The Playbook for Business Etiquette: A Guide for High School, College, and Professional Athletes

Whether you’re a high school standout, a college athlete on the rise, or a seasoned pro, one thing is clear: your career goes far beyond the field, court, or track. How you conduct yourself in business settings is as important as how you play the game. Understanding business etiquette can help you build your brand and relationships, secure opportunities and endorsements, and prepare for life after sports. 

Here’s a simple playbook to help you confidently navigate the business world.

Dress the Part

First impressions still matter, but business attire has evolved. Today’s business meetings are more casual, so knowing your audience is essential. Research the company culture or individual, or ask beforehand if you’re unsure. When in doubt, aim for business casual: neat, clean, and appropriate for the setting. 

Tip: Keep a versatile wardrobe that can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Always ensure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and presentable.

Master the Handshake

Whether male or female, a firm handshake is a universal sign of confidence and respect. Practice your handshake with a friend or mentor to ensure it’s firm but not overpowering. Remember to make eye contact and smile, showing you’re engaged and approachable.

Tip: A weak handshake can give off the impression that you’re uninterested or nervous, so work on perfecting it.

Be Punctual

Time is valuable in business, just like it is in sports. Arriving late to an online, phone, or in-person meeting can make you seem unprofessional and disorganized. Always aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early for in-person meetings. This shows respect for the other person’s time and gives you a few moments to collect your thoughts.

Tip: If you’re running late, always notify the person you’re meeting with via text, call, or email as soon as possible and apologize for the delay.

Mind Your Manners

Good manners are a sign of respect and professionalism. Simple gestures like saying “please” and “thank you,” holding doors open, and actively listening when someone else is speaking can leave a lasting positive impression.

Tip: Avoid interrupting others when they’re speaking. Wait for your turn, and acknowledge their points before sharing yours.

Communicate Promptly

Returning calls, emails, or texts in a timely fashion is crucial in business. It shows that you’re reliable and respectful of other people’s time. Aim to respond within 24 hours, even if just to acknowledge the message and let the person know when you’ll provide a full response.

Tip: Set aside specific times in your day to check and respond to messages so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Keep It During Business Hours

Unless otherwise specified, keep your communications within standard business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday). Reaching out too early or too late can be seen as intrusive and unprofessional. However, if the situation is urgent, making an exception is acceptable—just be sure to explain the urgency.

Tip: If you’re in a different time zone, be mindful of the recipient’s local time before sending messages.

Read and Understand Contracts

Contracts are vital to any business transaction, especially in sports. Only sign a contract after fully understanding its terms. Even if it’s been read by a parent or lawyer, take the time to read through contracts carefully, and feel free to ask questions if something needs clarification. This can protect you from unwanted surprises down the road.

Tip: Highlight or make notes on key sections of the contract to ensure you remember important details.

Know When to Speak and When to Listen

Contributing and listening are vital in meetings. Don’t dominate the conversation, but don’t be a passive participant either. Strike a balance by offering thoughtful insights and showing interest in what others say.

Tip: If you’re unsure when to speak, observe how others in the room participate and follow their lead. But by all means, if you’re uncomfortable with what’s being proposed or how your likeness will be used, SPEAK UP! 

Manage Your Team Professionally

As an athlete, you may have a team of family members, agents, managers, and publicists working with you. It’s crucial to manage this team with respect and professionalism. Clearly communicate your goals, expectations, and feedback. Foster a positive working relationship by being approachable and open to their advice while ensuring your voice is heard.

Tip: Host or ask for regular meetings with your team to ensure everyone is aligned with your goals and promptly address any concerns.

Follow Up

It’s essential to follow up after a meeting or networking event. A simple thank you note or email can set you apart and leave a positive, lasting impression. It shows that you value the other person’s time and are serious about the opportunities discussed.

Tip: Be prompt with your follow-up. Sending a note within 24 hours is ideal.

Social Media Etiquette

Your social media presence is an extension of your brand. Be mindful of what you post, share, and comment on. Avoid controversial topics that could damage your reputation or alienate potential business partners.

Tip: Regularly review your social media accounts to ensure they align with the image you want to project professionally.

Respect Differences

In today’s globalized world, you’ll encounter people with diverse cultural, religious, and political backgrounds. Understanding and respecting these differences is key to successful business interactions. Be aware of variations in greeting styles and communication norms. Approach these differences with respect and an open mind, and focus on maintaining a professional and inclusive environment.

Tip: Do your research beforehand, but you can never go wrong with keeping conversations focused on business.

Always Be Professional

Professionalism should be at the core of everything you do in business. This means being respectful, reliable, and ethical in all your interactions. Your reputation as an athlete will open doors, but your professionalism will keep them open.

Tip: Consistency is key. Make professionalism a habit, not just something you do when someone’s watching.

Expectations Athletes Should Have in Business Relationships

As an athlete, it’s crucial to hold yourself to high standards and have clear expectations of those you work with in business relationships. Here are four key expectations to ensure you’re surrounded by a team that supports your success:

Transparency: Expect open and honest communication from those you work with. This includes being transparent about terms, fees, and any potential conflicts of interest. Transparency builds trust and helps you make informed decisions.

Responsiveness: Your time is valuable, so working with people who respect it is important. Expect timely responses to your calls, emails, and texts. This ensures that opportunities aren’t missed and you can promptly address any issues.

Professionalism: Just as you’re expected to maintain professionalism, those working with you should do the same. This includes meeting deadlines, keeping their word, and conducting themselves with integrity in all interactions.

Mutual Respect: A successful business relationship is built on mutual respect. Expect those you work with to value your input, listen to your concerns, and treat you as an equal partner in your professional journey.

Final Whistle

Understanding business etiquette is like learning the rules of a new game—it takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. By following these guidelines and having clear expectations of those you work with, you’ll represent yourself well and pave the way for long-term success, both on and off the field.