Using the Summer as an Opportunity to Sharpen Business Etiquette Skills
As the warm summer months approach, many professionals find themselves in a different rhythm. Whether it’s the slower pace of business, flexible work hours, or more opportunities for networking events, summer provides a unique window to focus on personal and professional development. One critical area that often gets overlooked is business etiquette. Sharpening your business etiquette skills during the summer can not only boost your career but also enhance your professional relationships. Here’s how you can make the most of this season to polish your business etiquette.
Refine Your Communication Skills
Effective Email Etiquette: Emails remain a primary mode of business communication. Use the summer to ensure your emails are concise, respectful, and well-structured. Remember to use a professional tone, proper salutations, and proofread before hitting send.
Phone and Video Call Etiquette: With remote work becoming more common, mastering phone and video call etiquette is essential. Practice speaking clearly, listening attentively, and minimizing background noise. On video calls, ensure your background is professional and your attire appropriate.
Perfect Your Professional Appearance
Dress Code: Summer’s relaxed vibe can sometimes lead to a lax attitude toward professional dress. However, maintaining a polished appearance is crucial. Use the season to review and adhere to your company’s dress code, even if it’s business casual. This shows respect for your role and the people you interact with.
Grooming: Good grooming is a part of professional appearance. Ensure you maintain neat and tidy hair, nails, and overall personal hygiene. A well-groomed appearance can significantly impact first impressions and how others perceive you.
Enhance Your Networking Skills
Attending Events: Summer often brings numerous networking events, from formal business mixers to casual social gatherings. Attend these events with a goal to meet new people, practice your conversational skills, and exchange business cards. Remember to follow up with new contacts to build lasting professional relationships.
Online Networking: In addition to in-person events, leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. Engage with their posts, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to expand your network.
Master Dining Etiquette
Business Lunches and Dinners: Summer is a great time for business meals, whether it’s a lunch meeting or a dinner with clients. Brush up on dining etiquette, including table manners, appropriate conversation topics, and the nuances of ordering and tipping.
Virtual Meals: Virtual lunch meetings have become more common. Practice good etiquette by ensuring a clean, distraction-free environment, eating quietly, and focusing on the conversation rather than the meal.
Improve Your Social Skills
Active Listening: Enhance your listening skills by practicing active listening. Show genuine interest in others’ conversations, avoid interrupting, and provide thoughtful responses. This skill is invaluable in both professional and personal interactions.
Positive Body Language: Your body language can speak volumes. Practice maintaining eye contact, offering firm handshakes, and using open, inviting gestures. This helps convey confidence and approachability.
Participate in Professional Development
Workshops and Seminars: Take advantage of summer workshops and seminars focused on business etiquette and professional development. These can provide structured learning and opportunities to practice your skills in real-time.
Online Courses: If in-person events aren’t feasible, many online courses offer flexible learning options. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy provide valuable resources to sharpen your business etiquette skills.
Summer is an ideal time to invest in your professional development. By focusing on improving your business etiquette, you can enhance your communication, appearance, networking, dining, and social skills. These improvements not only make you a more effective and polished professional but also positively impact your career progression and relationships. So, make this summer count by dedicating time to sharpen your business etiquette skills and watch as your professional life flourishes.
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Linda Pritchard is a soft skills consultant, content writer, fashionista, lover of movies, books & chocolate. When she isn’t consulting, writing or styling, she is aspiring to do and be better.
