5 Tips To Adopt A Competitive Strategy In An Organization

Creating a competitive strategy as part of a marketing and business plan can aide you in competing in the marketplace and focus your efforts. When developing a competitive strategy, it is imperative that your organization determine if the advantage is sustainable over time. As you plan, it is crucial to adopt a competitive strategy in an organization to bring value to your consumers and the community.

Instructions

1.Identify the focus areas of your organization and how you differentiate yourself from the competition. Will your organization be a leader, follower or a company that provides challenges? Determine who your target consumer is and identify your target population. Consider what kind of clients you serve or will serve and their characteristics, what you will provide, and where you will provide them. This is important on several levels, as it will help your organizational strategy.

2.Make a list of competing organizations in your area or online that may have part of the current or future market share. Rank the competition from the strongest competitor to the weakest and consider trends in the market that may affect its size and consumer base. Outline the strengths and weaknesses of companies that offer the same or similar services. You may consider breaking this into four distinct categories, including consumer base, funding/investors, human resources, and online or regional publicity. Making this determination can help you find ways to push yourself ahead as a leader in your market and give you methods of competing with others in the marketplace.

3.Create a list that focuses on how you will expand your market. This may include finding new users, creating new customers or even encouraging more usage of specific products or services. Based on this information, consider how you can protect your current market, while increasing your relationship with untargeted consumers.

4.Gather all the information you have created and write a statement that describes your organizational strategy and your competitive strategy. You may also consider writing a statement that brings the two together, focusing both on the competition and organizational strategies.

5.Examine and discuss the competitive strategy with shareholders or other organizational executives. You need to determine if the statement can prove sustainable over the next several years. Once you have a consensus that the competitive strategy will remain sustainable, you can then adopt it as your organization's business strategy.

Top 10 Do's And Dont's While Business

THE TOP TEN DO'S WHEN STARTING A BUSINESS

1. Live frugally and begin saving up money for starting your business.
2. Learn your intended business by working for someone else in the same business first.
3. Consider the benefits of starting a moonlight business.
4. Consider the advantages of operating a family business.
5. Objectively measure your skills and training against potential competition.
6. Consider subcontracting to low cost suppliers if you're manufacturing a product.
7. Test market your product or service before starting or expanding.
8. Make "for" and "against" list describing the specific business you are considering.
9. Talk to lots of people in your intended business for advice.
10. Make a comparative analysis of all opportunities you are considering.

THE TOP TEN DON'TS WHEN STARTING A BUSINESS

1. Think about leaving your job before you have completed start-up plans.
2. Consider starting a business in a field you do not enjoy.
3. Risk all the family assets. Limit your liabilities to a predetermined amount.
4. Compete with your employer in a moonlight business.
5. Hurry to select a business. There is no penalty for missed opportunities.
6. Select a business that is too high a risk or hurdle. Go for the two-foot hurdle.
7. Select a business in which you must have the lowest price to succeed.
8. Ignore the negative aspects of an intended business.
9. Permit self-confidence to outweigh careful diligence.

Look Business Sustainability As A Transformative Process

In contrast to the current economic forces, business sustainability is creating a bright spot of opportunity for new and evolving business. Specifically, leading organizations are finding ways to address today’s challenges and transform economic roadblocks into business sustainability opportunities. Currently there are several trends continuing to create business and individual opportunity. Our sustainability consulting practice keeps a watchful eye on the leading-edge of this pursuit, as we now explore business transformation.

In an Industry Week article, Achieving Transformative Success Requires Convergence, the author discusses the need to adapt to the dynamics of today’s business environment. Reviewing some historic business missteps and the business sustainability challenges of today, Industry Week searches for answers in the convergence of organizational structures, processes, and information flows.

“We are living in a transformative age, and no industry is immune to waves of change. The business landscape has never been more littered with the remains of companies that rose to great heights only to have their fortunes plummet because they were unable to transform themselves as times changed. Now more than ever we need to question and rethink each thing we do -- leaving no stone unturned, and asking what's working, what isn't, and why?”

As the guidance offered in the post goes on to explain, sustainable business transformation is a necessity in order to respond to the challenges today. Thus, the author offers what is refered to as "The Transformation Triangle". This three pronged approach includes:

• Business Agility -- the ability to sense changes in economic conditions and competitive landscape, and proactively implement a response.

• Sustained Innovation -- the ability to develop new products, services, and methodologies that advance beyond the competition through repeatable processes.

• Operational Excellence -- the ability to consistently deliver cost-effective services at defined performance levels to internal and external customers.
With the changing landscape of business and greater evidence now pointing to sustainability as critical component to future business success, the companies that are ready to get started today can make some quick progress. Leveraging internal knowledge and enthusiasm for sustainable business programs is a great way to engage the entire organization and an easy place to start. Whether your company leverages the insight above or inspiration from some other source, the pursuit of business sustainability transformation has become a true best practice.

Business Cooperation Create Your Career

The contributions themselves come from an individual's specific mix of passions and talents. The loyal and trusting relationships make up the "how" of an individual's career.
These flourishing relationships are the result of an individual's character and conscience. Because anyone can make unique contributions and maintain trusting and loyal relationships, anyone can have a great career.
Individuals need to practice and improve their skills to be able to contribute effectually to the organization, and they need to have a character that is worthy of the loyalty and trust of others. Career-seekers also need to maintain the right kind of ambition.
If someone is ambitious solely for financial success and is not willing to work hard for it, their ambition will likely destroy their career and make them miserable. However, if they are ambitious to make a positive and helpful contribution to their organization and the public as a whole, they will be much more likely to experience success and fulfillment both in their personal lives and in their career.
By committing to doing what is right, individuals will become driven to contribute more, feel better about themselves, earn more money, and have a wider range and greater number of positive opportunities. The landscape of the global economy is experiencing a shift from the Industrial Age to the Knowledge Age.
The Industrial Age used machines to increase productivity and required workers to fulfill specific roles and complete very specific tasks. In the Knowledge Age, however, people are expected to choose the problems they work on.
They need to make unique and effective contributions by using their own skills and talents to solve the issues at hand. And because of the dependence on skill and knowledge rather than machinery, there is no limit to the number of contributions an individual can make so long as they continue enriching themselves.
While it is true that the current state of the economy is resulting in a decrease in job security, it is also true that organizations still face a wide variety of problems, and by making oneself useful by posing solutions to those problems, they can ensure the security of the position they already have or obtain an entirely new position. Many employees feel as though they are just going around in circles, getting nowhere with their career.
They feel imprisoned by their job description, they limit themselves and their abilities to so that they can fit within the constraints they've imposed upon themselves. These employees need to realize that their jobs are no longer defined by their job descriptions, and that if they truly are dissatisfied with their line of work, it is never too late to reassess themselves and their career and begin the search for a position that melds better with what they have to contribute and what they would like to achieve.
In the Knowledge Age, individuals can challenge old assumptions and bring new insight to the table, they can stop pigeon-holing themselves into unsatisfying jobs, and they can address problems with a ride range of easily available informational resources. Individuals need to ask themselves what their actual contribution will be, not what their job description says.

