Etiquette in the business world should be at the forefront of everyone's mind. Every now and then, I run into a situation where business etiquette doesn't exist. It leaves me wondering if this is due to the parties' indifference or lack of knowledge.

If it's the latter, this article will illuminate six business etiquette topics that are of utmost importance to me. Mastery of these principles not only improves personal professionalism but it also fosters stronger relationships and mutual respect in the workplace.

Related: Business etiquette doesn't have to be boring—here's how to navigate it with Sass and Style

1. Size of email attachments

One of my pet peeves is receiving an email with a large file size. There are so many tools out there – many are free – that allow one to compress a file with ease. Large files take longer to open and many email providers have storage limits.

If I receive a file that is 10MB or larger and I know it may be compressed by at least 50%, I tend to think that the sender either lacks technical knowledge or is being careless. If you are not familiar with how to compress files, I recommend you take the time to learn. It is an easy process and should be done whenever possible.

2. Be attentive to meetings

If you are calling a meetingalways have an agenda! One of my pets is attending a date that is out of order. In general, I'm not a date person, and if a date doesn't fulfill the task I thought it was supposed to fulfill, I'm not a happy camper.

Having a clear agenda for meetings helps us stay focused and achieve our goals more effectively. It is essential for me that meetings start and end at the scheduled times, as I believe it is important to respect everyone's time.

It is also essential not to make others wait unnecessarily. I once had a former colleague tell me that she keeps people waiting to feel important. I found that to be quite arrogant and definitely not a practice I would adopt.

3. Silence the devices and ignore your cell phone

This seems obvious, but unfortunately, I'm often in meetings where cell phones accidentally ring. People in the meeting may be distracted, on their phones, and not paying attention. Not only is this rude to the meeting host, but it also puts you at a disadvantage in terms of effective meaningful participation.

Remember, you can always catch up on your calls and messages after the meeting.

Related: How I turned my cell phone addiction into a PR opportunity

4. Activate your video

Video meetings have become standard practice, regardless of whether we use them LargerTeams or another platform. I have found that in many of these sessions, many participants choose not to activate their cameras. I would think this is often because they are multitasking.

not turning on your camera it's just as bad as not silencing your phone. It's disrespectful and avoidable. I've actually been on dates where I'm the only person with my camera on. I still leave my camera on, but I usually ask other parties to turn on their cameras as well.

5. Respond to communications promptly

Every now and then, I run into people who have very poor communication skills — I really don't know if they have poor communication skills or are just inattentive. Whether it's a phone call, text or email, it's important to respond promptly.

Even if you are unable to provide a complete response, then confirmation of receipt is essential. Let the other person know that you have received their message and will reply as soon as possible. Showing this respect to your colleagues and customers is business etiquette that I think is essential.

Related: 9 best practices to improve your communication skills

6. Proofread and double check your work

People are busy! But being busy is no excuse for mistakes. Especially when mistakes can be avoided. The protocol I like to follow is to read every email twice before I send it and also confirm that the email goes to the appropriate parties.

If you are emailing someone an attachment, open the attachment before sending it to confirm that you have attached the correct file. Try not to rush as rushing your work is where I often see mistakes being made. If necessary, create checklists for detailed tasks. That way, you can make sure you've done everything you need to do and that no step is left incomplete.

Embracing good business etiquette can really elevate your professional standing. When you make an effort to stand out—for example, by being the one to turn on your camera in video conferences when others don't—you demonstrate dedication and commitment. By doing a few of these simple things, you open the door to greater respect and increased business opportunities.