Rules of Business Etiquette Ditch the gum. Mind your spelling. If you want to make a good impression, it's time to get professional.

In my previous columns, I have stressed that any teen cansucceed in the business world, as long as you don't behave likea typical teenager. Yes, this is a world foreign to many teenagers,where the word "dude" generally doesn't fly, anddead-fish handshakes are a sign of immaturity. This column willlook at etiquette skills that can lead to professional success (orat least acknowledgement as a competent peer) in the businessworld.

Communications
While many people preaching proper business etiquette start byexplaining introductions in a meeting, how to tip at a restaurantand such, I am an adamant believer that good business etiquettestarts before any face-to-face interactions. The single mostimportant thing you can do to come across as a professional andpolite businessperson is to master outstanding etiquette skillsduring pre-meeting communications. In e-mails, it is crucial thatyou address the recipient every time with a "Dear Mr.Doe:" and sign it with a salutation such as "Very trulyyours." Proofreading your e-mails and not "shouting"with excessive use of capital letters is important. In voice-mailmessages, always speak slowly and repeat your name and number atthe beginning and end of the message.

Meetings
Dress appropriately according to the type of venue you areattending and the expectations of those you'll be meeting.People judge and make first impressions of you by your clothes.

When arriving at a meeting, be ready to exchange pleasantries.Of course, shake the hand of the other attendees while maintaininga firm grip and looking the person in the eyes. Raise your eyebrowswhile smiling and shaking hands; it conveys a sense of warmth andtrust.

Be aware of the goals and agenda of the meeting. Stay on track.You need not know the entire text of Roberts Rules of Order to bean effective participant in a meeting. Rather, be yourself;don't dominate the meeting, but contribute where you can. Forevery meeting you attend, you should prepare beforehand, take notesduring, and take action afterwards.

Business SocialEvents
In addition to proper business correspondence, meetings, phonecalls, reports and the like, businesspeople do (believe it or not!)like to have fun. The most typical business event that falls underthe category "business entertainment" is a business meal.Business lunches, breakfasts or dinners are customary in all realmsof business. Lunches and breakfasts are good because they usuallydo not interrupt the workday and are more informal. Dinners havetheir advantages, as most people do not have to go back to work,thus the pace is more leisurely. Always do the standard legworkbefore a meal meeting; choose a restaurant you know, reserve atable ahead of time, and make it clear if you are the host--ornot--so who picks up the bill is not a question. Other possiblebusiness social events include spectator sports, theater ticketsand country club outings.

Especially as a teenager, good sense and proper manners can go along way as you work your way up in the business world. For manyteens, lack of maturity and professionalism can be their fatalflaw. Take the time to master these fundamental and basic etiquettelaws as the building blocks for your success.

Fourteen-year-old Ben Casnocha is founder, CEO and chairmanof ComcateInc., a San Francisco firm focused on providing technologysolutions for local governments. His work has been profiled in over50 magazines, newspapers, radio stations, TV outlets and Web sitesnationwide. Got something to squawk about? Write to Casnocha atben@comcate.com.