How To Make a Career Satisfying

The ideal career is an enjoyable one that utilizes a person's skills and abilities in a pleasant environment with good co-workers. However, a self-defining career that brings joy is unattainable for most people.The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 67 percent of American workers are unhappy on the job because they dislike their boss or co-workers, the duties they must perform, lack of a challenge, and other reasons. To better understand why two thirds of Americans are dissatisfied, interviews were conducted with individuals experiencing both joy and disdain for their careers.
One worker enjoyed her job because of some of the conditions: decent pay, an easy commute, and prior knowledge of what she was expected to do. In addition, despite feeling a little bored about the work itself, she appreciated having the job during a period of high unemployment.
At the other end of the spectrum, another worker cited politics, too many changes, and 60-hour workweeks as reasons for the stress and dread he faced each day. Instead of appreciating what he had, he felt the company owed him more.
The first challenge around the aspect of career is for both employers and employees to ask the hard questions to better understand the roots of any dissatisfaction. Employers should consider whether or not they are respecting their staff by providing fair wages, competitive benefits, clear expectations, the right tools to do their jobs, recognition for their work, and opportunities for them to voice their opinions.
Employees are recommended to explore the following questions:
* Are you giving it your all? In other words, workers need to determine if they are performing to the best of their abilities, doing an honest day's work, and surpassing both their supervisor's expectations and their own.
* Would a different job matter? People who stay in unsatisfying positions are not helping themselves, their bosses, their customers, or the company as a whole, and would be better off making a change. Showing up at any job with the wrong frame of mind contributes to a culture of disengagement.
* Is it time for a change? Some workers fail to realize that what started out as a "job," has turned into a "career," and that it is not the right fit for them. Perhaps they lack the skills to excel and make a contribution, knowledge of their industry, or the motivation to deal with office politics or other challenges. The other challenge is to continually focus on one's own personal growth. By enhancing their own skills, employees not only add value to their company and earn more appreciation and respect from their bosses, but they prepare themselves for more satisfying opportunities that become available.

Manage the Mid-Space or Your Vision Will Fail

“Our company had a big meeting a few weeks ago where the president laid out his vision. It means big changes and a lot of us were skeptical about it. But I have to say that by the end of his presentation, he had us all sold. It was pretty impressive.”
Frank had introduced himself during a break at a conference where I was speaking last week.
“Very impressive,” I responded. “What’s going to happen next?”
“I’m in charge of the eastern sales force. Part of the vision requires moving our sales force away from the corporate headquarters and closer to the properties we own so they can be close to our customer base. We have major properties in eight cities in my region, so my sales folks will relocate there.”
Frank was telling me what his people were going to be doing, not what he was going to do. It occurred to me the company might be in trouble unless their next step was helping Frank and his peers understand the important role they need to play.
One of the top reasons leaders fail to implement their vision is because they don’t manage the “mid-space.”
The biggest failure in implementing vision successfully is in not effectively managing the airspace between the 3000 ft view from the hot air balloon and the on-the-ground view of day-to-day activity.
The view on the ground looks quite different than it does when you’re way up high. The “mid-space” view translates the high level concept into practical action.
The Critical Role of Middle Management
Too often organizations don’t properly equip middle management to fulfill their role as a conduit between the front-line and senior management.
Frank has a major responsible for the mid-space – connecting the people on the ground with the vision so they understand their role and how they contribute to the vision. It’s up to him to help his people understand the implications of the vision on a day-by-day basis.
A charismatic sell, like the president’s, isn’t going to work for Frank, nor would it the best approach, even if he were oozing with charisma. Frank needs to engage in conversation with his people, not “sell” them.
Jumping From “Selling” to “Doing.”
A chief reason for failure in vision implementation is the bias in jumping from “selling” to “doing.” The mid-space requires involving.
To successfully navigate the mid-space, people need time to reflect on the meaning of the vision, the implications for themselves and their work, and to have an opportunity to give input into the vision itself.
When you involve people in creating the vision, they have a deeper understanding of what it really means and they become more committed to it because they see their contribution. And because they see the organization from a different perspective, they are likely to have ideas that will make the vision even stronger.
Leaders at all levels need to take responsibility to manage the “mid-space.”

Step 1 To Find a Better Career In Business

Tough times can shake people’s faith in their ability to make a career change to something better. In the midst of a sluggish economy many people are staying in unsatisfying jobs where they are unhappy and under-employed. To pull free of the wrong job fit or find a rewarding career after a job loss, it’s time to rethink your approach. Here is one important step to take to begin the process of finding a better career.
1. Discover YOU—your strengths and passions.
Often individuals who thrive consistently have high self-awareness about their strengths and passions. Many successful people including Oprah and Richard Branson, Virgin Air have said a condition for great achievement is passion. When your strengths and passions are applied in your work, your potential and enthusiasm are limitless. People who use their strengths and talents are more than three times as likely to report an overall excellent quality of life.
Once you clarify your authentic strengths and interests, you’ll be a powerful force when interviewing and striving toward your career goals. Do not look for a new job before you identify your strengths because you are likely to become underemployed and mismatched in the wrong position.
So how do you determine strengths to select a path that is right for you? Begin by brainstorming what triggers your enthusiasm and what motivates you. Sit down in a quiet place to list 20 things you like to do. Then look for patterns. Do you prefer working with data, people, things or ideas. You may discover, for example it’s more important than you realized to be physically active and your work should not be behind a desk all day. Or you want to be around busy and loud environments, which might rule out a secluded one-person office. You’ll know a particular career is right when you are curious and enthusiastic about getting started.
Get clear about yourself by answering the following questions:
- What is one skill or strength you do well that you would like to use in your work?
- Which of your previous work results are you proud of—and what were you doing?
- What tasks and topics get your heart racing?
- If you could do one thing in your professional life that would have the most positive impact, what would it be?
After completing the questions, it helps to talk through your answers with someone. Talking about yourself with a peer helps to uncover patterns and shines a brighter light on your skills and interests. It is critical not to isolate during a career move—it’s the kiss of death. Sometimes what you need most is a person who believes in you. It’s interesting that other people often can see for us what we may not see for ourselves. Other people can push us through walls that block us, sometimes just by having a new set of eyes on the problem. Often creative ideas are born during discussions with a different perspective. Many times, all it takes is an encouraging word or new idea from a friend to move forward. But a career change is not easy and next time we will cover the next step to help you handle change.

Corporation About The Business

The world in which we live is most happening place in terms of business and finance. Business news is complementing the entire arena of the corporate world when it comes to the larger extent of decision making and augmenting the process of redefining the growth process. As an individual when you are moving forward to the best management decisions and corporate strategies, it's always mandatory to call upon a process where thoughts are rectified and process is transparent.
The business decisions are somehow and somewhere very much dependent on the happenings and events that keep the greater impact on the business endeavors. Take the instance of the recent recession that has gripped the economy in very decisive manner. Hundreds and thousands of the organizations were either stopped the business executions are slashed their work force in larger extent to survive against the hard times.
Not only in India but across the globe this recession and financial downturns made the things harder to manage and maintain. The people now become very cautious while taking the investment decisions. They do believe now on the expert advice and the market news comes from several resources. Cyberspace is now flooded with number of resources that allegedly offer stock news and expert advices for all those who are interested to make big money from the business. The reason being is that sometimes the authenticity and the reliability of these sources are always on the dock.
In.com, a dedicated venture of Network 18 is best and most applauded place where all the corporate news and business events are listed in very comprehensive manner. The news from various sorts of corporate domains, the market news, corporate trading fundamentals, rising and falling status of the stocks and several other beneficial suggestions and advices are the splendor of this business portal.
The business specifications offered on the portal in.com are suggested and devised by the business experts and the industry legends with immense experience and skill base in business mechanisms and different stock scenarios.
In.com provides the latest Business News, business updates, happenings and events of the corporate world. Here you can get latest Corporate News from all aspect of the life such as current happenings and events.

