POLISHING THE APPLE 
Tailored Topics for Today's Business Executives 

The Power of Common Courtesy . . .
Business Etiquette and Dining Skills that Work!

A magnetic and powerful topic. Learn how to do business like a leader, with confidence and style. We all know when a leader walks into a room. He or she moves comfortably about, introducing people, conversing "effortlessly" with people from all walks of life. Successful leaders spend more time thinking about what subject to discuss, rather than worrying about how to conduct introductions, how to present a business card, or what to do should an incident occur. Where do they learn these things?

Knowing how to present yourself with confidence and authority will set you apart, no matter what your profession or how large your business. Small business people find themselves in business "social" situations that require the same etiquette skills as events typical of "corporate America." Give yourself this professional edge, and watch your business success grow. You will never regret it! 

World Class Manners . . . International Business Etiquette 

Put it all together before meeting internationals. From the meeting room to the dining room, get it right! In a global economy, we must give way to a new international awareness. Every culture has its own time-honored protocols, and savvy Americans will learn them while they are still on familiar soil. It is no longer enough just to know the products you are marketing - it is your behavior at the outset of your relationship with someone from another culture that will either hinder or help foster dignity and respect. We must be willing to spend the time - internationals do. Topics include:
Understanding your client's culture -- the first step
Researching and planning a strategy
Forms of address (using a person's title or honorific correctly)
Leaving the "ugly American" home: gifts, gestures, timing, etc.
Business introductions and "working a room"
Eye contact, handshaking and communication styles
What works in clothes and accessories? What is the occasion?
Dining like a diplomat
Tipping

DINING WITH CLIENTS . . . 
How to Succeed in Business at Meals

In the United States, business is often conducted over meals. Juggling food, beverages and business can be a challenge, especially if you are the host. After all, everyone is watching YOU to see what to do! This topic is presented most effectively over a meal, preferably dinner. Invest in this time to dine, and never worry about munching on someone else's roll again! Topics include:

Extending and accepting invitations
Dressing for the occasion
Guest and host/hostess duties -- in restaurants/hotels and at home
Gift-giving -- the appropriate gift
A visual briefing on silverware and glasses
Place settings -- where am I?
Proceeding through the meal, one course at a time
Taking your seat, posture and leaving the table
Appropriate conversation over a meal
Toasting
Appropriate thank-you

NETWORKING THAT MEANS BUSINESS . . . 
Schmooze or Lose! 

Business is based on relationships. Are you tongue-tied at receptions and events? Do you tremble at the thought of introducing people? Find yourself "stuck" in conversations and unable to mingle freely? Do you have a plan of attack with that stack of business cards in your pocket? Turn your network into networth . . . and approach your next event with style, grace and success!

How to be a PLAYER . . . Ah--Hah! 

A hint: It begins with "P" -- for passion. Do you love what you do? Do you want to be recognized? PLAYERS in industry know how to maximize their efforts, both internally and externally. Why do the same people always seem to stand out? They know the secret of personal marketing, "selling" themselves. Find out how they do it at this "Ah--Hah!" session! Come prepared to catch the enthusiasm!

HIGH TECH ETIQUETTE: 
Cutting edge tips for today's professionals 

In today's "high-tech" world, the personal touch is often overlooked. Make sure you are properly prepared to do business in cyberspace as well as over the telephone. Topics include: remembering the individual, old-fashioned good manners and grammar in cyberspace, doing your technology homework -- preparing for on-screen life, responsible communications, respecting other people's privacy, forgiving mistakes, cell phone/voice mail/telephone talk, and other tips to maintain your professional image.

Executive Communications: Presentation Skills

Successful business leaders understand the importance of communications skills. Whether making a presentation to your staff or stating your case to upper management, the audience is listening, watching, and waiting for you to make your point. This results-oriented session will boost your confidence in making presentations, no matter what the situation.

Welcome to the World of Business: 
Basic Business Behavior

Remember your first day on the job? Hopefully you were lucky and had the benefit of a mentor or associate to show you the ropes. This seminar is perfect for "polishing" new employees and sending them on their way to a successful experience with your company. You have expectations, and so do they. Why not put everyone at ease by discussing the basics -- your corporate culture do's and don'ts, business dress and "dress down" days, communications (speech/phone/e-mail), business meeting protocol, compliments and criticism; personal props and accessories, hazardous personal habits (smoking, gum, perfume, cologne), the basics that seasoned business people take for granted.

