Business Etiquette: Test Your Knowledge

At a business meal when do I discuss “the business”?

“The business” may be discussed after the entrée plates have been removed. How to conduct business during meals is discussed in Chapter 3, Meal Manners.

When a valet hails the taxi, who enters first, my client or me?

The host enters the taxi first; the valet closes the door after the guests enter. Further discussion of transportation can be found in Chapter 9, Business Travel.

Is it appropriate to pay transportation or parking expenses for the attendees at my business meeting?

The attendees had the options not to attend or to submit their travel/parking expenses to the company. You are not responsible to pay their expenses. Additional information on this question may be found in Chapter 7, Preparing for the Job.

When a client gets a parking fine while at my office, should I pay it?

Unless your client followed your advice to park in an illegal parking zone, you are not obligated to pay any fine. Provide parking suggestions for your clients, particularly if parking is difficult. Additional information on this question may be found in Chapter 7, Preparing for the Job.

After the meeting is it appropriate to “talk business” in the rest-room?

There are times when informal settings, including restrooms, provide the atmosphere for thinking and talk, therefore the restroom may be an appropriate place to discuss business. The responsibilities of the host and the guest are discussed in Chapter 3, Meal Manners.

Am I expected to stand and shake hands when people enter my office?

An expression of courtesy and respect such as rising and shaking hands is always appreciated, although not necessarily required. Meeting and greeting people is discussed in Chapter 1, The First Impression.

After work, a friend and I are going directly to dinner. Can I wear a special necktie or fancy blouse to work?

Fancy or evening dress is best saved for after work hours. Wear your daytime business attire for work; carry the evening attire and change into it after work. Information on your business wardrobe and appropriate clothing for business functions is discussed in Chapter 2, Your Business Wardrobe.

A holiday gift was sent to my office. Is it appropriate to e-mail a thank you note?

It is better to write a personal thank you note even if you must telephone for the postal address. E-mails lack the personal touch required of a thank you for a gift. Gift giving is discussed in Chapter 10, After Hours. Sending a note of thanks is covered in Chapter 4, Write It Right.

When should I send a handwritten note?

A personal, handwritten note is appropriate for all thank you correspondence. Writing notes and letters is discussed in Chapter 4, Write It Right.

When I meet a business colleague after work hours are there topics we should avoid discussing?

Leave important business topics at the office. Avoid office gossip, complaining about coworkers, and discussing confidential business or business finances. The subject of appropriate conversation is discussed in Chapter 6, When You Speak.

What should I wear to a “black tie optional” event my employer asks me to attend?

Ask your boss how formal she wants you to be as a company representative. Normally, a man is required to wear a dark suit, white shirt and tie, or a tuxedo to a black tie event; a woman may wear a short cocktail dress or evening pantsuit. Information on what to wear to formal events is presented in Chapter 2, Your Business Wardrobe.

Whose name do I say first when introducing my employer to our new client?

Make the introduction using the client’s name first, followed by your employer’s name. How to make proper introductions is detailed in Chapter 1, The First Impression.

I am a woman executive who meets foreign clients in our corporate offices. Should I shake hands when greeting them?

Generally, you should rise and shake hands whenever you meet clients. Because there may be exceptions, you may need to do some culture research before extending your hand. Greeting new people is discussed in Chapter 1, The First Impression. Cultural courtesies are mentioned in Chapter 8, Office Finesse.

I annually attend a conference that benefits the entire office. Should I bring gifts to the staff from my travels?

A token gift is always appreciated. Select something from the conference like items with the conference logo or items from the city. In addition, remember to send a postcard to the office staff. Appropriate gifts for business colleagues and staff are discussed in Chapter 10, After Hours.

What is an appropriate holiday business gift for clients?

Consider your position in your company, the client’s position in their company, the client’s industry, and your corporate gift budget. Edible or consumed products such as food items, candles, or plants are always appropriate. Appropriate gifts for business clients are discussed in Chapter 10, After Hours.

Whom do I gift? When and for what occasions?

Make yourself familiar with your corporate policy and gift budget before you give gifts. Gift those who have helped you succeed during the year. Appropriate business gifts for different occasions are discussed in Chapter 10, After Hours.

What is a self introduction and when do I use it?

A brief statement about who you are and what you do is your self-introduction. Whenever you introduce yourself, you have an opportunity to share this information and build a new relationship. Introductions are discussed in Chapter 1, The First Impression.

My name is frequently mispronounced when I am introduced. How do I correct my introducer?

Repeat your name when acknowledging those you are introduced to. Later, you may want to speak privately to the introducer, as he may not know the correct pronunciation. The importance of names is discussed in Chapter 1, The First Impression.

After an interview how long should I wait before I call and ask if I am hired?

During the course of the interview ask about the hiring process and when the final hiring decision will be made. Call on the specified day. Interview follow-up is covered in Chapter 7, Preparing for the Job.

How should I greet people when I am running the booth at a trade show?

Shake hands and make eye contact; a personal acknowledgment goes a long way. How to meet and greet people is detailed in Chapter 1, The First Impression.

At a company party I drank too much and flirted with the boss. Should I apologize in person or write a note of apology?

Avoid drawing attention to your errant behavior. If you openly embarrassed your employer, send an apology for having caused embarrassment. Business entertaining and office parties are discussed in Chapter 10, After Hours.