Chapter 1 Marketing:

Chapter 1 Marketing:

Etiquette Tips for Marketing Professionals

Forms of Address: Which One Do You Use, and When?

When you meet someone new in a professional situation, do you say “Mr.,” “Dr.,” or “Ms.,” and hope you’ve got it right? Most people have experienced this confusion at one time or another. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or making a sales call, you are marketing yourself to the other person—and you want to make sure you address that person with the correct title. Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate the maze successfully:

1. Always use a title and last name until you are asked to use a person’s first name. Even if you are introduced to someone by first name—such as Patricia Graham—continue to address her as “Ms. Graham” until she specifically invites you to do otherwise. In many cultures, first names are never used in business situations.

2. Listen. If someone else makes an introduction for you, pay attention to the way the introduction is made. Make a mental note of which form of address is used.

3. Introduce a lower-ranking person to a higher ranking person. For example, you might introduce your

new assistant to a department manager by saying, “Ms. Lopez, this is my new assistant, Jeremy Morgan.”

4. If you aren’t certain which title to use, at least make an attempt by saying “Mr.” or “Ms.” Through conversation—or the help of someone else who is present—you will be able to refine the title to “Dr.,” “Senator,” or “Mrs.,” if appropriate.

Is this the question you were looking for? If so, place your order here to get started!