People in the business world have different expectations about eye contact, body language, dress code, and dining etiquette, just to name a few. Understanding appropriate corporate etiquette may go a long way, even when many businesses have switched to a more laid-back attitude. In this article, we'll define business etiquette and go over some of the fundamental guidelines you should be aware of.
As times change, so do social norms for personal and professional behaviour, but that doesn't mean basic etiquette doesn't matter. Performance and quality are important, too, of course, but not exclusively. We sometimes forget that business is about people.
Wouldn't you rather collaborate with, work for or buy from someone who has high standards of professional behaviour?
Choose the right time
Organizing around multiple time zones or even just a bigger office space can be daunting. Ultimately, it’s hard to please everyone. This affects the time of the meeting, but also the energy in the respective rooms, and the engagement with whoever is presenting.
Organise your Availability by Time-Zone!
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Have an agenda
Detailing what the meeting will cover will help you and the other attendees stay on topic for the duration of the meeting. Keep the agenda simple and send it out several days in advance for people to get a chance to look it over.
Add an Agenda using our Booking Notes!
Set success criteria and calibrate expectations
Increase business meeting effectiveness with success criteria – yes. Set goals and meet them – yes.
It begins when you organize the meeting. Why are you meeting? What’s the objective? What do you hope to accomplish? When you send out the invite, include the overall objective.
Ask your attendees Qualifying Questions!
Confirm the business meeting
If you’ve scheduled the meeting some time in advance, follow up with participants a day ahead to let them know that the meeting is coming up. Especially visitors will appreciate the reminder.
This can all be automated all in CatchApp with just a Booking Page. Get Reminders in advance for you and your clients, have your attendees confirm in minutes and so much more!
Don’t be late
Show up on time. There’s no excuse for being late for any meeting, no matter what your role in it is. If you are, a simple apology to the organizer and the rest of the attendees is always appreciated, just don’t make a big fuss about it.
Reduce no-shows with our Built-in Reminders!
Double-check, before you hit send.
While we’re on the subject of communication, always check your emails for spelling and grammar errors. Since the advent of spell check, there is no excuse for typos. Also, do a quick read to make sure the meaning and tone are what you wish to convey. And no smileys, please.
When it comes to business etiquette, there are rules that aren’t meant to be broken. Some of these may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised by how many times you may have made a mistake without even noticing it.
In recent years, companies large and small have embraced a more laid-back startup culture. Cubicles have been knocked down and replaced with open floor plans. Office furniture can be anything from bean bag chairs and nap pods to foosball tables and arcade games. Suits and ties have been discarded for T-shirts and jeans. Remote work is getting more and more popular.
Did you know all of this is covered in our scheduling solution? Learn more here!
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Life in the business fast lane doesn't always have to be so difficult, but with CatchApp Bookings, your scheduling can be taken care of in the most efficient way possible.
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