As of now, my journey as an etiquette expert spans over a twenty-year period. And boy has it been a journey.
Manners To Go has taken me places that I would have never expected to go.
Manners To Go started out as an activity kit. I recognized a gap in the children’s market and decided to fill it with a kit for parents so they could teach their children manners while at home or – on the go!
My journey to become an etiquette expert started much earlier. I remember the exact moment when the inspiration came to me to one day teach manners to children.
I was working at L&S Children’s Store in Charlotte, NC as a high school student. I remember the loveliest mother talking about her manners and charm school for little girls. She had about four daughters and they would stop in often for their jeans and sweaters. I was immediately enamored by the mother’s entrepreneurial spirit.
My foray into the world of etiquette did not happen until much later.
I spent more than fifteen or so years in the corporate world. My first job out of college was with Speedo, then Levis Strauss & Company and much later with Club Corp.
During my corporate career, I noticed how my communication skills evolved. I must tell you this was one of my strengths. I did make my fair share of mistakes along the way and I turned them into successes.
One day I was at an event in a park in Dallas and a woman who was a casual acquaintance and a business coach asked me a poignant question – “what would I do if I did not work for a large corporation?” Needless to say, this caused a moment of pause – in fact a long one.
And I continued to give it a great deal of thought.
From there I became hyper aware of what it meant to be an entrepreneur – of having a business to call your own.
I was inspired by Kate Spade and many others that were on an amazing journey of creation.
Believe it or not, my first thought and idea was to create a line and story around paper dolls. Do you remember paper dolls? I so enjoyed them as a child and felt at the time that little girls needed to play more.
One thing leads to another and my next idea was to write a children’s book about being in the business world and how to prepare for it.
The rest is history and I decided part of being a happy successful, well adjusted adult was the basis of having good manners and character.
I started teaching manners to children on the weekends and at times after work. It was a lot to take on but I was passionate about the topic, knew I had value to offer and such a strong desire to have a business to call my own.
Since the idea, Manners To Go is taught around the world. The activity kit was sold into Neiman Marcus, Learning Express, Christian Book Distributors, Olive Juice Kids and numerous children’s boutiques in the US.
The kit morphed into an extensive etiquette curriculum and many schools both public and private used it for popular after school programs.
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Being an etiquette consultant is one of the most rewarding career options out there. You’re able to directly shape people’s lives, improve society as a whole, and work on social skills in unique, creative ways.
If you’re ready to make a career change into a field that’s exciting and impactful, becoming an etiquette consultant could be right for you.
Navigating the process of becoming an etiquette consultant is a little overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to know about starting an etiquette business successfully.
How To Set Up Your Business As An Etiquette Consultant
When you’re getting started as an etiquette consultant, there are lots of things to think about. If you know you want to work with children or adults on etiquette, how do you get everything set up the right way?
Step 1: Choose A Curriculum
Choosing an etiquette curriculum is a critical step in your setup process.
Today’s youth are sophisticated, and you must go into a classroom setting and know exactly what you’re doing. This is not an area where you can download a few handouts that you have gathered from the internet.
Instead, you need a lesson plan and an organized etiquette curriculum from which to teach! You are a professional and your materials, content, and delivery must reflect it.
Manners To Go has created a thorough, comprehensive, and engaging manners curriculum that reflects current social practices. We also have so many resources to help you build your etiquette consulting business with less stress!
Step 2: Select Your Etiquette Consultant Business Name
Your business name reflects who you are, who you serve, and what you’re all about. That’s why choosing a good one is so important!
At Manners To Go, we often help our students select the perfect business name. A little bit of support helps you avoid making common business name mistakes, like tying yourself to one specific niche or location. As your business grows, you might want to make changes, so choosing a name that’s flexible is really helpful.
Step 3: Set Up Your Business Bank Account
A business bank account not only keeps your personal and business finances separate, but helps you stay organized with your business finances.
Try visiting your local bank to see if they can help you set this up. Certain documents, like your business license, may be required to set up your new bank account, but every state’s requirements are different
Having a separate business bank account is also a great feeling! It helps you feel validated as a business owner.
Step 4: Network and Be Resourceful In Building Your Business
Get creative in networking for your new etiquette consultant business. Who do you know in your “circle of influence?”
