How to Be an Elegant Woman : A Guide for Etiquette Experts
I have always noticed and observed elegant women. I am intrigued by them.
For me, an elegant woman elicits trust.
She has an inner guide that allows for kindness while at the same time a certain power and style that I find very attractive.
I notice this even before she speaks.
When I first moved to Philadelphia and starting my business, I attended multiple networking events a month. To this day, I remember the elegant women that crossed my path.
They walked into a room with style, polish and grace.
Today I am addressing the elegant woman as it relates specifically to us – those of us that are interested and passionate about etiquette and social graces.
Enjoy this article- take it all in with your favorite chocolate and the most gorgeous teacup you own! And of course, send us the photos.
We always enjoy hearing from you.
Elegance remains timeless. As certified etiquette experts, it’s more important than ever to embody grace and refinement.
Elegance transcends physical appearance; it’s a reflection of poise, self-confidence, and respect for others. In 2024, elegance means:
Effortless sophistication: Subtle but impactful gestures that leave lasting impressions.
Empathy and emotional intelligence: Understanding how your actions affect others and making thoughtful decisions.
In essence, elegance today is a blend of timeless manners, modern awareness, and emotional intelligence.
Why Is Elegance Crucial for Etiquette Experts?
As a certified etiquette expert, you’re not only a model of professional behavior, but also a mentor to those learning the art of social grace. Elegance:
Instills trust: People naturally gravitate toward individuals who exhibit grace under pressure.
Elevates personal and professional reputation: Elegance is synonymous with respectability, which is essential when establishing yourself as a trusted etiquette authority.
Enhances teaching ability: Your clients and students are more likely to absorb and implement the practices you advocate when you lead by example.
Being an elegant woman in 2024 is about demonstrating authenticity, confidence, and cultural awareness, qualities that are fundamental to shaping the next generation of leaders through etiquette.
Steps to Achieve Elegance in Today’s World
Here’s how you can embrace elegance and stand out as an etiquette expert:
Prioritize Continuous Learning
Stay informed about modern etiquette standards, and maintain a growth mindset. Engaging in certification programs like Manners To Go is a powerful way to stay relevant in the field.
Refine Communication Skills
Your voice is a tool. Cultivate a polished communication style by practicing active listening, clear enunciation, and impeccable tone management. How you speak reflects your inner grace.
Develop Emotional Intelligence
Being elegant means being attuned to the emotions of others. Hone your emotional intelligence by practicing empathy and remaining composed in challenging situations.
Perfect Your Personal Presentation
While elegance is more than appearance, presenting yourself well is crucial. Opt for classic, tailored fashion choices that reflect your personality while maintaining sophistication.
Be Mindful of Modern Etiquette Standards
Elegance in 2024 involves understanding the nuances of online and in-person behavior. Practice good digital etiquette by being respectful in emails, social media, and virtual meetings.
How Elegance Sets You Apart
In a world where speed often overshadows quality, elegance serves as a beacon of professionalism. For etiquette experts, mastering elegance:
Creates lasting impressions: Your clients, students, and peers will remember you for your refined approach.
Positions you as a leader in your field: As elegance becomes rare, those who exhibit it naturally rise above the competition.
Enhances your teaching impact: When you embody the qualities you teach, you inspire others to follow suit.
In conclusion, elegance in 2024 is a powerful blend of traditional grace and modern awareness.
By pursuing a certification from Manners To Goand focusing on cultivating personal elegance, you will not only stand out as an etiquette expert but also inspire a culture of refinement and professionalism for future generations.
I am sharing a bit about how I got my start as well as my licensees.
Networking is front and center for all of our certified etiquette experts. Our licensees can and will attest to this. Social media is fun and fast but from what I am observing, the human connection is the way to go.
I have seen our licensees start from scratch – without a website or social media channels and have a thriving business within the first two months.
And they do this by using their circle of influence- their connections. Whether it is their son’s math teacher or a local restaurant owner, they connect with those they know.
How to Build a Business Teaching Manners to Children
Network Boldly: Where to Begin? This is the cornerstone of building a business. Dive into your community—connect, share, and grow. Don’t get bogged down by the minutiae. You have a passion, so get out there and share it! Your gift is meant to be shared, and others need to hear about it. Start with your local Chamber of Commerce, attend a BNI (Business Network International) meeting, or connect with your local Small Business Administration. There are countless groups for women business owners, and Meet Up is a great resource too. Face-to-face interactions are powerful. While social media has its place, nothing replaces the impact of human connection in your community.
Find a Mentor: Build a Guiding Relationship As you network, seek out a mentor—someone you respect and admire who’s been through the journey. Ask them about their beginnings, and how they can help you connect with educators and parents in your area. A mentor’s insights can be invaluable.
