9 Business Etiquette Tips to Ensure Profitability

Many business owners are so focused on their profit margins that they forget one of the best ways to increase the bottom line is to simply be nice. Even though a lot of business is done through technology these days, online and telephone etiquette skills are still important. Because of the new way of doing business in the 21st century, knowing what’s proper and acceptable in business is not always apparent. When in doubt, the key is to always remember to say and do things that make others feel good about sharing your “plot” in cyberspace and about doing business with you. This will allow you to build relationships that will lead to referrals, repeat business, and to long-lasting B2Band B2C friendships.

Below are nine business etiquette tips to help you ensure profitability in your small business.

Send Hand written Thank You Notes

Don’t let technology cause you to lose that personal touch. Whenever appropriate, a handwritten note still conveys the very powerful message that you consider the person you’re dealing with as someone of value. There are times when sending a thank you by email is appropriate; for example, if you’ve been communicating with the customer/client mostly by email, continue to do so. Also, you may not have access to their physical address. However, if the encounter involved a face-to-face meeting that warrants a thank you, and if you can send it via the post, take the time to handwrite a note. People hold onto hand written notes much longer than emails. Sending a handwritten note, when so few are sent out today, will set you apart from your competition as it says you’re a class act.

Return or Respond to Any Pertinent Phone Calls

It’s easy to ignore the pestering, persistent calls of sales people or of a business person you don’t want to talk to; however, it’s not always prudent to do so. How you handle your daily phone calls says a lot about how your run your business and value your customers. It gives a glimpse into how you feel about people in general. Oh sure, there’ll be phone calls that you don’t want to address, but no one ever said that business was easy. Take the time to return all phone calls or have your assistant (if you have one) respond with respect on your behalf. If you don’t want what they’re selling, thank them for the offer and respectfully decline. Depending on your product, you’re sometimes ignoring a potential customer. If they’re in sales, you may be ignoring someone who can connect you with a lot of people or send you referrals. Oftentimes, business is about building relationships, so keep in mind that the person’s call you’re ignoring may be the one you want to talk to for a reason that could benefit your business and your customers down the road.

Be Interested in Others

When meeting someone in business for the first time, don’t pounce on them by immediately trying to sell your product. Yes, you may be in love with your product and it may be the best product invented since human’s discovered fire, but people don’t care what you’re selling until you show that you’re interested in them. Selling a product without getting to know the person you’re trying to sell to sends a clear message you’re only interested in making the sale, and that you could care less about that person. Take a moment and get to know the person you’re meeting for the first time. Learn about their needs and assess if you can really help them, then do some follow-up and share your solution to their needs, which will hopefully be your product and/or services.

Get to Know Names and People

When you encounter someone in business for the first time, get to know their name and be interested enough to remember it. Even if you have to ask them to repeat their name for you, make it your business to remember the names of people you meet. A great way to remember the name of someone you met for the first time is to repeat their name several times during your conversation. That means you must be more interested in learning about them, as opposed to talking about yourself. Remember what the late Dr. Stephen Covey espoused, “We have two ears and one mouth. But many people act as if it was the opposite.” Listening is a skill; it’s important to develop it. Learning about and being able to empathize with others will make you more memorable and it’s just more proper.

Pay Attention to Who’s in Front of You

If you have someone in your office, look at them, not at your computer or cell phone. It’s often difficult to not get distracted with emails popping in, text messages buzzing, and cell phone calls coming through, so the best remedy is to silence everything when you’re in a key meeting. If you thought enough of that person to schedule an appointment with them, then respect their time.

Hand out One Business Card

Always give out one business card and never offer a handful of your cards to someone, while asking them for referrals. Focus on making a lasting impression when you meet with them, professionally present one business card, and let them know you appreciate referrals.They’ll get the message. Besides, if you make a positive, lasting impression, they’ll be more than happy to send you business.

Do Your Best to Follow Through

Keeping your word will help establish your integrity. When promising to do something, do your best to follow through. If you RSVP’d for an event, it’s important to show up, or call in advance — ideally — if, for some reason, you have to cancel. Or call the next day with an apology.If you promise to return a phone call, do it. If you create a bill or promise to do business with someone, follow through.Keep scheduled appointments or take the time to re-schedule as early as possible. Following through shows you’re the professional business person you claim to be.

Never Send Revealing Mass Emails

If you want to send the same email to several people in business, respect their email privacy by doing a “blind courtesy copy,”or BCC. That way it doesn’t show up in everyone else’s email address.

Don’t Text the Special of the Day

If someone hasn’t requested your business texts or you have no relationship with the person, don’t send a text message asking for business. Even if you have the best deal going, respect people’s right to privacy.

In closing, treating people the way you want to be treated can help build your success and profits. The “Golden Rule” is applicable in nearly all situations. Putting people before profits can position you to be in business for years to come. Practicing proper business etiquette will help build long-term quality relationships. That way, even when you’re not expecting it, business will come your way.