Sessions Offered

It has become a reality that the socialization and basic dining etiquette skills adolescents have historically gained during meals have all but disappeared from the American family.  That reality coupled with the increasingly complex digital age of communication has left most young people techno-savvy and socially anxious.  Corporations are increasingly and sometimes, painfully aware that new hires are lacking: basic social skills at business functions; an understanding of expected attire and grooming behaviors and expected behaviors in an office environment. 

We offer a series of highly interactive professional development sessions to address the gap.  Our clients are mostly, but by no means exclusively, new hires and interns.  Over the course of two hours, we work to develop socialization skills through team building exercises.  All courses are taught as described.  For the vast majority of our corporate clients, the sessions are customized to meet their specific needs, and range from two to six hours in length.

All participants gain valuable insights into expected behaviors and the learn skills to insure that they are comfortable performing to at least a minimum level of expectation.

Generational Diversity
From the boomers to the millennials, for the first time ever, we have four distinct generations in the workforce. The differences between them can create some interesting dynamics as well as some serious challenges. Using case studies, participants in this program will learn:

• What shaped each generation and what each values
• General expectations of each generation at work
• Effective methods for interaction and communication across generational lines

Can a Meal Break a Deal?
Well, maybe not the meal, but mealtime behavior certainly can. A business meal is about so much more than food. As we practice dining on a four-course meal, participants will learn:

• Why the "devil is in the details"
• How to prepare themselves mentally and physically for an event
• What it means to be a gracious host as well as an attendee
• To recognize the nuances of unspoken conversation

The Art of Networking at Social Functions
Even many seasoned professionals are uncomfortable walking into a room full of people for a networking event or networking period prior to a meal or meeting. Ever notice how many just quickly grab a seat at a table and waste this valuable time? During our highly interactive, dynamic session - which includes a simulated cocktail party - participants will gain:

• Appropriate body language tips
• Skills for recalling names and beginning conversations
• Ways to discover two "Points of Contact"
• Polite and simple suggestions for leaving a conversation
• An increased level of confidence when attending networking functions

Business Attire and Grooming - Building a Business Wardrobe
Learn how to get the most for your wardrobe dollars, whether you're starting out in the professional world, continuing your career path, or seeking to enhance your professional presence. Specific examples will help participants learn:

• Greater awareness of their non-verbal cues
• To identify their greatest physical features
• Which silhouettes best suit individual body types
• How to select a "base" color or two.
• The importance of a "quality not quantity" mindset
• Which pieces in their wardrobe are keepers, which may not be appropriate for work, and which just need a little development

The Art of Selling
Selling really is an art, and it has much more to do with listening than with talking. Attendees will explore a proven 7-step selling process used by many Fortune 500 companies that includes how to effectively assess client needs by asking good questions and truly listening to the answers. They will gain:

• Tips for how to refrain from telling their whole story too soon by responding only to the client's needs
• A deeper understanding of effective methods for tying together client needs, features and benefits
• Confidence to ask for the sale and, just as importantly, for referrals

Office Etiquette
The bottom line is that employees need to work together in a business environment. The more tools we can give them to do this professionally, the better the entire department or company will function. Participants will gain:

• An understanding of expected attire in your specific workplace
• Cubicle and office etiquette
• Phone, voicemail and email protocol
• How effective communication crosses hierarchical and generational lines

Trademark Yourself!
From your clothing choices to why the person in the workspace next to you was promoted and you weren't, your personal trademark affects much more than you know. And, importantly, you are more in control of these things than you may think. This program is particular suited to customization and can be adapted for specific client or audience needs. Through role play, discussion of case studies and some in-session work, participants will:

• Identify their personal competitive advantages
• Begin creating their own trademark
• Learn how to effectively communicate their brand

Brand Communication
You've communicated your brand to your staff 100 different ways -- strategic plans, mission and vision statements, the intranet, memos, announcements and President's messages. So you probably think that the message you want heard is the one being heard. But is it? And if it is, is it also the message that your employees are broadcasting to current clients or, equally importantly, potential clients? What are your ambassadors saying? During this session, employees at all levels will gain:

• An understanding of the role they play within their departments and as messengers for the company
• Insight into the effect of their message
• Skills to effectively, consistently communicate the brand on a daily basis

Customer Service Super Stars
Everything that your customers/guests/clients think relates to you and your organization does relate to you and your organization. This is certainly true in that customer/guest/client's mind, and that's what matters. "Perception is reality" may be an old cliché, but it's also true. This program is ideal to help identify which of your staff is best suited to customer service work. Your employees will learn:

• How to identifying opportunities to disappoint and turn them into opportunities to delight
• An awareness of body language
• The hidden meaning behind certain questions
• Effective listening and response skills and how frequently they can make or break a customer's experience

Women @ Work
In this session, we will role play, explore case studies and examine the differences in gender-based communication. Men and women participants will gain:

• Insight into the realities of gender in the workplace
• A greater understanding of how to best navigate a diverse professional environment

For sessions that include food and beverage, restaurant charges, including food & beverage, any applicable room rental charges, along with gratuity and tax will be billed separately.  Applicable audio-visual and/or other equipment charges will also be billed separately.  Some restrictions apply.