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.
As a certified etiquette expert, you will want an extensive library at home that includes books on manners for children.
This book caught my attention as I was shopping in a beautiful interior design store.
Oli and Basil: A Book for Your Etiquette Library at Home
In Oli and Basil, by Megan Hess, two stylish frogs, take a fashionable adventure through Paris, mingling with haute couture designers and attending glamorous events. Their journey is a blend of elegance and charm, capturing the essence of Parisian style and the world of high fashion.
The two frogs lived side by side. Yet, they had never met – not even while heading out for their morning baguettes.
Oli is an inventor at heart and I loved the part where he likes to take everything apart. This reminds me of the stories my husband has shared about how as a child, he loved to take apart toasters, mixers and many other kitchen appliances.
Basil, the other frog, is full of ideas and likes to spend his days drawing.
The two finally meet and realize that working as a team is the key to their success.
3 Reasons Why Every Etiquette Expert Needs Illustrated Children’s Books in their Personal Libraries
Visual Engagement: Illustrated children’s books captivate young readers’ attention with vibrant images, making it easier for them to understand and retain the concepts of good manners and etiquette.
Simplified Learning: These books often present complex etiquette rules in a simplified and relatable manner, making it easier for children to grasp and apply the lessons in their daily lives.
Cultural Exposure: Illustrated books can depict various social scenarios and cultural norms, helping children learn about diverse customs and behaviors, fostering empathy, and promoting well-rounded social skills.
Table Etiquette Inspired by a Children’s Book
Not only did I enjoy reading the story about Oli and Basil, it also inspired my table setting for the 4th of July, My husband, and a friend enjoyed gazpacho, tea sandwiches and a peach/blackberry crostata.
The illustrations in the book are gorgeous and the focus is on green and white.
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.
On Sunday as the temperature continued to climb into the upper 90’s, I decided to go to the movies.
The movie, Inside Out 2 was everything I wanted it to be and more. Not only is it a great movie for children but also for adults.
A certified etiquette expert will greatly benefit from watching “Inside Out 2” due to the film’s deep exploration of emotions and their impact on behavior, which is highly relevant to the teaching of manners and social conduct.
Inside Out 2 Movie and Why Certified Etiquette Experts Need to See It
Understanding Emotional Influence on Behavior
1. Emotional Awareness: “Inside Out 2” continues to explore the complex landscape of emotions, showing how different feelings can influence thoughts, decisions, and actions. Etiquette involves understanding one’s own emotions and those of others to navigate social interactions gracefully. The movie helps experts illustrate how emotions like joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust play crucial roles in how people behave and respond to social situations.
2. Empathy and Perspective-Taking: The movie emphasizes empathy and understanding others’ perspectives, essential components of good manners. By seeing how characters in the movie manage and understand their emotions, an etiquette expert can develop exercises to teach students how to empathize with others, improving their ability to interact considerately and thoughtfully.
Practical Applications in Etiquette Classes
3. Real-Life Scenarios: The scenarios depicted in “Inside Out 2” can serve as relatable examples for students. For instance, how characters handle conflict, manage stress, and express joy can be dissected to demonstrate appropriate and inappropriate responses in real-life situations. This can be particularly useful in role-playing exercises during etiquette training.
4. Emotional Regulation: The film’s portrayal of emotional regulation strategies can be integrated into lessons on managing emotions in social settings. Teaching students how to stay calm under pressure, handle disappointment gracefully, or express happiness without overwhelming others can be enhanced by referencing specific scenes from the movie.
5. Social Cues and Body Language: “Inside Out 2” can help highlight the importance of non-verbal communication. By observing how characters’ body language and facial expressions convey their emotions, certified etiquette experts can teach students to read and respond to social cues more effectively, a crucial skill in practicing good manners.
Enhancing Engagement and Learning
6. Engaging Learning Tool: Using a popular and emotionally engaging movie like “Inside Out 2” makes learning about manners more interesting and relatable, especially for younger students. The visual and narrative elements of the film can help reinforce lessons in a memorable way.
7. Discussion and Reflection: After watching the movie, certified etiquette experts can facilitate discussions about the characters’ emotional journeys and how these relate to real-life experiences. This can encourage students to reflect on their own emotions and behaviors, promoting self-awareness and personal growth.
Incorporating “Inside Out 2” into etiquette classes allows experts to leverage the film’s exploration of emotions to teach key principles of good manners, making the lessons more engaging, relatable, and impactful.
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 kind and being nice are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two.
Teaching kindness to children is a topic that can easily be added to your manners classes. Teaching children the difference between being kind and being nice can help them develop empathy, authenticity, and a deeper understanding of their actions and their impact on others.
The Subtle Differences of Being Kind and Nice
Motivation: Kindness is typically driven by genuine care, empathy, and a desire to help others. It stems from a deep sense of compassion and a willingness to make a positive impact. Being nice, on the other hand, may be driven by social expectations or a desire to be liked. It can sometimes be more superficial and focused on maintaining positive interactions without necessarily coming from a place of true empathy.
Authenticity: Kindness often comes from an authentic and sincere place within oneself. It reflects a genuine concern for others’ well-being and a desire to contribute positively to their lives. Niceness can sometimes be more surface-level and may involve putting on a pleasant facade without necessarily reflecting one’s true feelings or intentions.
Impact: Kindness tends to have a deeper and lasting impact on people’s lives. Acts of kindness can be transformative and create a positive ripple effect. It can bring about meaningful change, foster connections, and uplift individuals emotionally. Niceness, while still pleasant and polite, may not have the same lasting impact or depth of connection.
Boundaries: Kindness can involve setting healthy boundaries when necessary. It may involve having difficult conversations or providing constructive feedback for the well-being of others. Niceness, on the other hand, may avoid conflict or uncomfortable situations, potentially leading to a lack of authenticity or a failure to address underlying issues.
What Is the Difference Between Being Kind Versus Nice?
In summary, while kindness and niceness share similarities and both involve treating others well, kindness typically stems from genuine care, empathy, and a desire to make a positive impact. It often involves deeper connections and lasting effects, while niceness can sometimes be more surface-level and focused on social expectations or politeness without the same level of authenticity or impact.
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.
