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Sales and Business Development 1d
HOW DO I GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE

Betty Namutosi
Sales and Business Development 4d
how to i carry on my spare parts businesses

Sales and Business Development

 1mo

7 etiquette rules successful professionals always follow


Have you ever walked into a meeting and immediately sensed that some people just get it?

I used to think it was all about having an impressive title or a super-polished résumé.

But over the years, I've realized that a lot of this success mojo boils down to simple etiquette rules -- the kind our parents or mentors might've tried to teach us, but we never fully appreciated until we saw them in... action.

Etiquette may sound old-fashioned, but in a professional setting, it can truly elevate your game.

It's how you build and maintain relationships, stand out for the right reasons, and show respect for everyone's time and effort.

Ready to see where you can improve? Let's dive into seven etiquette rules that successful professionals follow, day in and day out.

One etiquette rule that successful professionals respect is striking the right balance with eye contact.

When I first started working in a busy marketing agency, I remember feeling a bit uncomfortable locking eyes with people for too long.

At the same time, I knew that looking away every second would make me appear insecure or uninterested.

You can find a happy medium by focusing on the other person's eyes while they speak, taking subtle breaks to glance away if it feels too intense.

Keeping genuine eye contact shows you're paying attention and value what the other person has to say.

That slight connection of the eyes can build trust in a matter of seconds, whereas constant darting glances could send the message that you're bored or distracted.

So yes, keep that gaze steady, but remember to stay natural. A relaxed, authentic approach goes a long way.

I used to think being "fashionably late" was okay, especially if I had a plausible excuse. But if there's one thing I've learned from successful professionals, it's that reliability starts with punctuality.

Showing up on time says, "I respect your schedule as much as my own."

The same goes for following through on commitments. If you say you'll finish a project by Friday, do it -- or at least communicate well in advance if you're running behind.

Failing to do so can create a ripple effect of inconvenience for others.

According to Forbes, consistent follow-through is one of the most underrated skills in building professional credibility.

When you prove you're dependable, people naturally trust you more, and that trust often leads to stronger partnerships and referrals.

One simple trick that helped me improve my punctuality was budgeting extra time for unforeseen delays -- an unexpected phone call, a traffic jam, or even a quick coffee detour.

By padding my schedule, I was rarely running late, and people quickly noticed and appreciated the difference.

You would think that the best way to stand out is to jump in with solutions, ideas, and personal anecdotes.

Not so fast.

The most respected and successful people actually spend most of a conversation listening.

There's a reason for this: truly hearing someone out is a form of respect. It says, "Your ideas matter to me, and I want to understand them before I chime in."

It also gives you the information you need to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

I've found that when I let others speak uninterrupted, I pick up on key details -- nuances of tone, shifts in emotion, and even unspoken concerns.

This skill can be honed with practice. If you catch yourself itching to talk, take a breath and tune in.

A good listener asks relevant questions based on what was just said, a tactic that also helps clarify any misunderstandings.

As author and organizational psychologist Adam Grant puts it:

"Listening is a way of offering others our scarcest, most precious gift: our attention. Once we've demonstrated that we care about them and their goals, they're more willing to listen to us."

Implementing that advice changed the way I handle client calls, coaching sessions, and everyday chats with colleagues.

Growing up in two different cultures -- born in Tokyo, later moving to Sydney -- I came to realize how easy it is to unknowingly offend someone if you don't understand their customs or personal boundaries.

This is true in any professional setting, especially when you're dealing with international teams or a diverse client base.

Respecting differences doesn't just mean pronouncing someone's name correctly or acknowledging their cultural holidays.

It means taking the time to learn about matters like:

For instance, in some cultures, direct eye contact can be perceived as assertive or even rude, while in others it's considered essential for trust.

I try to approach every new connection with open curiosity, asking genuine questions when appropriate.

This not only enriches my understanding but often ends up strengthening relationships.

Psychology Today has emphasized the importance of cultural intelligence in the workplace, noting that empathy for different backgrounds can elevate team morale and spark creativity.

After all, the more perspectives you invite, the richer the results.

Sometimes you have to give tough feedback, and it's never easy.

Early on, I made the mistake of delivering harsh critiques without cushioning them with empathy. Unsurprisingly, it didn't go over well.

