From Handshakes to Hashtags: Business Etiquette for Today’s Professional (Part II)

Last month we focused on ideas for refreshing post-pandemic, in-person business etiquette.

But even as many of us have returned to more directly physical environments, our professional commitments have stayed partly (or primarily) online, beyond the boardroom or office desk. This means your digital presence – the way you show up in virtual meetings, emails, texts, messages, phone calls and across LinkedIn and other social platforms – will always be just as important as your in-person presence.

So you need to ensure that your virtual etiquette is fully aligned with your personal brand and professional goals.

Virtual Meetings

Virtual meetings are here to stay. Yet, too often, we treat them casually, forgetting that colleagues and clients are forming impressions through a screen.

You want virtual engagement to enhance your credibility, not diminish it. These meetings deserve the same polish as any face-to-face interaction.

• Camera presence. Lighting, background and attire all speak volumes. Invest in good lighting and minimize clutter. Sit upright, wear attire that reflects your role, and keep your background neutral.
• Tech tools. To indicate professional confidence, learn how to seamlessly use features like chat, reactions and screen sharing.
• Digital dynamics. Pause before speaking to avoid overlap, mute when not contributing, and signal attentiveness with nods or brief affirmations. Practice “digital eye contact” by looking into the lens when speaking.
• Time awareness. Virtual meetings are prone to drift. Be present. Arrive on time, respect the agenda and avoid multi-tasking.

LinkedIn and Social Media

Social media isn’t just an abstract networking tool. It’s part of your brand and professional presence.

For example, your online profiles often serve as a first impression; they definitely will help (or hurt) all subsequent impressions.

• Profile polish. Invest in a current professional headshot and regularly update your summary with language that reflects your aspirations.
• Engagement. Share content that reflects your expertise and values. Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts. Think quality over quantity.
• Connection etiquette. Always personalize invitations. This will create warmer connections.
• Boundaries. Keep LinkedIn professional; reserve other platforms for personal use if you wish. Be intentional about what you share, where and with whom.

Emails

Email remains a cornerstone of business communication. Its formality carries weight, making etiquette vital.

Think of it as a written handshake. It should be firm, clear and confident.

• Subject lines. Be short and clear to help others quickly understand and prioritize your message.
• Professional tone. Use language that is concise, clear, polite and jargon-free.
• Timeliness. Respond to important emails within 24 hours whenever possible.
• Signature lines. A clean embedded signature with your name, title and contact details will reinforce your professionalism.

Texts and Messages

Texting and workplace messaging platforms like Slack or Teams have blurred the lines between casual and professional. Be respectful.

• Brevity. Save details and sensitive issues for emails or calls.
• Timing. Avoid after-hours messages unless urgent.
• Tone. Text lacks nuance. Keep your language straightforward; avoid sarcasm or shorthand that could be misunderstood.
• Emojis. Use them sparingly. They may be acceptable in some contexts, but always align with your workplace culture.

Phone Calls

Used less often, phone calls are still a powerful tool for building rapport, strengthening relationships and resolving issues quickly.

• Answering. Greet callers professionally with your name.
• Time. Ask if it’s a good time before launching into a discussion.
• Environment. Step away from noisy locations to convey focus and respect.
• Follow-up. Confirm agreements or next steps by email, text or message app to ensure clarity.

Your Digital Brand

Every interaction is part of your professional narrative. To ensure consistency, audit your digital channels regularly.

Keep your photos and bios current. Make sure all of your communications align with your career goals.

Always ask yourself: Does this reflect the professional I want others to see?

Your brand should feel seamless to yourself and others, whether someone meets you in person, sees you on Zoom or connects with you online.

Ensure that your personal brand remains polished, consistent and credible, regardless of the medium.

At KELLYDUGGAN Image Consulting, we guide professionals in bringing every element of their presence into alignment with their goals.

When etiquette and brand work hand-in-hand you don’t just keep up with change, you lead with confidence.