Business Etiquette & International Protocol

We have a closer look at the First Impression from the point of view of a business executive.

*** Articles to read:

There are five articles for you to download and read. Each article is a LESSON!

*** Tasks:

1. Reorganise your wardrobe, and separate business attire from other clothes.

2. Conduct a wardrobe analysis: review your current wardrobe, determine what to discard or purchase, and coordinate outfits.

3. Research and study for business attire: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/simple-sample-dress-codes-for-business-attire-1917931

4. Research and study: www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk, www.colorenalysis.com

Money can't buy you class. Elegance is not dripping with designer labels. Certain things will label you!

Reading: 3 articles on how men and women wear scent

Business etiquette is all about building relationships. You will definitely learn something new that you have never seen in a similar topic or course. 

In this video, Emilia explains the reality that before you even open your mouth to speak, people are judging you by your appearance, whether you are rich or not, whether you are well educated, whether you are a potential friend or a threat, or even whether you are intelligent.

Visuals count a lot in the first impression. Body language expert Emilia demonstrates the crucial factors and steps to create a good, positive and lasting first impression, which helps to establish a relationship with people.

Tasks:

1) Review your photo albums to single out the image that you think is professional

2) Ask your friends to comment honestly on your image and how they  perceive you

Reading: IMPORTANT

4 articles about First Impression

This is an extension of First Impression. It covers some basic social etiquette that are common in a business setting and work environment. There is no rigid boundary between social and business etiquette. In fact, you need to apply social etiquette in all business settings.

Tasks:

1) Challenge: a. Smile at least 10 strangers and make eye contact

2) Review your photo albums to single out the image that you think is professional.

3) Ask your friends to comment honestly on your image and how they perceive you.

Reading: Please download and read. They are not just information, they are lessons!

Good manners are culturally common, and the general social etiquette is applied in business. In this episode, you will have a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the two.

It is also important to know your strengths and weaknesses, so you can better prepare and improve. Please download the SWOT Analysis Form. Draft an action plan after filling out the Strength & Weakness analysis form

In a work environment, there are teams, boundaries and tensions. How to survive and outdo your competitors is an art or a wisdom. Very few people in business don't have someone to report to. So we all need to learn how to interact with each other. After all, business etiquette is about building a relationship.

Reading:

1) Telephone Etiquette

2) Lift Etiquette

3) 21 Common Mistakes Young Workers Always Make

4) Office Etiquette

The dynamic between an employer and the employees is obvious, as is the relationship between a boss and the staff. All have to learn how to respect and not to exploit their position.

Reading: Talking to Seniors, Managers and VIPs

We all live in a digital world now. The use of the internet and social media has become essential in doing business. The Internet might be virtual, but certain rules apply as in the real world.

Reading: Effective Communication with Colleagues

Reading:

1) Mobile Phone Etiquette  2) Workplace writing 3) Digital Elegance

Soft skills are essential for business success. There are verbal and non-verbal communications. Body language expert Emilia demonstrates how body language communicates. In fact, communication skills are so important in a business setting and the workplace.

Reading: 1) The Truth about Workplace Perception

                 2) Mind your non-verbal body language

This episode demonstrates the art of speaking politely and diplomatically.

Article to read:

1) Speak like a diplomat

2) How to Express Your Opinions and Disagree with Respect

The British are famous for speaking in a subtle way. How they do it? This episode also talks about the biggest art - the small talk.

Reading:

1) Speaking at Work

2) Speaking at a Meeting

3) How to Speak When You Are Nervous

There are corporate branding and personal branding. They are all important. As small as a business card, it tells so much about yourself and your attitude.

Tasks:

1) Review your business card - Does it look professional? Do you need to redesign it?

2) Find out areas you need to improve for a better personal branding.

There are different levels of reception, depending on the visitor's importance.

*** Articles to read:

1) Checklist for Visit Protocol

2) Etiquette for Proposing a Toast

*** Tasks:

1. You are the P.R. manager, and the Mayor is visiting your company next month. Draft a plan detailing all the arrangements, from welcoming to a business Dinner.

2. Choose one of the topics from Business Etiquette, volunteer to share it in your company with your colleagues.

   
   

How to circulate at a party? How to handle a cocktail? How to survive and find an opportunity at an office party? This episode tells you all.

*** Articles to read:

1) Networking made easy

2) Etiquette tips for social events

*** Tasks:

1. Practice business card exchange and introduction with friends or colleagues.

2. Plan a drink party. Invite friends to role-play to practise small talk and networking skills.

They call it the greatest art. Read the article and know more. Practice makes perfect.

Reading: Small Talk - The Greatest Art.

Business dining is a bit different from social dining; it involves a client, building a relationship and possibly discussing or reaching a deal. All fine dining and communication skills are applied at the dining table. If you are not confident in fine dining, please subscribe to the course, British Social Etiquette.

*** Article to read:

1) Fine Dining 

2）Why Dining Etiquette and Table Manners Matter

3) Buffet Etiquette

4) Table Manners

Business etiquette is mainly about building relationships. This lesson demonstrates how to deal with clients and VIPs.

Etiquette, manners, and cross-cultural (intercultural) communication have become critical elements for all International and Global Business executives, managers, and employees. How to plan an agreement signing ceremony and what etiquette should be applied properly, this video tells you all.

However, it looks easy, but you need to practise a lot, and review the video before you go and sign.

These are rules not written in black and white in a guidebook, but you need to know them to avoid embarrassment and damage to your personal brand.

Review:

1) Business Etiquette Review Questions. 

Reading: The Invisible Rules, The Truth About Workplace Perception.

In this section, we examine the International protocol, a set of tools for effective and successful communication. International Protocol is a big subject, and people can spend years studying it. We have chosen some common and practical topics. You need further research and reading on this topic. Cross-Cultural and International Protocol website for further study and information: http://www.cyborlink.com

We also recommend a book -  An Expert's Guide to International Protocol: Best Practices in Diplomatic and Corporate Relations

The national flag, state flag, military flag, company and organisation flag, etc., are all mentioned. Flags are not only important in diplomatic events but also in international business meetings.

Reading: a sample of convention protocol:

Protocol of 2003 to the International Convention on the Establishment of an
International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992

The red carpet is not only for stars prepping for an award but also for many business events. We discuss the origins and proper etiquette for walking on the red carpet.

Cross-cultural studies involve the systematic comparisons of different cultures that aim to understand variations of human behaviour as it is influenced by cultural context. It is primarily concerned with examining how our knowledge about people and their behaviours from one culture may or may not hold for people from another culture. This subject is so important when learning international protocol and business etiquette.

We hope that you have enjoyed this course. For further information please contact us: info@etiquetteschool.uk

Thank you very much.

Ziki and Ellen