Skip to main content

Business Protocol

While at university, I attended a short course on protocol and etiquette. I can’t remember much about it except that the teacher was absolutely hilarious, and that I enjoyed the subject a lot. After sorting through my university notes, I found the notes I took at the time, and I wanted to share them here. 

Protocol is understood as a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations. It is a way to institutionalise public and private events, describing the behaviour and procedures to be followed during these events.

The reason why I find it so interesting is because protocol rules are based on the relationship between the different parties attending the event. When used within a business environment, it conveys the company’s values, philosophy and image to the other party. Therefore, it can be used as a way to consolidate the reputation of the company among its employees and clients alike. It can be used as a tool to build and develop long-lasting business relationships.

As an example, when sitting at a table during a formal event, the highest representative of the company will be at the top of the table, and to the right, the guest of honour or second-highest representative. The rest of the attendees will be arranged around the table according to the company’s organisational chart. However, this can be changed to follow other criteria such as seniority or alphabetical order, depending on the objective of the event. 

On the other hand, this will change if a member of a governmental body is attending the company’s event. As an interesting fact, each country has different protocol procedures that differ slightly from one another. Protocol rules will also advise regarding the decoration of the venue during the event, introductions among attendees and the positioning of the company’s logos, flags and even the tables and chairs. 

Most people will be familiar with the protocol typically followed at the table (good manners), and what kind of clothing and clothing is appropriate. For example, how to combine different colours, what kind of suit to wear or the fact that olives can be eaten by hand at formal events in some countries. If this wasn’t enough, there are protocol procedures available for talking on the phone, giving presents and even for packing luggage before a trip. 

If you happen to be involved in establishing the protocol to be followed during an event, you might be asked to create a briefing, taking into account the audience, objective and budget of the event. This document will also include the theme of the event, the audience’s expectations and likess, security measures, outreach and feedback. 

If you would like to learn more about protocol and etiquette, here are some insightful resources:
  • Managing Authentic Relationships: Facing New Challenges in a Changing Context, by Jean Paul Wijers 
  • An Experts' Guide to International Protocol: Best Practices in Diplomatic and Corporate Relations, by Gilbert Monod de Froideville 
  • Protocol: The complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official and Social Usage, by Mary Jane McCaffree
  • The Essentials of Business Etiquette: How to Greet, Eat, and Tweet Your Way to Success, by Barbara Pachter 
  • Kiss, Bow, Or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries, by Terri Morrison 
  • Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind, by Geert Hofstede



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

What everyone is talking about

What are the key skills needed for vendor management?

While browsing the Internet, I came across a list of attributes that a successful Vendor Manager should have, and I found it very interesting. Some of these skills are also important for other roles, but I find them especially important for any role within the translation vendor management field.  👋Excellent communication skills👋 Vendor Managers need to communicate with different parties: teammates, colleagues, suppliers and clients. Being the administrator of the database gives the Vendor Manager a lot of knowledge about the company’s suppliers (or what is missing), so they are the best people to answer their colleagues' questions. For example, when the sales team wants to check the number of resources the company has for certain language combinations, or when project managers can't find a suitable supplier for their job. 😀Ability to develop and maintain strong and successful working relationships😀 This is one of the main duties of the Vendor Manager. Recruiting suppliers ...
1 comment
Read more

Negotiation tips for Freelance Translators

In the translation industry, negotiation is sometimes a daily practice; vendor managers negotiate with potential suppliers, project managers negotiate with freelance translators and clients negotiate with LSPs to get the best deal possible.  I used to be the kind of person who shied away from negotiating at all costs. I felt uncomfortable and overpowered when trying to negotiate. That is why, in 2017, I attended a short negotiation course, and I realised that everyone in the room that day had the same problem as me. This course taught me some basic principles, so that I was able to build   my negotiation skills at my own pace. The truth is that the more you negotiate, the better you get at it.  In my opinion, preparing for a negotiation is key in order to get the best outcome. What could you do to prepare for a negotiation?  Learn as much as you can about the person/company you are going to talk to.  Think about the relationship you have...
Post a Comment
Read more

Seven things Vendor Managers look for in a Freelance Translator

I would like to share with you the seven main attributes a Vendor Manager wants to see when working with freelance translators, as well as the language combination and subject area. (No, "cheap rates" is not one of them!)  Good time management: All clients expect their vendor to meet all project deadlines. If this is not possible, I would advise the translator to reject the task, and wait for the next offer. Missing a deadline will discourage the LSP from sending the translator additional work, but rejecting an offer won't affect their chances of getting project offers in the future. Time management and multitasking are skills that can be easily learned and adapted to your way of working. Understanding the LSP's process and hierarchy: Addressing the wrong person and replying to the wrong email thread when contacting an LSP could mean your message never reaches the intended receiver or is not understood correctly. Make sure you know who is who to ensure the quickest re...
Post a Comment
Read more