Business meeting etiquette: in today’s business world, participation to meetings is essential for a successful career and promotions. But make sure you are always professional and a valuable host. Here are a few tips for a professional meeting etiquette.

• Always be on time, for every meeting arrive 5 minutes early. Being late is unprofessional
• Switch off mobile phones, or at least avoid ring alarm
• Take notes and pay attention to others say
• Before attending a meeting, read the agenda to know what it will be discussed in the meeting
• Never bring your water or snacks, eat only drink or food provided by hosts

The etiquette of good business: Western girls usually give double cheek kiss, while for men is common the handshake giving direct eye contact, while in some parts of Asia, looking someone in the eye is offensive. In western world women are usually treated as men in the world of business, but good manners are always traditional. Men must stand when a woman enters the room. Men hold the chair out at the dining table for a woman. In the USA and Asia there is a very protocol for business card exchange. In Asia businessmen present always the card face up using both hands. It is common to have a look at the card before putting it in the wallet or bag, and make a comment about the beautiful company logo. Never miss your business cards at home if you are travelling on business in Asia.

Dining with style

• Table seating arrangements for a successful event
• The art of entertaining and good conversation, always small talk
• How to stay seat
• How to eat and drink
• The art of wine: basic information on selecting wine, why decanting wine, what kind of glass, when white or red wine
• Answering mobile calls
• The art of dressing well: basic wardrobe for her and him, staying away from casual business dressing
• How important is a good first impression, create your personal style, a winning image
• Style is to be opinion maker, the ability to persuade other people, to increase your sphere of influence in your business and personal life
• Use powerful eye contact in western world
• Respecting cultural and ethnic differences, do nothing that would embarrass other people
• The ritual of tea: the ceremony of tea is the most common way to do business in Asia, usually relaxed in an elegant area of the hotel. In Asia is very popular green tea, while in western world people prefer your black tea
• Use business etiquette at home and abroad, creating a positive impression

Etiquette and common mistakes

• Party invitation: if you receive a "RSVP" invitation to a dinner, party or wedding, it is correct reply soon. Planning an event requires a lot of time and money, and if you inform the organizer on time, he can save a lot of money
• Split the bill: if you go out to dinner with other people, divide the bill in equal part, don't be a cheapskate, even if you have ordered a cheaper dish
• Don't bother others: after talking about all your fabulous life, jobs, girl/boyfriends, vacations, you should spend some time listening other life
• Smoking: avoid smoking if there are other people nearby
• Mobile madness: mobile phones are essential in our life, but switch it when going into a cinema or theatre, and avoid to talk loudly in bar, restaurant, train
• Nude look: avoid belly baring if you are 40s or more, even while running. It is acceptable only on the beach
• Baby: never change a baby diaper in public
• Car park: don't steal a parking spot to someone who is patiently waiting for it
• Honking: avoid using horn if it isn't necessary