Always take the time to write thank you notes.

• If you were invited to lunch or dinner, someone paid for that meal. Be gracious and thank your host. State how delicious the meal was and how much you appreciated the invitation.
• If you had an interview, write notes to everyone who was there.
• If your group was able to complete a project on time, or it was well received, give credit to those who worked with you.
• If you got good service from someone, let them know.

I write many more notes now than I ever did. The next time they see you again, they will remember the note you sent and will give you great service again.

Essential Business Etiquette provides training in business etiquette to organizations whose bottom line depends on its employees exhibiting impeccable social behavior. Call us for more details on how we can help you.

Asian Economic Community

Here are some guidelines that will help you with your research:

• Find out what people wear and if you should shake hands with women.
• Find out who the President or Prime Minister is and what kind of government they have.
• Know what the main religion of that country is, and if you might be traveling on one of their major holidays. In some countries it is not expected you will do business the same day or even the next day!
• Find out about the local culture table manners. In some countries, you should not discuss business at the lunch or dinner table unless your host does.
• Try to learn as much vocabulary in their language as you can if possible. Even saying “bonjour Monsieur LeGrand” is helpful.

Please realize that from the time you are picked up at the airport to the time you leave, you are being evaluated and your client is deciding whether or not he wants to do business with your company.

Essential Business Etiquette provides training in business etiquette to organizations whose bottom line depends on its employees exhibiting impeccable social behavior. Call us for more details on how we can help you.

Image credit.

The first thing you need to do is look at the invitation. Does it say Black Tie or White Tie? What’s the difference you say? There is a big difference but it applies to what the man should wear.

Black Tie or White Tie?

Most of us are used to the Black Tie Affair. This means a man should wear a black tuxedo with matching trousers. The outfit needs to include a white tuxedo dress shirt with a wing collar and French cuffs and a black bow tie. It also needs a black cummerbund or a black tuxedo vest. That will be paired with black silk socks and tuxedo dress shoes, usually patent leather. We see this style of dress at many weddings, and dressy affairs around the town.

If the invitation says it is a White Tie Affair that is a whole different story. This style of dress is for the most formal occasions. We rarely see this at all. If you live in a large city, you may see men dress like this at the opening of the ballet or opera. We saw President Bush and his staff dressed like this when he wined and dined Queen Elizabeth at a State Dinner at the White House. You may also see a wedding party dress like this at a formal wedding which is late in the day. This includes a tailcoat tuxedo jacket with matching tuxedo trousers.

For a white tie affair, a man will wear a white silk bow tie, a white shirt with pleats and a white vest. In addition he will wear black tuxedo shoes, and black silk socks. His should wear mother of pearl stud cuff links.

Women’s Gowns

Women should only wear a long gown to an inaugural ball. There is a chance you may be invited to more than one party and you may need two or three gowns. The gown should be ankle length with no train. A train is only needed when you walk down a runway or in an aisle in church. You will be walking and dancing and a train will get in the way. The gown could be strapless or sleeveless. This is not the place to expose too much cleavage or to wear a gown that is too sheer. It should be all one color, no prints or floral design.

First Ladies Inaugural Gowns

Black is safe but try to find something with sequins or some lace or beads. If you wear any other color you will stand out if that is your objective. The dress should have some pizzazz to it. White should be avoided. I would pair the gown with the finest jewelry you have, diamonds, pearls or precious stones. Your clutch purse should match your shoes. It will be very cold so you will need a wrap. Faux fur is a good choice. Keep in mind there may be salt on the sidewalk. You will need to pick up your dress when you are outside just in case so you will not get salt stains on the bottom of the dress.

Hair, Nails, Makeup

If your hair is long enough, consider an upsweep. You will look a bit dressier and your beautiful earrings will show. Your nails and toes should be professionally polished and if possible, make an appointment to get your makeup done.

Social Etiquette

Be friendly and introduce yourselves to people. Tell where you are from and how you got to be invited. There is a chance you might be able to make some good business connections. Keep in mind this is mainly a social affair, but people will always ask what kind of work you do. Talk nice about your company. You never know who might be listening.

This is a time to use your best table manners and use the best etiquette you can. For most of us this is a once in a lifetime affair. Enjoy the sights and sounds. It is very possible you may make a strategic business client.

Photo credits:
National Museum of American History (Flickr)
National Museum of American History

Think about what you are writing and who you are writing to. Use appropriate language; keep it short and to the point. Do not gossip about an employee or a manager or share private information in a written communication.

Try to reply to emails the same day or no later than the next day. If you will be out of the office, have your email set so it will tell people when you will return and who else they may speak with if it is an emergency.

Photo source: flickr.com.

