A Lesson in Professionalism: Why the Younger Generation Must Learn Business Etiquette
Incident Overview
On February 13, 2025, I received an unsolicited call on my private line from an individual named James Elkerton of Equitable Advisors. He claimed that he had been referred to me by “the folks over at EGYPT Tourism USA”—a statement that was entirely fabricated, as I am EGYPT Tourism USA and would have personally taken any such call. Despite my skepticism, I allowed him the benefit of the doubt and agreed to a 15-minute call scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, at 4:00 PM.
On the morning of our scheduled call, at 8:39 AM, Mr. Elkerton texted me a reminder. Later that morning, at 10:02 AM, an urgent work matter arose that required my full attention. Recognizing the need to reschedule, I promptly texted him, informing him that my day had changed and that we would need to arrange another time.
At 10:06 AM, he replied, offering alternative slots for Thursday at 4:30 PM and Friday at 2:30 PM. I made a mental note of his available times and returned to my priority task.
At 4:00 PM, my phone rang. Fully immersed in my deadline-driven project, I allowed the call to go to voicemail. At 6:30 PM, I listened to his message, in which he still referred to our original 4:00 PM meeting, despite my earlier notice of rescheduling. Frustrated by this disregard for communication, I responded via text, stating:
"I specifically had the courtesy to advise you that my day had changed, and yet I received a call and a message as if our 4:00 PM appointment was still in place. I have no tolerance for miscommunication. Please remove me from your call list immediately."
What followed was an appalling demonstration of unprofessionalism. Within moments, I received a curt and condescending text from Mr. Elkerton:
"My apologies. I was giving you a call to see what time worked best for you later this week because you had not had the courtesy to answer my text message that I had sent at 10:06 AM today."
The Fundamental Flaw in Today’s Business Etiquette
This exchange highlights a growing problem in today’s younger workforce—a fundamental lack of understanding of business etiquette and professional decorum.
Let me make one thing abundantly clear: a prospective client does not owe a salesperson, particularly a cold caller, an immediate response. Respect is earned, not demanded, and professionalism dictates that one must exercise patience and diplomacy, particularly in client-facing roles.
For Mr. Elkerton to suggest that I lacked the “courtesy” to respond to his text in the middle of a workday—a day in which I had explicitly stated I was preoccupied—was not only unprofessional but outright disrespectful. His presumption that he was entitled to my time and attention reflects a severe misunderstanding of hierarchy and client relations.
Lessons for Employers and Employees
Had Mr. Elkerton been an employee of the Vuitton Travel - NYC Group or any of its affiliated tourism entities—MOROCCO Tourism USA, EGYPT Tourism USA, JORDAN Tourism USA, TURKEY Tourism USA, or AFRICA Tourism USA—such behavior would have resulted in immediate termination.
Employers must ensure that their employees are well-versed in the principles of professional communication:
Respect for Clients' Time: If a client informs you that their schedule has changed, acknowledge it graciously and wait for them to initiate rescheduling.
Tone Matters: Clients are not subordinates. Speaking to them in a chastising or condescending manner will not win business; it will lose it.
Professionalism in Follow-Ups: If a client does not immediately respond to a text or email, assume they are busy—because they likely are. A simple, polite follow-up at a later time is sufficient.
Understanding Hierarchy: Clients, particularly those in executive positions, do not owe explanations to junior sales representatives. The onus is on the employee to adapt, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts
Professionalism is not an outdated concept—it is the foundation of successful business relationships. The younger generation entering the workforce must recognize that arrogance, entitlement, and lack of basic business etiquette will not lead to success. Instead, respect, patience, and professional decorum will always be the keys to building lasting relationships in the business world.
For Mr. Elkerton and any others who believe that high-level executives owe them immediate responses and unearned courtesy, consider this report a valuable lesson: know your place, and conduct yourself accordingly.
Kenneth R. Vásquez Laya
CEO Vuitton Travel - NYC
Winner of the prestigious UBUNTU Award for "Excellence in Creative Marketing"