Harness Social Media: Your Free Power Tool Social media is here to stay, and it can be your strongest ally. Start by setting up a business page on Facebook. Use it to inform, connect, and engage your audience. Share local events, link to relevant articles, and build connections with other business owners in your niche.
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.
Why is “demure” making a comeback on social media? Why is this trending and resonating with us as a society right now? Today, I am addressing the shocking truth about being demure.
As an etiquette expert it is important for you to keep up with “trends” and what is changing in our society.
If you follow any social media channels, you can’t help but notice the popularity of the being “demure and mindful”. Realtors are posting about it, fashion influencers are talking about it as well as the “foodies” that I follow.
Can This Be an Important Turn for Those of Us That Are Etiquette Experts and Speakers?
And why is “demure” trending right now? Does this even relate to etiquette as we know it?
Why “Demure” Is Trending
1. Counter to Previous Trends
The “demure” trend on TikTok has gained significant popularity in August 2024 due to a combination of factors that resonate with current cultural and social dynamics.
The demure trend emerged as a reaction to a more bold and expressive viral movement that happened early this year season – better known as “brat summer.”
2. Relatability and Inclusive
By becoming “demure and mindful” are we being truer to who we really are? Personally, I like seeing this trend as so many of us are not aggressive in our approach to life. Is this our time to become more self-aware and look for ways to belong and treat others with respect?
3. A Cultural Shift
The demure trend aligns with broader cultural movements towards “quiet luxury” and minimalism, where understated elegance and subtlety are celebrated. This reflects a growing preference for authenticity and simplicity in both fashion and behavior, making the trend particularly relevant in the current cultural climate
Early this year, I wrote an article on Quiet Luxury. Have you read it?
Influencers (and society) are embracing a more subdued, modest approach to commenting and how they are presenting themselves online. We are seeing a shift from harsh and expressive behaviors to a more reserved and mindful approach.
Only time will tell. I know I certainly welcome the trend of a kinder society. I have faith that we can do this.
Today I am sharing how one client has stayed with the Manners To Go program for twenty years!
I had just moved from Dallas to Philadelphia and did not know anyone. And I started my business at the same time.
I look back and wonder how I accomplished it all. Maybe a little bit of grace, grit and gumption.
Tomorrow I fly out for an event that is so near and dear to my heart for many reasons.
This is the one class I still teach myself. The client was one of my first. My first “real” proposal as a speaker, the first time teaching a manners program in Philadelphia and the first time prepping for an elegant, stately and world class affair for children.
This long standing client has taught me so much about the importance of fostering and building relationships.
Relationships not only with the client but with the members and their children.
One family has sent their three boys to the class for five consecutive years!
You too can create this type of experience within your community.
I really can’t articulate the feeling of making a difference with not only the children but with the parents.
This is a universal truth – parents really want the best for their children. And they know manners, social skills and character development is the skill that will help them become happy humans.
Manners are not about rules – it is about feeling confident from the inside out.
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.
Our licensees get a really fast start because they are prepared after becoming trained and certified by Manners To Go.
All of our licensees are trained in offering all types of manners classes.
One in particular is that of a private manners instruction. Over the years this type of instruction has become very popular for many reasons. Offering private manners classes can be a rewarding, fun and profitable part of owning your own etiquette business.
During Our Etiquette Certification Process, Licensees Learn:
What to charge and which proposal template to use
The lesson plans and modules to use
How to organize the activity books
How to communicate with the printer (UPS, FedEX, Staples)
Materials needed
How to include the parents
Additionally, we discuss how to market packages for the upcoming seasons. The new etiquette expert wants to build a business locally by offering packages specifically for busy families who are interested in getting their children prepared for the holidays. For example:
Holiday gatherings
Church functions
Buffets
Family traditions
School interviews
Writing thank you notes
How to Prepare for and Teach a Private Manners and Etiquette Instruction
Here Are Steps to Consider When Offering Private Manners and Etiquette Instruction:
Define Your Expertise: Identify the specific areas of manners and etiquette in which you are knowledgeable. Etiquette encompasses various aspects, such as dining etiquette, social etiquette, business etiquette, and more. Determine your niche and expertise.
Use our Manners To Go Curriculum: We offer a structured manners curriculum that outlines topics and skills you will cover during the instruction. This includes topics like table manners, communication skills, dressing appropriately, and cultural awareness.
Set Clear Goals: Define the learning objectives for your instruction. What do you want your students to achieve by the end of the class? Having clear goals will help you design your lessons effectively.
Prepare Teaching Materials: Teaching materials such as handouts, worksheets, presentations, and visual aids are included in our etiquette certification and training. These materials reinforce key concepts and serve as reference guides for your students.