.Don't BE Great, DO Great

It’s said that Abraham Lincoln often slipped out of the White House on Wednesday evenings to listen to the sermons of Dr. Finnes Gurley at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. He generally preferred to come and go unnoticed. So when Dr. Gurley knew the president was coming, he left his study door open.
On one of those occasions, the president slipped through a side door in the church and took a seat in the minister’s study, located just to the side of the sanctuary. There he propped the door open, just wide enough to hear Dr. Gurley.
During the walk home, an aide asked Mr. Lincoln his appraisal of the sermon. The president thoughtfully replied, “The content was excellent; he delivered with elegance; he obviously put work into the message.”
“Then you thought it was an excellent sermon?” questioned the aide.
“No,” Lincoln answered.
“But you said that the content was excellent. It was delivered with eloquence, and it showed how hard he worked,” the aide pressed.
“That’s true,” Lincoln said, “But Dr. Gurley forgot the most important ingredient. He forgot to ask us to do something great.”
Great Action Is the Source of Greatness
Abraham Lincoln didn’t expect people to BE great. He expected them to DO something great –to take great action.
Although we won’t all be recognized by history as being great, we are all capable of striving for greatness in our actions. Greatness can lie in the small everyday actions we take. If a friend of colleague needs our attention, it is an act of greatness when we put what we are doing aside and listen with our full, undivided attention. The small, specific things we do can become a platform for greatness.
Most of the good of the world builds on the accumulated efforts of everyday people doing small things in a great way. A life should strive for greatness, as Mr. Lincoln seemed to know.
Great and Perfect Are Not the Same
You don’t have to do something perfectly for it to be great. Focus on what is most important about your action and ensure you do that well; the other trappings are not as important. Conversely, the pieces can be excellent, like the content and the delivery of Dr. Gurley’s sermon, and it can still fall short if what is essential is missing.
The Five Keys to Making An Action Great
Be clear about what is essential: Understand what higher purpose your action serves.
Know what greatness looks like: Have a clear sense of what an excellent job looks like. Start with the end in mind.
Bring a serving heart: Ensure your action provides value, and is not simply self-serving.
Give it your all: Make a full effort, with your full attention.
Learn as you go: Be willing to make mistakes; treat them as learning opportunities.

You Should Reconsider Before You Ask Someone for Free Help

I’ve been utterly floored this past month by the volume of requests I’ve received for FREE help from complete strangers, and by the nature and content of these requests.
The bulk of these requests have come in from readers of my article LinkedIn: Busting 8 Damaging Myths About What It Can Do For Your Career, that ran on Forbes.com on September 13th. It surprised all of us (the Forbes editors and me) as it blew up on the front page and was viewed by over 60,000 people.
That week, I literally heard from over 150 folks asking for all sorts of free help and I continue to get requests, including my review and recommendations on: their LinkedIn profiles, resumes, job or career options, potential career changes, interview approaches, how to get testimonials, and on and on.
What I’m stunned about is that in all of these requests for free help, not ONE person offered to pay for my time, or suggested bartering with something of value. They simply wanted help without offering anything in return. Perhaps I’m crazy, but I would never ask a stranger for help in this way.
Further, a good number of these requests for free help were:
1) Urgent – “I have an urgent career decision to make. Can you respond asap?”
REALLY?
2) Disrespectful – These folks didn’t care or consider for a second that I make my living offering career counsel. I’m not a non-profit or a charity; I’m a business owner. And I’m really good at what I do, after years of training and experience. It takes a significant amount of time and energy to review someone’s information/situation and offer tailored recommendations. I deserve to be paid for my time and effort.
(For the record, I do offer my time for free, but on a very selective basis to organizations and non-profits that have a broad reach and help hundreds of people through their services.)
3) Narcissistic – It’s all about them, and what they need and how soon. Never a second thought about what I might need in order to be of service to them.
4) Clueless – It’s clear that these folks hadn’t a clue that theirs was one of hundreds of similar requests, and as such, impossible to accommodate without their becoming a client of mine, and having time scheduled in my calendar.
Please don’t get me wrong. I’m truly honored and excited that my writing touched a chord and resonated with so many people, and I certainly hope that trend continues. And I do LOVE to be of service to people, helping them make positive change. And I love hearing from folks about how my writing impacted them.
That being said, I’m tired and fed up with free help requests. It remains shocking to me that so many people all across the globe who want help forget to be considerate and respectful of those they’re asking support from. Come on people! Let’s reverse that trend.
My hope is that going forward, anyone who asks another individual for free help will be more considerate and thoughtful prior to making the request. Think about what the helping party deserves for his/her support, what it will take from them to give you the help you want, and what you can offer in return. If you can’t offer money, think about what you can provide that would be meaningful. NEVER ask without considering these issues beforehand.
One more thing – for every request you make for FREE help, offer someone else free help instead.

How To contact Into a Professional Intimate Business Relationship

It used to be that you met someone at a meeting or a mixer, had a real conversation with them, perhaps saw them again at a luncheon, exchanged an email or phone conversation, and eventually, developed those initial interactions into a long-term business relationship.
If you really worked at it, nurtured a friendship beyond the workplace, that connection turned into what I call a Professional Intimate Relationship (PIR) – a relationship that flourishes beyond office walls. A PIR is a mutually beneficial connection that is fueled by your sense of urgency and a shared purpose. A Professional Intimate Relationship is one in which both parties feel understood and appreciated, thereby reducing negative stress and boosting mutual respect. The PIRs in your life fully engage in your passion and work with you because they are as invested in you as you are in them.
Today, many business relationships actually start online: a tweet here, a Facebook “like” there, maybe even leading to exchanged blogs or video posts. With all this modern technology changing how we do business, it’s easy to lose the skills of developing “real-world” relationships — interpersonal connections can’t evolve into PIRs unless you give them the nourishment they need to grow and flourish.
Here are 5 tips to help turn a business contact into a Professional Intimate Relationship:
Agenda-less Listening: Listen without thinking about what you will get out of the conversation. Instead of thinking about how you can make a sale/close a deal, really listen, with your whole self, to what the other person is saying. What are their concerns in work, in life, and how can you help?
Beyond the Boardroom: Make connections beyond the work place. Talk to your business contact about life beyond the office. Do you both love to swim? Do you have kids the same age? Did you both grow up in small towns? Spending time bonding over similarities helps solidify long-term bonds.
Team-Up: Instead of asking for their business, put together a mutually agreed upon plan that will accomplish goals for a shared purpose. If you both are passionate about the vision, you will both work equally hard to make it a reality.
Move Forward: If you do work with the business contact on a project, be sure to think about how you can work together again. Are there other areas of your life in which you can partner? Is he or she involved in charity work that could use our talents? Do you have a sports group that could use a new member? Part of developing a Professional Intimate Relationship is extending the boundaries of your partnership beyond a single job, or a single facet of life.
Constant Contact: When you click with someone, either online or in person, it’s important to stay in constant contact and think about all the ways you can work, and play, together if you want the relationship to last a lifetime.

PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE BUSINESS FRIENDSHIP

　　With friendship day just round the corner we are all busy in gathering ideas to make this a special day for both of us. But do we really know the meaning & importance of friends in our life & if we don’t posses a best friend then what? This friendship day let your friend realize that you care for him/her & let us discuss some of the best ways to celebrate friendship day.
　　All of us would know a lot of people however not everybody is our friend. Some of us have many friends and some of us have only a few friends, however, how many of us really have such friends who we can count on in the time of need?! Some on whom we can rely on and share our secrets with, without any hesitations or fear, some body who is not jealous and can motivate us.
　　Well a true friend is the one who care about us without even uttering a word. A real and honest friend is a person who can even understand our silence and support us through thick and thin. Who never discourages us; however, help us keep our feet grounded. A true friend is our real support system on whom we can rely on anytime we need.
　　However, we should be grateful to such friends and should not take them for granted. We must thank them for their unconditional support and be there for them as well in their time of need. One of the best ways and occasion to let your friends know such a heartfelt feeling is friendship day. There are many ways of celebrating this special day and here are some ideas just for you and your friend. You can choose from a wide range of friendship day gifts available in the markets. You can buy flowers for friendship. You can even arrange a party and celebrate your bond with friendship day cake. Friendship day cakes can be ordered as per your choice as well. You can get some of the unique ideas for friendship day celebrations from one of the websites named Ferns and Petals (FnP). It can really guide you in a nice way to celebrate it in a unique way. Ferns and Petals (FnP) can not only give you some good ideas but also make you aware about the ways to celebrate the occasion.
　　You can also buy gift hampers for friendship day such as friendship day flowers with cards. You can personalize your friendship day cards with friendship quotations. Another gift for best friend can be friendship bands, which are available in wide range of colors, shapes and sizes.
　　In case you or your friend can not meet each other for some reasons, you can still send your heartfelt message to him/her. You can send online gift almost anywhere in the world. You can send gift to India and/or send gift to US. You can choose online friendship day cards with friendship day quotes or you can send flowers to India and/or send flowers to USA.

Opportunities For Business Friendship

　　to Met By Chance, where opportunities for business, friendship, and romance meet unforgettable, even life changing, experiences.
　　At Met By Chance, we believe the best connections are those that happen organically.
　　But in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, creating meaningful connections isn’t always easy. Sustaining them can be even harder.
　　That's why we make it our business to organize opportunities in which our members can focus on what’s truly important: time together well spent. Here, intimate environments, exciting activities, and diverse groups of people are bridged together with a splash of technology to connect potential business partners, lifelong friends, even soul mates.
　　Simply put, Met By Chance makes the experience of meeting others fun, effortless and, most importantly, memorable. The rest is up to you ...
　　Join us for experiences of a lifetime ~

Open The Door Of Business Friendship

　　Our door is open
　　We are constantly looking for upgrading our distribution network in India and worldwide.
　　If you are associated with construction, building material, project supply and if you have good contacts with construction industry's Owners, Developers, Architects, Contractors, we welcome you to be become our authorized Distributor partners.Being a business partner with us is maintaining a
　　long lasting friendship with us. Partnering with us
　　You can choose one of the following options and become our business partner
　　Become an Agent or distributor to promote our products
　　Be our representative in your country
　　Be a retailer for our products

Keep Your Business Friendship Close

　　First: Hold your friends close. My approach has been to bond closely and at a level of true friendship with our client contacts. I want them to know I value their friendship—and I truly do. As a firm, we continually offer our support, encouragement, and professional and career counseling to these individuals.
     If they run afoul of politics in their organizations, we offer advice. If they find they need to look for opportunities elsewhere, we help in anyway possible.As a result, these client contacts offer support to us, slash through bureaucratic and organizational obstacles, do internal "marketing" on our behalf, and, should they move on to other pastures, they take us with them if at all possible.But we don’t do this out of tit-for-tat. We do it out of a sincere and genuine interest in these people as people and as friends. The quid pro quo approach that many take in business relationships is, in my opinion, beneath contempt. And it doesn’t even work.Whether you work inside an organization or as an external consultant or adviser, there’s much wisdom in all three of those maxims.
   They have guided me as an external consultant in building strong relationships within client organizations; being brought by client contacts to their new organizations when, for whatever reason, they sever their relationship with the original consulting client; and in navigating the often treacherous waters of the politics within a client organization.I’d say, from the standpoint of business relationships, LBJ was right on both scores.
    But there’s a piece I think LBJ missed that is key in business relationships today: Hold your friends’ enemies close, too.

Business Etiquette For Global Business

There's hardly any chance that you can get away with bad etiquette in your global business endeavor, bad manners will make you loose your company's goodwill, customers and sales in no time. To make it even worse, you can spoil your country's image if you are not courteous enough with your foreign clients. Irrespective of the position you hold in your company, when you meet some client, you are representing your company as a sales person. Business meetings are not a place to show attitude, flaunt your rough & tough personality, being bullish or non-serious. You are not going to meet your international clients a lot, so when you do, make sure you were well prepared for the occasion.
Language:
More than vocabulary, it's the right choice of words, more than accent, it's being clear in what you say, more than fluency, it's conveying your message to the receiver without any confusions. English is the standard business language, and to get into some global business, you need to be familiar with this great communication tool. Good proficiency in English will make it so easy for you to operate while poor English skills will halt your progress every now and then. Apart from English, you need to know a little bit of native languages when traveling to places like Germany or some Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
The all-important Punctuality:
One thing that is equally important and equally appreciated in every society is punctuality. Getting there in time, or slightly earlier than the fix time will do a great deal in casting a positive impression. Being on time shows that you know the value of time; it also reflects at your commitment. How successful do you think a sales person can be who arrives late at business appointments? The client will be judging your sincerity and how seriously do you take your business by your punctuality.
Appearance & Introduction:
Appearance includes your dress, expressions and body language. Read a little about body language and winning expressions and try to apply the basics like smiling, being upright and showing enthusiasm. Don't experiment with what you are wearing; in most cases black suit is a safe option unless you are meeting someone at a golf resort. Be attentive when you are introduced to a group of people, if you have to introduce your companions, use full names and titles.
Gifts & Dinners:
Corporate business gifts like Desk Accessories, Pen sets, business card cases can place you in other person's good book and make your job a lot easier if you are looking to get some contract or strike a deal (same do not apply to the Government officials, there's a difference between gift-giving and bribing). When it comes to business dinners, take them as seriously as your business meetings. If you are eating out in some foreign country like China or UAE, learn their table manners in advance to avoid any kind of embarrassment.
Phone Calls & E-mails:
When writing business letters or e-mail mention the intended recipient and subject line clearly. Make sure your answering machine or voice mail system is properly working, try to return the calls promptly, when on phone, be polite and talk clearly.

