If you want to succeed in the world of business, it’s crucial to learn the right etiquette when it comes to communicating with others, whether you’re talking to your coworkers, bosses, clients, or third-party service providers. But what is business etiquette, anyway?

Put simply, business etiquette comprises specific and often unwritten rules regarding how professionals should conduct themselves in the workplace. These rules often have to do with how to present oneself, how to converse with others, and how to watch one’s body language, among many other factors.

That said, is it really that important to follow what’s considered to be good business etiquette? Will abiding by or violating such etiquette truly have that much of an impact on your success as a professional, and will the way you conduct yourself around others truly affect people’s perception of your company?

The answer: yes, practicing good manners can go a long way toward helping you accomplish not only your goals as an individual, but also the goals of your organization as a whole. Still not convinced? Read on for a few compelling reasons why mastering proper etiquette in the workplace is key to getting ahead:

Business Etiquette Improves Productivity and Efficiency within Your Company

Whether you’re talking to someone in person or through a business communications solution, specificity and brevity are expected. By being as specific as possible, you can avoid misunderstandings and, in turn, prevent costly mistakes from occurring. Similarly, keeping messages brief and concise not only makes for faster communication, but also shows that you respect the other person’s time. All in all, practicing good business communication etiquette can lead to more streamlined and optimized workflows, increasing overall productivity within your organization.

Leaves a Good Impression on Clients and Business Partners

The first impression you make on others often determines whether or not you’ll be able to build rapport with and establish a long-term relationship with them. This is especially true when it comes to how you interact with potential clients and business partners. It’s likely that these entities are regularly approached by many other companies like yours; should you conduct yourself poorly around them during your first interaction, they won’t hesitate to bring their business elsewhere.

Paves the Way for Fruitful Business Connections and Partnerships

Even if you may not close a sale or land a partnership during the first meeting, the people you conversed with are sure to remember you for your professional conduct, and they may consider getting back in touch with your company for a future project or collaboration. 

Thus, it always pays for you and your colleagues to stay on your best behavior when meeting with other parties. This means dressing your best, using professional language, and remaining calm even if negotiations become heated. Your potential clients and business partners are sure to appreciate your levelheadedness and will consider your good behavior when deciding whether to work with your company or not. 

Business Etiquette Encourages Employees to Collaborate and Engage with Each Other

Nobody wants to work with a rude person, least of all your company’s employees. This further emphasizes the importance and benefits of practicing proper business communications etiquette within your company.

If your coworkers and bosses all address each other with respect and treat each other with dignity, these actions can foster a healthy, collaborative environment in the workplace. Such an environment is conducive to collaboration because employees feel that their voices are heard and that they’re seen as fellow human beings, not merely as cogs in a machine.

Creates a Positive Public Perception of Your Business

In the age of social media, it only takes one wrong move for a company to be heavily criticized by the public and have its reputation ruined. This is why it’s increasingly important for your employees to always be the best versions of themselves, even during stressful situations.

Even if a client is being especially difficult, it’s always better to show patience and understanding rather than frustration and irritation. In fact, displaying a highly professional attitude in the face of criticism can improve your clients’ perception of your business. They will likely remember and even commend how your company’s representatives remained calm and collected, and others will be sure to hear of how well your employees conducted themselves.

No matter what industry you work in, conducting yourself in a professional manner is sure to not only help you and your company stand out from the competition, but also foster a healthy and productive culture in your workplace. Indeed, simply having the right skills and experience is no longer enough—you and your colleagues must have the right attitude and personality, too.

Whenever you find yourself in a situation that’s frustrating or overwhelming, remember the above benefits of maintaining proper business etiquette, and do your best to always put your best foot forward, no matter what challenges may come your way.