Companies now have golf tournaments, cocktail hours and networking events. There is a social protocol for each one of these areas.  Although using the wrong  fork is not the most important etiquette faux pas, it is helpful if you do understand which utensil to use for each course.

By far it is how you welcome the guest, how you handle the conversation at the table and if you are truly gracious when inviting someone to have a meal with you.

By all means, take care of the check ahead of time and give 100% attention to the client.

Photo source: flickr.com

When introducing the client, say, “Ms. Client, I would like you to meet the CEO of our company, Mr. Jones. He has been with our company for seven years now”.

Try to give small bit of information about someone so they will know what to say next. Always use the client’s name first. This shows respect to the client by mentioning him first.

Geography

The proper name of the country is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This includes the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain refers to the large island that consists of England, Scotland and Wales. You should realize that the Republic of Ireland is a separate country and is not part of the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man and The Channel Islands are Crown Dependencies.

The United Kingdom is a Constitutional Monarchy and the Queen isthe Head of State. There is also a Prime Minister who is head of the government. The government has an Upper House and a Lower House.

Airports

If you are flying from the United States, you will arrive at Heathrow Airport. It is the busiest airport in the world and it is fifteen miles west of London. The second largest airport is Gatwick Airport. It is thirty miles south of London.

Language

Although both countries speak English, it will be helpful to understand that words that we use here in the United States might have a different meaning in the United Kingdom. Here is a partial list:

Another thing to keep in mind is that some words will have different spelling. Words that end in –ize and –or in the United States will end in –ise and -our in Great Britain.

Bank Holidays

It is always a good idea to look up bank holidays before traveling to another country. The United Kingdom celebrates many similar holidays like we do in the United States such as Christmas and Easter, but they also have off the following days; Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early Banking Holiday (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May) and Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August). If you plan to be there on one of these holidays, no business is conducted on these days.

Attire

Business attire in the United Kingdom is on the formal side. Men wear mostly solid or pin stripe suits in black, gray or navy blue. Ties should be solid colors or a print, never with stripes. Men should wear shirts with solid colors and no pockets. Loafers are never worn for business, only laced shoes. Socks should be the same color of the pants.

Women should wear suits with pants or skirts. They could also wear a dress with a matching jacket. They should strive to look conservative and avoid loud colors. Like the men, gray, navy or black is preferred. Hosiery should be neutral and a solid color, not mesh or with a pattern. Makeup should be light and not overdone. Both men and women should avoid excessive jewelry.

Conducting Business

Always use Mr. Mrs. or Miss when addressing your client unless they give you permission to use their first name. If your client uses “Sir”, they are referred to as Sir Mark or whatever their first name is. Business cards are often exchanged right after introductions. Never put a business card in your back pocket, use a carrying case just for business cards and put it in your suit inside pocket.

Shake hands with everyone, but once you are outside the United States, always wait for the woman to extend her hand to you first. If she does not extend her hand, just nod your head slightly to her.

If you are conducting the meeting, have an agenda. People in Great Britain are known for using more of team approach to solve problems. This is to make sure they get input from everyone. The British will appear to be more formal and reserved than Americans and they tend to meet more often than we do. After the meeting, make sure that everyone who attended gets a summary of what was discussed.

Tea

Tea is not served every day in business. If your client does invite you to tea, you should be aware that low tea is served from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and will include scones with jam. High tea is in place of dinner and will include a variety of foods including small sandwiches, scones with jam and dessert.

Conclusion

Just because you are traveling to The United Kingdom, you should not assume that business is conducted exactly the same way as it is here in the United States. Do an online search, buy books and speak with people who have traveled there. Making a faux pas can result in hundreds of lost dollars and lost time. Spending just a little bit of time to do some research ahead of time could make all the difference in getting the sale and winning the respect of your client

Photo source: Flickr.com.

* Clean clothes are a must with no spots or stains.

* Sandals are not appropriate when greeting a client.

* If a client comes to you and it is casual Friday, be sure to keep an outfit in your office that you can change into.

* Pay attention to updated looks. The dress or suit that worked well five years ago may not be in style anyone.

* Women should complete an outfit with appropriate jewelry.

* Be sure your shoes are clean and polished.

* Leave the perfume or cologne at home. A scent that you love may not be appreciated by your client or coworkers.

Photo source: Flickr.com.

If you know of anyone who has personally been to one of these Middle Eastern or North African countries, it is a great idea to check with them first. Next check for articles written on the internet, buy books about the culture of these countries, and as a last resort check with the American Embassy in that country before traveling there. It would be a great loss of time and money if you traveled for business and did not get a sale because of a faux pas which could easily have been avoided.

People that live outside the United States and come to this country to do business, have hired an outside firm to thoroughly explain the way we do business here. They spend much time learning our language and

customs. We should do likewise.

