With so many companies doing the same thing, it’s a good idea for you, as a business owner, to ensure your company is operating by the basic rules of business etiquette. Good Business Etiquette can be the deciding factor between you or your competitor. Below are 10 of the Biggest Business Pet Peeves that most business owners have run into.  Let us know what some of your business pet peeves are in the comments section.

Business Pet Peeve #1: Remember to Stand When Meeting Someone

It’s always a good idea to stand when meeting someone and/or shaking hands, if you remain seated, this can be seen as a sign of disrespect.

Business Pet Peeve #2: Remember to Always Listen and Pay Attention

When someone introduces themselves to you at an event, remember to focus your attention on them, and if you need to leave, excuse yourself, thank them, and move on respectfully.

Business Pet Peeve #3: Remember to Always Call Back

Returning phone calls promptly and at reasonable times will ensure your company comes across as professional and classy.

Business Pet Peeve #4: Remember to Mention What a Potential Customer Does Right

Spend time during your meeting with potential clients letting them know what is right with your company, not what is wrong with your competition.

Business Pet Peeve #5: Remember to Always Pay it Forward

Even if a business contact may not do work with you, it is a good idea to introduce them to potential leads.  This not only comes across as you being a good sport, but this tactic almost always comes back to you.

Business Pet Peeve #6: Remember to Say Thank You and Make it Personal

Handwritten thank you cards will almost always elevate you above your competitors.  Create a system and a script that sounds personable but also professional.

Business Pet Peeve #7: Remember to Always Use Spellcheck

It doesn’t matter if it is an email or a hard letter or document, it is very important that you not use shorthand or texting acronyms in business correspondence, and to ensure all of your words are spelt correctly.

Business Pet Peeve #8: Remember Your Manners No Matter Where You Are

Even if you are at an informal event, you need to be mindful of your manners at all times.  Knowing what to do allows you to concentrate on the conversation and good manners make you look polished and poised.

Business Pet Peeve #9: Remember to Pay Attention to Who You CC

Whenever you are sending an email, it is imperative that you ensure you are sending the correspondence to the correct parties.  You do not want any embarrassing or sensitive information going to the wrong people.

Business Pet Peeve #10: Remember to Never Offer Unsolicited Advice

If you overhear someone discussing a situation and you feel like you have the solution, resist the urge to butt in and offer up your opinion…especially if you haven’t even been properly introduced! Take the time to introduce yourself and build rapport and then follow up after the meeting to continue the relationship & discuss your possible solution.

Elizabeth-Jamey Rand is the President/CEO of Oasis Consulting Group, a consulting agency based in Miami Beach, FL that specializes in Business Development, Social Media, Event Planning, Virtual Assistance, Advertising, Real Estate Agent Help, Start-ups, Marketing, and Copywriting. By using an innovative outside of the box thinking approach when it comes to working with their clients, they are able to provide their customers with comprehensive research and everything they may need in order to run their business successfully and smoothly.  To learn more, contact her at (786) 562-7601 or via email at oasisconsulting3@gmail.com.