How Start An Event Planning Business

Meetings, conventions and fundraising events are a multi-billion dollar business, and those professionals who pull these events together are "meeting professionals" who are very well compensated for doing just that. You can work at home and be in demand for your creativity and knack for details. Learn how to establish credibility, attract customers, plan and promote events as well as contract with suppliers. This class is a must, before you "jump in" to the wonderful world of event management.
This class is also offered at Highline Community College Continuing Education in South Seattle; call (206)870-3785 www.flightline.highline.ctc.edu/cel
and also at Discover U in North Seattle; call (206) 365-0400 www.discoveru.org

Events That Make Memories: 
Professional Meeting Planning

It happens to everyone. All of a sudden YOU are in charge of pulling together a business meeting, conference, reunion, engagement party, or board retreat. Where do you begin? How can you put on a memorable event within a reasonable budget? Invitation lists, menus, entertainment, logistics -- this session will put you well on the way to creating memorable miracles for occasions to come. Even Martha Stewart has a game plan! Topics include: defining the event objective, budgeting, creating an exciting theme, invitations, vendor negotiations, site selection, host/hostess duties, motivating volunteers, and post-event duties, and more!

FULL HOUSE: 
Selling Rooms & Space with Style & Grace
(For hospitality sales and catering representatives)

Relationship building is critical in hospitality sales, and often people new to the industry are not prepared to set the stage for success. The "power of common courtesy" is just the beginning. This popular behind-the scenes look at what corporate hotel buyers and meeting planners are looking for will help you understand travel consolidation and what it takes to get your foot in the door and increase your sales numbers TODAY - all with style and grace. This seminar is offered once a year to the public, in Seattle. Check the calendar for the next class. OR, "Full House" will come to you! Topics include: 
Getting your foot in the door
Building client relationships
Entertaining in and outside the hotel 
Conducting customer tours
Marketing and creating effective sales materials
Presenting yourself
With confidence and authority
Handshaking and introductions 
Dining skills (for the host and guest), and 
Understanding corporate travel consolidation. 
*Note: Comprehensive hospitality sales consulting and training is also available.

SERVER SCHOOL: 
Professional Training for Banquet and Restaurant Servers

Pacific Rim Protocol is proud to present this first-class training program for wait staff. Finally! A one-day seminar for services. Interested in sending one person at a time? Check the calendar for an upcoming class near you. OR -- why not host your own Server School? New servers will learn the basics, and experienced staff will brush-up on the art of professional food service. Attendees will walk away with a new outlook on this traditional profession. Good service begins at home with perfect grooming and a positive attitude. Add impeccable service skills, the ability to interact and make suggestions, and the leadership qualities required for problem solving . . .this is just the beginning! Sleep better tonight with the confidence that everyone on your service team is performing in sync with your vision of excellence.

Class 12 & 13 Liquor Handling Permit Training

Stephanie Horton is licensed to present this required training. For individual classes open to the public, check the calendar. Or, bring Stephanie to your site to conveniently update your servers.

CHARM FARM . . . A Charm School for Executives!

Are you confident in your business and social skills? Are you required to interact with both internal external customers at meetings, events, receptions and dinners? Are you comfortable introducing your CEO to your spouse, newest big account, or wife of the mayor? Most people are confident in a few of their etiquette skills, but fret over introductions, meeting internationals, or facing that formal dinner table -- eeek! Wouldn't it be nice to walk into the room feeling confident that what you do will be correct? Especially since everyone will be watching you? And, of course, your staff is out there representing your company right now! This is the most significant training you will ever give yourself or your people. Without it, you stand to lose business because of etiquette and protocol blunders that will never come to your attention. Your future business partners will wonder what other things you have overlooked if you have neglected the simple niceties of business etiquette. CHARM FARM is offered every October in Seattle. Visit our calendar for the date. Cheers!

CUSTOMER SERVICE RULES! The Royal Treatment

Your customers have expectations from the minute they walk in the door, whether you are a hotel, retail outlet, corporation or restaurant. It is all about THEM. They want and need the attention of your staff. Front office staff needs special skills to meet and greet --- after all, there is only one chance to make a good first impression. Who is representing your company right now? This session focuses on the skills it takes to welcome and deal with customer needs, concerns and complaints. Consider it a "boot camp" of sorts, necessary training for ANYONE talking to or meeting a guest or customer in person. Perfect for hospitality front desk, bell staff and pbx; bank tellers, loan officers and receptionists. If your front office staff would refer to President and Mrs. Bush as "you guys," this training is for you!

WHEN THE APPLE FALLS FROM THE TREE . . . 
Preparing the next generation
("Good Morning, Mrs. Cleaver!" Etiquette for our youth)

Now is the time to prepare your children for the world. Do you remember your first date? How about your first formal dinner in a restaurant? Give your children this important gift of grace. We teach them how to read, how to play sports, and how to be proficient at the computer. Let's give them the social skills they need to make a good impression at home, at school, and in life! Basic etiquette training includes: dining, introductions, handshaking, how to speak to people, eye contact -- how to be kind, gracious and welcomed as a guest! Youth programs are tailored to meet the needs of individual schools or organizations. Dining skills training is recommended over a meal. Call today for more information.

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