In the high-stakes world of corporate law, where every move can make or break a career, Harvey Specter from Suits stands out as the ultimate professional.  With his sharp wit, unshakable confidence, and flawless sense of style, Harvey isn’t just a top lawyer—he’s a masterclass of sharp professionalism.
 
Business etiquette is crucial in today’s competitive business environment, where first impressions can make or break a deal.  Harvey’s success is no accident; it’s the result of combining brilliant strategy with impeccable manners…and style.  This is how mastering business etiquette can transform you from a good professional into an extraordinary one.
 
What are Business Etiquette Skills
In the research paper “Using Business Etiquette Nowadays. Qualitative Research on Business Phoning, Emailing and Meetings”, Nicolau et al. explain, “Business etiquette is not only about knowing what to say and how to say or how to address others.  It is also about showing ourselves to look responsible and able to carry out the business or the tasks given. Moreover, business etiquette relates to non-verbal communication (mimics, gestures, attitude, tone of voice etc.).”  Let’s understand what is under the umbrella of business etiquette and how we can use it in a few easy steps.
 
Why is Business Etiquette Important
Nicolau et al. explain that business etiquette “implies providing basic social comfort and creating an environment where others feel comfortable and secure, improving communication.”  So, how can we show professionalism by using business etiquette as communicators and broadcasters?
 

• Professional Communication:  Effective communication is the backbone of any successful business.  This includes not only what you say but also how you say it.  Politeness, clarity, and conciseness are essential in written and verbal communication, including tools such as business meetings, phone calls, emails, letters, and reports.
• Dress Code and Appearance:  How you present yourself physically can greatly influence others’ perceptions of you.  It certainly was the case for Harvey Spector and his team.  Dressing appropriately for the occasion or the industry you are in shows you are serious about your role.

​Professionalism:  Good impressions are a valuable resource in business.  Attitudes such as punctuality, completing work on time, a business-like demeanour, and honesty demonstrate reliability and dedication.
 
Networking: Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth.  This includes attending events, engaging in meaningful conversations, and following up with contacts.  Remembering names, being a good listener, and showing genuine interest in others can help you leave a lasting positive impression.  Networking is a wonderful tool, and it should be used.
 
Corporate Entertaining: Business meals are common due to remote working.  The key is to watch how you conduct yourself at the table, which can reflect on your professionalism.  Good table manners are important, such as waiting for everyone to be served before eating and knowing when and how to discuss business.
 
Conclusion
In an era where technical skills and expertise are often comparable among competitors, business etiquette can be the differentiator that sets you apart.  As Harvey Spector would say, "It's not just about the deal, it's about how you close it."  Business etiquette is that unspoken language that can open doors, build networks, and ultimately drive success.  It's a critical element of professionalism that can transform you from just another player in the game to a strategic mastermind.
 
Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, it’s never too late to refine your business etiquette skills. The benefits are tangible and can have a lasting impact on your professional journey.

In today's hyper-connected world, we're bombarded by a constant barrage of messages – emails, texts, social media updates – from everyone about everything.  This constant influx can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious.  Ironically, when the notifications stop, we might find ourselves checking our phones incessantly, waiting for the next hit.  This phenomenon underscores the need for mobile phone etiquette – a set of guidelines that help us manage our phone usage responsibly and maintain our well-being.

What is Mobile Phone Etiquette?
Mobile phone etiquette refers to the proper and considerate way to use mobile phones in various settings.  It encompasses behaviours and practices that ensure our phone use does not disrupt social interactions, work environments, or personal well-being.  Adopting good mobile phone etiquette helps create a balanced relationship with technology.

Why is Mobile Phone Etiquette Needed?
The need for mobile phone etiquette arises from the pervasive presence of mobile devices in our daily lives. Without mindful usage, phones can intrude on our personal interactions, hinder productivity, and contribute to stress. Establishing etiquette helps mitigate these issues by setting boundaries and encouraging healthier tech habits. Here are some key reasons why mobile phone etiquette is essential:

1. Promotes Respectful Interactions: Proper phone usage shows consideration for those around us, whether in social, professional, or family settings.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Managing notifications and phone time can decrease feelings of being overwhelmed, allowing for more focused and relaxed moments.
3. Enhances Productivity: Limiting phone distractions during work or study periods helps maintain concentration and efficiency.
4. Strengthens Relationships: Prioritising face-to-face interactions over digital ones deepen connections and more meaningful relationships.

