Business Introductions

1. The most essential thing about an introduction is to "just do it", else people around you end up feeling invisible or uncomfortable.

2. Remember to have an eye contact and a smile, while shaking hands with the other person.

3. The person who is being presented or introduced is named last as a business etiquette.

4. Persons of lower rank are introduced to persons of greater authority.

5. While introducing two people to each other, first look at and speak to the higher authority first, and then look at and speak to the lower authority.

6. While introducing, a little information about those being introduced can be included.

7. This little information gives them a point to get the conversation going.

8. Once they start talking, you can discreetly withdraw, in case the situation demands it.

9. At business functions, the host should greet the guests upon their arrival, and make them feel welcome.

10. It is not necessary to introduce a newcomer to everyone. You can introduce him/her to the closest group, by saying his name first, and then naming the other.

11. At a business function, if you are not introduced, you should introduce yourself.

12. If the person introducing has forgotten your name, you should smile and offer to shake hands with the nearest person, and say, "I am..."

13. It is just as important on how you make an introduction as how you respond to being introduced by others.

14. The best way to respond to an informal introduction is by saying, "Hello," and can add a bit of information such as, "I saw you on a CNN programme yesterday."

15. In a formal introduction, it is always correct to say, "How do you do Mr/Ms...?

16. In a formal introduction, do not use the person's first name unless he invites you to do so.

17. Everyone should stand up when being introduced.

18. When newcomers arrive at a very large function, only those seated near them will greet them.

19. If for some reason, like being wedged behind the table, you cannot rise, at least lean forward, or rise slightly so as not to appear rude.

20. When someone visits you at the office, rise and come out from behind your desk to welcome the person, unless he is a co-worker, or someone who frequents you.

21. When a senior officer visits his junior frequently the junior should stop what he is doing and give full attention to his senior, even if he remains seated.

22. In a business world, a handshake is the only appropriate physical contact for both men and women; otherwise fold your hands together in a 'namaskar, depending on the type of set-up at the office.

23. The proper handshake is firm but painless, lasts for only three seconds, takes only two or three 'shakes', and is complemented with an eye contact.

24. Keep your fingers together, and your thumb up.

25. More the web of your hand all the way to the web of the other person's hand.

26. Never offer only your fingertips. That is a weak handshake.

27. You shake hands when someone offers his/her hands to you, when meeting someone for the first time, while greeting guests or your host/hostess, when saying goodbye, or renewing an acquaintance.

28. It is not business etiquette to hug or kiss someone, pat on one's back, put your arm around someone, or put your hand on their shoulder.

29. It is a serious business etiquette faux pas to mispronounce someone's name. If you miss it, or are in doubt, ask for it to be repeated in an apologetic manner.

30. If you have a name that is difficult to pronounce, you can help the person, by smiling and saying, "It is a tough name, isn't it?" Then pronounce it plainly without making the other person uncomfortable.

31. It is quite likely that you may remember someone by his face, and forget his name. In such a situation, you can say something like, "Please tell me your name again. I'm having a temporary memory lapse," or "I remember we met at Mr Seth's house a week ago, but I didn't quite catch your name."

32. When you are in the company of people outside your firm, show your boss respect by addressing him as 'Mr/Ms', or 'Sir/Ma'am'.

33. It is appropriate to address a woman in business as 'Ms', unless she specifically wants to be addressed as 'Mrs' or 'Miss'.

34. Never lower one's rank by forgetting titles like 'Senior Vice President' or 'Chief Executive officer'.