Rules
by Donald Sharp
In our courses we often say ãThere are no Rules in Sales.ä Well, what we should say, is that donât be boxed in, think out side the box. Be creative. Letâs face it, there are some rules that best be followed. There are some rules of behavior that if broken could cost your orders. For example, the word girl or gal or even secretary may be viewed as demanding. The speaker may be looked upon as being a sexist. There is no such being as a girl or gal in the business world. The secretary has been replaced as Administrative Assistant. Do you agree?
We can even carry this further into cultural Doâs and Donâts. Donât shake hands with anyone in a door way in Russia, it is bad luck. It is very disrespectful to whistle in doors in Russia or to have the sole of your shoe face the person to whom you are speaking in Asia. Status is highly important in Japan. Hotels are careful not to put a CEO on a lower floor than his or her employees. It is just not smart.
Etiquette is important especially at the dinner conference. Which fork do you use first? On which plate do you put bread? Do you cover your glass with your hand when squeezing a lemon? Rules.
Telephone rules
When you call someone on the telephone for the first time, how do you address him or her? Hello Jane, or is it Hello Ms. Smith. Is it proper to say yes sir? It really annoys me when someone leaves a message on my voice mail that is stated so fast that I have to listen to it two or three times to understand the name. Why not say your name slowly and maybe even spell it. Repeat your phone number twice.
I would like to speak to Bill. May I ask who is calling says the receptionist. Sure, my name is Don. A moment later you are told that Bill is in a meeting or tied up or unavailable. What do you think? Bill had time to talk when I had money! Stop screening your calls.
Speakerphones are just plain rude. Yes, I know you can do many things at the same time, but it says to the caller that you are not really that interested in what they are saying. Call waiting fits in the same category as rude. Let me get this other call, will you hold?
Today netiquette has become important. It is so easy to type and send e-mail, thereby breaking all rules of etiquette. Carefully you may get flamed. Before clicking the send button, check your spelling and grammar.
Should you have executivitis and want to go up the company ladder, obtain a book on business etiquette and read it. Good luck!
