Today in the fiercely competitive business arena, etiquette is quite simply another communications tool you need. Elements of etiquette such as how you greet someone, using the correct title, honoring space issues, observing the hierarchy in a group, valuing time, your manner of dress and taking the time to build relationships, all communicate to someone how you feel about them as a potential business partner.

The way you greet someone is literally their first impression of you, and the way you take leave of them, could very well be their last. You are going to make an impression, so why not make it a good one? While etiquette alone won't get you anywhere, it will give you that extra edge that could make all the difference. Knowing the proper way to greet as well as take leave of people from other cultures shows respect, interest and kindness and is an essential part of business protocol.

As Americans, we tend to be more informal than other cultures in their greetings, leading with a firm handshake and/or a cheek kiss or hug for those who have known each other for a long time. Americans also tend to use first names — except for more formal settings and business cards are usually only exchanged in a business setting.

In other cultures, the rules can differ significantly and it does not pay to be caught off guard and send the wrong message to a potential business partner. A few things to make note of when making your first impression follow below.

When being introduced, one should use titles and last names until you have been invited to use the person's first name. In some cases, this may never occur as the use of first names is often reserved for family and close friends in some cultures — so use Mr., Mrs. Miss. Also, in many cultures, titles are highly valued, especially professional titles such as professor or doctor.

You will have to do your homework on whether or not a handshake is an appropriate form of greeting. In some countries, shaking hands is seen as far too intimate a contact to initiate with a stranger. However, the handshake is becoming much more wide-spread because of other culture’s adaptation to western ways. While the typical American style handshake with a firm grip, two quick pumps, eye contact and a smile is typical, it is by no means universal.

The variations in handshakes are based on cultural differences, not individual personalities and based upon one’s culture; you will see a variety of handshakes. For example; the Japanese give a light handshake but Germans offer a firm handshake with one pump, and the French grip is light with a quick pump. Middle Eastern people will continue shaking your hand throughout the greeting and often come with kisses and hugs - among same sex only. In India, men will offer to shake hands but only the most westernized will shake hands with the opposite sex. Women should not initiate handshakes with men! This news while shocking in America is common practice in their culture.

The examples included above are but a few. It is crucial for business people to recognize that there are “rules” of etiquette in different cultures — with the vast amount of information available, ignorance is no excuse. Not knowing these rules could mean the loss of a good business contact. Learning the protocol, particularly the elements that initiate business contacts, is essential to communicating effectively.