This is a question I am often asked and one which I love to answer. When asked, I immediately relate because we both recognize not only the need formanners in our society, but we obviously share a passion for teaching.
Let’s be honest, passion is absolutely necessary when starting a business, but you also need to have a plan on how to grow and be successful in this arena.
I have compiled a list of six things I wish I had known when starting my ownetiquette business.
Good manners and knowing HOW to teach the subject are very different things. It pays to have a plan, not only a business plan but a LESSON PLAN. You can go to Barnes and Noble or find a free handout online, but trust me, it just doesn’t work. Children are smart and savvy, so have alesson plan to teach from that work.
Keep your eyes on your own paper. Yes, you must know what is going on with your competition, but keep moving forward. You know what you are capable of doing. You must be confident in your abilities. Go out and make it happen your way.
Network and be resourceful. Get out of your home office and network. Everywhere you go there is literally an opportunity to teachmannersor to connect with someone. This is not a controversial subject. You will be pleasantly surprised how many will want to talk to you about it. Not only look for connections for your business but also look for ways to connect with others. Be resourceful. If a private instruction client mentions she needs a math tutor, have a name to give her that is in your list of contacts.
Start now and build your email list. Even if you start with your best friend and older sister, it is a start. Don’t underestimate this important step.
Stay focused. Focus on one thing and do it well. For example, if you are in the midst of planning your website complete it before going on to the next task.
Take action. Don’t let this overwhelm you. Take one small step forward to create a business you love.
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.
Social etiquette is how you handle yourself when functioning in daily life. Skills such as:
Eye contact
Making others feel comfortable
Being kind and polite
Introducing others
Respecting others choices
Dining etiquette
Table manners
Choosing to use these social skills helps us to stay peaceful and act in a respectful manner toward ourselves and others.
When to Use Social Etiquette Skills?
Today, we use all types of modern social etiquette. For example:
1. Social Media
Virtual meetings
Texting
Commenting on others’ posts
TikTok
Videos
And when we use the above, there are many teachable moments. Children need our help with all of the above.
They are all using social media and starting at such a young age. We can teach them how to use it respectfully for themselves and how to treat others on social media platforms.
Children use virtual offerings too. Online learning has made an impact on our youth. Respectful behavior is still needed virtually.
2. Human Connections
Now more than ever, children need to learn to connect with each other – in person.
This is a very important life skill. As they grow into adulthood and start their professional careers, they need to build relationships.
Social Etiquette Skills such as:
Eye contact
Greetings
Introducing others
Conversation skills
Positive body language
These skills help us make a human connection. It helps us to connect and be human. Using these skills helps us with connecting with friends and family.
We can help others connect socially too when using our good manners.
How to Teach Children Social Etiquette?
Remember, children are always watching us. They are watching us during the school day, at the airport, in the drive-thru….etc.
Are you making eye contact, treating others respectfully, greeting the person in the grocery store checkout line, saying “excuse me and thank you”?
As an etiquette expert, you will teach these important skills. You have a tremendous about of value to offer to our youth. Teach children to be human and act with kindness and respect for themselves and others.
This is easy. This is necessary. This will be some of the most important work you will ever do.
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.
The Wall Street Journal recently had an article about a group of psychologists that started a research program to study the benefits of social skills and manners for boys with behavioral issues.
Teachers identified the boys (ages 7-9) as highly aggressive or hyperactive. These boys were living in Montreal at the time.
The researchers divided the boys into two groups via a random drawing.
Those who were chosen to participate in the study had two years of social skills coaching. They participated in role-playing exercises that encompassed behavioral skills, fundamental manners, and positive reinforcement, just like Manners To Go.
However, the teachers also visited with the parents individually on a regular basis to provide updates.
The research and teachings were designed to help the boys deal with everyday social situations.
The study’s goal was to see how much this type of training affected high-risk boys over time.
Fast forward. The researchers followed up with them from ages 10 to 24.
A large improvement in self-control, attention, and overall social skills was noted. The boys performed better in school. In early adulthood, they were more likely to have friends.
The lead researcher and a fresh group of coworkers have now returned to the experiment after 30 years.
And the outcomes are not shocking to us at Manners To Go. The social skills training made a significant difference for the boys – and society.
According to their research, 69% of the males from the same school who did not receive training in manners and life skills had left high school, and 32% had a criminal record.
The boys who participated in the life skills program had higher rates of marriage, 20% higher yearly incomes, and 40% lower rates of welfare dependency.
This research shows remarkable results for children and the benefits of teaching manners and social skills. An early start is also helpful.
It seems that there is little to gain and much to lose if we use the watch-and-wait method with disruptive boys, the main researcher observed. The stakes are too high”.
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.
Recently I interviewed our new etiquette expert, Louise McDonough. She is now licensed and trained to teach manners to children and we are happy to have her.
Watch the interview as she ties in so many memorable moments.
Louise starts out by talking about why confidence is memorable – especially for children. Children who use their good manners stand out. Adults do too.
Manners and social skills are the foundations for being confident, well-rounded, and comfortable in life.
Louise will be teaching all of this to her new students. She has already hit the ground running and sending out proposals and letting her community know about her business.
When I asked Louise what inspired her to start a business teaching manners, she thought about the effect Covid has had on children. The isolation – and how their world became so small.
Louise has been living in Italy for the past few years and has recently returned to live in the US.
I loved our conversations during her training about her time there with her husband and daughter.
