Is the Art of Business Etiquette Dead?

Has an email ever rubbed you the wrong way? Don’t you receive mails with unspecified subject lines, or a “Reply All” mail that does not concern you at all? Is business etiquette a thing of the past?

If you have asked these questions, you are not alone. As technology changes and cultures clash, the ways we communicate with each other evolve. Sometimes it can seem like etiquette and simple manners are left in the dust.

 



A question arises over here: Are people really becoming ruder? Many believe that people are ruder than they were 20 or 30 years ago. But just because we think our employees and colleagues are getting ruder doesn’t necessarily make it true.

There’s a renewed interest in etiquette, or rather an Etiquette Revival, and if you want proof, Google search returns over 134 million results for the term and over 12 million for “business etiquette” alone. So, is business etiquette still important? I would say yes, sure it is, so let us address few mail/work etiquette and how does etiquette and manners effect our business.

A- Mail Etiquette

1. Include a specified, clear subject line. Examples of a good subject line include “Meeting adjourned”, “Inquiry about your company” or “Proposal annex”. While replying, make sure to reply on the same mail subject.

2. Use a professional email address: If you work for a company, you should use your company email address for all business related mails. On the other hand, if you use your private email address you will have more privacy.

3. Include a signature block that displays your full name, title, company name and your contact details.

4. Use salutations that include the name or names to whom your mail is addressed

5. Reply to your emails even if the email was accidentally sent to you, especially if the sender is expecting a reply. Yes, you might think that it is a waste of time but this serves as good email etiquette.

6. Proofread your messages, your mistakes will get noticed and, most probably, you will be judged for making them.

B- How does etiquette and manners effect our business?

Etiquette leads through the buyer funnel quickly. When you communicate effectively and create a genuine connection, like that, you will demonstrate how invested you are in finding solutions to their needs and you will not overstep social boundaries.

Etiquette boosts morale and allows executives of all levels to show their employees that their wants and needs are important, and that their hard work is appreciated — and the strongest companies are formed when everyone feels a sense of shared respect.

Etiquette is contagious and reduces stress. By leading by example, one manager can influence an entire department to adopt a new attitude. When you practice etiquette in all of your interactions, you maintain healthy relationships with, leads, clients and colleagues and your lines of communication retain a healthy hum.

Etiquette raises your brand image from the bottom up. Putting an emphasis on etiquette can ensure the picture others paint is a positive one, giving your brand image a positive glow and building brand loyalty from the bottom up.

 

The Business Lobby Team