	Etiquette in the business world is constantly changing and developing, creating new trends with each passing year.  But why should you learn basic business etiquette?  Etiquette is all about being comfortable with presenting yourself to others as well as proving that you can be taken seriously in the job field.  About 85% of business skills is based on etiquette and the other 15% is based upon actual job skills, excellent etiquette = big success.  You are judged in the job world by how well you can handle situations, do not get behind because you are unaware of how to handle yourself.
	On Wednesday March 21, 2007 etiquette specialist Sheila Rae presented Basic Business Etiquette, on the Lake Superior State University campus.  It is Sheilas belief that manners must be taught to people of all ages and she gives special credit to Ms. Emily Post, whom she calls the queen of good manners and proper etiquette.  Mrs. Raes presentation was filled with everything you need to know, right from the start of setting out to look for a job after college.  Starting with Resume etiquette she explained that you are judged even on the feel of your paper.  Sheila then discussed phone etiquette before an interview, reminding that we should always remain professional while on the phone, Hello Sheila Rae speaking.  Other very important areas are being on time, a proper handshake, waiting to be seated and always sending a thank you after an interview.
	So you make it through your interview and you have a job, now what?  Sheila provides information on what you should do to maintain proper etiquette after you have landed your job.  She advises you speak to everyone, treat everyone with respect, dont waste others time and always ask questions.  Two areas where employees often get into trouble are when using the phone and when sending e-mail.  Sheila suggests to answer the phone by the second ring if possible, practice your greeting and take good messages.  When sending e-mail remember this is one of the trickiest because it has never been taught properly to employees.  Make sure when sending e-mail to include all the proper parts of a letter, salutation, a message body and a closing signature.  
	There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world.  We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say and how we say it Dale Carnegie.  With proper etiquette it is possible to land the job of your dreams and maintain your employment there.  Always keeping in mind that your employment is based upon proper etiquette, with the right skills you will be ready to go out into the job market and be successful.
