Did you know that when it comes to client communications, how you act and look is more critical than what you say?  In fact, many a business deal - not to mention personal credibility - has been lost because of a lapse in business protocol.  Indeed, your ability to skillfully handle a business meeting or conduct yourself in a refined manner at the dining table can create indelible "moments of truth" for your clients and colleagues.  The "truth" is they would rather conduct business with someone who is in the know.  Do you know what your business protocol I.Q. is?  Take the following quiz to find out.

#	Questions	True	False
1	The president of your company, Mr. A, enters the room in which you are meeting with an important client, Ms. B.  You would be correct to rise and say, "Mr. A, I would like to introduce Ms. B, our client from New York."
2	Your name badge is placed on your right side, close to your lapel.
3	"Have a great day" is an ideal ending for your personal voicemail greeting.
4	Your client's executive assistant tells you to go ahead into your client's office but your client doesn't acknowledge your presence.  You should keep quiet and wait outside the door until they do.
5	You attend a VIP luncheon and, to show your appreciation to the host, you email your "thank you".  This is an effective and appropriate medium - given today's busy workplace.
6	Your host is late for your lunch meeting, so it's acceptable to order a drink while you wait.
7	At a hosted dinner, your entrée arrives and the beef is not cooked to your liking.  Rather than ask the server to rectify the situation, you just stay quiet.
8	When eating a bread roll, the appropriate approach is to use your knife to cut the roll in half before buttering and eating it.
9	A monogrammed shirt is far more prestigious.
10	You should never wear a shirt that has a button-down collar with a suit.
11	It is appropriate for a woman to wear a sandal with a skirt and jacket.
12	One of the most desirable pieces of clothing in a business wardrobe is a good quality black dress or business suit.
13	Your Vietnamese counterpart truly appreciates a direct request.
14	A successful international business person always starts a meeting with tried and true humour to relax everyone.
15	In the Chinese culture, praise the best salesperson during a sales meeting and reward them making sure the whole team is present.

If your score is 13 to 15, congratulations – you are in the know!  On the other hand, a rating of 10 to 12 indicates that you are at risk of jeopardizing your business image.  Anything lower than 10 is your “wake-up call” to get the business protocol skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

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