Do I Need “Business Etiquette”?

Do you feel confident that you project a professional demeanor, when the situation calls for it? Will you blend comfortably into a professional business environment after you graduate?

Business etiquette sounds a little intimidating – or maybe even boring – but it’s actually just common-sense “people skills”: conducting yourself in a mature and professional manner, and demonstrating respect for others. In honor of National Business Etiquette Week, June 4 - 10, here are some tips that will help you put your most professional foot forward, to compete in the global marketplace.

The Difference Between Success and Failure

According to the Carnegie Foundation, 85% of job success depends on proper business etiquette. A survey on TheLadders.com revealed that 69% of employers would fire an employee who demonstrated bad office manners. Without business etiquette, you are unlikely to gain the trust of co-workers or customers. In other words: Yes. You need this.

Components of Business Etiquette

When it counts, you want people to take you seriously. And that will depend on how you present yourself. Business etiquette involves everything from common courtesy, to demonstrating relevant business expertise and skills.

When developing your professional demeanor, keep these standard business guidelines in mind:

• Always treat people with respect, regardless of their position
• Build relationships by showing that you value others’ skills and opinions
• Communicate effectively, succinctly, and in a timely manner
• Dress appropriately for each specific environment
• Use a proper handshake
• Be on time. No-brainer, right?
• Proof your emails carefully before you send them. Use proper spelling and grammar and be sure your tone is cordial and professional
• Don’t gossip, or engage in discussions on touchy topics such as religion or politics
• Manners still count! Say “please” and “thank you,” don’t interrupt when others are talking, and don’t use inappropriate language or slang

Acquiring Key Business Skills

Even though these etiquette tips seem obvious, for some, they may not come naturally. Given today’s casual culture, it’s easy for business newbies to slip up in the workplace.

Practice makes perfect. At Envision, our mission is to help you realize your potential and turn your career and life aspirations into reality. As you prepare to enter an increasingly competitive career market, you must do so with confidence and skills. One of the best ways to gain these skills and discover your inner leader is to attend an Envision career or leadership program.

National Youth Leadership Forum: Business Innovation

Do you have the entrepreneurial spirit? This summer program is made for you! Sub-titled “8 Days to Startup,” this exciting course will give you a foundation in business, while developing the skills to lead the next innovative revolution.

NYLF Business Innovation’s entrepreneur-focused workshops will give you experience with:

• Creating a business model
• Creating new products
• Conducting market research
• Giving a pitch
• Acquiring the entrepreneurial mindset
• Analyzing customer feedback
• Strategic planning
• Securing capital

The program also helps prepare you for college and general business success, imparting skills such as:

• Interviewing
• Personal branding
• Networking
• Building a pathway to success

Global Young Leaders Conference

Join an international assemblage of high school students in either Washington, DC or New York City, to broaden your perspective and equip yourself for today’s globally competitive world. Since 1985, the Global Young Leaders Conference has helped students explore cultural differences, gain firsthand exposure to international diplomacy, build confidence, and enhance decision-making skills. 

This program presents workshops such as:

• Cross-cultural communication and collaboration
• Global Summit negotiations
• Resolution writing and analysis
• Presentations strategies
• Coalition building
• Speech writing

Junior National Young Leaders Conference

It’s never too early to start honing your skills! The JrNYLC program helps 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th graders explore the essence of leadership, while developing their own voice, passions, and potential.

JrNYLC sessions impart skills in:

• Communication
• Problem solving
• Goal-setting
• Teamwork

This program will also bring out your leadership abilities, in workshops such as Running for President and The Process of Social Activism.

Junior National Young Leaders Alumni Conference 
This fun and challenging program was developed specifically for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who have previously attended JrNYLC.  Here you will empower yourself as a leader and create a clear roadmap to high school, college, and career success.

This program helps you cultivate leadership traits such as:

• Conflict resolution
• Integrity
• Persuasion
• Team-building
• Tolerance
• Vision

Celebrate National Business Etiquette Week by practicing your business skills today! Let your potential shine through.