The New Business Etiquette
by Devon Fleming on February 18, 2010 at 07:28AM
This opens up a bigger topic which I will save for another column, but the point can be made that every individual action can and does leads to a corresponding reaction. Changing the professionalism of one weekday (20 percent) of the whole work week, by a casual, potentially unethical, ineffective and wasteful period can and has made a huge difference in our world.
This cultural phenomenon happened with no concern for the fact that economic growth was almost non existent. Our old attitudes of `bigger is better and play now, play later" continued throughout periods where economic growth slowed but Joe Public still felt entitled. Now is the time to say good-bye to casual Fridays and a casual work ethic. Urban theorist and authorRichard Florida, says today's recession will fundamentally change the work we do and the way we do it.
In his latest book, "The Great Reset," Florida notes that our new economy will be built on knowledge, work, science and the service sector. This is all the more reason to banish the "no problem" attitude of today's service people and replace with "my pleasure" and "how else can I help you?"
Our new economy and your success depend on being better and working harder than your competitors. The new service economy is an opportunity for you to reset and restart your work ethic and approach your job with a new seriousness.
It's time to restart and bring back a "dress for success" attitude and you'll stand out with a polished look that says you mean business. Dressing well makes you feel better and always leaves you prepared for an unexpected encounter and opportunity.
In addition to looking serious, dressing the part will help you professionally in the following ways:
1. Image is key
Whether you are technically in sales or not, how you present yourself on the outside will send a message as to your overall level of professionalism and work ethic.
2. Homophily Syndrome
It is common knowledge that people like to associate themselves with those of similar or higher "aspiring" status. If you want to be successful and do business with others who are successful, you need to appear successful and well dressed.
3. Communication
Together with ones external appearance, ones ability to communicate- speaking and writing- in a professional manner does make a difference. It has been cited that one of the key reasons for lack of professional advancement is the inability to write and communicate effectively. While most executives are well-versed online with social media, they are not always able to write well. LOL and OMG are NOT acceptable means of communication! Refer to # 2.
4. Boundaries
It should go without saying that crossing personal boundaries is not a smart or professional way to behave with work colleagues. Using inappropriate language, visiting any type of questionable website and/or drinking while working or spending time with work associates is never acceptable.
5. Working Hard Brings Good Luck
You have heard this old saying, but it's true. Now more than ever we all need to focus on working hard, being persistent and consistent and always putting our best foot forward to get ahead.
I hope you enjoyed this snippet of information and look forward to sharing more on this topic at my next event October 5 at the Greenwich Hyatt. Find information on this and more at www.DevonFleming.com or email me at devon@devonfleming.com.
Devon Fleming is considered the metropolitan area's business and lifestyle leader. Her brand publishes books, articles, blogs, and other online content. Devon provides `Fairfield County Living Tips' on four Cox Radio stations and appears on area TV providing lifestyle segments and "practical solutions for the modern woman." For more information, visit www.DevonFleming.com or email devon@devonfleming.com .
The New Business Etiquette
By Devon Fleming, Posted 18/18/10 07:28 AM
This opens up a bigger topic which I will save for another column, but the point can be made that every individual action can and does leads to a corresponding reaction. Changing the professionalism of one weekday (20 percent) of the whole work week, by a casual, potentially unethical, ineffective and wasteful period can and has made a huge difference in our world.
This cultural phenomenon happened with no concern for the fact that economic growth was almost non existent. Our old attitudes of `bigger is better and play now, play later" continued throughout periods where economic growth slowed but Joe Public still felt entitled. Now is the time to say good-bye to casual Fridays and a casual work ethic. Urban theorist and authorRichard Florida, says today's recession will fundamentally change the work we do and the way we do it.
In his latest book, "The Great Reset," Florida notes that our new economy will be built on knowledge, work, science and the service sector. This is all the more reason to banish the "no problem" attitude of today's service people and replace with "my pleasure" and "how else can I help you?"
Our new economy and your success depend on being better and working harder than your competitors. The new service economy is an opportunity for you to reset and restart your work ethic and approach your job with a new seriousness.
It's time to restart and bring back a "dress for success" attitude and you'll stand out with a polished look that says you mean business. Dressing well makes you feel better and always leaves you prepared for an unexpected encounter and opportunity.
In addition to looking serious, dressing the part will help you professionally in the following ways:
1. Image is key
Whether you are technically in sales or not, how you present yourself on the outside will send a message as to your overall level of professionalism and work ethic.
2. Homophily Syndrome
It is common knowledge that people like to associate themselves with those of similar or higher "aspiring" status. If you want to be successful and do business with others who are successful, you need to appear successful and well dressed.
3. Communication
Together with ones external appearance, ones ability to communicate- speaking and writing- in a professional manner does make a difference. It has been cited that one of the key reasons for lack of professional advancement is the inability to write and communicate effectively. While most executives are well-versed online with social media, they are not always able to write well. LOL and OMG are NOT acceptable means of communication! Refer to # 2.
4. Boundaries
It should go without saying that crossing personal boundaries is not a smart or professional way to behave with work colleagues. Using inappropriate language, visiting any type of questionable website and/or drinking while working or spending time with work associates is never acceptable.
5. Working Hard Brings Good Luck
You have heard this old saying, but it's true. Now more than ever we all need to focus on working hard, being persistent and consistent and always putting our best foot forward to get ahead.
I hope you enjoyed this snippet of information and look forward to sharing more on this topic at my next event October 5 at the Greenwich Hyatt. Find information on this and more at www.DevonFleming.com or email me at devon@devonfleming.com.
Devon Fleming is considered the metropolitan area's business and lifestyle leader. Her brand publishes books, articles, blogs, and other online content. Devon provides `Fairfield County Living Tips' on four Cox Radio stations and appears on area TV providing lifestyle segments and "practical solutions for the modern woman." For more information, visit www.DevonFleming.com or email devon@devonfleming.com .
