Business Etiquette Tips for Businesswomen.
1. Shake with Confidence
Have a firm handshake, where your hand is fully in the other person’s hand touching web to web. Offer a handshake versus a hug.
2. Use your first and last name.
When introducing yourself in a business situation, always use your first and last name. Introducing yourself with just your first name sounds childish. It’s also harder for the person you’re meeting to remember you with only a first name.
3. Authority Rules
Business introductions are based on authority not gender or age. Say the name of the person who has the most authority first and introduce the other person with less authority to her. Example: Samira Hammadi (CEO), John Smith (manager).
4. Always carry business cards.
Sure, everyone can find you online after meeting you, especially if you have a public LinkedIn profile or other social media presence. But if you wish people would follow up with you, it’s far more respectable to offer people your business card than just making sure they know how to spell your name correctly.
5. Nix the Nodding, Tilting and Over Smiling
Be careful not to nod your head too often when listening to someone. Also, avoid tilting your head and smiling too much. All of which communicates insecurity and appeasing behavior.
6. Stop Fussing
Avoid twirling your hair, touching your jewelry or playing with your clothes.
7. Sit at the Table
Take a seat at the table, rather than the sidelines, and contribute to the conversation. Believe your contributions are important.
8. Take Up Space
When you sit at the table avoid making yourself small. Spread your items out a bit. Put your arms on your chair or the table rather than hidden in your lap.
9. Dress Like You Mean Business
Your clothes should be professional, not skimpy, provocative or too feminine. Show off your smarts, not your other assets.
10. Say it with Confidence
Avoid using qualifying phrases, taglines and weak language – “I’m not an expert but…” “I just want to say…” “I feel…” “…, don’t you think?” Instead, say “I’m confident…” “I expect…” “I’m certain…
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Three or More or One Alone
When mingling, look for groups of three or more or someone standing alone.
12. During a business meal, follow your guest’s lead.
If you ask colleagues to a meal, always follow their lead on the pace of the meal. If they order a starter and a main course, you should do the same. If they have coffee after the meal, order yourself a cup as well. It doesn’t bode well for the flow of your meeting if one party is left twirling thumbs while the other consumes a course alone.
13. If you’re the host, pay.
When you ask a colleague or anyone you respect to a meal, a coffee, or a drink with the intention of probing for business advice or asking for a favor, always pay. You are seeking their advice and asking them to rearrange their day to help you, so it’s only right that you pay.
14. Orchestrate the perfect exit.
Short, sweet, and effective are always best. Keep your meetings to 30 minutes or less, when possible—an hour when meeting for a meal.
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