Business Etiquette Gaffes

Business Blunders. We've all made them, but they can be costly, not only to your reputation but to your bottom line. To avoid them in the future, read through the following don'ts. They can all be turned into do's:

•Don't be late.

•Don't shake hands like a wimp.

•Don't dress for work or an interview as if you were going on a weekend hike.

•Don't overindulge in either food or alcohol at a business lunch or dinner.

•Don't order foods you are not familiar with at a business breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

•Don't go to an interview without researching the company and the position you're applying for.

•Don't leave your cell phone on during a business meeting or an interview.

•Don't joke or babble during an interview.

•Don't trash your current or former boss during an interview.

•Don't squirm or fidget during an interview or business meeting.

•Don't avoid eye contact during an interview or a business meeting.

•Don't hand out soiled or creased business cards.

•Don't e-mail thank-you notes.

Lisa Mirza Grotts is a recognized etiquette expert, an on-air contributor, and the author of A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette. She is a former director of protocol for the city and county of San Francisco and the founder and CEO of The AML Group (www.lisagrotts.com), certified etiquette and protocol consultants. Her clients range from Stanford Hospital to Cornell University and Levi Strauss. She has been quoted by Condé Nast Traveler, InStyle magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and the New York Times. To learn more about Lisa, follow her on www.Twitter.com/LisaGrotts and www.Facebook.com/LisaGrotts.