Etiquette Certification –Helping You Make a Meaningful Mark on Today’s Youth
I have been speaking with many of you lately…whether we are in the midst of training you or those calling in for more details about our etiquette certification program.
I thought last week: “what can I give you that would help you the most right now”.
This is my eighteenth year in business. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve made my fair share of errors. In my day, I learned several important lessons. I’ve also done certain things exceptionally well.
That is what this post is about today. Sharing. Sharing the ups and downs of creating a business from scratch.
You have a gift and you are ready to share it with the world…. because your community needs what you have to offer.
Where should you start?We are here to guide you through the process.
How I Would Start My Business Teaching Manners to Children If I Were Starting from Scratch
Don’t Give it Away for Free: This is a for-profit business.Once you give away free classes, your community will expect it. Once established, of course, you may choose to offer your talent to non-non-profit organizations on a pro bono basis.
Start Teaching ASAP:When you are trained by us, this is our immediate focus….a FAST START.When you choose Manners To Go, we give you all the tools you need to get a FAST START.
Did you read our article on Six Powerful Tools that are included in your training?The link is located at the end of the post.
Name Your Business:This is fun.We give you smart tips and guidance on naming your new business.
Build an Email List: This is important.Start now.We all begin with our neighbors, family, and close friends.It is a start!Your email list will grow quickly.
You have a gift.You need to share your gifts with our youth.In order to do this, you can keep in touch with your community by providing information that benefits them.
Starting a business is a big deal. We get it. Call us. Others are. We encourage you to get to know us. Schedule a call with me. The link to “schedule” will take you to my calendar. Click on a time that works for you. We are located on the east coast of the US.
The other link, “to send us an email”, will take you to a contact form. Fill this out and we will connect with you by email or phone call.
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.
Manners To Go™ is taught in public, private, and charter schools around the world. The New York Times, Parents Magazine, and Fox News have all featured Manners To Go and the many benefits of teaching social skills to children.
Whether you are an educator who wants to teach it in the classroom or someone who is looking to become trained and certified, we provide all the solutions.
My name is Lisa Richey, and I am the founder of Manners To Go. This brand has given me the honor of teaching manners to thousands of people around the world. The journey has taken me from Portland, Oregon to the Middle East. I believe that manners are not about judgment or rules. Manners are about self-interest. It really is about how using good manners makes you feel on the inside
Lisa is a great mentor and her Manners to Go program is truly turn key. She taught me everything that I needed to learn to ensure that I will be successful in my endeavor . The program has been very helpful every step of the way. I feel truly blessed that I am part of her team. ~ Rita Linda Dayrit Philippines Etiquette Consultant, 2018, Manners and Mindfulness
Lisa is a consummate professional and has been an invaluable resource to me as I begin my new business. Not only is she warm and welcoming in person, she is also an expert in her field who makes the subject matter relatable and accessible to her clients. Her training has provided me with a vast knowledge of etiquette and best practices for teaching it.
As an international business operator, I have been impressed with Lisa’s curiosity and questions, which enabled her to advise me and apply her product in a new region for a new audience. Her knowledge of marketing enabled me to hit the ground running and hold my first classes within weeks of becoming certified. Not only have I opened my own business but I have also gained a teammate who is committed to my success. ~ Jenni F., Macau, China
Lisa Richey’s Manners To Go certification program provides a highly efficient and effective training program for anyone considering starting a manners and etiquette business. I selected her program because of the virtual delivery method of training. The lesson plans and student handouts were easy to download and review before engaging in her one-on-one conference calls. During each call, Mrs. Richey was very focused in conveying her business strategies she has proven to be successful over the years. Mrs. Richey’s Manners To Go certification program is really a “best value” program considering her efficient use of the virtual delivery method of training, the quality of teaching materials provided and the effective, interactive business calls with her I found necessary to guide my steps to make the business of teaching manners successful. ~ Aleta Greenspan, Alabama
As a former teacher, I deliberated for months over which etiquette curriculum would best fit and equip me with quality materials, instruction and support to reenter the field of education. Manners To Go delivers! I regret not getting started sooner. The investment is modest for the quantity and caliber of materials you receive, not to mention the personal coaching from Lisa. The curriculum is age appropriately structured and organized in an easy to study format that positions you to execute your lesson confidently prepared. If you have a passion for equipping young people in etiquette, Manners To Go, is the way to go! ~ Alissa R. | Etiquette Consultant, 2016
I was looking for charm school type material for my after school program for girls, and came upon the Manners To Go website. It was like finding a treasure trove of “what-to-do(s)” and “how-to-do(s)” on manners for children. It was more that I could have imagined finding. It is, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I have ever made.
