Code of Conduct When Representing Your Company By Trisha Lyn Fawver
ttending a conference can be the best thing you do for your business. So it’s important to make a good first impression to business contacts. Most employees welcome the invite to attend a conference – the chance to travel, see new things, meet new people, and have some fun when business hours are over is very alluring. However, time and again I’ve seen people act downright foolish in the afterhours while wearing a company shirt. It’s important to balance having fun and enjoying yourself with representing your company in a favorable and professional manner.
Drinking Our industry loves to throw a good party, and there’s nothing wrong with having a good time and enjoying the free flowing bar many parties offer. However, know your limits. Too often I’ve seen someone pull off their shirt on a dance floor or throw up in a potted plant because they’ve had one too many. Remember that your company is paying for this, so while a good time is OK, embarrassing yourself in front of colleagues probably isn’t the best brand recognition. Having a few cocktails is okay – we’re all adults –
but being known as the person who was rushed to the ER for alcohol poisoning instead of by your name isn’t.
Appearance We have a very casual industry, so far be it from me to tell anyone that cargo shorts and sneakers isn’t the unofficial uniform of affiliate marketing. But be careful that, even in casual clothes, you’re put together and presenting yourself in a professional manner. Shirts with offensive sayings, even if you find them funny, should probably be left at home.
business contact, but also with your reputation in the industry and how others see your behavior. You are at this party or event not because you’re friends with these people, though you may be, but primarily because of your job or business. The company paid for you to represent them well, not to make a fool of yourself. Always remember that you’re not only representing yourself, but also your company, and you’ll be a joy to meet at any conference!
Language Like I said, we’re a casual bunch, but a lot of swearing is a turn off when talking to someone interested in doing business with you, even in an after business hours party. I’m guilty of this myself sometimes, but it’s important to put your best word forward, so to speak. Aside from the type of language you use, it’s also important to be aware of your manners when speaking to someone of business interest. It’s okay to enter a conversation midway, but politely wait until an appropriate time to interject instead of interrupting someone mid sentence. This goes a long way not just with the potential
18 | August 2011 | FEEDFRONT MAGAZINE
Trisha Lyn Fawver
Trisha Lyn Fawver is the client support manager at ForMeToCoupon.com and blogs at TrishaLyn.com