Services

Seminars

Arden offers trainings to corporations, organizations, professional associations, schools and universities. Her seminars cover the essential skills you require to succeed and can be tailored to address the individual needs and objectives of her clients. The following are her most popular topics which can also be delivered via webinar.  Additionally, Arden offers customized trainings on international protocol, individual consulting and children’s etiquette classes.

First and Lasting Impressions

Business is made or lost on first and on-going impressions. Employees who present themselves with polish, confidence and courtesy will seal more client deals and build productive relationships with coworkers and superiors. The skills your employees learn in this training will give your company the competitive edge.

Part 1- Etiquette Essentials

In this program, employees learn business etiquette fundamentals to make positive first and lasting impressions. From handshakes, introductions and business card protocol, to nonverbal communications, effective communication and professional attire, participants will learn the essential skills they need to succeed in business and professionally represent the corporate brand.

Part 2 – Workplace Etiquette

The second part completes the training by teaching the skills your employees need as they interact with internal customers and represent the company at outside events.  We’ll cover handling yourself and promoting the company at a networking or tradeshow event, working effectively with coworkers, digital diplomacy and meeting manners.

Networking with Ease

Networking is more important than ever in this challenging economic time. Done right it will lead to lasting relationships with contacts and friends. Master the art through learning key techniques to help your comfort, confidence and conversation skills. Topics include:

  • Making an entrance
  • The perfect handshake
  • Remembering names
  • Introducing yourself and others with ease
  • Successful small talk
  • Social media networking
  • Food finesse
  • Gracefully ending a conversation
  • Networking follow-up

More than Forks and Knives:
The Successful Business Meal

A lot of business is conducted over a meal; deals are signed, partnerships are formed and job offers are made. Companies know an employee’s dining gaff or lack of confidence could cost them deals or alienate VIPs.

Our essential dining etiquette seminar will teach employees the critical skills they need both as a host and a guest at a business meal. Participants will be more relaxed and confident, leading to greater success with the business at hand. For the seminar to be most effective, an onsite luncheon or dinner is encouraged.

Topics include:

  • Host and guest protocol
  • Navigating the place setting
  • Reception etiquette
  • The importance of the seating arrangement
  • Silverware savvy
  • Toasting
  • Wine etiquette
  • The silent server code
  • Essential table manners
  • American and Continental styles of eating
  • Appropriate tipping

Tradeshow Sales and Rapport Building

Tradeshows and conventions can be a great way to increase brand awareness, get customer leads and new customers. Too often though, inexperienced or untrained employees staff the booth and lose opportunities to your competitors.

The tradeshow etiquette seminar teaches essential skills that will help your staff stand out and turn casual by-passers into interested contacts and new customers. Topics include:

  • Non-verbal communication that is welcoming and open
  • Conversation openers and successful small talk
  • Working the room at a convention mixer
  • Introducing yourself and others
  • Remembering and using names
  • Business card protocol
  • Gracefully ending a conversation

Communication Styles: Enhancing productivity through better communication

Good communication is essential to a workplace where people are motivated, courteous and happy. However, perceptions and misunderstandings in communication can often derail a workgroup’s enthusiasm and productivity. By understanding the needs and expectations of other communications styles employees can begin to accept and appreciate one another, thereby increasing output, teamwork and enhanced customer service.

Topics covered include:

  • Perception principles
  • The four communication styles and their strengths and weaknesses
  • How each communication style impacts the other styles
  • How to adjust your communication style to work more effectively with other styles
  • Fight or flight stress behaviors
  • How to determine another’s communication style

Polished Public Speaking

Professionals are often asked to give presentations to internal and external audiences. Having strong speaking skills is crucial to climbing the corporate ladder where you are often required to give speeches to various groups of people. Make sure you have the skills and confidence you need to succeed. Topics include:

  • Getting your butterflies to fly in formation
  • Impactful speaker introductions
  • Organizing your speech
  • Speaking with confidence
  • Using visual aids effectively
  • Lectern protocol

Social Media Etiquette – Avoid Being Defriended, Unfollowed or Otherwise Ostracized on Social Media Sites

More and more companies and individuals are using social media to promote their business and increase contacts. However, a misstep in the social mediasphere could cost you customers, a job and even your reputation. This seminar will teach the rules of engagement for social media sites and blogging.

We’ll cover:

  • What you should and shouldn’t have on your profile
  • Why it’s important to be clear on your goals and intent for each site
  • Using the social media site(s) that best meets your needs
  • Who to connect with and who not to
  • Dos and don’ts for effective engagement

International Protocol

In this increasing complex global marketplace, executives must be aware of the many cultural differences and styles in other countries. International protocol skills are essential for success both here and abroad. We can research and customize trainings on international protocol for any country or region.

Individual Consulting

Arden works with established business leaders as well as individuals beginning their professional career with any aspect of etiquette and protocol including executive presence. Examples of those who have benefited from consulting include; a college student facing an important interview, a newly promoted executive who needed to learn the art of business entertaining, a sales person wanting to increase their networking skills, and a manager tasked with giving an important presentation. Coaching can take place in-person, over the phone or via Skype.

Children’s Etiquette Classes

It’s vital children learn proper manners so that they have success socially and in the professional world. A children’s program can be customized to meet the needs of schools, clubs and parent groups for groups of eight or more. Typical topics include:

First Impressions

  • Good Posture
  • Handshakes
  • Introducing yourself and others
  • Conversation
  • Telephone manners
  • Grooming

Manners Outside of The Home

  • Courtesy in Public Places
  • Sportsmanship
  • Friendships

Parties and Thank You Notes

  • Invitations and replies
  • Host and guest responsibilities
  • Gift giving and receiving
  • Thank you notes

Table Manners

  • How to Properly Set a Table
  • Use of Each Utensil
  • How to Eat Certain Foods
  • Table Manners