Now, I approach those moments by focusing on what can be improved and offering a helpful suggestion rather than a blunt statement of fault.

Telling someone they "messed up" might make them feel defensive, but explaining the impact of their mistake and then guiding them toward a better approach can spark real change.

You'll often see successful leaders start with something positive before delving into the areas that need improvement.

For instance, "Your presentation had great insights. One way to strengthen it could be adding more real-life examples to make it more relatable."

Notice that this phrasing acknowledges the person's effort while gently steering them in the right direction.

In our hyper-connected world, digital etiquette isn't just a bonus -- it's crucial.

Sending an email full of typos or oversharing in a professional Slack channel can tarnish your brand quicker than you think.

I once had a client who almost lost a major deal because someone on their team wrote a hastily typed, borderline disrespectful email to a potential partner.

Successful professionals consistently maintain a respectful tone online, whether they're messaging coworkers, posting on social media, or commenting on public forums.

It's about remembering that once something is out there in the digital space, it's nearly impossible to retract fully.

Truth is, your online behavior can be as telling as an in-person interaction.

If you treat digital communication with the same level of care you'd show in a face-to-face meeting, you'll stand out for all the right reasons.

My grandfather once told me, "A rising tide lifts all boats," and that's stuck with me as I've built my career.

The idea is that success is rarely a solo endeavor. Recognizing this reality keeps you grounded and approachable.

When working in groups, public acknowledgments of teammates' efforts can be a simple but powerful gesture.

In private, a sincere note -- whether handwritten or via email -- can do wonders for maintaining strong bonds.

The key is authenticity: people can sense when your praise is contrived.

Sincerely recognizing others' efforts fosters loyalty and goodwill. In my experience, it also creates an environment where everyone is more willing to go above and beyond.

From a mindset perspective, regularly reflecting on what you're grateful for can keep you from getting lost in the hustle.

Whether it's the supportive colleague who helps troubleshoot tech issues or the barista who knows your usual order -- each moment of gratitude reconnects you with the bigger picture of collaboration and kindness.

Professional etiquette isn't about lofty rules or stiff formalities. It's simply how you show respect, empathy, and integrity in your everyday interactions.

When you're mindful of how you make other people feel, you end up cultivating deeper trust, stronger connections, and a more authentic personal brand.

So whether you're starting a new job, running your own business, or just looking to make a strong impression, these seven rules have the power to elevate both your professional persona and your relationships. more
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Sales and Business Development

 2mo

How To Prepare For A Face To Face With A New Client


Picking up a new client is quite the feat. It means you're expanding, you're getting into new opportunities, and you've got the chance to make some good money. Whether you're working as part of a team or you're the one person keeping the business turning over, booking a first time face to face is something to celebrate.

But once you've got that out of the way, it's time to prepare for your... meeting properly. And if you want to do just that, here are the things to keep in mind before your client comes in.

Treat this encounter in much the same way you would a job interview. They're willing to consider you for their next project, meaning you're in the hot seat in the same way you would be with a prospective employer. That means you need to know as much as possible before you sit down together!

To do your research, make sure you get a brief from the client that contains some basic details. Their name and email address for one, but be sure to tell them that the more they can share with you, the better. You can then research their name and business, and find out what kind of experience they're likely to bring into the meeting with them.

Make Sure Your Office Looks Good

A well organized office always makes a good impression. That doesn't mean you can't have personal touches around, but if there's a big mess going on and it's less than clean in your workspace, you'll need to get in touch with an Office Cleaning Company. They'll whip the space into something much more workable and you won't have to worry about where your client's eyes will land!

Of course, your workspace needs to reflect you as both a business and a business owner, but try to have a sense of 'organized chaos' about this at the very least. And remember, any and all clients are going to have some kind of expectation over what professionalism looks like, and you need to meet this from the moment they step through the door.

Have a Goal to Reach By the End

If this is the first time you're meeting this client, what do you want the meeting to achieve? What do you want to happen next? How will you communicate this to the client in question?

Make sure you have answers to these questions before you get into the meeting. You need to know what both parties want, how you'll both proceed, and when you'll be able to let each other know if you want to go ahead.

But above all else, this initial meeting should achieve something notable you can work on. Note down a goal that fits this, mention it to the client, and work together to tick it off the list.

