In the struggle to stay on top of our jobs by multitasking and trying to be extremely efficient and productive, we inadvertently commit business etiquette faux pas. Here are 11 of the most common: 

1. Reading e-mail while in a meeting or on the telephone. Give the person with whom you are conducting business your full attention. Anything less is rude and wastes time.
2. Talking on the cell phone at an inappropriate time and in an inappropriate place. Keep your telephone conversation quiet and private. To openly share it is intrusive and annoying to others.
3. Assuming all people want to be called by their first name. Do not ask for permission to address an individual by his or her first name. Address an older business associate as Mr. or Ms. until you are invited to do otherwise.
4. Sending out sloppy looking correspondence. Make your business letters, e-mails, and faxes letter perfect and pay attention to detail. Some names have more than one spelling (e.g., Sarah and Sara). Check the correct spelling and proof carefully before you send it and before and after you print it.
5. Displaying a cavalier attitude on the telephone by not identifying yourself. You will make the best impression and get past the gatekeeper more quickly when you state your full name and your organization before you ask to speak to someone.
6. Being lax about making and keeping appointments. Respect others' time. If you will be more than five or six minutes late, telephone the person to apologize and let him or her know.
7. Not following through. If you are given a task or offer to do something for someone, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, complete it by or before the deadline. Under promise and over deliver.
8. Giving conflicting signals about who pays for a business meal. The person who extended the invitation picks up the check. Take control when you are the host.
9. Talking only about business when it is both a business and social occasion. After-hour business occasions are primarily to get to know coworkers, bosses, and employees. Make business talk a small part of the evening. Sharpen and reveal your social skills.
10. Inviting superiors out socially before they have taken the initiative. No matter how well you get along with a supervisor, do not extend the social invitation first. Respect the business hierarchy.
11. Failing to put a thank you in writing. When someone does something for you that takes longer than 15 minutes, make sure you acknowledge the action with a properly worded thank you. It will put you in a good light. Not doing so is rude.

Corby O'Connor is the founder of Corby O'Connor Etiquette & Protocol, and a columnist and expert in the subject of etiquette in the workplace. She and her staff have trained thousands in business dining skills, professional image, and communication techniques. Visit her Web site at www.corbyoconnor.com.