Is Etiquette Back Again? It is for Savvy Business Women!

Stuffy old English etiquette got the swift boot during the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1960s.  Boomers were burning their bras and going all natural.  This movement led to women entering the work force and enrolling in college — which opened doors for women to become independent and successful managers and entrepreneurs.  Somewhere between burning bras and donning tailored suits, however, etiquette got lost.  And writing formal letters on stationery became a thing of the past thanks to the speed and ease of sending emails, texts, messages and tweets.  As a result, respect and boundary lines have become blurred, creating awkward business interactions.

When your entire social life is displayed on Facebook or Instagram, your boss and your employees become privy to your private, personal life.  So when they tease you about your yoga pants or congratulate you for participating in a marathon, it sets a casual spin on your relationship and authority with business associates. When is it okay to inquire about what you see on social media with your boss or supervisor? Can you add emojis to internal business texts and still get respect from your colleagues?

According to Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette School, “The most important thing about etiquette, especially in business, is showing respect.”  She offers etiquette classes at The Plaza Hotel in New York City that sells out fast. Why? Millennials feel inadequate because of their American casual culture and they know that turning on the charm, showing respect, and impressing their clients will give them the skills to close that deal. Yup! The way you hold and present yourself does have a profound effect on your business relations.

If you don’t want to pay New York rates for business etiquette classes, I’m blogging about business etiquette tomorrow! Check in to learn about 15 tips that every professional needs to know about etiquette.

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