Manners in Business
Often times, whether it be in person, on the phone or online, I tend to use certain manners with every person that I come in contact with. The main reason for this is because I feel that respect is the building block for which all relationships form. Without respect, you don’t have trust. Without trust, you don’t have a relationship. Without the relationship, there is no business.
These manners were embedded in me through repetition as a young man. There are four words that my Dad would always make us recite before we would go into someone’s home. Those words were “Sir, Ma’am, Please and Thank You”! Well ok, you got me. That was actually 6 words, but who’s counting right?
Not only that, but he would explain the value of showing respect to elders, as well as everyone else in my life. I will sometimes call someone younger than me, ma’am or sir. I do this as a sign of my respect for that person and the value that they create in my life. Most people hate when I do it, but I think that is because they don’t understand the meaning of these very powerful words.
What does this have to do with manners in business? Members of the business community are the ones that deserve the most respect. These business owners and entrepreneurs have worked their butts off to get what they have today and have earned the right to be respected for that. They have provided the only proven economic stimulus and that is providing jobs and value.
It is important to show these manners in business meetings by using “Ma’am, Sir, Please and Thank you” every time the situation warrants. If you go in using manners and saying, “No Sir” or “Yes Ma’am”, they will feel that you respect them and respect you back. And you honestly should be respecting these people! So why not show it.
Following this simple rule in my life has paid off quite well. It sets you above all these other pushy salesman that don’t show the respect they should to someone that is about to give them money. Using manners in business will also provide instant value to the client or customer. Don’t believe me? Use any of these 4 phrases towards anyone today and watch for the reaction.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
@blogbrevity @roaring_tulips @skinnyjeans Why manners play such a huge role in my life as well as business. http://bit.ly/nFnKN
Great post Brendan, It is so important to not lose sight of basic manners.
As my son goes from pre-k to kindergarden I am ofter reminded about the saying “Everything we need to know we learned in Kindergarden” I think it may be a book and boy is it right on! Treat others the way we want to be treated!
Thank you!
In the South, I think most people really appreciate being called Sir and Ma’am. I have met a lot of women from up North though that will get super upset at being called Ma’am. So, I would say be careful about that. There are some other wonderful ways to show respect without risking a faux pas.
Well done, Brendan! Thank you for a wonderful post that not only shows the value of good manners, but encapsulates the value of relationships built on trust and respect.
@blogbrevity @roaring_tulips @skinnyjeans Why manners play such a huge role in my life as well as business. http://bit.ly/nFnKN
RT @BrendanWenzel: Wrote a blog post today about why manners in business are necessary and how easy it is to use them. http://bit.ly/nFnKN
Don’t underestimate the power of these simple words http://bit.ly/17xirk
Thanks for a great post, Brendan. Recently, I went with my son to the Montessori Model United Nations Conference, and I was impressed by one of the speakers who addressed the kids as “your excellencies”. He explained that he was humbled and honored to be speaking to the people that would be able to make a difference in the world of the future. I looked around the room at the faces of these 10 to 13 year old excellencies…and they truly looked entranced, engaged in the speech and serious about being what they can be. Respect truly goes a long way.
As you point out, manners are not a small thing. They imply I respect you, I know how to treat people, I value their presence.
On a related theme, I polled in LI about being truthful and honest in business. It does make a difference. Check out the answers here: http://bit.ly/f4EOS Interesting.