Students learn social business etiquette

First impressions formed in both business and casual situations can often influence key business arrangements, whether positively or negatively. Current and prospective members of the business fraternity Delta Sigma Phi were given the opportunity to learn basic networking skills Wednesday at a Mocktail Etiquette Seminar at the Kepner Hall student lounge.  

Guest speaker Nicki Elsberry, the financial adviser for Edward Jones, gave a presentation on key social networking tips. This included a lot of dos and don'ts while dining out for business purposes and how to maintain self-composure during office hours.  

"People may feel that if you can't be trusted not to embarrass yourself in business situations, you may lack the self control necessary to be good at what you do," Elsberry said. "Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows that you can be taken seriously."

One point many of the business students commented on was when extending an invitation to lunch or dinner, you are expected to pay the tab.  

"Never discuss business until after your guest has had a chance to order," Elsberry said.  
Concerning etiquette in the workplace, Elsberry said to never give the boss a gift, to not be the office clown, never correct the boss in public, avoid sexual harassment and to never use profanity in the workplace.  

"Having good manners costs nothing but buys everything," Elsberry said.  
He also said the most important thing to do in any social situation is to get to know as many people as you can.  

"Networking is huge; it can be used in the business now and in the future," Elsberry said. "You never know when people may help you or open an opportunity for you, and it hones your people skills."

Elsberry has been a speaker at many of the business fraternity's events as a result of her contacting the university so she could be available to speak on financial matters as an educational service.  

"This is the time before you get out in that workplace that you can get to know some of the tools that it took other people a long time to learn," Elsberry said. "Learning and knowing these things will give you more of a chance to be heard and understood than the next person."   

Kelsey Highland, a senior business marketing major who has been a member of Delta Sigma Phi since her freshman year, said she has been in various positions with the fraternity and currently helps with fundraising. She also said she joined to gain some professional skills and business experience.  

"I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the business fraternity," Highland said. "It helped me gain so many business skills, like learning how to dress, how to conduct business, networking and being able to meet so many people at the business school."  
Highland said this event helped new members learn basic business etiquette, as well as showed the professional aspects of the business fraternity.  

Tess Cox, sophomore business marketing major, said she attended the Mocktail event to get more knowledge on the fraternity and to see how much being involved in it would help her with her future in business.

"So far, this fraternity seems like a good way to get out in the business world," Cox said.
 Elsberry said the most important thing to do in any social situation is to get to know as many people as you can. 

"Networking is huge," Elsberry said. it can be used in the business now and in the future. You never know when people may help you or open an opportunity for you, and it hones your people skills."