Emily emailed in the following tip:
I have always believed that etiquette is for everyone… not just the elite. Etiquette, to me, is the culmination of advanced societal norms. It helps you feel comfortable in any situation, and, even more importantly, it helps you help others feel comfortable, as well.
Many people erroneously assume you must be wealthy to use etiquette — but this is completely wrong. Yes, etiquette does have strong ties to money, but probably not in the ways you might expect.
In my opinion, BAD etiquette can actually cost you money! Here’s how…
1. You may get into debt trying to keep up with the Jones’s.
Etiquette helps you be a respectful, polite person — it doesn’t mean you need to pay to have all of your clothes monogrammed or that you need a full pattern of silverware in order to properly entertain guests. By thinking of etiquette as appearances instead of authenticity, many people assume they can't "afford" etiquette.
2. You may not get the job.
I guarantee that if you and another candidate are equally qualified for a certain job but they show good business etiquette and you don't, they'll get the job every time. I've witnessed this many times. As an employee, we are the face of a company to the public and a business always wants to show the best.
3. You may lose repeat business.
Even if you get the job and “work your way up”, knowing proper etiquette and how to treat people will take you far in life.
One of the top complaints I get from business customers is when employees respond with "no problem" to a "thank you." I know, I know, it sounds small. However, Chick-fil-a is well known for responding with "my pleasure."
The little things really make a difference, and etiquette is something that can take you from good to great.
I hope you see that etiquette is truly for everyone and see how, aside from having a more polite society, there are plenty of benefits from utilizing etiquette in our everyday world.
Emily Glass is the wife of Garrett and mom to Katherine and Grant. She blogs at Etiquette By Emily and is a compliance officer of a local bank and mayor for the town where she and her family live.