British Business Etiquette for Foreigners

There is a general impression of Britain to many outsiders that it is overly formal and rigid, especially when it comes to business. However, over the past century, Britain has become increasingly diverse, both in terms of its population and how the country does things.
When doing business in the UK however, it all comes down to what generation you are doing business with. The older generations tend to be more formal in their manner, preferring to work with people they known or who have worked with associates. There is also the preference to do things in more traditional manners, such as face-to-face meetings. However, with a younger generation of businessmen rapidly coming to the fore, there has been a chance in the business dynamic.
Younger businessmen are notably less formal, and are more eager to do business with new companies and partners without building a long relationship. They also prefer networking and relationship building, knowing that these could be key to spreading their brand around the world and among other industry companies.
How despite generational differences, there are basic etiquette tips that should be adhered to, no matter the age of the client. They are generally found in most countries, and these guidelines won't be unfamiliar to anyone who has attended a European business meeting.
You should always wear a suit or business attire to a meeting, and shaking hands upon arrival and departure is the standard greeting. Eye contact during conversation is regarded as polite as is the exchange of business cards if you have them. Business gifts are generally not done in the UK, though it is not uncommon to go out for a business meal.
When it comes to business and meetings, punctuality is also very important, therefore if you are running late, it is polite to inform anyone you could keep waiting.
Once in the meeting, discussion is often direct, though many UK businessmen prefer to understate their statements, using phrases as "perhaps" or "it is possible". Meetings are generally formal, with the purpose being laid out early on so that an agenda can be reached.
There may be some initial small talk at first, but be aware that British businessmen are often there to do a deal, and as such you must make sure you have the facts and figures to back up any claims that you might make. In fact, it is not all that different from Dragon's Den.

Business Etiquette Tips For Woman

Smile and shake hands

Keep smiling. You'll be more relaxed and in a better mood, and people can't help but be warm and friendly in return. Whenever you're introduced, or is someone comes up to ask a question, remember to smile and extend your hand. Conventions are a great opportunity to network and meet others-and a smile and ready handshake helps smooth the way.
Some men have been taught, not to extend their hand first, to women, so you need to put your hand out for the handshake. To help recall a person's name later, say his or her name aloud as you shake hands. Repetition is a memory aid, as is associating that, person's name with someone you already know with the same name.
Be on time
It can be hard to judge how much time it will take to finish your breakfast at a restaurant crowded with convention attendees, or to figure out how long it will take to find rest rooms and locate a seminar room, but, don't let new situations and distractions keep you from attending panels and other events on time.
When doors are constantly opening and closing because of late comers to a seminar, the rest of the attendees are disturbed. The mouse may also disrupt the speaker. It might be assumed that a woman late because she's flaky or was still putting on her makeup. Don't reinforce that image: Be polite and be on time. Pad your commute schedule with plenty of time-even if it means arriving too early. You can always bring something to read or work on.
Carry business cards
This is your opportunity to meet others in your industry. Don't forget to bring lots of business cards and carry them with you to all events. People remember names when they see them in print. And the cards you collect may prove to be from valuable business contact later. When meeting others, initiate a business-card exchange as often as possible. Make sure to write a note or two on the back of the card you receive so you'll be able to remember the contact later when yon sort, through a deck of cards after the trip.
Join a group
It can be downright scary to walk into a room full of people and realize you don't really know anyone there. At, an opening event mixer, there is a business responsibility to network and meet others. But women have been taught to wait to be introduced. This situation is an exception to that old standard, and it will take some courage to get started.
First of all, put yourself in a positive frame of mind by reminding yourself that you are a bright, interesting, and professional individual whom others are just, waiting to meet. Look over the room and find a small group that isn't clustered in a tight, exclusionary huddle. Walk up, smile, and say, "Hi. You look like you're having an interesting conversation. I hope you don't mind if I join you. My name is "
Alternately, you might find someone who is standing alone, perhaps looking over the scene much as you are. If there is entertainment, you can walk up, smile, and say, "Hi. This band is quite good, don't you think? My name is..." and extend your hand. Or perhaps you can make a comment on the interesting presentation of the food or mention that you might have seen the person in a seminar earlier in the day, as a way of opening a conversation.
Often, such gatherings are designed to get participants to mix and meet new people. For example, there may be some sort of "ice-breaker," perhaps clues written on the backs of name tags that direct attendees to seek out particular people. Or you may be assigned to a particular table or group. These devices should help ease you into making those initial contacts. Just be sure to keep the ball rolling after your first introductions.
Making safe small talk
Once you've got the conversation started, it may be difficult to keep it going. After you get past the usual questions about what someone's job is and what seminars he or she has attended, it may be a challenge to come up with anything else to say. After all, those people are strangers.
First of all, play it safe and apply the standard rules of small talk - don't discuss money, religion, or politics. An obvious topic is your industry. Perhaps there are some new developments, current issues, or even universal concerns that you could bring up. Some simple non-work topics to continue a conversation could include movies, vacations, music, art, sports, weather, or books. You can find out a lot about person just from these areas of interest. Some people like to discuss their children, but let someone else open that conversation, and enter cautiously. If you do discuss your work or employer, be positive. You don't want to run down your company or be a complainer in a public forum.
Don't overpower the conversation, but don't be a shrinking violet. One of the most sure-fire ways to keep a conversation going is to ask questions or others. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, and it will help put them at ease.

Useful Business Etiquette Tips For Woman On Business Trip

　　　Business etiquette is another issue of concern for the female business traveler. En route, you may not be involved with clients. But once you arrive at your first meeting or set loot in a convention hall, you're in a business setting, and etiquette questions arise. We especially challenging for a woman to combine the appropriate business response with the most well-mannered one. The two are not mutually exclusive. But many women have not had to face these etiquette questions at home because the situation occurs for the first time while they are traveling.

　　Convention Manners
　　Whether this is your first, trip or an annual ritual, an industry convention provides a unique opportunity for women to meet and network with others in their field. In some cases, others from your company may attend, perhaps even your boss. In any case, you are representing your firm and want to be on your best behavior. There will be some challenges to face-such as how to introduce yourself to perfect strangers and attending evening events while still getting enough sleep to face the next day's seminars.
　　You may find that some men are more forward and aggressive at a convention. Keep your cool, and remember that the intensity and closeness of the setting can bring out the worst in people. Then, let it bring out the best in you. Step up to the challenge, because the benefits to your career are worth it.
　　Limit alcohol intake
　　After years of attending conventions, I think I have seen it all. Women who've had drink too much dance on tables. Men publicly, passionately kiss women (who aren't their spouses) because they've both had too much to drink. At a convention, it seems, people want let their hair down. Although fun and frolic may be amusing at the moment, a minute-by-minute retelling of various sophomoric actions certainly can't be comfortable for the participants upon return to the office.
　　Most often, the easiest way to reduce the potential for embarrassing behavior is to limit alcohol intake. This sounds simple enough, but many first-time convention attendees forget that maxim when the drinks are free. Promise yourself before you walk into the first convention event that you won't have more than one drink. Switch to soda wafer after a glass of wine or that martini. Limit those wild nights and overindulging to non-business situations, when you're in the company of your loving family or understanding friends-not when your job or future career moves could be in jeopardy. Even if no one from your office is at the convention, word somehow spreads and could come back to bite you.
　　Now that, you have the number-one convention problem under control, there are a few other considerations that will help make your convention experience easier.
　　Dress appropriately
　　This isn't the time to bring out that very sexy dress you've de-dined to wear at the office, or to step into some flattering but killer high-heel pumps. Your feet will appreciate the low-heeled shoes after a day of standing!
　　Follow the convention dress code, wearing nice pantsuits or skirted suits. Make a fashion statement with a designer scarf or unusual jewelry, rather than a backless dress or a slit-to-high-thigh skirt. (On the practical side, dress in layers. Convention halls are notoriously freezing-or hot.)
　　Smile and shake hands
　　Keep smiling. You'll be more relaxed and in a better mood, and people can't help but be warm and friendly in return. Whenever you're introduced, or is someone comes up to ask a question, remember to smile and extend your hand. Conventions are a great opportunity to network and meet others-and a smile and ready handshake helps smooth the way.
　　Some men have been taught, not to extend their hand first, to women, so you need to put your hand out for the handshake. To help recall a person's name later, say his or her name aloud as you shake hands. Repetition is a memory aid, as is associating that, person's name with someone you already know with the same name.

