BUSINESS INTRODUCTIONS

SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PROJECTS

BUSINESS INTRODUCTIONSIn the business world, first impressions can mean the difference between thousands or zero dollars. When you are introduced to a potential business associate, whether it is a potential partner or client, the initial impression you give will follow you for the duration of that relationship.

BUSINESS INTRODUCTIONSBusiness etiquette rules for introducing people in a business setting are not much different from the accepted customs of personal introductions in a social setting. Unfortunately, the rules of introduction are not so straightforward and simple as one might think, and who you introduce first does matter.

HOW TO DO IT—STAND TALL, SHOULDERS BACK

Someone who slouches or hangs their head low gives off the impression that they don't want to meet anyone new. Standing tall with your stomach in and your shoulders back gives the idea that you are approachable and alert.

HOW TO DO IT—MAKE EYE CONTACT Convey to the person with

whom you are talking that they matter and they can trust you.

Shows you have self-confidence and are a good listener, and will likely mean you'll receive the same courtesy when it's your turn to speak.

If you avoid someone's eyes, it can be perceived that you are hiding something.

HOW TO DO IT—FIRM HANDSHAKE

Confidence and know-how can be conveyed through a firm handshake.

Your handshake gives people a preview to how you handle business: passively or assertively.

HOW TO DO IT—LANGUAGE Avoid Slang and Profanity Show that you are educated and ready

to make smart decisions. Speaking too informally to a person you

are unfamiliar with in a business atmosphere shows a lack of professional understanding.

WELCOMING BODY LANGUAGE

Be welcoming. Smile and keep your hands out of your pockets. Stand up if you are sitting when someone introduced and don't crowd your associate's space by standing too closely.

RANK

In the business world introductions are based on a person's rank or position in a company. 

RANKIn both business and social situations, the proper way to make

an introduction is to introduce a lower-ranking person to a higher-ranking person. You should always introduce:

Whoever is the highest-ranking person is introduced to everyone else in order of their position.

If you introduce two people of equal rank to each other, introduce the one you know less well to the one you know better.

Guests to their hosts; Younger people to older people; Business contacts and staff to clients; and Personal acquaintances and family members to business

professionals when attending a business function.

MEN & WOMENIn social situations, a man is traditionally introduced to a woman. But as women achieve more equality this rule has changed.

DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES

Differences Based on Discriminatory Practices are not Status IndicatorsUnder no circumstances should you use introduction rules to socially define people of another race, color, religion, or sexual preference as a someone of a lower status. To do so would be purely inappropriate and discriminatory.

HOW TO INTRODUCE SOMEONE

1. Always introduce people by saying their title and full name first

2. Follow with a brief interesting or relevant piece of information about the people you are introducing.

HOW TO RESPOND TO AN INTRODUCTION

When someone has just been introduced to you: Your response should be genuine, short, and

simple. You should repeat the person’s name at the

end of your greeting. (Repeating the name of the person you were just introduced to serves two purposes: it shows polite respect and it helps you to remember the person’s name.

You can also add a brief comment about the person (not about yourself):