Tips for Implementing Mobile Phone Etiquette
Here are some phone etiquette tips you can implement for yourself and your family to create healthier tech habits:

• Prioritise Face-to-Face Connections: Make mealtimes with loved ones phone-free zones.  Put your devices away and focus on the conversations and connections happening right in front of you. This promotes quality time and strengthens relationships with friends and family.​​
• Embrace Digital Detox: Unplug and Recharge: Schedule regular phone-free periods throughout the day, or even dedicate an entire evening or weekend to a digital detox.  This allows you to be fully present in the moment and reconnect with the world around you, free from the constant digital buzz.​
• Silence the Noise: Regularly review your phone's apps. Delete unused ones and disable notifications for apps that aren't mission-critical. This helps minimise distractions and prevents your phone from constantly vying for attention.​
• Silence the Sirens: For essential apps, consider customizing notification settings.  You can often receive notifications only for important updates or messages, letting you stay informed without being bombarded by trivia.
• Be Present When It Matters: Make phone-free zones a standard during important meetings, interviews, or presentations. This shows respect for the other person and ensures you're giving your full attention at the task at hand.

 
Wrapping It Up
By implementing these simple tips, you can transform your relationship with your phone from one of dependence to one of control.  You'll find yourself feeling less stressed, more present in the moment, and able to cultivate stronger connections with the people around you.  Remember, technology is a tool, and like any tool, it's most effective when we use it intentionally and thoughtfully.  Embrace mobile phone etiquette and reclaim your time, attention, and peace of mind.

What Is The Point of Fine Dining
Fine dining is characterised by its meticulous attention to detail, superior quality of food, sophisticated atmosphere, and exceptional service.  Unlike casual dining, where the focus is primarily on the meal itself, fine dining encompasses every aspect of the dining experience.  This includes everything from the carefully curated menu and expertly crafted dishes to the elegant decor and attentive service.
 
What is Considered Fine Dining
Elegant Ambiance:  The atmosphere in a fine dining restaurant is designed to be elegant and sophisticated.  This often includes high-end furnishings, soft lighting, and tasteful decor.  The ambiance is carefully crafted to provide a serene and luxurious setting that complements the dining experience.
 
Impeccable Service:  Service in fine dining establishments is attentive and professional.  Waitstaff are typically highly trained and knowledgeable about the menu, including the ingredients and preparation methods.  They often provide recommendations and ensure that each guest's dining experience is seamless and enjoyable.
 
Attention to Detail:  Every element of fine dining is executed with precision and care. This includes the table settings, which often feature fine china, crystal glassware, and elegant silverware.  The overall experience is designed to be flawless, with each detail contributing to the overall sense of luxury and refinement.

​What is a Fine Dining Menu?
A fine dining menu is a carefully curated selection of dishes that showcase high-quality, often gourmet ingredients prepared with expert culinary techniques.  It typically features a range of courses, including entrees, a main dish and desserts, each scientifically designed to offer a harmonious blend of flavours and artistic presentation.  Menus in fine dining establishments often change seasonally to incorporate the freshest ingredients and may include alcoholic or non-alcoholic also different water-types as pairings to enhance the overall dining experience.
 
How to do Fine Dining
To fully appreciate the fine dining experience, consider the following tips:

1. Dress Appropriately: Fine dining restaurants often have a dress code, so it's important to dress elegantly.  Opt for formal or semi-formal attire to match the sophisticated atmosphere.
2. Make Reservations: Fine dining establishments are often booked in advance, so it's a good idea to make reservations.  This ensures that you have a spot and can enjoy a relaxed dining experience.
3. Be Open to New Experiences: Fine dining often includes unique and innovative dishes that you may not encounter in everyday dining.  Be open to trying new flavours and culinary techniques.  Ask yourself this question, what is the chef trying to tell me?  What is the chef’s story using the food served to me?
4. Why Does Fine Dining Serve Small Portions? Fine dining serves small portions to ensure each dish is crafted with precision and balance, allowing diners to savour and appreciate the intricate flavours and artistry of the cuisine without becoming overwhelmed.
5. The Star of the Show: Chefs are artists, transforming fresh, seasonal ingredients into edible masterpieces.  So, how can you taste each and every element?  Take a small slice of each piece of food that is on the plate and slide it through one sauce that is accompanied it.  Chew thoughtfully and make mental notes of each food flavours, it can be likened to wine tasting.  Don’t forget to: See, Snip, and Savour.

