10 business etiquette rules everyone should know

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Many people assume "etiquette" refers to which fork you use for the salad and how quickly you should send a thank you note after receiving a gift. When it comes to the business world, however, the way you behave says a lot about your professionalism.

Even the tiniest misstep can hurt your career more than you realize. After all, no one wants to work with someone who is rude or inconsiderate. By being conscious of business etiquette you can help set yourself apart professionally.

Here are 10 business etiquette rules you need to be aware of and avoid breaking at all cost:

1. Use your full name when introducing yourself

Let's face it, a lot of people are terrible about putting names to faces. You run into someone you met at a conference last year and it's clear they can't remember what your name is. Introducing yourself with your full name helps distinguish you from the sea of Matts and Lindsays they've met. Knowing your last name also makes it easier for people to find you on sites like LinkedIn so you can stay connected.

2. Stop crossing and uncrossing your legs

When you've been sitting for a while, it's natural to get uncomfortable. However, repeatedly rearranging your legs is distracting. Instead of fidgeting, try to find one comfortable sitting position and stick to it.

3. Don't eat at your desk

Everyone has that one coworker who brings in their overly pungent leftovers and eats them at their desk, making it hard to concentrate until the odor dissipates. Don't be that guy. Eat your lunch in the break room. Some days it might be difficult to find time in your schedule to get up from your desk, but even if it's only for a few minutes, getting up to eat will be a productivity boosting break.