Customize for Each Student: Private instruction allows you to tailor the lessons to the specific needs and goals of each student.
Offer Demonstrations: Demonstrations are a powerful teaching tool. Show your students how to perform various etiquette skills, such as setting a table, introducing themselves, or giving a firm handshake. Allow them to observe and ask questions.
Role-Playing Exercises: Role-playing exercises to practice real-life situations are included in our lesson plans. For example, simulate a formal dinner party scenario where students can practice their dining etiquette.
Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to your students. Let them know what they are doing well and where they can improve. Encourage them to practice and refine their skills.
Use Real-Life Scenarios: Discuss real-life etiquette scenarios and dilemmas to help students understand how to navigate social situations effectively. Encourage open discussions and problem-solving.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Manners and etiquette skills require practice to become ingrained habits. Encourage your students to practice what they learn in real-life situations.
Cultural Sensitivity: If your instruction includes international etiquette or cultural awareness, emphasize the importance of being sensitive to different cultures and customs. Teach your students about cultural nuances and differences.
Stay Updated: Manners and etiquette can evolve over time. Stay updated on current trends and changes in social norms to ensure that your instruction remains relevant.
Promote Confidence: Part of etiquette instruction is building confidence. Encourage your students to carry themselves with poise and self-assuredness.
Market Your Services: Promote your private manners and etiquette instruction services through various channels, such as your website, social media, and local advertising. Networking with schools, businesses, and event planners can also be beneficial.
Seek Feedback: After each session or course, solicit feedback from your students to understand what worked well and where improvements can be made. Use this feedback to enhance your teaching methods.
Remember that teaching manners and etiquette is not just about rules; it’s about fostering respectful and considerate behavior.
Be patient and encouraging as you help your students develop these valuable life skills.
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.
What are your thoughts on Manners and Minecraft? I am sharing mine today and it might surprise you!
Last week I was a keynote speaker for a company that asked me to speak on Generational Connections and Differences in the workplace.
Timing is everything! As I was preparing for this engagement, we also had an eleven-year old staying with us for the week.
You might be asking what the two have to do with each other.
Manners and Minecraft
As a speaker, I like to share stories (there is a power in storytelling) that align with the topic I am delivering.
This eleven-year old brought a different energy and vide into our home – and we loved every second of it. In advance of his visit, we had plans for time at the pool, Go Ape (zip line), golf and tennis lessons, homemade Oreos, etc.
Quickly, we noticed his love for Minecraft.
The judgment set in immediately – I must admit. Was this really the best use of his time?
I stepped back and watched and became amazed.
Here Is What I Noticed About Minecraft
His laughter with friends
The engagement from all the players (I could hear the conversations)
The singing
The strategizing
He asked me to help him with spelling words
He was having fun which was really important for me to witness. And I loved seeing him have fun.
We can be so quick to pass judgment on generations that are different from our own.
During a training session I had last week with a new licensee, she mentioned that she was a gamer growing up and quickly pointed out how fast she can code, build a website and manage a successful business because of it.
Using Minecraft to teach social skills and manners to children can be a good idea, as it leverages a platform that many children enjoy and are familiar with.
Here Are Ways Minecraft Can Help with Social Skills and Manners:
Collaboration and Teamwork: Minecraft often involves working together to build structures, solve problems, or complete tasks. This requires communication, cooperation, and compromise, all of which are important social skills.
Communication: Players need to discuss strategies, share resources, and negotiate roles and responsibilities. This helps children practice verbal and written communication skills.
Conflict Resolution: Conflicts can arise in collaborative play, providing opportunities for children to practice resolving disagreements, negotiating solutions, and understanding different perspectives.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: The open-ended nature of Minecraft encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, which can be enhanced through group projects and shared goals.
Manners and Etiquette: In multiplayer modes, children can learn digital etiquette, such as taking turns, sharing resources, and respecting other players’ creations.
Empathy and Understanding: Playing with others from diverse backgrounds can help children develop empathy and understand different perspectives and cultures.
Self-Regulation: Managing time in the game, dealing with frustration when things don’t go as planned, and following the rules of the game can help children practice self-regulation and patience.
However, it’s important to consider some factors to ensure the experience is positive and educational:
Moderation: Balance screen time with other activities to ensure children have a well-rounded experience.
Supervision: Adult supervision or involvement can help guide interactions and reinforce positive behavior.
Age-Appropriate: Ensure the game settings and interactions are appropriate for the child’s age.
Contextual Learning: Discuss in-game experiences and relate them to real-world social scenarios to reinforce learning.
I am so curious. What are your thoughts on Minecraft? What are your observations?
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.
