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Business Etiquette

People like to work with and do business with people they like. Spend time learning how to handle yourself in meetings, during business luncheons, at networking events, and in other outside activities with co-workers, clients or colleagues.

By Matt Krumrie

Last update: May 30, 2006 - 8:13 AM

When Regina Barr, president of Inver Grove Heights-based Red Ladder Inc. (www.redladder.com), was asked to present a program on dining etiquette, she seemed perplexed. After all, she specializes in helping organizations grow their business by developing and inspiring their people.

She wondered, "How on earth was dining etiquette going to help me do that?"

After talking further with her client, it became clear to Barr that not only was dining etiquette an issue, but so was business, meeting, office, travel and golf etiquette.

"The more time I spent thinking about it, the clearer it became to me that etiquette is an important skill for business professionals," says Barr. "When business professionals know how to handle themselves well in many different situations, clients and employers notice and respond. Often they feel that how you handle yourself - whether that be in a restaurant, the office or on the golf course - will be an indication of how you will handle their business or account."

Joan Runnheim, president of Hudson, WI-based Pathways Career Success Strategies (www.pathwayscareer.com), says practicing good business etiquette can affect your company's bottom line - and your career. The more you can help your company, the greater opportunity for advancement or a pay increase. And keep in mind, being professional isn't just for clients or prospects - it's important to maintain that standard with co-workers, too.

"Gaining the competitive edge and standing out from your colleagues requires more than just simply doing a good job," says Runnheim. "It all boils down to relationship building. Make it a point to talk with everyone at work. People that you may perceive not to have power often have more power than you think."

"Polish up on your professional image, and reap the dividends of more business and a faster climb up the corporate ladder," says Barr.

This is a weekly column devoted to career betterment. Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has eight years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.