Are you out of social interaction shape? If so, you’re not alone! These past few years of isolating and altering our way of connecting professionally have taken a toll on our interpersonal skills. The National Institute of Mental Health defines social anxiety as the fear of performance in situations where one is exposed to unknown people. As we get back to business in-person, here are some professional networking etiquette tips to ease some anxiety about how etiquette has shifted in the past two years:
-
Ask others about their greeting preference
Everyone has experienced the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways. When thinking about a greeting form (i.e., hug, handshake, air kisses, elbow-bump, etc.) in a professional setting, it’s important to ask individuals about their greeting preference. For example, you can ask, “Are you okay with shaking hands, or do you prefer an elbow bump?” Asking goes a long way in honoring that we are all comfortable at different levels of physical contact.
-
Create a QR code for your business card
In the past couple of years, it’s become common practice at restaurants to scan menus on a quick response (QR) code. So, chances are that a lot more people know how to use these features than in pre-pandemic times. When an individual scans a QR code on your business card, they can easily go to your personal website, LinkedIn, online resume/CV… anywhere online that you link it to! Not only is this efficient, it also can help make the world a bit greener because it reduces the amount of printing when preparing for a professional networking event.
-
Dress comfortably but business smart
Raise your hand if you got used to wearing bunny slippers at virtual meetings! 🙋 While we might have to re-think our footwear for getting back to in-person professional networking events, we have also seen a shift in perceptions of business attire. A recent study revealed that 36% of companies might consider relaxing their dress-code policy. Remember the aphorism, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have?” This might look a bit different now as many have started wanting to feel more comfortable at work. Understanding the appropriate attire for the context is you are in is a skill to start reconsidering.
-
Know how to work with technology – specifically your video conferencing platform
Throughout the pandemic we had much needed laughs with people using cat filters at important meetings (yes, we know you’re not a cat), individuals leaving their camera on when using the facilities, and hearing that now infamous line you’re muted! According to research conducted by the Pew Research Center, 54% of teleworkers desire to work from home when the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak ended. This means it is increasingly important for professional networking etiquette purposes, that we know how to use video conferencing platforms. It is essential for you to practice with the platform before a meeting. Know how to turn off the camera, enable/disable filters, share the screen, unmute yourself, etc. This can have a huge impact on your credibility – so practice!
-
Cut each other – and yourself – some slack
The true heart of etiquette is to treat people with respect. Plato famously said, “Always be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.” It is important to recognize that these past years have hit people differently. Some communities were disproportionately affected physically, economically, and emotionally. Recognize that when approaching business networking etiquette ideals, we need to allow for others to make mistakes or be a bit awkward because we are all in this together.
About the Author
Although she calls the United States home, Amanda Grace Taylor has lived in Germany, Africa, and the UK for quite some time. International experience, diverse work experience, and her communication education enables Amanda to bring a fresh perspective to etiquette practices.
Amanda received her Finishing Touch Program (International Etiquette) certificate from Minding Manners, Limited in London, England. She received her certification to teach etiquette to teens and children from the International School of Protocol in Maryland and teaches the Modern Manners summer camps.
Currently working on her PhD in Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University, Amanda considers the intersection of interpersonal communication and social etiquette practices. She believes that inclusive and accessible etiquette as a way to bring people together.
