Global Protocol, Etiquette & Civility 

Colleen Rickenbacher leads audiences, large and small, through her exciting and action-oriented presentations. Personalized for every need or request, Colleen delivers custom-made speeches designed for any audience, no matter the size or the age.

 

Communication: Business Etiquette

How embarrassing it is when your phone rings in a restaurant, theater or church. Communication technology is becoming more advanced, portable and commonplace; and issues about using it are escalating. Learn proper etiquette for email, cell phones and all electrical devices. (This means no texting under the table at the next board meeting!)

 

Customer and Client Service: The Secrets of Taking Care of Business

As we move at a faster pace, we often forget the basics of taking care of clients. Learn how to provide good service from start to finish. Discover little acts of kindness that will make you memorable to your customers, achieve differentiation, and build your business. Great service is the key to retaining your clients and taking you steps above your competition.

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Presentation Skills

Do you know your audience, how do you look when you speak to an individual or a room full of people, and are you getting your point across in a concise and exact message? Learn tips on how it works, and what doesn’t, to improve your presentation skills. It doesn’t matter if you are speaking to one or 1001. What does matter is your preparation, delivery, style and presentation to your audience.

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Business Dress or Business Casual

You don't have to look like a model to be professionally dressed and make a good impression. Learn to coordinate your apparel and be prepared for whatever setting or encounter – the office, a reception, or a night on the town. Get sensible tips to fit your style, shape, age and budget. Does your office need a written dress code or just some helpful suggestions? Colleen can suggest or review your existing dress code policy and assist with updating and implementation of a proper office decorum.

 

How to Make the Best Connection

When you enter a reception or event, do you automatically seek out someone you know, head up to the bar or attack the buffet? Most people find comfort in one of these locations or just talking to a friend or co-worker throughout the entire event. This is great for friendship and a good time, but it doesn't do much for building your business. Learn how to mix with the right people, keep a conversation going without doing all the talking, make 'small talk' and use the business card to your advantage. Make your next event a profitable one.

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Packing for That Trip

Did you forget something, pack the wrong clothes, bring too many suitcases or arrived totally wrinkled. Provided that your luggage even made it with you, plan and prepare for recreational travel as well as business.

 

International Protocol

Colleen’s Be On Your Best Cultural Behavior covers 33 countries and the do’s and don’ts dealing, traveling and handling yourself globally. Each chapter provides tips on location, geography, communication, transportation within the country, punctuality, meeting manners, business card exchange, entertaining, forms of address, greetings and introductions, tipping guidelines, appearance/attire for each country, gift giving, their holidays and festivals, ten language tips, gesture awareness and faux pas you don’t want to commit. Each chapter is presented in an easy format to be used as a checklist for the next business trip or just helpful guidelines for an exciting personal get-away. 

 

The Virtual Office: Working from Home

Learn how to succeed in today’s non-traditional workplace from someone who has done it herself for over 25 years. Discover whether you have the discipline and personality it takes to work from a home office. Learn the costs and the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting or running a business from a home setting.

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Dining Etiquette: Steps to Confidence

Which fork do I use? Is that your bread plate or mine? What if I just took their napkin by mistake? Learn the basics and be comfortable in the most formal dining settings or when entertaining a client/customer over a meal. Table etiquette and hosting skills should be second nature to anyone who entertains clients. More and more interviews are being conducted over a meal to help in selecting the well-rounded candidate to fill positions in companies. Can you handle this test?

 

RSVP

Do you respond to an invitation to an event? You should. Whether you plan to attend or not, a response is required for invitations. No matter the size or formality of the event, a response is required within the designated time frame. This includes an invitation to a child’s birthday party, a wedding or an office event. But remember to pay attention to the invitation. The names that appear on the invitation are the only ones invited.

 

Business Card Exchange

Proper protocol for exchanging business cards will keep yours from ending up in the trash. Generally the handshake and business card exchange will be your first impression with a client or a new acquaintance so make it your best. Always have your business cards with you. Never leave home without them. Learn the tips that will separate you from your competition by knowing the proper way to exchange them instead of throwing them across the table to a new client.

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Children’s Etiquette

Your family is invited to a dinner at an upscale resturant. Is this a dinner you look forward to or one you dread because your children's table manners are not very good?

Colleen is the Etiquette Consultant with the Rosewood Mansion Dallas. Her classes are conducted throughout the year for ages 5-12 and 13-18. To learn more about these classes and the schedule contact the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek Dallas. You can also visit the Web site at www.rosewoodhotels.com 214.559.2100 or themansion@rosewoodhotels.com under Rose Buds for children or contact Terry Shields. Special classes may also be scheduled independently for children, high school or college age students. These classes will vary in programs and skills depending on the age and requests of participants. Possible topics include dining etiquette, job interviews, dress and appearance, and communication skills with cell phones, text messaging and all electrical devices. Other childrens programs are available.

 

     More topics are available and all programs are custom designed to fit your group, your needs and your etiquette or protocol requests.

• Tipping Guidelines

• Leadership

• Customer Service

• How to Create a Wow Event

• Starting Your Own Company

• Travel Safety