Booking a face to face is a great thing. Once you've done so, get ready to be your professional best! more
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OKEKE CYPRIAN
Sales and Business Development 1y
can someone manage two offices at a time ?
1   

  • S

    9
    1y

    Conglomerates group CXOs manage multiple

    1

  • Robert Jullu

    3
    1y

    Absolutely!however this depends on the tasks one has for each office.Besides,office management can be digitalized using current system programs and... devices. more

    1
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Patrick Wambua
Sales and Business Development 1y
What is the difference between a sales pipeline and a sales funnel?

  • George Ondu

    6
    1y

    A sales pipeline is a visual representation of your sales process. Salespeople and their managers rely on the sales pipeline to prioritize accounts,... keep deals moving, and forecast revenue.

    Companies typically visualize their pipeline using different stages. They then layer in data such as expected close date, deal size, and sales rep to get a fuller picture. Without this, you may lack valuable insights about how effective your sales process is and where your deals are at any given time.

    Below, we’ll dive deeper into the sales pipeline -including how it affects your business, its various stages, and how a pipeline differs from the sales funnel (another phrase that salespeople love).The sales pipeline visualizes the buyer’s journey from a salesperson’s perspective, tracking open deals from start to close.

    Meanwhile, the sales funnel visualizes the buyer’s journey from the prospect’s perspective. The funnel shape represents how qualified leads follow the sales process.     more

    3

  • George Ondu

    6
    1y

    A sales pipeline is the sales rep's view and process to close the deal, the entire workings from initializations to engagement, while the sales funnel... is the customer's view of their buyer's journey and the phases they pass through until they decide to buy. more

    3

Sales and Business Development

 2y
What is the better way to introduce your product to a potential customer?
48 votes
6   
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Sales and Business Development

 1y
How often do you communicate with your key customers?
45 votes

  • Robert Jullu

    3
    1y

    Every week because they are the backbone to our sales output.

  • Robert Jullu

    3
    1y

    Every week because they are the backbone to our sales output.

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Samuel Offia
Sales and Business Development 1y

IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK

1. Teamwork is efficient work
A key pillar of the industrial revolution, a foundation of modern civilisation, was the division of labour. And that’s just another way to say teamwork.

Employee teamwork enables your workforce to:

Split difficult tasks into simpler ones, then work together to complete them faster
Develop specialised skills, so that the best person... for each task can do it better and faster
In a nutshell, teams make work more efficient. That can lead to better productivity, reduced costs, greater profitability, and many other benefits.

2. Teams self-monitor
When one person does a task alone, they have total autonomy — but if that person starts to work slowly or ineffectively, who will set them straight? Nobody, that’s who.

In teamwork, many people have responsibility for the same goal. Most significantly, teammates observe and depend on the quality of each other’s work. When one team member’s performance dips, the others have the knowledge and motivation to help them improve. Without management intervention, effective teams can often regulate their own performance.

3. Teams innovate faster
For any task or problem, there are usually countless solutions. When one employee tackles a project, they might be able to think of a few different ideas given time. But when a team tackles a problem, the project benefits from multiple perspectives, skillsets, and experiences all at once.

A team approach can therefore lead to faster, deeper innovation.

4. Teammates learn from each other
Imagine you have a workforce of 10 designers all working in separate rooms. Each designer works to their own strengths and suffers from their own weaknesses, with nobody to teach or learn from.

Now put them all in the same room, on the same project. Working together, they’ll soon learn each other’s strengths and correct each other’s mistakes. And everyone’s performance will improve.

5. Teamwork can create healthy competition
But what happens to that same team of 10 designers a year down the line, when they’ve learnt all they can from each other? They’ll soon start to compete with one another, to prove their ability and chase promotion or other incentives within your organisation.

Provided the right challenge and rewards are in place to promote competition, team performance can keep improving.

6. Teamwork promotes strong working relationships
Finally, when employees work together and succeed as a team, they form bonds that can turn into trust and friendship. It’s human nature. And it’s great for your organisation, since employees who like and trust each other are more likely to:

Communicate well with each other
Support and motivate each other
Work cooperatively
It’s little wonder successful organisations value teamwork so highly. more
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Michael Odili
Sales and Business Development 1y
Who is involved in pre-sales? Do you have a Presale Manager or someone from the Sales team takes this role?
1