Seven Courtesy Habits That Will Payoff For Your Business

FOR YOUR BUSINESS by Martin Birt HR Consultant at www.hraskme.com

1. Don’t just be on-time. Be a little early! Punctuality is an important signal of respect. You are demonstrating that you understand the value that others place on their time.

2. Say “Hello” to everyone. Everyone likes to be acknowledged. Greet people respectfully. Do this with people you are meeting for the first time and for people you see every day.

3. Remember people; especially remember names! Everyone likes to feel that they are important enough to you that you remember who they are. If you’re not good at this write down a persons name later and maybe a little something about them.

4. Listen attentively and look like you’re listening! Active listening payoffs in two ways. Your own recollections will be more accurate and you will have demonstrated respect for the other person. Be aware of your body language. People respond to and remember things like your posture and how you made eye-contact.

5. Watch your language! I spent the early part of my working life in the army. When I’m with my best friend from those days the language can get salty. It’s language that you and I should never use with people we don’t know really really well. Use language that is professional and respectful.

6. Practice “safe” humour! In his book The Humor Advantage (Why some businesses are laughing all the way to the bank) author Michael Kerr writes about how humour can contribute to a positive customer image of your brand. Safe humour “laughs with people, not at them.”

7. Use these two powerful words - “THANK-YOU”! “Thank-you” is all about opening channels of communication and keeping them open. “Thank-you” will help make all this happen.