As with other advancements in technology, there has been an adjustment period. There are new standards of what is appropriate and inappropriate. Here are a few dos and don’ts for the modern era.

Dos and Don’ts in the Digital World

Do:

• Make sure you are managing the content and images posted. You do not want anyone to feel like they are unable to relate.
• Use video and photographic images to support your brand in the best light.
• Listen to voicemail or read an e-mail and respond in an appropriate amount of time.
• Support other like-minded brands by sharing, commenting and re-posting information from their feeds.

Don’t:

• Share everything. Keep some things to yourself. People are not interested in hearing about your oatmeal breakfast. If you have to talk about your oatmeal, make the topic more educational like: why is oatmeal good for you?
• Bring politics into play. This is not the setting to discuss the direction you lean on the political spectrum.
• Talk only about your brand. This can appear self-centered and will not reflect positively on your brand. Remember to support others and they will support you in return.

Dos and Don’ts in the Spa

Do:

• Offer a beverage upon arrival. This is always a nice gesture and it relaxes the body.
• Be attentive to your client’s needs. Make sure you ask how their day is and if they have any medical issues that you should be aware of. Eye contact is a must.
• Offer a consultation. People may be interested in trying out new classes, but want to learn more about the experience before jumping in. It is always a good idea to have a complete consultation and offer a complimentary class.
• Respect your client’s time. Be there when you say you will be.
• Send thank you notes to clients, colleagues, tastemakers or anyone who makes your day brighter. This goes a long way.

Don’t:

• Cancel appointments last minute. This gives the impression that you are flaky and not responsible.
• Vent to other colleagues about other employees. Keep this issue between you and the employee who is acting out. If you do have a human resources department, place these matters in their hands.

Business etiquette should abide by these basic principles. A business should not cause harm to anyone or the environment. A business should advertise truthfully. Products and services should not be overpriced or be of poor quality. Yoga philosophy also emphasizes the workings of karma. Cheating others in business contributes to negative karma and future suffering. Business practices that are to the benefit of others, contribute to good karma (wealth and success in business) and future happiness.