How to use business etiquette in Japan

How to use business etiquette in Japan

As with companies in the United States, make a good impression on your customers or potential customers, is essential in Japan. Business etiquette is a little different in Japan than in America, it is important to know the basics before the next meeting of Japanese business and Dress.underestimated, as a casual dress n is not acceptable when doing business in Japan. Men and women dressed in costumes are simple and tasteful, that compliance is very important in Japanese culture. Anything that might make you "stand out" should be avoided.Bow with your host. After your Japanese hosts bows to you, make sure the arc of equal height, that the way you bow low indicates where you are with your host society.
 Your Japanese hosts May shake your hand, but if a handshake is weak, it is not intended to be offensive or you are dealing with a low, it is often simply because they are uncomfortable with custom.Bring your business cards. At the beginning of a business meeting, it is customary to exchange business cards, and many times, companies will not be realized until this is done. The Japanese use two hands when giving a business card, and you should do the same. It is also on the offensive damage or change the map that was given to you in any way. This includes setting your pocket or wallet, or write to theknow the hierarchy. When you sit at the meeting table when you are served a drink or food during the meeting and so on, is determined by your status at the meeting.
 Allow your host to direct you to your seat, do not sit anywhere, as can be shocking. Wait until it is your turn to sit and your guests to drink or eat before you make your Mind.ways. May the Japanese view that some Americans might consider too much courtesy, but when you are trying to impress a Japanese client, courtesy and politeness are expected at any time. This is true even when you're asked questions that seem inappropriate in the United States, such as age or marital status.bring a gift. It is customary to exchange gifts at the end of a business meeting. Gift ideas include memories of your hometown, gifts from high-end retailers and expensive wines and liquors. If you are not sure what to get your boutique hotel May be able to give you appropriate suggestions.

Spain Business Etiquettes

First of all you need to research about the culture of business because of which you are visiting to Spain. It is extremely important if you business relates modern multinational corporation or a traditional Spanish company. In both cases, business dealings are quite different and come as a shock to you if you do not research about it properly.It is important to dress in formal business attire following a cultivated style of clothing that uses muted colors. The people of Spain are brand conscious and designers or brands are often noted. In Spain, you dress indicates a level of success and your social status too.
However, females should not dress in order to invite attention over their physical sexuality.Conversation is an inevitable that when it comes to business and pain. In Spain, you should be absolutely prepared for lively and friendly business conversations. You may find your counterparts to behave gregariously but that's okay. A lot of time this behavior may seem artificial but Spanish prefer knowing you before effectively engage in your business. The quality of your character is always more important for Spaniards then the success of business. Therefore it is extremely important that they get to know the real you and your statusIt is important that you consider the hierarchy. Make sure that you communicate with someone who you think have equal importance as you in the company.
 It is also important that you bear patience while negotiating. A lot of times you will be interrupted by Spanish people but you must not get disgusted. It is simply an indication of the fact that Spanish people are engaged and they are much interested in a detailed discussion.It is important that you take advantage of business timings in Spain. Enjoy the afternoon siesta, the common time when Spanish people take a break from their business in office timings. People like to converse and have business meetings over the dinner table in Spain. Restaurants serve meals till 9 PM and you will not interrupt you if you are in an active conversation till 11 PM. So make sure that you get ready for your associate to set up a late evening meeting.

Business Etiquette in China Like Emily Post

In reality, most people who ask this type of question are wanting to know, is there any type of behavior I should avoid to spoil a deal or should pay attention to to help seal the deal.As to the first part about what to avoid, there really isn't too much. The Chinese are quite accepting. Most of them have the expectation that foreigners are almost a different creature so it is not uncommon for foreigners to do some seemingly shocking things. Just be polite, professional, and pay attention to what others are doing and you should be fine. Be sensitive to others reaction to try and gauge if you are offending, and if you think you are apologize.There is one thing that I have seen foreigners do that has spoiled deals. That is joking around about important political or famous people, whether current or historical.
In the West, especially in the US, we have a history of freedom of speech, and we see everyday people like Jay Leno and John Stewart making fun of politicians as a career. This does not exist in China and can offend your hosts so much that they are unable to continue working with you.As far as what you can do to help move along a business relationship. The first thing you can do is learn some Chinese. Even the most basic "Ni Hao" will often be met with a response of "Wow, your Chinese is so good." If you take the time to learn a few more key phrases like "Xie Xie" and "Bu Ke Qi", you are going a long way to show that you are interested in learning about their culture and customs.This is a good start and the rest you can learn as you are here in China interacting with others.If you found this information useful and want more like it than visit our website.
　　

Japanese Business Etiquette

1. The Importance of Business Cards (Meishi)

Japanese place a great importance on the presentation and exchange of meishi. Here's what you need to know. At your first business counter, stand and introduce yourself while presenting your business card with both hands outstretched. Likewise, when receiving a meishi, do so with both hands, and handle carefully.After receiving the meishi, spend a few moments studying the info on it, and then, and this is important, DO NOT stuff it in your pocket or even put it away. Keep it out on the table in front of you during your meeting, and then carefully put it away at the conclusion of the meeting. You must have a meishi when doing business in Japan!
2. Proper Use of "-san
Japan has a very complicated system of honorifics built into their language and culture that dictactes how people address one another. Here's what you need to know. It's perfectly acceptable to address your Japanese counterpart(s) as "XX-san," but, and this too is very important, NEVER address yourself and anyone on your own party's sign as "-san."The use of "-san" is reserved for people outside of your own group or people above you or at least equal to you. In a Japanese business meeting, using "-san" to address yourself or members of your own group amounts to a cultural faux pas that even the most tolerant Japanese will have a hard time overlooking.
3. Gift Giving (Omiyage)
When traveling to Japan for business, it is customary to bring a gift from your country (om-mi-ya-ge). Consumable goods like chocolate, cookies, and so forth, make nice gifts. Alcoholic beverages are also a good choice if your Japanese counterpart enjoys them (most do!). The best omiyage are those that come from and represent your own place of origin. The main thing is to make sure that the gift is of sufficiently high-quality while not being so elaborate as to cause discomfort to your hosts.

