7 etiquette rules every entrepreneur should master to build better connections

You’ve probably heard this before: etiquette isn’t just about saying “please” and “thank you.”

From my experience in running startups in my 20s, I’ve learned that mastering a few simple etiquette rules can be the difference between forming real relationships or simply gathering a stack of business cards that end up collecting dust.

I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t always great at this. Early on, I assumed my work ethic and drive would speak for themselves. 

But the truth is, people don’t just do business with a skill set—they do business with a human being. And human beings crave respect, genuine connection, and thoughtful interaction.

So, what are the most important etiquette rules entrepreneurs like us should master to build better connections? Let’s dive in.

1. Listen more than you speak

When I first started hitting conference rooms and networking events, I was all about selling myself and my ideas. But I soon realized that when you do most of the talking, you miss out on learning about the person in front of you. 

And in this hyper-connected world, if you’re not learning, you’re not growing.

As Dale Carnegie famously noted, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” 

This doesn’t mean you should clam up entirely; it just means giving the other person space to share their stories, passions, and pain points. 

In my experience, showing genuine curiosity about someone else’s experience naturally paves the way for deeper connections—and yes, even better business opportunities.

2. Value punctuality

In the business world, professionalism is key, which means that being late is a big no-no. 

It sends the message that your time is more valuable than everyone else’s, and that’s not exactly the vibe you want to give off, especially when you’re trying to build trust.

As the team at Forbes found out in a poll, lateness is one of the top three qualities that business folks find most annoying in the people they work with. 

It’s one thing if there’s a genuine emergency, but consistent lateness often reads as disrespect. 

On the flip side, being on time (or a tad early) shows you care about the person you’re meeting with. 

In a world where so many are battling never-ending schedules, punctuality stands out as a simple yet powerful courtesy.

3. Respect personal space and boundaries

Ever had someone stand so close during a conversation that you could practically count their freckles? Or maybe a business contact you’ve just met starts peppering you with overly personal questions, and you’re left feeling uneasy?

Respecting personal space is especially important in diverse business settings, where cultural norms can vary. 

In some places, a handshake is all that’s needed, while in others, a friendly hug might be welcome. I’ve found it’s best to follow the other person’s lead. 

The same goes for conversation topics. Sure, I might be curious about their personal lives, but it’s easy to cross a line without meaning to. 

So, I pay attention to signals and keep the conversation professional yet warm. It’s about ensuring the person feels comfortable around you, because comfort often leads to trust, and trust fuels healthy business relationships.

4. Mind your online presence

I’ve mentioned this before in a past post, but I can’t stress it enough: the way you carry yourself online is as important as how you show up in person. 

Whether it’s an email, a quick DM on LinkedIn, or a post in a Facebook group, you’re communicating who you are to potential clients, collaborators, and the entire digital universe.

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is treating online communication as less formal. That can lead to rushed or poorly phrased messages, which come across as careless or even rude. 

I once missed out on a partnership because my follow-up email was too casual and didn’t convey the seriousness of my intentions. It may sound like a small slip, but small slips can morph into big misunderstandings. 

So, I’ve learned to do a quick reread before hitting send. And if I’m discussing something sensitive, I pick up the phone or request a video call—it often prevents misunderstandings that come from typed messages.

5. Give credit where it’s due

Have you ever worked your tail off on a project, only for someone else to take the spotlight? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? 

Entrepreneurs often rely on teams, freelancers, and other professionals. Recognizing their contributions isn’t just good etiquette—it’s smart business. It fosters loyalty, boosts morale, and creates a supportive environment.

I’ll never forget the time a web designer I hired saved my product launch by pulling an all-nighter to fix a glitch. The next morning, I made sure everyone on our team knew whose expertise saved the day. The designer was grateful, our team valued him even more, and it reinforced a culture of respect and appreciation. 

In the long run, those little moments of recognition can make people want to go above and beyond for you again.

6. Handle conflict diplomatically

It’s tempting to think that everyone will play nice in the sandbox, but conflicts are inevitable when you’re juggling clients, partners, and colleagues.

This is one area where your etiquette skills are truly tested. The way you handle disagreements can either strengthen relationships or burn bridges.

According to Franklin Covey, leaders who address conflict directly, but with empathy, have a distinct advantage over those who don’t – they “help create environments where open communication, trust, and collaboration flourish.”

This, in turn, has a direct, positive impact on the organization’s overall performance and individual productivity.

When you approach conflict by focusing on resolution rather than blame, you show respect for the other party’s perspective—and that’s a surefire way to maintain professional integrity.

7. Follow up with genuine intention

You know that feeling when someone says, “We’ll talk soon!” and then disappears off the face of the earth? It’s disheartening and leaves you feeling like the conversation was just lip service. 

I’ve been guilty of this one more times than I’d like to admit. Life happens, we get busy, and emails get buried.

But if I genuinely value a connection, I make sure to follow up. It can be as simple as a quick check-in email: “Hey, it was great talking about X. Let me know if you need any more details!” 

This little gesture shows that I respect the conversation we had and that I’m invested in building a relationship, not just grabbing a business card. 

Authentic follow-ups can lead to collaborations, referrals, or even friendships. And, at the very least, it’s a positive reflection on my personal brand.

Wrapping up

Etiquette may sound like a quaint idea, but in reality, it’s at the heart of every thriving business relationship. It’s about understanding that respect, empathy, and genuine engagement never go out of style.

We live in a world where first impressions can be made in person or with just a few keystrokes. Keeping these seven rules in mind can help us form connections that last longer than the battery life on our latest smartphone.

Until next time, friends.