Manners Matter: The Secret Sauce to Winning Hearts (and Deals)
Chandra Eden, The True Me Yogi
How To Become A Rainmaker
Author: Jeffrey J. Fox
"Don't talk with food in your mouth. And don't plop your briefcase on the customer's desk or conference table. Don't be late for meetings. Don't visit a customer if you are coughing and gagging and sneezing. Be sure your hands and clothes and hair and samples and car are clean. Stand up when an older person or a woman enters the room. Open the door for others. Offer to carry heavy items. Help lift a bag into and out of the overhead baggage compartment in airplanes. Say please and thank you.
Rainmakers use good manners all the time with everyone.
If you don't know have excellent table manners, you'd better acquire them. If you hold your fork like a gardener's trowel, shovel food into your mouth, make noisy slurping, smacking sounds, or chew and talk simultaneously, you will not get or keep customers. Bad table manners are a sign of a narrow or undisciplined or overindulged upbringing.
Bad table manners are off putting; they signal insensitivity to others, an overly self interested person and an incomplete education.
Drop your membership in the Clean Plate Club...
...To Rainmakers, manners matter."
Manners Matter: The Secret Sauce to Winning Hearts (and Deals)
Let’s face it: manners might seem like an old-school concept, but they’re the unsung heroes of success. Whether you’re closing a deal, building a relationship, or just trying not to be that person at the dinner table, good manners are your secret weapon. Think of them as the Wi-Fi signal of human interaction—when they’re strong, everything runs smoothly. When they’re weak? Total chaos.
Why Manners Still Matter
In a world where emojis and text abbreviations dominate, manners are like a breath of fresh air. They show respect, thoughtfulness, and—let’s be real—a level of self-awareness that’s becoming rarer than a unicorn sighting. People notice when you say “please” and “thank you,” hold the door open, or refrain from treating your fork like a backhoe. These small gestures send a big message: “I value you, and I’m not a walking tornado of chaos.”
And here’s the kicker: manners aren’t just about being polite—they’re about building trust. Whether you’re meeting a client, networking, or just sharing a meal, good manners make people feel comfortable and respected. And when people feel good around you, they’re more likely to say “yes” to whatever you’re offering.
The Table Test
Let’s talk about the ultimate manners battlefield: the dining table. Nothing reveals your true character faster than how you handle a meal. Are you shoveling food like it’s a competitive sport? Talking with your mouth full? Treating your napkin like an optional accessory? If so, it’s time for a reboot.
Good table manners aren’t about being fancy—they’re about showing discipline and consideration. They say, “I’ve got my act together, and I respect the people I’m with.” On the flip side, bad table manners scream, “I’m too self-absorbed to care about how I come across.” And trust me, no one wants to do business with someone who treats spaghetti like a contact sport.
Manners in Action
Good manners go beyond the table. They’re about how you show up in every interaction. Here are a few pro tips to keep your manners game strong:
Be on Time: Nothing says “I don’t value your time” like showing up late. Set an alarm, leave early, and be the person who’s always punctual.
Keep It Clean: Your hands, your clothes, your car—everything. Cleanliness isn’t just next to godliness; it’s next to professionalism.
Help Out: Whether it’s holding a door, carrying a bag, or offering a hand, small acts of kindness go a long way.
Mind Your Words: “Please” and “thank you” are magic words for a reason. Use them liberally.
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, manners aren’t just about following rules—they’re about showing respect for others and yourself. They’re the little things that make a big difference, turning everyday interactions into opportunities to connect, impress, and build trust.
So, the next time you’re tempted to skip the “thank you” or plop your bag on someone’s desk, remember this: manners matter. They’re not just a sign of good upbringing—they’re a sign that you’re someone worth knowing, working with, and rooting for. And in a world that could use a little more kindness, that’s a pretty big deal. 🌟
#thetruemeyogi #MannersMatter #RespectGoesFar #SmallGesturesBigImpact