For example, if you are a parent, connect with your friends, your childrens’ school, and even organizations like churches, sports teams, and Scouts.
Step 5: Invest In Education To Become An Etiquette Consultant
Choosing to educate yourself when becoming an etiquette consultant lays the foundation for your success.
Manners To Go is the perfect place to learn everything you need to know about your new etiquette business. We have every detail covered, including:
Ready-to-use handouts and lesson plans
Curriculum and age-appropriate activities
Comprehensive training programs and manuals
Business and marketing templates and downloads
Video of classes in action
Tips to customize curriculum to different audiences
Coloring pages for students ages 4-6
Updates to the curriculum
Spanish translations for every lesson plan and the entire curriculum
Remember, the world needs what you have to offer, so taking the time to invest helps you find success faster and connect with people to serve them.
Step 6: Get Started Sooner Rather Than Later
When you’re getting started as an etiquette consultant, it’s important to stay focused on your goals. All too often, we can get stuck in the nitty-gritty to-dos of starting a business, but getting started at all is the key!
You need to start interacting with people and teaching manners. Know that this business is valuable, and you bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table that people will appreciate.
Getting out into the community and letting people know about your etiquette consultant services is essential in starting to build your business.
As an etiquette consultant, you will have the opportunity to directly impact people’s lives. Manners and social skills shape the way our lives go, so no matter where you are or who you work with, you are going to change lives.
Becoming an etiquette consultant doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. If you’re ready to take the leap and become an etiquette consultant, Manners To Go has so many resources and so much support to offer. Starting your own business is exciting, and with the right support, you will quickly find success as an etiquette consultant.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
You may also schedule a time to speak with me. Let’s spend time on a discovery call where we will go over many details and I can answer YOUR specific questions.
You and your message are unique: You are a unique messenger because there is no one else in the world like you. You will teach manners to children like no one else. If you share this passion, trust me, children will listen and learn valuable life skills from you.
This thought is the formula you need to pour into your new etiquette business in order to build a reputation and a business that stands out. When you tap into your value, that is when you become a sought after etiquette expert.
Many people think that a brand means fonts, colors maybe even having a website – but there is so much more to having brand. You have so much more to do before diving into all of this.
Your focus needs to be on pouring your feelings, passions and emotions in to your new brand so that others can resonate and connect with you.
2. What is your mission? You have to have a clear mission when you become an etiquette expert. You are here to serve your community and teach social and life skills, character and emotional intelligence. How are are you going to do this? How are you going to serve your community?
To motivate, train and certify aspiring etiquette experts around the world and help them empower children by teaching life skills and manners
Women and men follow us on social media and subscribe to our free resources because they align with our mission and we serve them in a way that is very useful and really clear.
Take a look at the brands you love. Most likely you resonate with them because they have a vision or their core values align with yours.
Once you have the above figured out, start thinking about the look and feel of how you want your brand as an etiquette expert to be. Will this resonate with your community?
I am sure you want to create a brand that makes others feel comfortable. You want those that visit your social media pages and website to know that you are kind, caring and friendly.
Conclusion:
Never forget that you are unique and if you are reading our articles and watching our videos, then you must have a special gift and a desire to teach manners to children. You want to serve your community by empowering children and teens to learn life and social skills.
And if you don’t have a copy of Six Things I Wish I Had Known, then download it here or click the image below.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Would you like to know what it looks like to be a successful etiquette expert and coach?
When I started my journey to become a successful etiquette expert, I had no idea how to write a proposal, where to network or how to organize the manners classes for children.
Now looking back, I see that building a wildly successful business came down to these 3 specific things that I am about to share with you.
These are the things that you can do on rinse and repeat. Do the same and you can’t help but to grow your etiquette business. You can make amazing things happen in your community.
Before you read on, be sure to download our FREE Guide, Six Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting my Etiquette Business
Get very clear on the VALUE you offer. The skills you learn when you become licensed and certified to teach manners are valuable for the parents, teachers and children in your community. Creating success in your business all comes down to what is going on in your mind. Everyday remind yourself of how many children and adults benefit from what you have to offer.
