For Organizations

Retain top talent!

After the dust has settled from cutbacks and belt tightening, some executives are scratching their heads and asking themselves, "What went wrong?" Far too many companies find their best employees are gone, leaving voluntarily to work for the competition. Employers are perplexed by today's workers. They paid them competitive salaries and sometimes even a bonus, and yet the "cream of the crop" is gone, leaving a growing number of organizations with employees who come to work when they feel like it, some who can barely read, and others who simply don't care. It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep good employees. So how can you retain your best employees when you are unable to offer them higher salaries or big-ticket perks?

The answer is not simple, but organizations that retain top talent pay attention to what employees want and develop appropriate strategies that align business goals with individual employees’ career goals and needs.

We offer a variety of professional development workshops and seminars to enhance an organization’s career development program.

Seminars and Workshops

These seminars and workshops use interactive activities including customized skills practices, case studies, group discussion, assessment tools, and lecturette. The activities are designed to ensure both individual and group participation.

Beating Business Blunders

Description:

As business has become more socially oriented, companies look increasingly to those men and women who possess class and style to represent their organizations publicly. Unfortunately, many people, especially those new to the business world, lack the poise, confidence, and skills necessary to succeed in business-related social situations. This program is designed to provide you with the skills and techniques to move surely and successfully through any social-business situation.


Learning Outcomes:

As you learn the art of increasing your personal power, you will ...

• Sharpen your interpersonal skills that put you in control of business-related social situations

• Improve your personal and corporate image

• Develop poise and confidence for business socializing

• Set personal goals for enhancing your professional presence

Topical Outline:

I.   Enhancing Your Professional Image

A. Professional presence and proper attire

B. Networking tips and techniques


II.  Developing Social Savvy

A. Introductions

B. Handshaking

C. Tipping

D. Conversation do’s and taboos

E. Conferences and meetings

F. Business dinners, luncheons, and other social situations


III. Business Communication

A. Electronic communication (email etiquette, voice mail, teleconferences, videoconferences)

B. Written communication

C. Presentation pointers

Personal Goal Setting

Description:

The purpose of this session is to help you apply the strategic planning process to both your professional and personal life.

Learning Outcomes:

On your road to self-discovery, you will ...

• Take a strategic look at your own future and assess priorities for personal action

• Set professional and personal long-term objectives to position yourself for the future

• Identify specific actions to move you in the direction you want to follow

Topical Outline:

I.   Defining Personal and Professional Success

A. Seven areas of your life

B. Balancing personal and professional lives

C. Relationship between self-image and success


II.  Self-assessment

A. Identifying your personal values

B. Goal-setting inventory


III. Setting Goals and Objectives

A. Difference between goal and objective

B. Characteristics of objectives

C. Goal-setting action plan

D. Setting priorities

E. Monitoring progress and measuring results

Business Dining Etiquette

Description:

In today's competitive environment, a polished professional employee is the most cost-effective way for a business to generate positive public relations. Image does make a difference. In fact, many MBA programs are including business etiquette courses as part of the core curriculum. This program is designed to provide participants with the skills and techniques to move surely and successfully through any social-business situation, including business lunches and dinners as well as networking events.


Length and Format:

This three-hour program is presented in a highly interactive, lively, and fun format. We partner with the organization’s planners/decision-makers and the restaurant staff to plan the recommended four-course meal (soup, salad, main course, dessert). Dessert can be optional. We do have a suggested menu that will fit nicely within the organization’s budget.


Learning Outcomes:

Participants will learn how to ...

• Sharpen interpersonal skills that put them in control of business and social situations

• Use proper etiquette in any business-related dining situation

• Develop poise and confidence for business socializing

Topical Outline:

Presentation Prior to Dinner
I.   Introduction to Business Etiquette

A. Importance of business etiquette

B. Business etiquette versus social etiquette

C. Underlying principles


II.  Developing Social Savvy

A. Preparing for a networking event

B. Business card savvy

C. Networking checklist

D. Introductions

E. Handshakes

F. Tipping tips


III. The Art of the Business Meal

A. Planning the business lunch or dinner

B. Roles and responsibilities of hosts and guests

C. Business dining seating positions

D. Guidelines for ordering

E. Talking “business” during the meal

F. Dollars and sense – paying the bill

Presentation During Dinner
IV. Dining Etiquette

A. Table settings – maneuvering through utensils, china, and glassware

B. Continental versus American style

C. Dining Do’s and Don’ts

D. Handling the courses

E. Eating “tricky” foods

F. Handling the wine

G. Using napkins properly

H. Communicating with the server


International Etiquette and Protocol

As organizations become more global, employees at all levels find themselves interacting with associates in other countries. Cultural awareness and appropriate behavior can make a big difference in the success or failure of a business deal or interaction. For those doing business abroad, knowledge of international etiquette and protocol is critical. We offer programs tailored to specific countries or regions. The topics we address include the following:


• Cultural awareness

• Greetings and handshakes

• Business cards

• Verbal and nonverbal communication

• The business meal

• Tipping

• Gift-giving



Please contact us at 215.368.9465 to discuss your specific program needs.