Right Business Etiquettes Ensure A Job

Right Business Etiquettes Ensure A Job

 Proper business etiquette can assist you in acquiring jobs. There are several means by which this can be accomplished. Talked About in this article are a few job interview tips and tricks which will make it simpler for you to land up with jobs. These interview tricks and tips will aid you get noticed by recruiters and many of them are utilised by the interviewers themselves in their hunt for perfect candidates. In the present times it takes more time to prepare a resume or sign up for a job board. You will want to have all the exposure you can get, by paying a small amount or preferably for free.The first step is to get listed in some of the social networking websites like jibberjobber.com. simplyhired.com or zoominfo.com. The recruiters prefer this facet. There are some helpful instruments in these web sites and they will help you to get noted. After you have been called for an interview, the next step would be to display your interview skills that win the job while going through the interview and this is the adjudicating factor in getting the job.
As soon as you enter the room the appropriate business etiquette would call for wishing all the members present in the room. As you sit in your chair it is crucial to look relaxed but not casual. After the pleasantries, the focus will be on your work history if you are experienced. The interviewer will pick up your CV and will ask you about your previous work experience.You can be secure that your spectacular resume has appealed to your employer. So henceforth you can work on elaborating on your quantifiable results. Amplification of the details therefore will be well received. If you have worked in retail, customer service or in production, then there are probabilities that you will not be able to single out your efforts and make a mention to the interviewers.
 Proper business etiquette here would be to play up any kind of recognition by the management or any individual success. This business etiquette demonstrates your competence.A thing to remember is you need to speak about the special projects under your oversight that have been managed with care and responsibility. This will help the interviewer apprise your ability to take on new roles and responsibilities. If you did not get any promotions the right business etiquette would be to make mention of situations where you were acknowledged for your efforts, like employee of the month or a verbal or written recommendation from any client whom you had served.Interview skills that win the job should hence be exhibited at the proper time as all applicants would present themselves as super achievers. Be confident of what you are presenting. Employers will also know about your constancy from your work experience.

the Personal Brand Revolution

Without a winning personal brand strategy, I’ve seen client deals fall through, appointments cancelled and sales stagnate. If your personal brand (image) is not professional and congruent, attractive and attracting or you lack good manners and don’t have the proper dining etiquette you will be passed over - guaranteed. Therefore, to be competitive, to have a greater influence on others, attract more business and be more successful it’s critical that you pay greater attention to personal branding.Before you sell anything…your product, company or service you sell yourself first. Shift the balance of power in your favor … when you brand yourself you are perceived to be more desirable and in demand. Brand Status increases the bottom line …both personally and corporately.Take large, successful companies for instance. They understand the power of branding a product.

 They spend a lot of time, money and energy to create a brand that is eye catching and appealing enough to sell their product through to market and enhance their corporate image. They want to ensure that the buyer builds a strong connection with that brand.Image coaching helps an individual create a well defined personal brand and provides a tremendous advantage over the competition. Whether it’s social or business, when you are well branded you are pre - sold, giving you a huge advantage over others selling themselves.Perhaps like many of the individuals I coach, you have not even thought about how you are being perceived. Can anyone leave something as important as their most valuable asset to chance?We know that in the current economy, competitiveness has increased dramatically. Business has become more serious and conservative - not only in attitude and business attire but in etiquette training as well.

As an image consultant I am being hired by individuals and companies to present training in the fine art of image management, presentation skills, good manners, business etiquette, dining and appropriate dress.Even though intelligence, experience and education count, companies tell me they are simply not hiring those who do not possess these all important communication skills. It is the whole package that counts.The hallmarks of successful individuals in a fast paced global marketplace are their confidence, manners and poise.Mediocrity is dead ----- and it’s about time. We have turned the corner…there is a “Personal Brand Revolution” afoot. The sloppy casual dress, sloppy work ethics, disrespectful behavior, lack of civility and manners are leaving the scene. Simply, it’s not working.

 It’s not acceptable to dress inappropriately or do business with the wrong fork. Productivity is down, communications are suffering, profits have dropped and sexual harassment cases are increasing.There is a return to formality, elegance, manners and sophistication. It’s evident in what’s happening all around us. People are brushing up on their business etiquette, manners and dining skills. They are getting dressed up again, dining in fine restaurants, are entertaining clients and being entertained.It’s been my experience that when we understands the power of perception we will make the changes necessary to ensure that we communicate more effectively through the power personal branding.

Hot Tips to pay attention to -
1. Ensure that your personal brand matches your goals – 2 years – five years.
2. Be authentic and be the best you possible.
3. Study the competition. Take a close hard look at them.
4. Know your target market and adjust your brand accordingly.
5. Keep re inventing yourself. What worked yesterday doesn’t work today. A willingness to change and keep current is critical to your success.
6. Keep fit and healthy. Eat healthy…BE energized.
7. A positive attitude gets you everywhere. Carry yours with you at all times.
8. Brush up on business etiquette, social manners and cocktail party rules. They count big time.
When you are well packaged… It’s only natural that you will attract more of what you want in your life. Be a smarter marketer ...to attract the best, you need to be the best!

6 Basic Principles of Business Etiquette

Even in the early 1930s Dale Carnegie observed that the success of a man in his financial affairs, even in the technical field or engineering are fifteen percent dependent on his professional knowledge and eighty-five percent on his ability to communicate with people. In this context it is easy to explain the attempts of many researchers to formulate and justify the basic principles of ethical business communication or, as they are often called, the commandments of personal public relation or "business etiquette". Business etiquette or the process of survival and succeeding in the business world could be explained in the following six basic principles:

Punctuality (do everything on time). Delays affect the work and are a sign that a person cannot be relied upon. The principle to do everything on time applies to all service tasks. Experts studying the organization and distribution of working time recommend adding extra 25 percent to the time period that is required to perform the assigned task.

Privacy (do not reveal too much). In any institutions, corporations, or particular deals there are secrets that should be kept as carefully as the ones of a personal nature. There is also no need to recount anyone heard from a colleague, supervisor or subordinate about his or her performance or personal life.

Courtesy, friendliness and affability. In any situation it is necessary to behave politely, kindly and benevolent with customers, clients, customers and co-workers. This, however, does not require being friends with everyone whom you communicate in a work setting.

Attention to people (think of others, and not only of yourself). Attention to the people surrounding you should be extended to colleagues, superiors and subordinates. Respect the opinions of others; try to understand why they have formed a particular point of view. Always listen to criticism and advice of colleagues, superiors and subordinates. When someone questions the quality of your work, show that you value the views and experiences of other people. Confidence should not prevent you to be modest.

Appearance (dress as expected). The main approach is to fit in your environment at work, and within that environment - in your level of contingent workers. You should look the best way, which is to dress with taste, choosing matching colors. Carefully choosing accessories is important.

Literacy (speak and write good language). Internal documents or letters to outside agencies should be composed paying attention to the proper language used, and all proper names transferred without errors. Do not use abusive words. Even if you only quote the words of another person around, they will be perceived as part of your own vocabulary.

