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Nine Rules of Business Manners

These rules are taken directly from Harry Beckwith’s book entitled What Clients Love. He suggests we all keep a copy on our desks, and put one on every employee’s desk. I quite agree.

1. Always wait a split second after a person finishes talking before you speak.
2. Listen with your entire body.
3. Be positive.
4. Speak well of others.
5. Memorize names.
6. Never try to impress. The effort always shows, and it diminishes you.
7. Never make your conversations – particularly on cell phones – public.
8. Praise but never flatter. Praise makes people feel good; flattery makes them feel manipulated.
9. A simple rule whenever you are in doubt: be kind.

© Melinda Guillemette 2009