BC - Business Etiquette

Business Etiquette

Bourdage Consulting has a mission to create success for their clients by developing in them the skills necessary to make a positive and lasting impression on the people they come in contact with throughout their professional life.

Foundations of Professionalism: Projecting a Professional Image

Telephone Etiquette:
   o Use an appropriate greeting
   o Practice effective telephone skills
   o Focus on the person on the other end of the phone
   o Control emotions
   o Clarify and confirm to ensure understanding
   o Use an effective closing for that lasting impression
   o Using speakerphone

Proper Cell Phone Usage
   o Observe the “ten-foot-rule” when placing calls
   o When to answer a call; assessing your environment
   o Use voicemail for personal calls
   o When to silence your cell phone
   o Use text messages to maintain professionalism in a business setting
   o How to handle an emergency call
   o Use your “inside voice” during cell phone conversations
   o Dealing with sensitive subjects

Appropriate Attire:
   o Definition of proper business dress
   o Creating an image
   o Office dress to avoid
   o Dressing to match your career goals
   o Keep it understated
   o Clean and neat
   o Don’t reveal too much
   o Dress for the situation
   o Wardrobe should be more basic than trendy
   o Well groomed
   o Tattoos and piercings
   o Dressing for an interview
   o Professionalism for business casual attire

Business Networking

Principles of Networking
   o Theory of networking
   o Networking strategy
   o The process of networking
   o Social capital
   o Principle of engagement

Conversation that builds relationships
   o Use a professional handshake
   o The skills of conversation
   o Topics to avoid
   o Tips for making a good impression
   o Active listening: the two way process of conversation and information
   o Importance of small talk
   o The do’s and don’ts of good conversation
   o Conversation at large and small functions
   o Leading a conversation
   o Closing a conversation

Networking Skills
   o What is networking?
   o Principles of networking
   o Building rapport with small talk
   o Networking strategies
   o Different types of networks
   o Diversity in networking; your people resource
   o The dangers of stereotyping
   o Qualifying a contact
   o Developing assets and network capital
   o Practical psychology of dealing with people
   o The elevator pitch
   o Business card use
   o Elements of an effective business card
   o Giving and asking for a business card
   o Name tag etiquette
   o Tips for working a room
   o Maintaining your network
   o Staying in touch with contacts