"People, like diamonds, have a basic market value, but it is only after they have been polished that they will pay their real worth."

                                                                                                             -William Thourlby

 

 

 

In today's competitive global marketplace, knowing the rules of proper etiquette and social protocol is mandatory .You are the message, and as such, everything you do not only reflects upon you, but also the company you represent. You can learn how to be socially skillful and make a positive and powerful first and lasting impression.

The impression you make influences others to want to do business with you, ask you to join their club or committee, or want to get to know you better. Success in getting, keeping and advancing in a job depends 85 percent on "people skills", or soft skills, and 15 percent on technical knowledge and skills, according to three separate research projects by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and the Stanford Research Institute. 

First impressions are powerful. People form impressions of you quickly and often unconsciously. According to Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick, founder and director of THE ETIQUETTE SCHOOL OF NEW YORK, making a positive first impression requires an awareness of who we are, and what we must do to make others aware of our positive attributes. Although some people seem to "have it all" without seeming to work that hard at it, most of us require coaching. "Good manners and subtle social graces are not inborn", according to Jacqueline Whitmore, author of "Business Class". "Etiquette and manners must be practiced just as you would practice tennis, golf, painting, or playing the piano."

The job market has never been so competitive! The individuals with the best social skills will not only get the jobs for which they interview, but will also be the ones to keep the jobs they have and get promoted!   Don't let your lack of polished social skills keep you from achieving success. Be sure to read "How to Land a Job with Polished Social Skills" by Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick on our "Etiquette Article" Web page.

The following one-to-one workshops will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enhance your personal style, project a powerful presence and be more successful in your business and personal relationships. Each of the workshops may be scheduled on a single basis, or you may choose to study the program in its entirety. Although one-on-one coaching is generally scheduled on a hourly basis, we  also offer half-day and full-day programs. Corporations may also book our workshops for in-house seminars.

 

 I.   FIRST IMPRESSION SKILLS

Appearance and image; attitude and body language; greetings: introducing yourself and others;  how to  remember names; how to make eye contact and shake hands; how your voice speaks volumes about you; and basic everyday civility.

 II.   NETWORKING EVENTS/COCKTAIL PARTIES

How to dress; how to make an entrance; introductions/handshaking; how to mingle; conversation tips;business card protocol; and how to handle cocktail utensils.

 III.   CONVERSATION AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Basic conversation principles; how to initiate and gracefully end conversations; the art of small talk; how to enter group conversations; how to keep a conversation going; and how to improve your listening skills; public speaking and presentation skills; and how to be an effective communicator.

 IV.   BUSINESS MEETINGS/INTERVIEWS

Preparing for the meeting; greetings: handshakes and introductions; global business card protocol; meeting behavior guidelines; running a meeting; protocol for handling cultural differences; strategies for getting the job you want; recaps and follow-ups after meetings.

  V.   BUSINESS LUNCHES

Planning the business lunch; basic dining skills; avoiding the most common dining mistakes; the silent service code; ordering, paying and tipping; timing the business discussion; the follow-up call; and thank-you notes.

 VI     FORMAL DINING TUTORIAL

Formal  dining etiquette; proper place settings; American and Continental styles of dining; dining dos and don'ts; conversation at the table; how to eat various types of foods; wine protocol; host and guest duties; toasting etiquette; afer-dinner coffee and tea etiquette; and protocol for ordering, seating, tipping and paying.

 VII.   TECHNO-ETIQUETTE/WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone etiquette; e-mail dos and dont's; speakerphones and fax machine dos and don'ts; voice mail tips; cell phone and BlackBerry use; social networking dos and don'ts; and thank-you notes and letters.

VIII.   PERSONAL AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

How to build rapport for successful relationships; defining your goals for success; leadership skills; understanding and getting along with the 4 personality types; organizational skills; "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," and self-confidence building tips.

 

NEW! For the newly-hired trainee, recent college graduate,  job seeker, or company employee who needs to refine his social skills, the following fast-paced, intensive two-hour workshops are now being offered.  

 

I.   BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 101              

This baisc two-hour business etiquette workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in business.  Topics include: how to make a good first impression; your business wardrobe; protocol for business introductions and shaking hands; business card etiquette; building rapport for successful business realtionships; business meeting protocol--attending and conducting professional business meetings;  how to be an effective communicator; techno-etiquette--telephone, cell phones, speaker phones, voice mail and fax machines; and general office etiquette.

 

II.   HOW TO LAND A JOB WITH POLISHED SOCIAL SKILLS

This two-hour workshop will give you the social skills and confidence you need to land a job in today's competitive marketplace.  We will address your attitude, appearance and image; critique your assets and qualifications; assess your goals; develop your personal brand statement; update your resume; prepare for telephone and in-person interviews; review the protocol for office and luncheon interviews; how to write follow-up thank you notes; and how to project a polished image at networking events.

 

III.   BUSINESS ENTERTAINING AND DINING SKILLS

Successful business people know that connecting with clients and colleagues over meals is essential to advancing careers and building relationships. Become the perfect host or guest at a power breakfast, business lunch, or deal-closing dinner. This comprehensive two-hour workshop at a restaurant will give you the dining and social skills you need to come across as a polished professional.