Here are six essential qualities that are the key to success:
- Sincerity
- Personal Integrity
- Humility
- Courtesy
- Wisdom
- Charity
Here are a few Business Savvy Dos and Don’ts that will help:
Do:
- Leave your bad mood at the door.
- Keep confidences, both personal and professional.
- Keep personal office décor to a minimum and in good taste.
- Write thank-you notes and letters.
- Use phrases like, “How may I help you?” or “How may I be of assistance to you?” (These are contemporary without being condescending.)
- Use a full-length mirror each time you dress so that you can see the total image you are presenting.
Don’t:
- Criticize or trash your competition.
- Take out your anger on others.
- Swear, shout, cry, or display anger in the business arena. You’ll lose credibility.
- Drop into a client’s office unannounced – call first.
- Criticize your company: complain about problems, other persons, or your not being promoted. (Meet with appropriate individuals in the company to issue a complaint.)
- Gossip or listen to gossip.
- Use phases, “What can I do for you?” – it’s outdated and condescending.
- Place your briefcase or coat on another person’s desk.
- Comb your hair or apply makeup in someone else’s office. (Excuse yourself and attend to grooming needs in the restroom.)
- Remove items on someone else’s desk to make room for you briefcase or papers. Use your lap.
- Place a handbag of any size on a desk, boardroom table, or restaurant table. (Small bags are kept on the lap; large ones by the side of your chair or near your feet. Etiquette for etiquette’s sake is an empty activity and a meaningless ritual.)
Genuine good manners and a working knowledge of professional behavior are essential and productive business skills. I know you already know all of this. It can’t help to be reminded now and then.
Mike Marchev freely shares his experiences, strategies and observations with travel professionals in an effort to keep them on top of their game. For a complimentary copy of his 12-Word Marketing Plan send him an email at mike@mikemarchev.com.
Mike’s daily column is made possible by AmaWaterways.