Manners That Sell: Adding the Polish That Builds Profits

Front Cover
Pelican Publishing, Oct 10, 2008 - Business & Economics - 192 pages

How can you guarantee a well-run meeting? What are the biggest e-mail mistakes? How casual is "business casual"? When it comes to cellular phones, what is the difference between good business and bad manners?

Questions like these persist because manners still matter. While technology is rapidly changing the way people conduct business, success in today's competitive business environment comes from attention to detail. Proper manners, etiquette, and interpersonal skills are as crucial to success as are innovative products and services. From making a winning first impression to the handshake that closes a deal, every aspect of working in the business world requires a deep knowledge of how to best and most appropriately deal with customers, coworkers, and clients.

In this comprehensive guide to mastering everything from professional relationships and correspondence to business attire and luncheons, Lydia Ramsey, an authority on business protocol and propriety, provides hundreds of invaluable suggestions to master good manners in any business setting. Filled with updated, new information and covering topics such as business handshakes, meeting courtesy, electronic etiquette, gift giving in the office, and international business, the author offers hundreds of useful, practical suggestions for the veteran business professional and novice alike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert and author who has reached thousands of people through her seminars and news columns. Her clientele includes national colleges and universities, large and small businesses, financial advisors, attorneys, bankers, and healthcare professionals. A dynamic speaker and trainer, Ramsey has appeared as a frequent guest on radio and television programs across the country and has been quoted and featured in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Investor's Business Daily, Woman's Day, and NPR. Ramsey lives in Savannah, Georgia.

 

Contents

First Impressions
25
YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
28
YOUR WORDS AND YOUR TONE OF VOICE
30
Greetings Introductions
33
MANAGING INTRODUCTIONS
36
WHAT TO DO ABOUT NAMES
38
EXCHANGING BUSINESS CARDS
39
The Art of Conversation
43
Pets in the Office
111
Between Doors and Floors
113
Disability Etiquette
115
GiftGiving in Business
119
The Relationship
120
The Cost
121
The Gift
122
Accepting Gifts
123

MOUTH TRAPS
45
THE VALUE OF SMALL TALK
46
WHEN TO BEGIN AND END SMALL TALK
48
SMALL TALK AT THE BUSINESS MEAL
49
Dressing for Business
51
PROFESSIONAL DRESS FOR WOMEN
52
PROFESSIONAL DRESS FOR MEN
56
THE NEW BUSINESS CASUAL
59
Telephone Courtesy
65
Answering the Phone
66
Giving Callers Your Full Attention
67
Placing Callers on Hold
68
Taking Messages
69
Transferring Calls
70
Leaving Messages
71
Telephone Tag
72
Screening Phone Calls
73
Conference Calls
74
Speakerphones
75
Cell Phones
76
Electronic Etiquette
79
Fax Finesse
80
Email Etiquette
82
Correspondence In Business
89
To Key or Write by Hand?
91
Front Back or Sideways?
92
Thank You Notes
93
Sympathy Notes
94
Addressing the Envelope
96
Using Correct Titles
97
Tips for Addressing Envelopes
98
Your Stationery Wardrobe
99
Etiquette in the Office
103
Respecting Space in the Workplace
105
The Office Kitchen
106
Small Talk in the Office
108
Romance in the Workplace
109
Travel Etiquette
125
Flying Etiquette
126
Hotel Accommodations
128
Meeting Manners
131
The Effective Meeting Leader
135
Following the Meeting
136
Volunteer Etiquette
139
Dining For Profit
143
Afternoon Tea
144
Seating Your Guests
146
The Role of the Guest
147
When to Start Eating
148
The Place Setting
149
American and Continental Styles of Eating
152
Eating Soup
154
Passing Foods
155
Words of Caution
156
Tips on Tipping
158
Chapter Fourteen Overcoming Minglephobia
161
Planning for the Event
162
Preparing Your Exit
163
The Etiquette of Sympathy
165
Doing Business Internationally
171
GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTIONS
172
Hugging and Kissing
174
THE EXCHANGE OF BUSINESS CARDS
175
BUSINESS ATTIRE
176
BUSINESS ENTERTAINING AND DINING
177
GIFTGIVING
180
APPROPRIATE CONVERSATION
182
GESTURES AROUND THE WORLD
183
PUNCTUALITY
184
Conclusion
187
About the Author
189
Index
190
Copyright

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About the author (2008)

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert and author who has reached thousands of people through her seminars and news columns. Her clientele includes national colleges and universities, large and small businesses, financial advisors, attorneys, bankers, and healthcare professionals. A dynamic speaker and trainer, Ramsey has appeared as a frequent guest on radio and television programs across the country and has been quoted and featured in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Investor's Business Daily, Woman's Day, and NPR. Ramsey lives in Savannah, Georgia.

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