1. Thou shalt introduce thyself professionally.

Introduce yourself with a smile and a handshake. Handshakes should be firm but not bone-crushing. Think "web to web and squeeze." Handshakes should not be held for more than 3-4 seconds. Hold much longer, and the recipient of your handshake will feel held hostage. Maintain eye contact with the individual you are speaking to.

When surrounded by people you don't know, don't assume a friend or colleague will introduce you. It is your responsibility to introduce yourself to others.

That said, be willing to introduce colleagues and friends in situations where they don't know anyone. Use first and last names of individuals, regardless of status or setting. If you've forgotten someone's name, cover by introducing the person you do know first. Example, "Have you met Rachel, our new Office Assistant?" If that doesn't work, admitting that you've forgotten a name is preferential to obvious floundering around in name oblivion.

*Useful tip: before an event, go through your address book or business card holder to refresh your memory about people you are likely to see.

2. Thou shalt dress with class.
Professional poise and decorum make a lasting impression on others, and it's not just in how you dress. Always stand and sit with good posture, slouching makes you seem disinterested...and shorter.

Having an unprofessional appearance is not only a poor reflection on you, it is an insult to your coworkers and employer. As such, always look neat and tidy, and practice good personal hygiene.

If in doubt about what clothing is appropriate, always err on the side of conservative and dressy. It is easier to dress down an outfit than dress it up. Avoid trendy clothing, and purchase quality clothing with proper fit.

For detailed information on proper attire, check the Professional Wardrobe page.

3. Thou shalt mind thy manners.
It may sound overly simplistic, but there is no more important piece of professional etiquette than courteous behavior. Be kind and thoughtful to those around you, regardless of the situation.

Choose your words carefully, and avoid raising your voice (a lowered voice can be just as effective), and interrupting. NEVER use offensive language or speak demeaningly about a colleague, present or absent. It is unprofessional and rude, and will garner you an unwanted reputation (either in front of your back or behind it), in your office.

Do not chew gum or talk with your mouth full, and always be polite. Offer your seat if the room is full. As a rule, don't do anything in a professional setting you wouldn't want your mom, grandma, pastor or kindergarten teacher to see.

4. Thou shalt not be a brown noser.
It is equally important to show respect to your peers and subordinates as it is your boss. Obviously brown-nosing your boss is less likely to get you a raise and more likely to make you the subject of mockery and disdain in your office.

Showing respect and courtesy to all individuals, regardless of professional status, will ensure you respect and credibility. It will also ensure that you aren't professionally destroyed by your current secretary, who 10 years down the road, could be your boss. (It happens).

Always give credit where credit is due. Make sure to thank everyone who is involved in a project, and NEVER attempt to take credit for someone else's work. This is the fastest way to alienate a coworker.

5. Thou shalt write Thank-you notes.
Thank you notes are excellent way to stand out as a thoughtful individual, and while they're no longer used frequently thanks to e-communication, they're an etiquette essential.

Notes should be handwritten in blue or black ink pen on simple stationary- no hearts, puppies, or rainbows allowed. Address the person, say thank you, identify the reason you're thanking them, add a personal message and sign your full name. Whenever possible, send notes within 24 hours of an event- timeliness is important.

*Useful tip: When addressing letters, remember that Ms. is the correct way to address a woman who may or may not be married. Miss is only used for single women under age 18.

6. Thou shalt use thy cell phone appropriately.
During work hours, keep your phone on vibrate or very low- your boss does not need to hear your love for NSync, Journey, or Sir Mix-A-Lot. NEVER take calls in church, a restaurant, museum, movie, concert or theater. If you receive a call that you believe to be an emergency, excuse yourself and answer it in the lobby or outside.

Don't place your phone or any other communication device on the table while at a restaurant. It gives your company the impression that you're waiting on a call from someone more important than them.

Don't fidget with your cell phone, or text message, during a meal or meeting- the majority of your messages can wait.

7. Thou shalt not abuse thine e-mail.
Bear in mind that everything you say in e-mail is public, and someone may very well be monitoring your messages without your knowledge.

Always use full sentences and proper grammar. Ur e-mail is not the place 4 IM Language. Avoid a busy or colored background, and resist the urge to include witty sayings or religious quotes at the bottom of your messages. Always include a subject- the recipient of your message does not have time to guess its contents. Also, DON'T USE ALL CAPS. IT'S A LITTLE INTENSE. Your signature block should include your name, title, company, mailing address, and phone number.

When forwarding a message, delete extraneous information. This will not only save the reader time, but will help you avoid sharing unwanted, and potentially embarrassing, information with the recipient.

When replying to a question, copy the question into your reply and respond beneath it. Simply typing "Yes" or "No" can be confusing to your reader.

8. Thou shalt use thy business cards with decorum.
So you have your first business cards (you're so very professional!), and you can't wait to ticker tape the city with them, passing them out to everyone in a 10-mile radius. Please pause, calm down, and use those bad boys sparingly.

When printing your business cards, make them standard size (2" x 3.5") and limit design and color- the simpler the better. Always carry your card, but keep them in a clean, up-to-date holder, preferably leather. Cards should not be kept in the back pocket, where they are likely to become warm and bent.
Do not write on your business cards unless your contact information has recently changed. You have a three-week grace period to get new cards printed with up-to-date information; any longer, and you'll look unprepared.

Wait for the senior person in the conversation to ask for your business card, and ALWAYS avoid papering a room. Wait until after dinner to exchange business cards with a person. It is never appropriate to reach across or down a table to give someone your card.

Hand the card to the individual in reading position. When someone hands you their card, show them respect by actually looking at the card before you put it in your card holder, on the opposite side from your cards.

*Useful tip: After meeting someone, take a few minutes to jot down things they mentioned on the back of their card (a hobby, family members, upcoming business ventures). This information can be very useful when communicating at a later date, and will make the individual feel like you were listening and were genuinely interested in what they had to say.

9. Thou shalt answer thy phone appropriately.
When answering the phone, always identify yourself (using your full name) and your employer. Treat every call as important and take accurate and complete messages.
When someone is in your office, have calls forwarded to voice mail or to the appropriate individual. DO NOT answer calls when someone is meeting with you in your office, unless it is a pre-arranged conference call.

Return ALL calls, and do so as soon as possible. When recording your voice mail message, have a script written to avoid stuttering and awkward pauses. Record daily messages when possible, and check your voice mail for messages throughout the day.

10. Thou shalt dine classily.
Professional dining events are often more about business than cuisine, and are an excellent opportunity to stand out, positively or negatively. If there is a buffet, do not jump in front of everyone else to be first in line.

For more dining tips, check out the Dining Etiquette section. (Coming soon!)

*Useful tip: If you aren't sure of proper dining etiquette, use your basic table manners and follow the host as a guide.

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