In receiving my MTG training, Lisa provided every tool and resource needed to become a successful MTG Consultant. What excited me the most is that the training includes access to her many years of experience as a successful businesswoman.
I recommend the MTG program to parents, grandparents, teachers, after school programs, or anyone who may be concerned about what our children need know about manners and etiquette. Lisa’s Manners To Go is a great product, and it is a joy working with her! ~ Lindafaye N. Etiquette Consultant, 2015
Lisa, I am so happy I found you. I’ve wanted to teach kids etiquette for years, but never had the time to research all the material and then figure out how to teach it. With your Manners To Go program, I now have the perfect program to start my business. You delivered exactly what you promised: excellent support and a turnkey system. Thank you for making it easy and fun! It was truly an honor to be trained by someone of your caliber and experience, who was willing to share “everything you know, do, and use” with me. I would highly recommend you to anyone wanting to teach children’s etiquette! ~ Sandra E. Etiquette Consultant 2014
Lisa went above and beyond what she promised to deliver. Her enthusiasm she shares for my business is very reassuring. I have found a life long mentor. ~ Michele W. Etiquette Consultant 2016
It is a great time to come together. Our world, our society, and our children need a human connection.
An in-person event offers the chance for you to work with me – watch me teach and sit with me to learn all the things necessary to become certified and start a business. I am here to support you and your passion for teaching manners to children.
Watch the video to learn about the experience of in-person training. It is beautiful. Not only do we meet in a sophisticated and lovely location, but you also get to experience firsthand the expressions and questions of the students participating in the etiquette class.
This year, you will observe middle and high school students participate in a dining tutorial, learn first impressions, why they are important and how to prepare for a job interview.
The class is taught at the grandest historical location in Philadelphia. I can’t wait for you to experience it!
In addition to observing the class, our time together is spent learning the marketing tools necessary for you to become an entrepreneur and etiquette expert. Breakfast, coffee, snack, and lunches (afternoon tea, when available) are all included in the fee.
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.
Teaching manners to children helps them succeed in school, with friends, and beyond… but lessons become truly exciting (even magical) when framed around royal etiquette. Is there anything more enticing or romantic than envisioning yourself as a king or queen, prince or princess?
Of course, the odds of becoming a real member of the British royal family (or their royal court) are slim to none for most young etiquette scholars. Nonetheless, mirroring the finest manners and social norms of royalty can help steer them towards a life of achievement and positive recognition for their efforts.
Why Should We Focus On Royal Etiquette?
Queen Elizabeth II and her family certainly receive a great deal of attention—for many reasons! But especially for their decorum.
We look to the House of Windsor as role models for even the most intimidating social interactions, like royal weddings or the Changing of the Guard.
For the rest of society, royal etiquette elevates confidence levels and sharpens attention to fine details. This is especially true for children! As an etiquette educator, you can give young minds the knowledge that acting like royalty does in fact invite a life of great opportunity and prosperity.
Royals are a key resource for manners. They set the stage for what’s acceptable (and what’s not) in a variety of different settings:
At the dining table
Lighthearted social gatherings
Somber events
In a theater or observing a show
When conducting business
In every situation, the particulars—like where to put your hands and what to wear—matter a great deal. Perhaps royal attention to consistency and finery is why British culture has been able to preserve several valuable traditions from the past.
On the other hand, social structures in the United States are more relaxed. But we can still stand to learn a thing or two about royal etiquette from our neighbors across the pond!
