One of the bases of every successful business organization is having proper business etiquette. The way a business person demonstrates behavior at any given situation is an essential element in gaining success in the business world. If you are in the business and you maintain appropriate etiquette for business, people respond to you positively and in a manner that calls for respect. In the business setting, the first impression you will get from people depends on your business etiquette because that is what they remember about you when dealing with business matters.
A primary goal of every business is to keep existing customers or clients and attract new ones. The reason a business still exists and survives in the world of competition is because of the customers. Business etiquette does not just apply to the individuals within the organization. Showing the proper behavior to customers and clients in dealing with them only goes to show that they are treated with respect and courtesy. This makes them want to stay in the business.
Dealing with Customers on the Phone
In taking customer calls, answering with a “Hello” is not the smart way to do it. It is imperative to identify yourself and introduce your company name as the telephone greeting. Customers may call in for various reasons so you should always be ready to respond appropriately. Never miss to acknowledge any question from them even if you do not have a ready answer.
Because they are valued in the business, always make it a point to satisfy the customers by simply giving them the respect they deserve. Stick to your pleasant behavior even if your customer is being difficult. Never attempt to argue with a customer or a client. When you lose one, that customer will spread the news to everyone and you will miss out on potential clients.
Basic telephone courtesy is a must to every individual in the business. Since clients will not find it easy to assess your ability in handling good business through the phone, voice projection, courtesy, and politeness must create the impression.
Maintaining Good Etiquette in Business Complaints
The drive for success in business is customer satisfaction. Customers always want to make sure that they receive good quality service from the companies they have decided to make business with. In some cases though, when the expectations are not met, that is when they start to complain.
In dealing with complaining customers and clients, demonstrate behavior that is acceptable and respectable. Show to your customers that your company is a team of professionals by dealing with it proficiently. Whether they voice out their complaint in person, through email, or a phone call, maintain decency in your office manners. In giving out an explanation regarding the nature of the complaint or providing a resolution, make sure that you delivery uses appropriate language. Avoid giving excuses since this only reflects incompetency on the part of your business.
Apologize if the company caused the mistake, and even if it was the customer’s fault, apologize still. Nothing goes wrong with simply saying sorry for any inconvenience.
Etiquette in Business Encounters
Every business strives to establish good business relationships with clients. There are ways to interact with business clients and deal with them. At any rate and in any means of interaction, consistency in the manifestation of proper manners in business will always impress potential and existing clients.
A business meeting can be conducted when there is a business negotiation to be done. In order to impress the client, show preparation for the meeting by arriving early at the venue. Whether it is a formal or informal meeting with the client, make sure to dress accordingly and appear presentable. Keep your table manners and social behavior refined as well as respectable. Showing proper business etiquette is a plus since clients will generally think of the business to be well-developed when they notice that the representatives of the company are refined in actions and speech.
Business organizations also socialize and interact through various business events. During occasions, business individuals must be mindful of their social manners. Be sociable at all times because in a business party, potential clients are just around. Be noticed by your proper business decorum and attract new customers and clients to your business.