Your image, your etiquette, communication and your  interpersonal skills play a major role in the amount of money you earn, your circle of influence, the quality of your relations and opportunities that are opened up to you.
More than a third of all business deals, hiring decisions, promotions and romantic social relations are made at the dining table. Never underestimate the value of knowing which fork to use. The lack of dining etiquette skills will make a difference in your advancement into certain social circles and your career advancement.

Your ability to get along with others is just as important as having technical and professional skills, because 85 % of success in business and social relationships is based on your people skills.Having a polished image and being well groomed is vital to your success. A potential client will, within seconds, determine if you are trustworthy and creditable. When you look polished and professional from head to toe, your credibility is unquestioned and trust goes up.

Tips that will give you the advantage

• Be polite; treat all people the same even if you are not enjoying their company.  Never make enemies; you don’t know who knows whom and you never know when you might meet that person in a different location.
• Grace and Charm Insight:  Avoid committing offenses on social sites.  Protect your image and credibility. Technology does not take the place of human contact, no matter how fast and far we advance in technology we are in the “people business.”
• Always use proper etiquette and manners. Using proper manners and appropriate etiquette will enhance your business and your personal relationships.  
• In terms of your appearance, you must give carful attentions to your dress, grooming, and accessories.  People and potential clients will judge your quality of work by your physical appearance.  Does your image reflect your product or service?
• People always enjoy handwritten notes.  Outclass your competition by sending thank you notes.  You can make them special by writing them on customized stationery.
• Teach people about yourself and your product and or service.  However, don’t go into a long speech about you, your company or product.  Tell a story, people can relate to stories.  
• When it comes to introduction, be prepared to answer the question “What do you do?”
• Have you crafted your sixty second commercial, and is it second nature to you?  If not your sixty second commercial you many sound canned!  Practice until it is natural and flows freely.
• Grace and Charm Insight:  Be flexible in your presentation; consider the person’s need and how much time they have. You don’t want to sound like a wind up toy!
• Go beyond networking.  Build your business relationships strategically and systematically.  The acquaintance you make today may become your closet business alliance tomorrow.
• What do you do when you walk into a room full of men and you have business to conduct?  What do you do about sexual advances?
• When you are assertive you gain the respect of others, you get more of what you want and you don’t feel as frustrated or irritated with others as you may already feel.  Situations that once represented roadblocks become mere barriers that can be removed with skill and tact.
• Women in particular need this kind of “sticking up for your self.”  Assertiveness is a valuable skill in a world where people first, don’t listen; second, listen but don’t understand; and third, understand but don’t respond.
• Be a team player. Become the MVP, Most Valuable Player. Make sure you understand the goals of the team.  As a team member complete your tasks on time. Always communicate with other team members if you are unable to complete your assigned task.
• Never complain, criticize, or condemn.   Remember there is no “I” in TEAM.    

©WA2010

Visit http://www.graceandcharm.com for more information on the ultimate Grace and Charm™coaching program, ways to accelerate your business and life.  Walethia Aquil, is the creator of the Grace and Charm Success System™  a proprietary system designed to provide entrepreneurs and business executives with the training in proper business decorum and protocol’s in a step by step system that is specific to getting RESULTS.