How To Adopt Royal Etiquette Practices The Right Way
Don’t think of royal etiquette as a set of rules to be followed. Think of them as tools to help you act and feel your best. Good manners are always a choice… but a good one, to say the least.
But there is a right (and obviously, wrong)way to go about teaching royal etiquette. For example, you should teach children about modesty and caring without conveying superiority or uptightness.
The idea isn’t to educate and graduate entire classes of dukes and duchesses (some who’d be too stuffy to smell the roses). Rather, a royal etiquette education should make your students feel empowered and capable of imparting kindness, respect, and high moral values unto the world around them.
Highlight action—not the illusion of status.
3 Royal Etiquette Tips to Teach In Your Etiquette Business
It’s important to understand all sorts of etiquette in your role as an educator, but royal etiquette is the top tier of essential skills. Use these valuable tips to give your students the monarchic treatment they deserve.
1. Posture
Teach your students that good posture conveys approachability and confidence! It’s just as important as practicing kind words and gestures, especially when considering first impressions (and that second impressions are never guaranteed).
The best way to walk into a room is with your shoulders back and down. Your students ought to practice pulling up at their waists and making eye contact with others for the best results.
Have them lift their chins, ever so slightly, to exude all the confidence and friendliness they have within. They can pretend they have crowns on their heads to make it fun!
Another time-honored royal etiquette trick for posture is book balancing. Ask your students to float around the room with books on their heads without dropping them. A lighthearted competition is sure to invite a few smiles and laughs into the room.
Pro tip: The Duchess of Cambridge has admirable posture! Use her as a role model on how to sit and stand when you need one.
2. Handshake
Greetings in the United States differ slightly from those in the United Kingdom and within the royal family. For example, we don’t kiss each other on the cheek! But we do see eye-to-eye on a firm handshake: a powerful and professional handshake is a game-changer in royal etiquette.
Teach your students that their handshakes need to be firm and touch the palm of the other person’s hand. (You can model this so everyone understands what you’re talking about.)
Remind students to only shake twice! That’s the unspoken (until now) standard for strong, assured handshaking. And be sure to remind them to make eye contact and stand tall whenever they’re shaking someone’s hand. Sitting sends the wrong message and would be an instant turn off to any new acquaintance, let alone a royal one!
Explain to your class that there’s no need to grab a person’s hand (with both of yours) when shaking it. This two-handed embrace is referred to as the “glove” handshake, and is more casual than an assured one-handed hold.
Invite your students to practice handshaking with you each time you see them. You can make a game of it every so often, where all of your students have a turn shaking the hand of another and providing peer feedback.
3. European Style Dining
Both American- and European-style dining can be found in the United States, but you can never go wrong with royal etiquette at the table. The royal family keeps knives on the right-hand side and forks on the left-hand side of their plates.
They use the hands nearest each utensil to eat their food (right for knife and left for fork). But they are careful to keep the tines of their forks facing down, sliding food morsels onto the back of it. This differs from American dining and takes some practice!
Make it fun by bringing tasty foods into class and allowing students to rehearse sliding bite-sized pieces onto the backs of their forks. They can also work on eye-contact and polite conversation as they eat.
When food isn’t plentiful (or you’re simply pressed for time) you can have students practice with pieces of paper or use their imaginations.
Also, have students be mindful of the types of foods they order in a formal (near-royal) situation. Have them choose entrees that are easy to eat neatly with a knife and fork and their new royal etiquette skills. (It’s best to skip the hand-held cheeseburgers or messy buffalo wings!)
Teaching manners is easier and more fun when you introduce royal etiquette. Nobody knows how to put their best foot forward quite like The House of Windsor. Your students are sure to feel more confident and capable with achieved role models from the royal family for reference.
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.
We have a great deal going on over here at Manners To Go and we want to share it with you.
So many new licensees are joining us. Stay tuned as we start to interview them.
One is a nanny. She has many experiences to share. Another is a mother and entrepreneur who has spent the last few years in Italy. She has recently moved back to the states.
