Business etiquette for corporate events

 Of course, not everyone is completely comfortable knowing if they are transporting the right business etiquette to corporate hosts, colleagues and other guests.

Keep in mind, the purpose of etiquette is to create an environment that enables everyone to feel comfortable. Here are some business etiquette tips for meeting environments.

· 01 - When should you respond to an RSVP?

Event invitations will provide the most important information of an event, including details about the host, type of event, purpose (even as much as a short agenda), location, time, specific instructions and of course the RSVP.

Activities today rely on a variety of RSVP options, including email, phone, mail in maps, and more. It is important that guests respond quickly when they receive an invitation, and it is best to respond within a week. If you have to refuse at the last minute, please inform the host before the event or first thing the next day with sincere regret.

· 02 - What should you wear for an occasion?

Host and guests are on the side of conservative sensitivity wrong: pull well and in good taste (everything should always be printed). That said, most event invitations will give direction:

§  Business attire (suits and dresses)

§  Black tie / black tie optional (more formal evening wear)

§  Business comfortable (pants / khakis with long sleeve shirts)

§  Jackets and straps required (as instructed)

Some events and places may carry other casuals, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Recommended. Organizers will be specific about clothing requirements.

· 03 - When should you arrive for an event?

The event host spends significant time and resources planning and executing an event so that most people know the answer to this question: be on time! If you are a representative of the host, the answer is that you must arrive 30 minutes early (you will get a time, will appear when requested).

If you are a guest, understand that the organizer is selective with the invitation list. Many invitations include a short agenda that addresses when guests can come for the event, usually a window of 15 to 30 minutes for registration and welcome reception times.

It is also important to stay as long as possible or until the end of an event.

· 04 - When should you extend a handshake at an event?

Always on arrival and departure. This is an easy rule that few people violate. Greet everyone with a firm, sincere handshake, a friendly smile and direct eye contact. However, when approaching a group of individuals, it is important to note that guests should always shake the hand of the host.

Of course, there are scenarios when handshake greetings are not possible, such as when both hands are full. In such situations, any party can nod and use some other body gesture to convey the greeting.

· 05 - How should you introduce people in a group to an event?

Most people will find themselves at an event on several occasions at some point, especially when they will be the one that will be expected of all parties. But what is the sequence of introductions? Just remember to rule:

§  Introduce lower-rated individuals to higher-ranking individuals.

§  Remember to include titles (e.g. Dr., Judge, etc.) and the name prefix (e.g. Mr., Mrs.).

· 06 - What should you talk about at the event?

It is important to have strong listening (not interrupting) and conversational skills in group situations. It means maintaining open body language (standing up or sitting upright, not crossing arms, and maintaining good eye contact) and showing interest in what others have to say.

Contribute to conversations by talking about a variety of subjects, finding topics of common interest and avoiding correcting what others have to say. Make sure everyone is involved in the group (and not just one or two). Encourage people to talk about themselves and be graceful when providing and / or accepting compliments.

It's a shame to add the following, but it's necessary for some: Avoid using fake language and slang in conversations.

· 07 - What should you not talk about the event?

Just as it is important to understand what you are talking about, there are several topics that should be avoided in general:

§  Personal financial topics

§  Personal health topics (yours and others)

§  Distributive topics

§  Gossip

· 08 - When should you send out additional opportunities to others at an event?

It may sound old-fashioned, but it's very important to let people know that you value them highly. And the act will usually not go unnoticed by the recipient. Several examples (but certainly not an exhaustive list) of when distraction is important at an event:

§  Follow the guidance of others (eg host) to know when / where to sit.

§  Keep doors open for others.

§  Do not assume that empty seats are available.

§  Allow others to take the better seat.

§  Wait to talk until others recognize you.

§  Wait for the host before drinking the first drink.

§  Wait to eat until everyone is served and the host has started.

· 09 - What other business etiquette rules should be kept in mind?

§  Never drink more than two alcoholic beverages.

§  Allow the event host to make the first toast.

§  Inform hosters of any dietary restrictions prior to an event.

§  Understand how to use cutlery (eat outside).

§  Glassware is placed on the right.

§  Bread plates will be placed to the left.

§  Place the fork and knife in the 4:00 position when done.

§  Place napkins on the chair or arm when walking away briefly.

§  Examine the event topic and location prior to arrival.

§  Thank the host personally before departure.

§  Send a "thank you" notice to the host within a week.

· 10 - What should you wear for an occasion?

Host and guests are on the side of conservative sensitivity wrong: pull well and in good taste (everything should always be printed). That said, most event invitations will give direction:

§  Business attire (suits and dresses)

§  Black tie / black tie optional (more formal evening wear)

§  Business comfortable (pants / khakis with long sleeve shirts)

§  Jackets and straps required (as instructed)

Some events and places may carry other casuals, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Recommended. Organizers will be specific about clothing requirements.

· 11 - What should you wear for an occasion?

Host and guests are on the side of conservative sensitivity wrong: pull well and in good taste (everything should always be printed). That said, most event invitations will give direction:

§  Business attire (suits and dresses)

§  Black tie / black tie optional (more formal evening wear)

§  Business comfortable (pants / khakis with long sleeve shirts)

§  Jackets and straps required (as instructed)

Some events and places may carry other casuals, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Recommended. Organizers will be specific about clothing requirements.

Courtesy: corporate event planner in Lahore