In the business world, what do you think countries like America, China, Japan, Germany and England all have in common? They all regard knowledge of protocol and manners as one of the tools for success.

In today's world.
Protocol is a structure set by individuals and organisations, for both business and social situations. Manners are a way to navigate relationships - personal, business and commercial. Learning manners gives on a competitive edge on how to interact and communicate positively. To put it simply, the more you know, the further you go.

In the highly competitive business world, anyone keen on progressing through the ranks needs to be able to hold their own when meeting with clients, both potential and existing, under formal and informal circumstances. But unfortunately, many potential worthwhile and profitable alliances have been lost to an unintentional breach of protocol & manners.

This can be avoided. Understanding protocol & manners in business is not a luxury item - it is a necessity.

My research shows that companies who have embrace the learning of business skills are retaining and attracting employees who give higher levels of energy, are better team players and are working in a happy environment - all of which contributes to gaining new business.

Improving your image.
It is no secret that corporate success is often based on people's perception of you as much as on your actual performance. If your actions portray laziness, rudeness or a lack of professionalism, whether the perceptions are accurate or not, they can make or break your career path. How you dress, behave and interact with others all add up to the impression you give.

Table Manners.
The further you progress in your career the more likely you are to entertain, or to be entertained. Nowhere is protocol and manners put to the test of scrutiny more than it is at the dining table.
Alas, the mealtime ritual has become a lost art, but eating together is not only fun, it's where you listen and debate with your friends and colleagues. Your knowledge of how to set a dining table, how to hold drinking glasses and cutlery should be high on the list of social skills.

The art of the introduction.
The most important thing about introductions is to make them. It helps put you and the people you are introducing at ease.
Whoever is the highest ranking person is introduced to everyone else in order of their position. If you introduce two people of equal rank to each other, introduce the one you know less about to the one you know better.
When introducing yourself, remember that your name and reputation are your ‘brand'. Extend you hand in a firm web-to-web grip. Be clear and concise in your speaking. Always use both your first and last names to convey the message that you take yourself seriously.

Testing your networking skills.
Networking can be fun, or it can be your worst nightmare. It is a good test of your expertise in protocol and good manners. To be a good networker, you have to learn to focus and listen, and practice, practice and practice.

The room is full of people, all talking in clusters, where do you start? Enter the room with good body language. If you encounter someone on their own, introduce yourself using both your first and last names. On their response, repeat their names (if offered). Give a good handshake, a smile, make eye contact. Offer a business card when appropriate. Don't talk negatively about yourself.

Stuart Nelson is the founder of the Business Etiquette Consultancy drawing on 25 years experience in the corporate and entertainment worlds. For workshop enquiries ring 0412 554353 or email Stuart at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .