Manners are super important if you try to break out in the big world. There are things you may and may not do, and it's urgent for you to learn them if you want to get higher, faster;
My list was created based on my own experience. I know I have made a few mistakes on my way to the top and also seen many mistakes of other people, and now that I have learned my lesson, it is time for my knowledge to move on to its new owners.
So here it goes, my Dos' and no-dos';
I'll start with the no-dos';
1. Ladies- Never fix your hair in the middle of a meeting, especially when it is a one-on-one meeting with anybody who isn't your family. First of all- it isn't polite, and may really shock the person in front of you. Second- in a case you're having a meal, the hair might fly inside someones' plate. If you feel like your hair is going to fall or anything, ask to leave for a few moments and go fix your hair in the bathroom. I have seen this kind of mistake many times, and I can tell you- it isn't really nice to see the look on your partners face while you're with your hands up trying to collect your hair.
2. Gentlemen- Never grab your pack or pick your nose. It is a sign of law intelligence and believe me, you don't want to be taken for an idiot on a business meeting, or a date. When you're going out you're selling yourself all the time, so make sure you sell a high quality product, not a cheap one.
3. All of you- Leave the phone aside! Or even better- in your bag! It really isn't polite to be with your phone while you have someone sitting and talking in front of you. Not only it isn't polite, it makes the other person feel like he is not interesting enough for you to hear him properly. I say it from the side of the one who is qualified enough to leave the phone in the bag, silent. It makes you feel like you shouldn't have come, because the chances are you wouldn't be heard. I can understand a spontaneous meeting when neither of you planned it, understood, people have their own life going on too. But if you set a meeting with someone, doesn't matter who, be educated enough to schedule this time and leave everything else aside, just like the other person does.
4. Don't push yourself too hard- Don't try to sell yourself too much, and don't try to make an impression from the first minute. The best impression would be if you'll show you are patient enough to listen first, then ask questions. You must remember that selling is first of all based on the trust of your client. If he doesn't trust you, he wouldn't be there to buy your product. People trust people who they can talk to about their problems and get their help in solving them. Let your meeting partner talk first, and then react accordingly to what they say.
5. Don't mix business with pleasure- It is a short receipt to a huge failure of your mood, and of course- your energy, and sometimes even might be a disaster. If your energy falls, you might loose the momentum and lose a great opportunity. Stay focused on your target, know what you are there for and leave your personal pleasure to another time.
The Dos';
1. Be elegant- All the time. If you want to be taken seriously, you must look serious. Yes, there are people who are ridiculously terrible dressed and yet became very rich and successful, but just do your research and decide to what kind of people you want to be compared to and be like. Yes, you must keep your own character, be yourself and be unique, but yet you must stay elegant and well performed.
2. Listen wisely- Everything you hear might be helpful. Let the other side talk enough to explain to you as much as possible about themselves and their needs, ask question from time to time and listen very carefully to the answers you hear. It is the biggest part about the success of your business.
3. Sell- You are the greatest product ever! If you are on a first meeting with a person, you must show yourself as a trustful, reliable and independent person. In that way you will make sure the other person will want to speak with you again and with enough effort, will do business with you.
People want to be heard, so when you listen, being polite and elegant, you are already selling yourself big-time, and at a high price. You are making a good impression, and serious people understand the importance of a high intelligence.
For now, I guess it is all. I brought here the most important things I think everybody should learn and work with. Of course, if the other person is not going by those rules, it is for you to decide whether you want to have anything to do with them or not. Just make sure you know how to spot reliable people for you and surround yourself with them.