Practice Business Etiquette in Canada

Americans and Canadians may share the same continent, but they have differences (as well as similarities) in behavior and etiquette. Here we take a look at the how to deal business in Canada.They value individualism - Just like any English-speaking citizen, including American, Canadians value individualism highly. For them, success is measured by personal achievement.They are open about everything except themselves - Canadians are open to discussions about anything. However, they tend to hold their personal privacy off limits to all except for relatives and close friends.Ethnocentrism is high - A lot of Canadians think highly of their own culture, and every other culture-including that of Americans-are judged according to their perspective.
This belief of considering their owns culture as superior to other cultures reflects best in the French province of Quebec.Plan for a very cold climate - Stuff your travel bags with a lot of fall and winter clothing especially during wintertime when the country is at its coldest. Remember, even its summers are cold.Dress conservatively - Men should wear a dark conservative business suit with tie, especially if you are dealing business in an urban setting. Your business wardrobe should be based on classic likes such as suits with a traditional lapel width, in colors of either navy, gray, or black, and shirts in white and light blue. Meanwhile, women should wear a conservative business suit or dress, using classic lines and colors in mind. Avoid wearing anything "trendy" on a business meeting.
 If you are dealing business in a rural area, be a little less formal yet sticking to the conservative side.Dress casually outside the boardroom - If you are not working, or still dealing business during an outdoor activity like playing golf, casual wear works best. The weather and activity will dictate what you would be wearing.Be careful when doing the "V" sign - A "V for Victory" hand signal is considered an insult in Canada if your palm is facing yourself. Do this sign with your palm facing away.Dates are written differently - Americans are used to writing dates in a "month-day-year" format, while Canadians write their dates in a "day-month-year" manner. For instance, today is 25 August 2007 (spoken as either "twenty-five August" or "twenty-fifth of August").Do not eat while walking in public - As much as some of us may be used to the concept of "street food," Canadians prefer taking their snacks in a cafe or a restaurant.

7 Tips on Business Manners for Reflection and Action

We all know it's not nice to be rude or impolite, but so many of today's business practices allow us to excuse ourselves from general good manners in the name of technology, business status quo, or saving time. I say Phooey. People are still people, and all of us respond best to those who are considerate towards us. We would all rather work with and around decent people, and we all prefer to do business with those who are aware of their effects on others. Manners can make us winners in the business world.
Here is a quick list of 7 business etiquette tips that are especially important to me, personally. Enjoy reading them, and put them into action right away for a more prosperous business life.
1. Treat your customers like gold. Add to this your vendors and sales reps, too. Oh, and add your co-workers and employees to that mix! Being kind, responsive, and going the extra mile is like inviting someone into your home and making them feel welcome. It is the best business advice you will ever receive.
2. Allow co-workers to get credit. Don't be a hog, and worse, don't take credit if it is not due to you, even if you think no one will ever find out. YOU know, and that should be enough! Be willing to share the glory or give it all away to those who really deserve it.
3. Respect a customer's right to be angry. If someone is unhappy, you must find out why, and take their concern seriously. This is not about you. First, get calm by showing kindness, then listen wholeheartedly. Next, acknowledge their concerns, and finally work together with them to find solutions. NEVER scold a customer, never tell them no one else has ever had that complaint, and never make them feel put down in any way shape or form. Instead, THANK them for taking their valuable time to communicate with you. You will likely win their future business, and learn important ways to improve your business as well.
4. Don't fudge on donations! Don't collect donation money from your customers (via a jar on the counter or the famous phrase at checkout, "Would you like to donate a dollar to...) and then turn the money into the charity using your businesses name as the source of the giving. YOU or your business did not do the giving, the customers did, and they should get credit for that. I personally think asking customers for a donation is a fine line, since that is not why they came to your business, and it makes people feel pressured. I also think it can border on using others to make ourselves look good. If you do collect for charity from your business, be sure to give your shoppers the credit, since after all, the money did come out of their pocket books, not yours.
5. Keep a clean mouth (and keyboard). Look, I get it! This is the new era and the new economy. But when did decency get unplugged? We can still be a modern society without becoming uncivilized and thoughtless. I cannot tell you how many people cuss openly and often on Facebook, in emails, and at important business meetings, even seminars. It seems to be almost a fad, where "cool business peeps" use thick profanity to "prove" they are "being themselves" and not phony. I heard Tony Robbins use a filthy cuss word at a huge event, and I was shocked, and very disappointed. Worse than that though, the recording of that event was used online for marketing purposes. In my opinion it made Tony look really slimy. Now, I am by no means a Mother Theresa, but being professional still means using a professional manner and good judgment, which will always be tied to trust.
6. When calling others, be considerate of their time. When you phone a co-worker, business colleague, or customer, don't just start rambling about why you called. Always first ask, "Is this a good time for you"? It may or not be, but you will avoid frustrating others by asking this simple question. They will respect you more for this one small consideration.
7. Stop obsessing over your cell phone. If you are in a meeting, turn your cell phone off. If you are visiting with a customer, turn your cell phone off. If you are having lunch with a colleague or business contact (or your mother for that matter), turn your cell phone off. What has happened to us is almost comical, but in reality it is pretty sad. We are leaping so much towards the next moment that we miss the golden opportunity that is right before us- the time we have to meaningfully connect with those we are with! If you have taken the time to be with another, be there totally, and let them know they are the most important person to you at that moment.

Good Business Etiquettes Ensure A Job

Proper business etiquette can assist you in acquiring jobs. There are several means by which this can be accomplished. Talked About in this article are a few job interview tips and tricks which will make it simpler for you to land up with jobs. These interview tricks and tips will aid you get noticed by recruiters and many of them are utilised by the interviewers themselves in their hunt for perfect candidates. In the present times it takes more time to prepare a resume or sign up for a job board. You will want to have all the exposure you can get, by paying a small amount or preferably for free.The first step is to get listed in some of the social networking websites like jibberjobber.com. simplyhired.com or zoominfo.com. The recruiters prefer this facet.
There are some helpful instruments in these web sites and they will help you to get noted. After you have been called for an interview, the next step would be to display your interview skills that win the job while going through the interview and this is the adjudicating factor in getting the job. As soon as you enter the room the appropriate business etiquette would call for wishing all the members present in the room. As you sit in your chair it is crucial to look relaxed but not casual. After the pleasantries, the focus will be on your work history if you are experienced. The interviewer will pick up your CV and will ask you about your previous work experience.You can be secure that your spectacular resume has appealed to your employer. So henceforth you can work on elaborating on your quantifiable results. Amplification of the details therefore will be well received. If you have worked in retail, customer service or in production, then there are probabilities that you will not be able to single out your efforts and make a mention to the interviewers.
Proper business etiquette here would be to play up any kind of recognition by the management or any individual success. This business etiquette demonstrates your competence.A thing to remember is you need to speak about the special projects under your oversight that have been managed with care and responsibility. This will help the interviewer apprise your ability to take on new roles and responsibilities. If you did not get any promotions the right business etiquette would be to make mention of situations where you were acknowledged for your efforts, like employee of the month or a verbal or written recommendation from any client whom you had served.Interview skills that win the job should hence be exhibited at the proper time as all applicants would present themselves as super achievers. Be confident of what you are presenting. Employers will also know about your constancy from your work experience.