1. Be on time for meetings. If you are late, you show a lack of respect and self-organisation.
2. Respond to messages. Even if it is just a one line to say that you received the message, let the sender know that you are onto it.
3. Dress for the occasion. You don’t have to wear a suit and tie, but dress appropriately for the occasion. Whether you like it or not, first impressions count a lot, so make a good one.
4. Only make commitments that you can stick to. If you cannot stick to a commitment, don’t make it. Have you ever been promised that a job will be completed by a particular date, and being annoyed that it is a week late? Have you ever overpromised. Rather under-promise and over-deliver.
5. Smile
6. Greet people by name. It shows an interest in others.
7. Always have business cards with you. They should neat and presentable. Simple cards are not expensive to print, and home-made cards can look tacky. Get them professionally printed.
8. Be positive.
9. Listen. People like to listen to themselves. Let them, and they will think how great you are at conversation. Understand your customers’ needs before responding with a solution.
10. Remember rule #6 – don’t take yourself so seriously (there are no other rules).

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