In the UK business world, networking and building relationships are essential for career advancement and success. Small talk plays a crucial role in this process, as it allows individuals to connect on a personal level and build rapport with colleagues and clients. When engaging in small talk, it is important to be polite and respectful, while also showing genuine interest in the other person. Topics such as the weather, current events, or mutual interests are often safe bets for initiating conversation. It is also important to be mindful of cultural differences and avoid controversial or sensitive topics, such as politics or religion.

“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” Douglas Adams

Ask anyone in the world of business whether corporate ethics is an oxymoron and you are likely to get a somewhat awkward answer, full of platititudes and guff. Of course everyone believes that businesses should operate in an ethical manner, but the sad truth is that many people are willing to sacrifice their morals if it means adding a few extra zeros to their pay cheques. Some people call it "pushing the envelope", and seem to think that if it isn't strictly against the law, then it's okay.

Nowadays, it seems that every few weeks a business scandal makes the headlines.  Whilst you would assume that only large corporations could be at the centre of such a scandal, today even the little guys are having their business ethics questioned. We have looked at a few recent case studies, large and small.

Whatever you think of computer games, one thing is certain: they’re big business. The computer game industry is worth more than £18 billion and is growing rapidly. To maintain this expansion, however, the game makers are always looking for new ways to develop their product. Consider, for instance, the recent promotions of games linked to fitness and exercise. What, then, does the industry plan to give us in the future? And how does it intend to make games an even bigger part of our lives?

The words you choose to speak serve as platforms from which your tone of voice creates meaning. Think about how your tone of voice can change the meaning of a sentence: