"It would be an invaluable gift for any graduating college student or adult looking to enter the workplace.”
—Audrey J. Polce,
Client Success Consultant,
Brainshark, Inc.,
Provider of On-Demand Rich Media Software
This page compiles Gail Madison's Eti-TIPs for your review. ETI-TIPs are organized chronologically by date.
Business is all about rank, who outranks whom. Business introductions are very important and most people do not know how to make a proper introduction. People who do this well are highly prized in business.
Rule: Always say the name of the most important person, highest ranking person, first.
Example: Mr. or Ms. Senior Executive I would like to introduce TO YOU Mr. or Ms. Junior Executive. Be sure to use the person’s title, Ms., Mr., Dr., etc., followed by their last name. First names should not be used in an initial introduction, no matter how well you know the people. Note the use of TO YOU rather than what we usually say “You to”, as “you to” reverses the order of importance.
Practice, practice, practice for success!
Rule: Men and women shake hands the same way in business.
Your handshake should not be memorable for any reason. In other words not too strong or too weak. A firm confident handshake says you are a decision maker, confident, probably competent and that you understand the importance of a good handshake. When shaking hands with another person, face the person, make eye-contact, smile and extend your hand, fingers straight and thumb up. The base of your thumb, where it meets your palm, should meet the other person’s thumb base. Grasp their hand firmly and pump from the elbow, two times then slowly withdraw your hand. Remember to take your time and not to appear as though you are in a hurry to remove your hand. Use only your right hand and do not touch the person in any other way, i.e., hugging, air kiss, grasping their hand with your left hand on top of theirs or touching their arm. More information on do’s and don’ts of handshaking may be viewed on the Etiquette Revolution’s first DVD “Succeeding in Business Today”: “The Value of a Great Handshake”.
Rule: Nametags are worn on the right side, high on the body, close to the shoulder area.
Your name tag will be easily read by others when it is worn on your right side. Why? When you shake hands with someone, your direct line of vision is their right side and vice versa.
Never wear a name tag around your neck on a cord or rope that extends to your body area. This is considered an inappropriate place to look at someone. A business gaze is focused on a person’s face, never their body.
Rule: You will be remembered positively when you write an appropriate thank you note.
Many people choose to use email today to write a thank you note. This is appropriate when there are time constraints involved and you need to write immediately. However, be sure to follow the email with a hand written thank you on high quality stationery such as a correspondence card from Crane & Co. Paper. These cards look like blank post cards, white or off white and are of heavy, quality paper stock. They make a great impression and will reinforce your professionalism with the person to whom you write.
It is important that you mail your thank you within twenty four hours of your interview or event. Visit http://www.crane.com to view correspondence cards on line.
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