 
Conclusion
Fine dining is a celebration of culinary excellence, elegance, and exceptional service.  It offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a luxurious dining experience that stimulates all the senses.  Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to the world of gourmet cuisine, fine dining provides a memorable journey through the art of food.  By understanding and appreciating the key elements that make up this refined dining experience, you can fully immerse yourself in the sophistication that fine dining has to offer.

Article Published In: LinkedIn

Unravelling the complexities of wine is a sensory journey that begins with careful observation.  From the initial visual assessment to the final, lingering taste, each step provides valuable clues about the wine's character. By mastering the art of seeing, swirling, smelling, sipping, and savouring, wine enthusiasts can elevate their appreciation for this complex beverage.

• See: Look at the wine, checking its clarity, sediment, and the colour of the wine. The colour of wine will tell you the intensity of the wine about to be tasted.
• Swirl: Swirl the glass on the table, rotate your glass, this aerates the wine, swirling helps the wine interact with oxygen releasing aromas before smelling the wine. If there is high sugar content, it will leave streaks in the glass. (Called ‘legs’ or ‘tears’).
• Smell: Holding the stem, place your nose inside and inhale. Never sniff the cork (there is no need as that is not where the smell is) however looking at it will indicate cracks, mould, and seepage. Sniffing the wine will tell you how intense the wine is, does it remind you of fruit, flowers etc.
• ​​Sip: Never drink the wine. Sip the wine and allow the wine to roll around in your mouth 3-5 seconds to coat your mouth so as to detect its overall structure. You will be thinking about its textures, flavours, and weight. By letting in oxygen to mix in with your wine (en mouth) you will get to know the full profile of the wine.
• Savour: When you swallow the wine, you will get a different taste to that during the above procedures. By doing this you will be able to see the wine’s balance, and detect any notes of domination or not.

 
Conclusion
The process of wine tasting is a multi-sensory experience that requires attention to detail. By systematically observing the wine's appearance, aroma, and taste, one can develop a deeper understanding of its intricacies. From the initial visual inspection to the final, lingering impression, each step contributes to a holistic appreciation of the wine's unique qualities. Ultimately, the goal is to savour the experience and discover the subtle nuances that make each wine truly special.

Article Published In: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com

​In an age of instant connection and constant communication, the importance of etiquette might seem outdated to some. However, etiquette's core principles – kindness, empathy, and respect – are more relevant than ever. It's the foundation for positive interactions, fostering a world where civility and respect prevail.
 
The Three Pillars of Etiquette
The French word "étiquette," coined around the 1750s during King Louis XIV's reign, translates to "little ticket." While the term's origin might seem quaint, its essence remains profound. True etiquette goes beyond mere manners, encompassing three key elements:
 

• Manners: Our outward behavior towards others. It's about conducting ourselves in a way that is considerate and appropriate for the situation.
• Politeness: Manners infused with kindness and respect. It's the difference between simply holding the door and doing so with a smile and a warm greeting.
• Respect: The foundation of etiquette. It involves showing regard for others and their feelings, acknowledging their dignity and worth.

 
Etiquette's Diverse Landscape
These core principles manifest in various forms throughout our lives. Here are some key types of etiquette we encounter:
 

• Social Etiquette: This encompasses everyday interactions with friends, family, and acquaintances. It covers everything from table manners to respectful conversations.
• Professional Etiquette: This focuses on proper behavior in the workplace, ensuring clear communication, punctuality, and professionalism in our interactions with colleagues, superiors, and clients.
• Dining Etiquette: Mastering the art of using cutlery and understanding proper table manners demonstrates respect for your host and creates a more enjoyable dining experience for everyone.
• Communication Etiquette: Effective communication is crucial in today's world. This includes aspects like active listening, clear and concise language, and being mindful of the digital landscape when communicating electronically.

 
The Power of Positive Interactions
Etiquette isn't about rigid rules or outdated social norms. It's about creating a framework for positive interactions. By embracing kindness, respect, and consideration, we foster a more civil and connected society. Consider the ripple effect – a simple act of courtesy can brighten someone's day, inspiring them to pay it forward.
 
Conclusion
Incorporating etiquette into our daily lives isn't about achieving perfection. It's about fostering a conscious effort to treat everyone with dignity and respect. By embracing these core principles, we contribute to building a more positive and harmonious world, one kind interaction at a time.