sure you wear a clean pair of socks without holes.It is polite to wait for the eldest or most senior person to start eating before you do while eating with Koreans at their home. At table, never stick your chopsticks or spoon straight up and down in your bowl (this is down at memorial service foe the dead); instead, leave them on the table. Having a good dining way with people can help you build a friendly relationship and make you gentle.The forth is punctuality. If you have made a appointment with your client, you should be punctual especially with Americans. Americans tend to place more emphasis on punctuality than people in many other places do. They value the time very much and do things as they have scheduled. If you are late, they will feel you are not sincere and don’t respect them. So keep punctuality is very important. When reservations have been made, it is very important to at the agreed time.a little or we will make discriminations unwittingly. In the US, men take off their hats to show respect. This shows good manners. But in some cultures, people will seldom do so. In Chinese, There are some points to stress. Different countries have different superstitions and know them who also believe that good or bad luck is associated with certain numbers, feel that four is the most negative number because it sounds like the word ”death.” Hotel in Hong Kong and Taiwan often have no fourth floor, and some Asian airports have no Gate Four. So when communicates with Chinese, it is best to avoid the number” four”.As an old saying,”You might be a bore if you talk about your own interest at great length while your listeners do not have the least taste for it.”Good business etiquette is a necessary quality in the business communication. It can promote the friendly relationship between people of different countries. Having business etiquette will help you do well in the business activities.。