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.

Do you have any etiquette question you need answers to? Join me on my monthly FREE calls and I will make sure I answer your question on the call.

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Tags: and, business, etiquette, professionalism

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Comment by adnan ghalib on July 1, 2009 at 11:34pm: Dear Marjorie
How are you and thank you for the good tips. Of course in business in general and in correspondences in particular etiquette and friendly attitude is very important and a must but if this attitude doesn’t work and is not reciprocated by the other side then tough language and even a good punch on the nose are also required. Regards.

Adnan Ghalib
www.alghalibco.com

Comment by Johanna Munoz on July 1, 2009 at 10:58pm: Absolutely...! Business etiquette and professionalism are always in vogue.

Comment by Pangaia Metaphysical Store on July 1, 2009 at 10:43pm: Great post!

Our biggest issue at this point in time when it comes to how to be professional is: What do you do when an artist you are dealing with gets in your face about their own work? We've been working with some local and out of state artists to bring our customers unique and one of a kind gifts. That is great! What isn't great is when one or two of them get offended that we have decided that certain items they have made do meet our quality standards. How does one go about addressing that and staying as professional as possible?

-Pangaiastore

Comment by M. Rita Metts on July 1, 2009 at 10:32pm: I got similar advice at a seminar last year and it really helped increase my business by about 30%.

Comment by Ruth Kellogg LCSW on July 1, 2009 at 10:26pm: I couldn't agree more. I would also add that along with a good reputation goes generosity, service, and a genuine desire to stand out based on individualized service and attention to the details of what the customer wants. Go the extra mile and set yourself apart from the competition.

Comment by Alex Arteaga on July 1, 2009 at 10:26pm: Business Etiquette And Professionalism are definitely key components in achieving any kind of competitive advantage, but the biggest key to success I believe is achieved when you build true and lasting relationships with your stakeholders by providing true value in the products and support that you provide. Great information and thank you for the post.

Comment by Marie-anne Rouse on July 1, 2009 at 9:39pm: I agree. And now that I am in a leadership role in a local organization, I know that my professionalism is scrutinized even more than before.

Marie-anne @ www.MomIstheBest.com

Comment by Matt on July 1, 2009 at 9:35pm: The best way to build a business is to focus on providing value and delivering on that promise. Once trust has been built your loyal customers/clients will be more than willing to pay for the value you provide. Great post Marjorie. Keep up the great work my friend.

Comment by Dr. Erica Goodstone on July 1, 2009 at 9:26pm: Hi. I love your branding name, The Etiquette Diva. I agree that professionalism and etiquette must go together.
One pet peeve I have is someone who puts a comment on my blog or my home page, on any site, that is not a comment at all, just a sales pitch. I immediately disregard whatever their offer might be. On the other hand, someone who takes the time to send me a personal note, whether I responded to their blog or they are responding to mine, that person's comment and attention remain with me.
I also agree that in difficult economic times, people are sitll buying, but they are much more cautious and really want to feel they can trust and gain value from their investments. Building value and a sense of professionalism and trust takes time. There is no quick fix, immediate gratification. It often requires giving a lot before receiving, sharing instead of lecturing and persuading. I love to feel that I have received something of value and that then, there may be something more I will purchase to gain even greater value.
Thanks for you insightful blog.

DrErica

Comment by Carol Dollar Cronk on July 1, 2009 at 9:14pm: At times the first impression is all anyone gets, and we want that impression of us to be of excellence. Someone asked me recently why is it that Mary Kay people always look so nice, and I replied that we know that image is important and we work toward that goal. Whatever business you are in, put your best foot forward. When you give yourself to others, give your best!