Business Etiquette: 101 Ways to Conduct Business With Charm and Savvy.

The modern workplace is transforming rapidly with the ever-increasing pace of technology. Every day, in addition to the traditional rules of conduct, we face uncharted areas of decorum. Business Etiquette: 101 Ways to Conduct Business with Charm and Savvy provides up-to-date information on modern

Ann Marie Sabath, a prolific business protocol columnist, has put together this insightful handbook compiling a broad array of business tips for the modern workplace. This book takes a fresh look at business etiquette, covering such topics as handshakes, e-mail courtesy, how to dress on casual day, getting co-workers to respect the privacy of your cubicle, and handing out your business card in other countries. Business etiquette is the office equivalent of knowing which fork to use at dinner.

Business Etiquette packs much useful information into each topic, all of which is delivered through short, well-organized examples. Sabath presents quick paragraphs with straight advice on specific topics and then moves on. For example, in Tip #11, "Skip the cheap accessories," she advises, "When dressed professionally, avoid carrying a plastic pen, just as you would avoid wearing a Power Rangers watch with a plastic band."

Sabath avoids the pitfall of many business writers who feel compelled to fill the page even though their point has already been made. This makes the book easy to digest and useful as start-and-stop reading.

Business Etiquette is not meant to be exhaustive, and at less than 200 large-print pages, does not fit into the reference category. It is a helpful primer on topics such as:

* Opening Moves: Making Initial Encounters Work

* Business Dress 101: Handling Attire Problems in the Workplace

* Correspondence: Putting It Down in Black and White

* Sound Advice: Making the Right Phone Impression

* Cubicle Protocol and Time Management: Functioning Well in the Office

* Meetings: Getting It All Together

* VIPs: Dealing With Key Decision-Makers

* Unfamiliar Settings: Handling Social Situations

* Off the Beaten Path: Coping with Challenges

In addition to supplying answers to common questions, Business Etiquette contains an appendix on international etiquette, for which each chapter has a series of wide-ranging tips.

The information in this book goes beyond common sense reminders, and is guaranteed to add a few refinements to anyone's business savvy. Since so much of our time is spent at the workplace, and so little is written on the proper way to handle day-to-day situations common to us all, this book is worthwhile to anyone looking for an edge on success and a way to take the stress out of everyday conduct. The advice is no-nonsense and better learned from a book than a co-worker. For example, on the topic of interviews, Sabath advises, "Be sparing with fragrances. When in doubt, follow the 'little dab'll do ya' approach - and remember, cologne or perfume should be applied only when you're getting dressed."

Sabath's straightforward delivery does tend to get dry and preachy at times, feeling more like assigned reading for a classroom. A bit of humor or some interesting anecdotes would add spice. The book sacrifices entertainment value to maintain a short, insightful style, but the approach serves well. Business Etiquette is a worthwhile read, though not a page-turner. However, if you want to increase your charm and savvy in business, this book will deliver.

TITLE: Business Etiquette: 101 Ways to Conduct Business with Charm and Savvy

ISBN: 1-56414-322-8

PUBLISHER: Career Press

PUBLICATION DATE: 1998

LENGTH: 181 pages

PRICE: $18 members/$22 non-members

SOURCE: ARMA International Bookstore, http:/www.arma.org or 888-298-9202

Kurt Thies is chief executive officer of Accutrac Software. He may be reached at kthies@accutrac.com