A Fascinating Part of Our Conversation: Schools in Italy and How They Eat Lunch
Louise shared many of her observations. One topic that really caught my attention was the difference in how Italian schools handle lunchtime.
Children in Italy go home during lunch. They spend 1.5 hours with family or friends over a healthy lunch.
They are not eating on the run – 20 minutes out of a brown paper bag or lunch box.
This allows for more social time with family – time to relax.
Doesn’t a civilized lunch for children sound like a good idea?
Imagine, no phones and a time when you value conversation and good food.
Louise noted how mealtime can benefit all generations.
Children can learn so much from the elderly. They love to hear stories about how their grandparents grew up. And of course, grandparents and other older adults love to relive beautiful memories from their past.
Louis continues to share who should we invite to a dinner party. You do not want to miss this discussion.
And the book she read most to her daughter while she was young.
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.
Etiquette experts who harness the power (and the freedom) of entrepreneurship experience greater happiness and success in their niche. Those who are more timid or shy simply won’t land as many business opportunities, which means they have fewer opportunities to make a difference! As an etiquette expert, you must develop self confidence in entrepreneurship in order to reach your full potential.
What Is Self Confidence In Entrepreneurship?
Etiquette experts must consistently refine their confidence in order to impact their clients. Your self-improvement work is never done! After all, if you don’t appreciate your own power to change the world, who will?
For etiquette experts and educators, self-confidence in entrepreneurship comes from taking a risk and sharing your passion and knowledge. It means knowing the value you offer in teaching manners and social skills to children.
Being confident as an etiquette speaker (showcasing your self-worth in front of many people) means not being afraid of your audience—no matter how big or small.
You’ve got this! I promise you can do it. Take all of the confidence-testing, professional risks that come your way.
Why Is Self Confidence In Entrepreneurship Important?
When you’re teaching children, confidence is especially important. They can sense when you’re noncommittal or unsure of yourself.
Children respond better to role models than step-by-step instructions or lectures. So you can think of your demonstrated self-confidence in entrepreneurship as part of your etiquette lessons! They’ll shadow your behavior—things like your proud voice or tall stature.
Remember, confidence comes from how you feel about yourself. No matter how you’re feeling today, you can uplevel anytime!
How To Build Self-Confidence In Entrepreneurship As An Etiquette Pro
It helps to realize that nothing is beyond your control. Your students benefit from a more confident instructor and from being in the presence of a self-assured, calm, and collected entrepreneur.
Increasing your confidence is easier said than done, but here are some tips to guide you!
Practice Confident Body Language
Fake it ‘til you make it! By adopting stronger body language, you’ll stand (get it?) to build greater self-confidence in entrepreneurship.
Try these physical confidence techniques:
Square your shoulders
Stand and sit taller
Practice eye contact when speaking
Smile and nod during conversations
Avoid fidgeting
Your appearance often speaks louder than words. Plus, it communicates that you’re important and worthy of attention as an etiquette educator.
Stay Positive
If you enter the classroom or other educational setting thinking, “This is going to be a bad day. These students don’t care about what I have to say,” you’ll probably be right! Negative energy impacts the effectiveness of your lessons—and therefore, your business.
Self-confidence in entrepreneurship relies heavily on a positive mindset.
Believe that what you have to offer is essential. Smile at mistakes and unexpected or unplanned reactions. It’s all part of the gig!
Speak Calmly and Avoid Nervous Language
Have you ever listened to a public speaker or teacher fill conversations or lessons with lots of thinking noises or the word “like?” Nervous break-fillers are a reflection of confidence (or lack thereof). Honestly, most of us don’t even know we’re doing it!
To demonstrate self-confidence in entrepreneurship, call awareness to how you deliver a monologue. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself with your phone or computer to watch yourself back and improve! The silence between sentences or thoughts is far more powerful than a rogue “um.”
A professional, clean look goes far to convey confidence. Even if you’re not feeling particularly brave or self-assured, your clothes help you play the part. You can track your audience and yourself into believing you’re worth a million bucks! (Continue to dress well, and you could be one day!)
Remember, as an etiquette teacher, your outside performance directly relates to your internal feelings. You’re sure to give a better lesson to your students if you’re dressed confidently.
Get Certified For Extra Self-Confidence In Entrepreneurship
We’ve all imagined finding that magical golden ticket to unlock the life we’ve been dreaming of. But honestly, an etiquette certification is better than Willy Wonka’s golden ticket because you have to earn it! And it opens the doors to countless educational opportunities, where you can positively change the lives of children and their families.
Start earning your Etiquette Certification with Manners To Go. We provide all the learning tools and curricula that you could possibly need for a host of teaching scenarios. Plus, your certification helps win you more chances to teach within your niche.
Getting certified is a smart, confident entrepreneurial choice in itself!
Your passion for good manners and proper etiquette may not be enough! You need self-confidence in entrepreneurship to reach your full potential.
Get in touch with Manners To Go, and learn more about a career in etiquette education as soon as possible.
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.
As you can imagine, I was so happy to hear from her recently as she started her training. We share a common adoration for afternoon tea amongst other things.
Amanda has so much value to add to her community. She loves children and wants them all to feel confident and ready to take on the world.
During our interview, Amanda talks about what she is experiencing as a teacher dealing with students who are returning to a different world post-Covid.
Now more than ever, children need our help with the basics- eye contact, conversation skills, learning to work within a schedule, and an organized day.
Click on the video to watch as she shares the books she read to her children as they were growing up and who tops her list for a dinner party.
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.
Lisa Richey provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals.
