Networking

It is becoming recognised that we need to be more conventional and conservative in our values and that grooming and good social etiquette are the key to being successful.

Networking – In the United States, the British afternoon tea has become a fashionable way to meet and greet people and create relationships either for business or personal reasons. It is also becoming more popular in London. I certainly enjoy meeting prospective clients, clients and friends for a chat for afternoon tea Sofitel in St James, who have a great selection of teas accompanied by Pariesiennes pastries (especially the cup cakes). It is one for my favourite and for a less extravagant tea there is also City Inn Westminster who make some great scones.

It is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to people in a stylish and elegant way and it gives you a great opportunity to give a good image and show your social graces and good manners.

The school summer break is nearly upon us, why not over the summer holidays make the most of the time to remind or teach your children good manners and social skills. They may not appreciate it at the time, but it is one of those things that they will thank you for later in life. The sooner you teach your children, the easier it will be for them as they get older. Good manners do not come by themselves, they need to be taught. Also, not all children find it easy to make new friends yet encouraging them whilst they are young will help them in later life. These skills will give them confidence when dining with strangers and generally mixing with new people. You never know it may refresh and improve your own manners at the same time!

Letter Writing

Letter writing has made a comeback, with thank-you letters and handwritten notes replacing emails and texts. Encourage your children to send postcards to grandparents, relatives or friends. It will encourage them to use their imagination for essays and perhaps be a start to being a future author!

Check out further information and ideas on social-skills-for-children

I had a very interesting chat with Roy Basnetton of CityTalk 105.9 based in Liverpool, on 13 May.  We chatted about several topics including the importance of image, wardrobe personality- how the way you dress gives out information about you and how I think Casual Friday should change to Etiquette Friday.

To hear my thoughts and views, have a listen (note: the file may take a while to load…)

Great fun!  Let me know what you think.

Having good manners and professional etiquette are often ignored and yet are so significant, as they are part of your personal image. Manners have become more relaxed, especially when meeting the Royal family, however there are still many rules that are timeless and expected as part of professional manners. The key thing is to always treat people with consideration and respect, although this should be obvious, it is frequently a casualty in many workplaces.

In a business environment this means understanding the critical factors that can make or break a business meeting; impress a potential client or influence a first impression on your first day in a new job. When attending a meeting you should stand when a senior manager or top executive enters the room. Then wait until they offer their hand and when shaking hands ensure you always have a firm grip (although don’t squeeze). And look directly in the eye when greeting them. If you are the host ensure you offer your hand to your guest and welcome them with a smile.

 Remember: Always be conscious that your mannerisms reflect on your professionalism and that of your company’s business.

Appearance Management includes etiquette and manners as part of their workshops and personal consultations.

As I always say you can tell a lot about a person by the way the look, sound and behave. The way they dress gives out messages their wardrobe personality and who they are. It will be very interesting this week to see how the G20 leaders come across. Already on Andrew Marr’s programme yesterday we had the opportunity of seeing the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Both looked well presented with an air of confidence, although I would say that Kevin Rudd was slightly less formal and relaxed.

If they cannot look good on such on occasion then it is rather worrying as it will be an indication of their professionalism. We should expect all leaders to be impeccably groomed, their clothes fit them well and that their body language is confident, approachable and that they smile on occasions. To network well and have good etiquette and manners at all times.

Let’s hope that our Prime Minister looks, sounds and behaves the part. No doubt the Queen will be her usual professional self when she meets President Obama and the First Lady.

Let me have your comments on what you expect from their personal image

Networking is a very important part of every day life whether for business or social. Networking correctly can help develop your skills of business know-how. It helps grow your confidence and you need to ensure you have good manners. Networking broadens your outlook as you meet different people from different walks of life.

This is a picture of me at the recent Business Scene event held at Mercedes Guildford, Surrey. Over 100 people from the South East attended the event.

Networking is part of Appearance Management workshops

Whether we are meeting people in a social or business environment there are some dos and don’ts that will help us:

Dos

1. Introduce yourself to people
2. Ask open questions e.g. Where did you travel from?
3. Listen and learn
4. Build up a rapport and find out what you have in common
5. Be positive
6. Smile!
7. Help others and they will help you

Don’ts

1. Walk into a room looking for potential clients
2. Do all the talking
3. Only talk about yourself
4. Be negative, moaning about others or the event
5. Show a lack of interest in them – you never know who they may know.
6. Slouch and look miserable
7. Ignore people when they contact you