Etiquette

Etiquette by definition is the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). Minding our ‘P’s and ‘Q’s is one thing, but there is a lot more to go. Along with that, the mental posture that we adopt goes hand in hand with the former. Let us explore these two areas in greater depth.

Introductions the Right Way

The two general guidelines when it comes to making personal introductions is that you should always introduce a younger person to an older person, and a less important person to a VIP, naming the more important person first.

Professor Tan, let me introduce you to Brian Chan, who is graduating from X University with me.

Some introduction exercises that you should try:
(a) Ms. Ho from Human Resources, Y Company and your new-found friend from Z University
(b) Daniel from your university to your new-found friend from Z university
(c) Dr. Richards, CEO of X company and Mrs. Ho from Human Resources, Y Company

Remembering names

Use their name at least once during the conversation. Another trick is to make notes on the back of their business card to remind you what they look like, their interests, or topics spoken about (but not in front of them).

Table Manners

Always strive to make your mother proud by practicing them. For example: chewing with mouth closed, drinking without slurping noises, not talking with a full mouth, not picking your teeth or nose in public. These simple yet often taken for granted rules are essential in determining whether people will be repulsed by you or not.

Boundaries

Do not attempt to sell anything during the sessions as that is usually inappropriate. Respect people’s privacy by not putting them on your forwarded joke list or adding them on Facebook unless you were invited to. Oh, and sending them a “poke” is a definite no-no. Keep up the efforts to maintain a professional image.

Attitude

Right Mindset

Some inexperienced networkers have a desperate mind set of “how can I get referrals and a new job.” They spend the meeting rushing from conversation to conversation and passing out their business cards to everyone. This approach is a big turnoff and does not earn respect. It is better to come to networking meetings with the mindset of “I would like to meet at least one person tonight who I can meet with one-on-one,” or “I am really curious about what others at this meeting do for a living.”

Think and speak positively

Being positive makes people want to associate and cooperate with you. Leave your problems at the door when you enter.  We all know that the current economic climate is rather depressing, but a certain level of optimism will make a difference. People will take your positive attitude as being relaxed and easy to talk to. With a positive attitude, you have already won half the battle already.

Are there any other blunders that you feel are important but not mentioned here? Do leave a comment.

Image: Flickr/Think Positive