Is there really power in being nice? We’re talking business here, not the social hour.
The Economist magazine said yes in February of this year in an article titled “Manners Maketh the Businessman”. They said “the economic crisis [has] prompt[ed] an outbreak of politeness in business” and “rudeness is out, and civility is the new rule in an uncertain world.” The message goes like this: If strong-arming your employees or vendors won’t make your business grow, maybe you should try a smile, or a little chitchat, or even a casual lunch. Seems easy enough, right?
It’s been a long time since business was about the relationship and this is daunting to some who are faced with the harsh reality that people are back to doing business with those they like and trust. People skills… that’s where it’s at in the business world today. Cut somebody off in traffic and you may have just lost a sale. Inquire about a customer’s child – using their name – and you may have just made your monthly quota. Top off that encounter with a good handshake and welcoming posture and you very well may have a customer for life. Why? You made them feel good and we could all use a little feel-good. Likely, they will not rush to tell others about your engaging eye contact, but you can bet they will talk about the experience as a whole.
Kate T. Lewis
www.KateTLewis.com
Corporate etiquette and international protocol consultant Kate Lewis has been making networkers great for the better part of two decades. And now, as a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington, Lewis brings the world’s most prestigious etiquette certification to corporate training sessions for companies around the country. After perfecting the art of building and maintaining business relationships for 15 years, contributing to national publications and writing a column for her local newspaper, Lewis now crisscrosses the region and the nation speaking and delivering etiquette and protocol training to clients in corporate, academic and even athletic organizations.
More importantly, Lewis recognizes the business environment has relaxed, so has protocol. She avoids the stodgy, punitive etiquette training style of old. Her training sessions are fun, interactive and casual, designed to show her clients how proper business etiquette is merely a way of learning to be comfortable with oneself and conscious of one’s behavior towards others. The particulars of behavior are offered, but Lewis focuses not on rote memorization of behavior but rather on general principles that adapt to suit the personality and situation. Lewis’ training sessions consist of little lecturing but lots of interaction.
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