Get AMAZINGLY Good at marketing your new etiquette business: Everyday you need to focus on what you can do to get you and your business name in front of others. That’s right, sell yourself. Go to networking groups and practice your elevator pitch. If you have not read our article about how to create one for etiquette experts, then click here. Ask friends who they know – neighbors, co-workers etc. that might have connections. You might be surprised who your children might know! They have soccer, hockey, swim coaches. The athletic community alone has many opportunities for you.
Practice sending out proposals and making cold calls: What? That’s right! Pick up the phone and introduce yourself to associations, teachers, country clubs and non-profit organizations. Even call your local Chamber of Commerce to see how you can connect with them to offer your services.
Right now, list at least 5 connections and call you can make this week to get started. The more you call, the more chances you will receive a “yes”.
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
As an etiquette professional, books are some of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Whether you’re looking to up your skills or you’re an aspiring etiquette expert, these are the best self development books to help you grow!
If you’re interested in adding to your professional library (which I call my “etiquette library!”), these books are the perfect solution.
Today’s article includes some of my favorite etiquette resources. To make it super easy, I’ve broken the best self development books up into two categories: business etiquette books and manners books for children.
The Best Self Development Books For Etiquette Professionals
Let’s start off with professional etiquette books! These are some of the best self development books for etiquette professionals looking to sharpen their skills.
World-renowned etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson and her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, come together in this book with phenomenal advice. I myself was certified by Dorothea, so of course, I had to add this book to my list!
You can read this book cover to cover or use it as a quick reference guide as needed. It’s comprehensive, and the content gets to the point and covers all the main categories of business etiquette. I love the addition of dos and don’ts for etiquette!
This is an oldie but goodie—it really is one of the best self development books! Now more than ever, Dale’s advice on how to make a human connection is relevant (and necessary).
Every professional, especially those interested in business etiquette, needs this book on their shelf.
This series of books was personally written by Kate Spade, and you can purchase them individually or as a set.
All three books are very quick reads — and beautifully illustrated! Kate writes about a variety of topics, like the importance of a good first impression, how to tip for a haircut, what to do with a handful of cherry pits, and many of the etiquette conundrums we all face in our everyday lives.
This book is a trusted resource of mine and has been for years! It’s the perfect resource for when you find a fork or spoon in an antique store and you have no idea what it’s for.
Going over all things table setting and manners, you can utilize this book in a variety of ways for years to come!
Eloise is the sassy six-year-old that lives at The Plaza in New York. In this book, she tells a good story about how to eat, dress, travel, behave, and “stay six forever!”
Children love to read about Eloise and all the trouble she gets into with her nanny and dog, Weenie.
One of the famous opening quotes from this story is: “In an old house in Paris, that was covered in vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.”
How could you not want to dive into this one? Madeline knows the secret to being polite and kind. This book can be used to introduce basic manners, like please and thank you, how to share, and clean up etiquette.
It truly is a gem, and definitely needs to be in your library so that you can read it during etiquette classes for young children!
Madam Walker was the first African American woman to become a millionaire. You will find her story inspiring, especially if you have an entrepreneurial spirit or want to foster that spirit in young children!
She showed grace, courage, and tenacity while developing her business. You can also find Madam CJ Walker’s story on Netflix.
There are so many etiquette books and resources. I’m always on the search for the best self development books! What are your favorites? We’d love to know!
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
I am sharing my story on how I created the name of my business, Manners To Go.
I love going down memory lane, don’t you?
And thankfully, this was a beautiful journey and one that brings a smile to my face.
Many of you have been loyal followers for awhile and you have read my stories about the importance of connections-business and friendships.
Well…today’s story is one of deep friendship.
That’s right. The name for my new business came to me on Monday night after working all day at a corporate job.
A gathering of four girlfriends created the habit of having dinner and conversation at my house – you got it- EVERY Monday night. We did not miss one -ever!
We would spend this time together catching up and much of our conversation centered around our deepest desires for creating a business. We all had that entrepreneurial spirit.
I have the most vivid memory of the four of us sitting on the floor around my coffee table with candles burning. We were laughing and talking about ordering a “to go”. We were talking about the convenience and how nicely packaged some were.
Light bulbs went off in my head. For those of you who don’t know, Manners To Go actually started out as an activity kit for parents to teach their children manners at home.
Download Your FREE GUIDE on Naming Your Etiquette Business
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Lisa Richey provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals.
