Developing a Competitive Advantage: Professionalism and Business Etiquette

In today's market, professionalism and business etiquette are extremely important; it is imperative that businesses retain a professional attitude and promote proper business attire at all times.  It is not only a reflection of the employees themselves but also, a representation of the image the business is trying to convey.  Now image you worked in a country bar, your business attire nor mannerism would be the same as if you were to work in a bank.  At the bank you would be expected to be more formal and conservatively dressed; whereas, at the bar you might be dressed in casual wear (maybe jeans or cowboy boots), and would be more personal and friendly to engage with your consumers.

Employers do generally expect that all employees be courteous and polite with consumers and other employees.  I always ask myself, how would I like to be treated?  Especially in a customer service role, having worked from food service to logistics, it has always been a  priority.  All inquiries, complaints, questions and comments have to treated with the same importance.  

VIA Rail employees dress in conservative uniforms, which are easily identifiable for all travellers.  Have you ever asked what you thought was an employee in a store, where to find the milk?  Happened to me, all I could say was sorry and turn away red with embarrassment.  In today's market I find it hard to identify sometimes, you can go to a restaurant and all the cocktail waitresses are in black dresses; along with half the other females enjoying a night out.  VIA's uniforms ensure that this isn't an issue, according to Lynn Pellerin, VIA's product manager, "VIA's front-line employees - both in stations and on trains - need a uniform that is fashionable yet adaptable to their day-to-day tasks".  

VIA Rail recently held a contest for designers around Canada; challenging them to design a new uniform, which is expected to be released this year. Using feedback provided by who else but the people wearing them...The VIA employees!  The winner Xiao Wei designed a uniform that was practical yet appropriate for employees of all ages.  

Check out the video post...

www.theglobeandmail.com/video/new-fashions-for-via-rail/article791837/

VIA Rail is committed to quality; quality customer service, quality products and an overall quality travel experience.  From the napkins they use to the friendly inviting smile from one of their staff, all details are handled with the same importance.  


Sources:
The Canadian Press. (2009, Oct 26). New fashions for VIA Rail [Video file]. Retrieved from www.theglobeandmail.com/video/new-fashions-for-via-rail/article791837/


Guffey, M. E., Rhodes, K., Rogin, P. (2008). Business communication: Process and Product (6th Canadian ed.) Scarborough, ON: Nelson


VIA Rail Canada. (2009, Oct.). VIA Rail Canada announces the winner of the uniform design contest. Retrieved  from www.viarail/en/about-via-rail/media-room/latest-new/1393122-october2009-corporate/2009/10/22/2/VIA-Rail-Canada-Announces-the-Winner-of-the-Uniform-Design-Contest.html