By Blair Rosenberg |  Donor relations manager, HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurses Services of Iowa

Proper etiquette gives you a competitive edge, a step up and a confidence that’s unshakeable. The purpose of displaying proper etiquette isn’t to flaunt, to be better than someone, or to prove your importance; it is to increase your confidence and to make others around you feel comfortable.

I compiled a few tips and tricks to remember in professional situations where you want to shine.

1. When being introduced or introducing someone, stand to shake hands. 

2. Business cards should not be exchanged over a meal — do so before or after the meal. 

3. If you invite someone to a meeting over a meal, as the host, you suggest the time and location and you pay. In situations like this, it is wise to do some “research” beforehand to know where your guest will be coming from to make the meeting most convenient for them. 

4. While dining, follow suit of those you are dining with. If your guest orders an appetizer, do so as well. We never want anyone at the table to be eating by themselves. 

5. If you want to cultivate new business or new donors, stick out by writing a handwritten note after a meeting. 

6. When uncertain, dress up rather than down.

7. If you are asked to wear a name tag, place it on your right side above your chest. When we go to shake someone’s hand, naturally their eyes will be drawn up your right arm and they will easily be able to read your name. 

8. Nothing is perfect — when in doubt, focus on the comfort of those around you!

Blair Rosenberg is donor relations manager for HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurses Services of Iowa and co-founder of The Standard Manner Etiquette and Communications Consulting. As a proud Des Moines native, she knows this city will always be her home and is committed to making it an even brighter place to live! Rosenberg can be reached atblairrosenberg@gmail.com.