How To Increase Your Competitive Advantage By Leveraging Business Etiquette And Professionalism

The importance of business etiquette and professionalism has never been so evident in the business world than these times of economic turbulence.

Although some savvy business people have been smart enough to be leveraging the powers of business etiquette and professionalism and reaping its benefits, a majority of entrepreneurs, sadly, have been blindly pushing their businesses on clients and customers who over and over again come and go making it impossible for them to establish a well grounded business with a loyal customer base.

What these business owners and entrepreneurs fail to realize is that as individual human beings we are always resistant to force in any kind, shape or form especially when it comes to us having to part with our hard earned money.

Also, human beings will forever remain human beings, it does not matter how many stages of evolution we go through, how advanced technology gets or even how great your product or service may be, we shall always seek a sense of belonging, feel the need to be valued, respected and recognized before we trust anybody to enter a transaction with.

All the same, no matter how hard the world economy gets, human beings will do all within their means and power to meet their need in order to survive in this world.

However, this time, with more scrutiny, reflection, care and attention in order not to make costly decisions and purchases hence the need for business owners and entrepreneurs to leverage the power of business etiquette and professionalism more than ever before.

It is therefore very necessary now for the business owner and entrepreneur to think first of how to build an impeccable reputation and image because no matter what great systems or strategies you may have for your business, if you do not have a good reputation and image you will be losing out in the game of business.

Also, regardless of how great your product or service may be that you feel the need to share with the world, the first thought that must come to your mind as a business owner or entrepreneur is “quality relationships!”

This is because, human beings by nature would rather buy from somebody they know or has been strongly recommended to and that is even intense now with this economic situation.

Luckily, business etiquette and professionalism enables you to gain that competitive edge over your competition by helping you be the winner and preferred choice in your industry.

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Tags: and, business, etiquette, professionalism

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Comment by Easi-Ear on July 2, 2009 at 12:32pm: On the actual question I would agree in general; although there are some who may look the part but do not sound the part. Equally there are also a few who can both look AND sound the part but cannot BE the part no matter how hard they try. It can come down to inner confidence borne from knowing your particular area of speciality inside out.

A stuffed shirt will always look and sound like a stuffed shirt no matter what he wears; whereas [for example] a GP who really knows how to communicate with his patients and empathises with their problem will get them to follow his recommendations even if he's wearing an Hawaiian shirt, a pair of shorts and sandals in the surgery. But of course these are the exceptions and so I do support the motion proposed.

Comment by James M. Harwood on July 2, 2009 at 12:25pm: You always appear to be how you want to be! If you want to be successful you have to dress and act the part. "Professionals make what they do look easy, but what's not known is the dedication and practice that it took to get there." Speak up, participate at meetings, step up and be a leader, even when no one else is looking-and that's the secret*. Know what you want, and act as if. Up the flagpole with the office talk, "oh look at him brown nosing, yada yada yada" You will get what you want if you stick to your plan, and act as if.

Comment by Craig Vollan on July 2, 2009 at 12:25pm: great blog post-except for one point I'd like to make: if one boorish, socially inept person meets another boorish, socially inept person they could very likely have a 'quality relationship' and do business together.
Obviously, I'm taking it to an extreme.
Its been taught in sales training to mirror the other persons personality to establish rapport.

Looking at it another way : say I walk into a health club appointment to talk about supplements and I'm dressed in a suit- well, my prospect is in shorts and a Polo shirt- I'm already at a disadvantage and I haven't even shook hands.
Be at your best by being aware of your surroundings and acting appropriately.

Comment by Irene burwash on July 2, 2009 at 10:31am: Honesty and integrity within my self will come through during any business interaction. I also believe even if I am working from home by myself, when I am dressed reasonably and am ready that I could step outside the door at a moments notice and know that I am presentable, I will work better and be more optimistic in the next email or phone call I encounter. This can be accomplished by knowing business and social etiquette and professionalism.

Comment by David on July 2, 2009 at 8:16am: Well said

Comment by Nancy Beahm on July 2, 2009 at 8:13am: Marjorie, thanks again for a poignant and wonderful blog. It is so refreshing to hear someone speak of etiquette and professionalism; things that have sadly gone by the wayside more times than not. I personally will always deal with someone of good reputation, even if it means paying a somewhat higher price than someone who could be considered a snake in the grass and inconsistant.
Thanks again for training and teaching us how to recognize the edge and keep in our consciousness what is the true value of doing business...honesty, truth, and leaving a good imprint on someone else in this world.

Comment by Diana on July 2, 2009 at 7:48am: I whole heartedly agree with you.

Today everything is so slack that only those with proffessionalism will gain the edge.

I was in sales for many years and the reason I did so well was because of my proffesionalim always getting back to the client ASAP.

In dressing for the day it is important to look nice but also consider who you are seeing. If it is someone in say the lower end of the business then down dress. There is nothing worse than having a sales person coming to visit you and they are dressed in clothing that never in a million years could you afford.

You must dress to make your buyer comfortable not uncomfortable after all you want their business.

Excellent article Thank you Diana

Comment by Troy Taylor on July 2, 2009 at 7:42am: I believe integrity is the key to a competivie advantage. Business etiquette and professionalism have different meanings to each customer and my meaning may not apply. Having integrity and empowering the customer will lead to a natural business etiquette and professionalism for each.

Comment by Meditations by Matthew on July 2, 2009 at 7:37am: I know I would pay more to buy from a friend than pay less for the same product from someone who I don't know.

Comment by Carolina Liechtenstein on July 2, 2009 at 1:06am: Being well groomed and well spoken is of help, but it all depends on the industry and area. In some circles and industries, too much professionalism is a put off. In finance, a traditional, high end and understated look and manner is expected, but in some high tech sectors, not much polish is expected. In fact, it may be trusted. Also, it varies with various nations. Japan is very understated in manner and appearance, while spain, even in business, a bit of loudness and assertiveness is Ok.