1. Why is etiquette and image so important in today's business world?

Image is more prevalent today then it ever was because we have all become image analyst! Whether we like it or not, we judge people on our first impression and they judge us. It is often done unconsciously; a favourable impression can be created by what we wear and how we act. Perhaps a missed handshake will cause you to feel uncomfortable for the rest of a meeting and your counterpart might feel you are not as confident as they expected you to be.

It is important to get to the business at hand and not worry about details such as being dressed appropriately or knowing when to start talking business during a luncheon or dinner. Our manners and dress speak volumes about us. After interviewing several of our clients across the country, we have found that everyone agreed on one thing: people who dress better and have poise project credibility, people believe them more and yes, they attract clients!

2. What are the biggest errors business people make when it comes to etiquette and image?

The biggest error is to think that image and etiquette are not important skills in business and believe that having a degree will suffice to get them moving up the ladder. Image is not how we see ourselves but how others perceive us. What is your image? Whether you like it or not, we all have one, whether it is a good one or a bad one.

A few common errors in:
Dress & Decorum for women: Wearing sandals with a suit.
Dress & Decorum for men: Wearing a button-down collar shirt with a suit.
North American Business Etiquette: Not knowing what to do when you forget a name.
International Business Etiquette: To disregard the importance of building a relationship before doing business as is required and expected in several countries.
Executive Dining Etiquette: Eating your neighbour's bread and drinking your neighbour's wine.

3. How has the globalization of business affected the importance of business etiquette and image?

Advanced technology is shrinking our world. It is now easier for business people to meet and conduct business abroad. More contacts are made and this increases our chances of making cultural faux-pas. When cultures collide, opportunities for deals to fail are quite common. We are like fish out of water when we cross to another culture. We have different values, different customs, and sometimes bridging the cultural gap is very difficult. Attention to details such as how we act and present ourselves become more important since often times the language differs and visuals are used more than ever to decode messages.

Since 9/11 we are even more sensitive to just how close we are. I will, as many others, never forget this tragic day. That morning, I was presenting a seminar on International Business Etiquette to a group who dealt daily, either by phone or face-to-face meeting, with business partners from around the world. When we were alerted to what had just happened, everyone was in shock, everyone went back to their office and tried to communicate with their international partners, clients and colleagues. The closeness of our different worlds became that much more evident. We owe to each other to be respectful of our human culture, and no one could argue that paying attention to the way we interact through our manners and dress can only help to enhance our realationships.

4. What are some examples of cross-cultural differences that can affect business relationships?

We might share some values but prioritize them differently. For example, Germans may not appreciate humour at the beginning of a meeting while we feel it helps "brake the ice".

Mexicans will insist on developing a closer and more familiar relationship before signing a contract while we just want to get to the business at hand and deal with the issues, come to an understanding and sign the deal.

North Americans will promote someone based on their performance while other cultures will promote based on seniority.

When a contract is signed, the deal is made and is not subject to changes. Your Russians counterpart may feel differently, as time evolves, it may seem natural for them to "adapt" the contract to reflect a more recent situation.

5. Is business etiquette and image as important for men as for women in business?

Equally as important, there is no gender in business!

6. Business people seem to be spending less time in face-to-face meetings and more time using the phone and email. Does this trend make etiquette and image more or less important?

Telephone etiquette is a big part of business etiquette and we always ask our participants "how phonogenic are you"?

7. How can you tell whether you need to improve your manners or image?

Observe those around your work environment, your level of confidence working a room, introducing yourself and others, making small talk, dressing for different occasions. Do you feel something is not working, not sure if it is the hair or makeup or clothes?

Do you notice you can never find what you are looking for, it does not seem to exist and when you finally find it, it does not look the way you thought it would?

You have tried several different styles of clothing, hairstyle and yet, nothing seem to bring out your best assets?

How comfortable are you taking clients out to lunch or dinner? Do you always know what fork to use and which glass is yours?

You might feel your skills in manners and dress are quite adequate but there is nothing like getting confirmation that what you do is right and we can always pick up a few tips to help us outclass the competition.

8. I made an appointment for a Figure & Style Analysis, do I have to bring anything and how long will it take?

Figure & Style Analysis is a personal consultation of about three hours and the only thing we ask you to bring is a body suit or bathing suit. We will be measuring the length of your neck, placement of your wait, hips and knees. If you have any clothes in your closet you are uncertain about and would like to discuss with me, please bring it along!

9. I made an appointment for a Colour Analysis, do I have to bring anything and how long will it take?

Colour analysis is a personal consultation of about one hour 15 minutes. Please bring your glasses so we can check the colour of your frame(s) and your makeup. We will suggest colours for clothing, hair, glasses and makeup.

10. Can I come to my appointment with a friend?

Certainly!

11. Are your personal image enhancement services delivered at your office location, or can they be offered at-home?

Our personal image enhancement services are usually delivered at our office unless special arrangements are made.

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