Etiquette & the Bottom Line

Evelyn Cannata

By Evelyn Cannata

Naples is growing at a breakneck pace.

Famed for its quality of life for retirees and tourists, its year-round population is also thriving and with it, the number of new and growing businesses. With such rapid growth, missteps can occur.

Perhaps it is time to consider adding to Naples’ crown of accolades a recognition of its world-class business culture. With five-star service the norm for our tourism industry, why not enhance our business interactions with stellar manners and thoughtful courtesies?

According to a recently published global survey, business etiquette training is forecasted to dramatically rise internationally between 2019 and 2025.

Just what is the definition of business etiquette, and why should it matter?

Consider the wisdom of Letitia Baldrige, White House social secretary to Jacqueline Kennedy. “Good manners are cost-effective. They not only increase the quality of life in the workplace, they contribute to employee morale, embellish the company image, and play a major role in generating profit.”

Don’t be confused. It is not raising your pinky while having a glass of wine or a cup of tea. It is more than a handshake. It is not about being stiff or formal. It is a skill set that can be taught and is crucial for achieving a competitive advantage.

Social media, emails, and mobile communications have helped degrade the business manners that can define a five-star business. Whether interacting with clients or colleagues, make sure your team is armed with the skills that elevate the professional encounters that define your brand.

The mission of Etiquette by Evelyn is to make all professionals aware of how business etiquette is a practical and profitable social skill that plays a vital role in career success both personally and corporately.

Achieving this can be done with any size company and within any industry.

1. Email: An email reply, “Sent from my iPhone,” is not professional. To change that, tap on the settings app, tap on mail, scrolldown and tap on signature. Delete “Sent from my iPhone” and add your professional or personal signature for each account.
2. Phone: Choose a ringtone that doesn’t cause people to jump from fright.
3. Communication: Words still matter. Say “you’re welcome,” not “no problem” or “yup.” Banish the word “yeah”and replace it with “yes.”
4. Proper address: If you are writing to someone you do not know, use Mr. or Ms. and their last name. Don’t assume you are on a first-name basis until they signal otherwise.
5. Social occasions: Many people remember faces better than they do names. After being introduced, repeat the person’s name several times in conversation. It will be etched in memory for next time.

You can begin your training by incorporating these few tips: A truism born from numerous studies of luxury hospitality companies is that consumers will pay a premium for stellar customer service. And customer service is a reflection of a company’s culture of business etiquette, for better or for worse.