Is it really important to learn the rules of etiquette and protocol in today's high-speed, high-tech world of business?

Do you really need to spend time thinking about how to make a proper introduction, when to present your business card and which fork to use?

The answer is an unqualified "yes."

If you care about increasing your confidence, projecting a professional image, developing lasting relationships with your colleagues and clients and becoming a polished professional, etiquette skills are the powerful tools to help you avoid embarrassments and distractions and focus on your personal and professional goals, not to mention the bottom line.

To be successful and effective in your career, it is not enough to be an expert in your field or offer superior products and services. If you want to outclass and outlast your competition—and there is plenty of it—you need to have interpersonal skills. You need to know how to:

• Greet others with grace.
• Make business introductions with poise.
• Dine with dignity, as either the host or guest.
• Mix and mingle with ease at networking events.
• Start and stop a conversation with confidence.
• Write email that positions you as a professional.
• Practice effective meeting behavior both in person and by phone.
• Dress for success, always with the client in mind.
• Contribute personally to a more productive and harmonious work environment.
• Understand the nuances as well as the universal truths about international etiquette.

The rules of etiquette are a common language that all successful professionals must learn to speak. These skills will give you an edge that can make the difference between you and another person who is just as smart and equally as well-trained and educated. The difference is that knowing the rules of business etiquette will put you at ease and make your colleagues and clients more comfortable with you so that you can focus your agenda and not on yourself.

People choose to do business with people they like, but you already know that. Successful relationships begin when you exhibit courtesy, kindness and respect others. Knowing and practicing good manners in the workplace adds the polish that builds profits. Taking the time to learn the rules of business etiquette and protocol is a worthwhile investment.

If you or your organization want to learn more about the services, products and resources that I can offer, please visit Manners That Sell, browse for a while and contact me. I can help you with your business etiquette checklist.

Here's to your success.

© 2011, Lydia Ramsey.  Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author featured in the Wall Street Journal and many other off-line and on-line publications.  Lydia shares her business etiquette tips in her monthly e-zine, her blog and on Twitter. 

To register for these free services visit www.mannersthatsell.com today!