IMAGE & PROFESSIONALISM
Courtesy Quiz
There are those who say manners have gone the way of luxury trains and white gloves. But proper business etiquette can make you stand out like a pair of patent leather shoes in a row of sneakers. Take our courtesy quiz, adapted from the etiquette lessons in Letitia Baldrige's New Complete Guide to Executive Manners, and then refer to page 51 to see whether you're refined or rude.
1. This is a proper introduction between your clients and broker: "Bill and Beverly, this is my broker." True or False?
2. When is shaking hands inappropriate?
a. When you run into someone you know.
b. When you say good-bye to the same person.
c. When you greet someone with an arthritic hand or a prosthesis.
d. When the other person is eating an hors d'oeuvre and holding a drink.
3. If you see someone you've met before but can't remember the name, you should
a. Move to the other side of the room or cross the street.
b. Say, for example, "I remember meeting you at that chamber of commerce function last month. I'm Julie Johnson."
c. Pretend you never met the person if approached.
d. Look busy by talking on your cellular phone.
4. You forget an appointment with a prospect. You should
a. Telephone your apology.
b. Send a note of apology.
c. Send flowers or other gift, such as fruit, wine, or candy.
d. All the above.
5. You're dining at your broker's house. The only course you need to wait for your host to begin is the main one. True or False?
ANSWERS TO COURTESY QUIZ
1. False. You introduce a lesser to a more important person. So in this case you'd introduce your broker to your clients. And you should provide more information about the parties, including full names. The proper introduction would be, "Bob, I'd like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass, who've listed their home with us. Bill and Beverly, this is Bob Smith, my broker."
2. c and d. To greet a person with an arthritic hand or a prosthesis, put your right hand on the person's forearm or upper arm while saying hello.
Rather than shake the person's hand in d, give the person a greeting to indicate, "I know you can't shake hands now, but hello."
3. b. The person will most likely be flattered that you remembered.
4. d. By the way, telephoned apologies are effective if made within 24 hours; otherwise, the call may seem like an afterthought. Notes are most effective because they can be shown and reread.
5. False. Wait for your host to begin every course. And if it's an unhosted gathering, wait until two or three people have been served.
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