Bourdage Consulting has been providing training on business etiquette focusing on the actions deemed appropriate in professional settings for more than two decades. We can assist you in developing the skills necessary to make a positive impression on the people you come in contact with throughout your professional life. By getting in the habit of behaving in a manner consistent with the principles related to good business etiquette, you'll be more likely to make the positive impression that is essential to success.

Foundations of Professionalism:

• Conduct
• Decisions

Importance of Core Values:

• Values set a code of conduct
• Values in terms of behaviors
  • Integrity and honesty
  • Adaptability and accountability
  • Humility and respect
  • Resilience and focus
  • Balance
  • Trust and discretion

Projecting a Professional Image:

• Office politics
• Gossip and rumors
• Punctuality
• Watch your language
• Use a professional handshake
• Effective time management
• Teamwork
  • Be responsible
  • Use active listening
  • Be supportive
  • Communicate effectively
  • Be flexible
  • Contribute
• Conduct in meetings
  • Prepare
  • Be punctual
  • Be involved and positive

Appropriate Attire:

• Creating an image
• Keep it understated
• Clean and neat
• Don’t reveal too much
• Dress for the time of day
• Wardrobe should be more basic than trendy
• Well groomed
• Tattoos and piercings
• Dressing to match your career goals
• Dressing for an interview
• Business casual
• Office dress to avoid

Workplace and Co-workers:

• Integrating into the company culture
• Respecting rank
• Building personnel
• Handling differences of opinion
• Office or cubicle; Your attitude is what matters
• Door open or closed
• Move away from the desk and next to your visitor
• No office envy
• Office or cubicle decor
• Respecting the privacy of others
• Eating at your desk
• Using speakerphone
• Conducting meetings at your desk
• Elevator etiquette
• Compliments
  • Work related only
  • Avoid discrimination or offending

Business Telephone Etiquette:

• Practice effective telephone skills
• Use an appropriate greeting
• Focus on the person on the other end of the phone
• Control emotions
• Smile
• Clarify and confirm to ensure understanding
• Use an effective closing for that lasting impression

Proper Cell Phone Usage:

• Use voicemail for personal calls
• Turn your ringer OFF or set to “vibrate
• Observe the “ten-foot-rule” when placing calls
• Turn off your cell phone in meetings
• Use your “inside voice” during cell phone conversations
• Use text messages to maintain professionalism in a business setting

Business Networking:

• The benefits of building a network
• The elevator pitch
• Building rapport
• Conversation that builds relationships
• Topics to avoid
• Business card use
• Working a room

Travel and Entertaining:

• Developing a restaurant library
  • Establish yourself in a restaurant
  • Match the restaurant to type of entertaining
• Restaurant etiquette
• Dinner etiquette
• Playing host/hostess
• Guest at party
• Tipping