Fall 2008
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Fall 2008 |
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Miss Landers' Manners Guide
By Katy Landers
Welcome to Miss Landers' Manners Guide. In this section you will continually find etiquette tips for everything relating to your business. Meeting etiquette is our first stop on this quest for excellent etiquette!
Everyone has been to one of those meetings where someone, you know the person, acts entirely inappropriate—talking out of turn, eating, answering phone calls, etc. Here are some do's and don'ts to help you not become that person.
Do's
- DO be on time. Keeping your meeting guest waiting shows a lack of respect for them and their time. This includes your colleagues and vendors, not just your clients. If you are delayed, it is respectful to call your party, let them know you are on your way and will be there as soon as you can.
- DO greet the person with a firm handshake—not a business card. This is a courteous gesture and shows respect for the person. Offer them a business card after you have shaken their hand and engaged in introductions and small talk.
- DO turn your cell phones on vibrate or on silent. Trust me, all parties will thank you.
- DO take notes. This will remind you of small details after the meeting is over. Additionally, this shows interest in the topic and your guest.
- DO pay attention and be informed. Pay careful attention to what the person you are meeting with has to say and ask any questions if you have them. This will ensure that all parties are clear on the meeting content at the time of the meeting and will reduce confusion that could arise after the meeting has ended.
Don'ts
- DON'T have too many people present. Too many people can be distracting. Instead, have a brief one–on–one with members not chosen to attend the meeting to gather their input on the topics. Then you can effectively represent them at the meeting without them being physically present.
- DON'T eat (and keep drinking to a minimal amount). Face it, it is just rude. Eating and drinking less will account for less bathroom breaks too; always a plus.
- DON'T answer your cell phone (unless it is an emergency). This makes the person you are meeting with feel non–important. If you're expecting an emergency phone call, brief your meeting guests at the beginning of the meeting that you may have an unscheduled interruption.
- DON'T interrupt. Interrupting, or talking over someone, shows disrespect for the other person. Instead, try waiting patiently but offering non–verbal gestures as an indication you have something to say, such as leaning forward to the speaker. If you feel you might forget your thought, and its too good not to mention right away, try writing it down so you don't forget while you wait your turn. In a large setting with a speaker, you may also raise your hand and wait to be recognized by the presenter.
- DON'T get off track. It is very easy to get off topic, try your best to stay focused on the topic at hand. If someone else in the meeting tries to break away from the main topic, politely bring them back to the focal point of the conversation. If the meeting attendees have a habit of getting off track, perhaps consider bringing in a facilitator to help with this issue or set an agenda with time allotted for each discussion point.
Send us your pet peeves or suggested etiquette topics
Next Miss Landers' Manners Guide: Appropriate Dress!
Contact Felber & Felber Marketing at 330.963.3664 or info@felberandfelber.com.
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