At Fueled, we thought it would be great to chat to some prominent CEOs and find out their tips and suggestions on proper business etiquette that new employees should master in the first week on the job. Check them out below!
Tip 1: Always state your full name when meeting others, regardless of whether you prefer to be called something else. This ensures that there is no confusion down the line when someone calls and asks for 'Libby' when your full name is Elizabeth.
Tip 2: If you have a LinkedIn profile, if you don't you really should, make sure that your profile picture matches the industry you work in, says Kelly Machbitz, owner of Total Fashion Makeover. According to her, "if you're in a creative field, such as author or artist, a picture of you in action fits."
Tip 3: When you need to deliver upsetting or confrontational news while dealing with a client or internal staff, call them instead of sending an email. Just sending an email can cause problems because there's a possibility that the message will be misconstrued. If you're in doubt about what to do, always check in with your supervisor/manager first but still pick up the phone says Carol Davidson, President of StyleWorks.
Tip 4: This one is from CEO of SYNNEX, Jim Estill, ask for help when you need it! It can be tough to communicate with others, especially if they're avoiding your calls or just not responding to emails. Sometimes having someone else contact them instead can help, particularly if you ask your manager. Jim says, "It is not that I am better, it is the position."
Tip 5: When you're faced with challenges during your first week, and you will be, ask the 'how' questions. "How could you solve this challenge? How could dealing with this person be a good thing?" says Jim Estill. Try to be a problem solver first, then seek out further help if you can't fix it.
Tip 6: Prepare for meetings. Too often new staff members show up to a meeting unprepared, expecting other staff members to do it for them. One of the best ways to ‘hit the ground running' in your first week is to really get into what's happening within your division. Spend time making sure you understand the purpose of each meeting you attend so you can take the proper action afterwards.
Tip 7: When dealing with clients externally via email, always ensure that you CC your supervisor/manager in the first few weeks. This shows that you have the authority to action the requests you are making and also keeps your manager abreast of what you are actioning.
Tip 8: Be prompt in your communications. If you receive a phone call or email, make sure you respond in a timely manner. You don't want to be known as the person who never responds in your first week at a new job.
Tip 9: Don't point, but if you have to, keep your fingers together. When you point with your index finger, it can be seen as aggressive. Avoid doing this at all says Barbara Pachter, author of "The Essentials Of Business Etiquette."
Tip 10: Focus on the person you are speaking with, not your phone. Don't check your phone at all during meetings, particularly with external clients. Turn your phone off and pay attention.
Author Bio
This article is written by Diana Zelikman from Fueled, an award winning mobile app design and development house based in New York and London.
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