Religion

Traveling to an Islamic country will be the most culturally different area compared to other parts of the world that you may ever travel to. The first thing to know is that the Islamic religion permeates the country including the business area. Muslims need to pray five times a day. If this happens when you are in their company, you will need to be aware of this and be very respectful. You are not expected to pray but should just sit still and wait until they are finished.

Greetings and Introductions

When you are introduced to someone, realize that their handshake will not be as firm as an American handshake and it may last much longer. Do not be the one to end the handshake first. You may be greeted with the phrase, “And peace be with you.” Americans like to “keep their space” but in the Middle East, people may want to get much closer. You will want to back up as it is our first impulse, but this is considered rude, so stay in place. A man should never extend his hand first to a woman to shake hands. You would only extend your hand to hers if she offers her hand to you.

When you present your business card, always do so with your right hand. You should never use your left hand to present a card. Take a good look at the card and slowly put it in a card holder in your suit pocket, never in your pants pocket. If it is possible, have the back side of your card translated into Arabic before you travel.

Attire

American businessmen should never wear a short sleeve shirt or wear shorts. During the day and evening it is appropriate to wear a long sleeved shirt or a suit.

Women should never wear a short sleeved or sleeveless blouse. In some countries it is better to wear a pantsuit and in others a suit would be preferred. A woman will have to wear an abaya or a head covering. It would be best to get one before you go and practice wearing it. Make sure your hair does not show. You may need this as soon as you get off the plane.

Punctuality

In Middle Eastern and Northern African countries, time doesn’t have the same value as it does in the United States. Although you are expected to be on time, don’t be surprised if your client shows up late. If this happens, do not show that you are irritated and offended. After all, the reason you are there is to get the sale. Being late is part of their culture and just accept that it may happen.

You should never look like you are in a hurry to do business. You may be wined and dined all week long before business is discussed. Be aware that everything you say or do from the time you get off the plane, you are being watched and they are deciding if they want to do business with you.

Avoid looking at your watch no matter how late in the evening it is getting. You do not want to give any impression that you are in a hurry to wrap up business.

Alcohol

Alcohol is forbidden in Islamic countries. Do not attempt to put any small bottles of liquor in your suitcase or in your pockets. You will be stopped at customs, you could be arrested, and you will be lucky if you are allowed to contact the American Embassy for assistance. You will be wasting a lot of your time and your company’s money if you do not follow this guideline.

Invitation to a Home

If you are asked to the home of your client, consider it a great honor. Be careful about bringing a gift. Definitely check on this to be sure. You normally would not bring flowers or anything at all.

You may be asked to take off your shoes and put on a pair of slippers. Do not refuse this request. Shoes are considered very dirty. Please refrain from putting your feet up on the furniture. Never show them the soles of your feet as this is considered a great insult.

If you are offered any food or drink, do not refuse as this is also considered very rude. If you are invited for dinner, be aware that dinner time may start very late. You should leave a little food on the plate. Doing this will show your host that you are full and you do not want any more food.

Doing Business

When you finally get down to business, be aware that bartering is very common in that part of the world. Be prepared to go back and forth on price a bit but do not overdo it. Bartering is expected but going overboard here is another deal killer.

Closing

There are many countries in the Middle East and customs will vary from one to the other and they will even vary within the country. It is absolutely necessary to do your research before you leave the United States. Hopefully the travel department in your company can help out with this information. If you do not have a travel department, check with some local travel agencies. If they do not know, check with the American Embassy in that country before you leave.

Your company has spent a lot of money sending you so far away. It takes a huge amount of time to travel to the country. You may want to allow more time than in most other countries. This is because they are just not in a hurry to do business with you. Your clients want to know all about you before doing business with you. Everything you say or do is being watched. Following these guidelines will decrease your chance of making a faux pas and increase your chances of getting their business. It will also differentiate you from those who have not taken the time to find out this information.

Keep in mind that it is never appropriate to bring up or try to discuss the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Avoid this topic all together.

Finally, if there is any chance you can learn any Arabic at all before you travel that will be another plus. However, if you cannot speak the language well, do not try. Find out ahead of time if you will need a translator. If you do, your company should pay this expense. This should be set up ahead of time. There is a chance you will not need one as English is taught in their schools. However, do not leave this last detail to chance.

Photo source: Flickr.com.

Be on time, be on time, be on time.

Being late just does not cut it. In fact, you should be about five to ten minutes early for an appointment. Use the time to head to the restroom to check for any flaws, fix your lipstick, or comb your hair.

Being late shows great disrespect to your client. His or her time is valuable and if you waste it by being late, you can say goodbye to the sale.

If you are late due to an accident on the road or because of traffic, be sure to call ahead and let them know your estimated time of arrival.

Better yet, leave early and anticipate any problem that might make you arrive late.

Photo source: Flickr.com.