A new one started her etiquette training this week. She has been a teacher in the public schools and has ventured out on her own. She started a business as a literacy coach and is adding life skills and manners.
We have an in-person Philadelphia Pop Up happening in August. This pop-up allows you to be trained, licensed and certified in-person. Many have asked for the human connection and we are delivering this experience. Stay tuned for more. If you can’t wait, email us and I promise to share what I know so far. This will include a chance for you to observe a Manners To Go class in action.
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.
Before you stepped into the role of etiquette educator, it was likely frustrating for you to witness children with poor manners falling short of their fullest potential. But now, as a certified etiquette specialist, teachable moments are seemingly endless! You have multiple opportunities and tools at your disposal to teach kids manners.
Why Is It So Important To Teach Kids Manners?
It’s essential to teach kids manners (and generally effective communication skills) so they can feel confident in a variety of situations. Manners are the foundation to feeling confident.
Imagine a child seeking help, but lacking the kind words or etiquette knowledge to have their needs fulfilled. Whether a child is struggling with a math worksheet in school or they’re searching for the restroom at the zoo, knowing how to ask questions in a polite manner will help them get what they really need.
What’s more, children without an etiquette education are often less comfortable speaking up because they’ve had poor experiences in the past. They don’t understand why other people respond negatively to them.
At Manners To Go, we believe every child deserves to feel confident! Our curriculum is designed to help every child find their (politest) voice so they can enter any situation with the ability to communicate their needs, wants, and opinions.
3 Ways To Teach Kids Manners As An Etiquette Professional
While there are many ways to teach kids manners, there are three prominent categories of manners that you should address first. Have a look at the basics, conversational skills, and table manners to start.
1. Basic Manners
Basic manners are those that carry from one situation to the next and always apply. From supermarkets and playgrounds to the hallways at school…basic manners are always essential and helpful.
When you teach kids manners, prioritize these things first:
Eye contact
Self respect
Introductions
These are valuable skills for children to learn because they make up the formula for a strong first impression. Kids may make mistakes after greeting others, but it certainly helps if they can maintain good eye contact long enough to say hello and state their name!
2. Conversation Skills
Many young adults struggle to hold a polite conversation nowadays. But refining conversational skills will help children of all ages grow into capable adults—worthy of their dream jobs one day.
It’s more challenging to train adults in conversational skills than it is to teach children—so start early! Enforce good conversation techniques from a young age so kids can grow into adulthood feeling confident in all social and professional settings (instead trying to pick up slack on the back end).
Conversation skills are also necessary to build friendships! Children who can clearly articulate their thoughts are better able to share, take turns, accept kind criticism, and resolve conflict.
3. Table Manners
Mealtimes are an ideal opportunity to teach kids manners. Think about it: table manners encompass all the skills people use to feel confident in most social settings.
To start, children need to learn how to hold their utensils in a safe, polite way—in turn teaching them restraint, control, and awareness. They also need to understand how to navigate a table setting, which translates to feelings of independence, security, and confidence.
Most children always love studying table manners because it’s action-oriented! They love to set the table and rehearse mealtime conversation. As an etiquette professional certified with Manners To Go, you’ll know how to teach both American and European Style Dining!
Where Can You Teach Kids Manners As A Certified Etiquette Professional?
The list of places where you can teach kids manners is vast! Schools alone have a variety of etiquette education needs, from group assemblies to after-school programs.
Not-for-profit groups like scout troops, sports teams, and church organizations appreciate etiquette educators, too. Some country clubs or youth organizations (like Jack and Jill of America) search for specialists to lay the foundation for good manners in order to bring out the best in their participants.
There’s even a desire for etiquette professionals at birthday parties! Children everywhere crave the knowledge they need to succeed, so any opportunity to teach manners and make it fun is huge.
There are a few techniques proven to help teach kids manners. Try one or all three in your own etiquette education endeavors!
Model The Behavior You’re Teaching
“Do as I say, not as I do,” doesn’t work for much, let alone teaching kids manners. Your students need to see you acting the same way you want them to behave.
For example, the first time you meet your students, you ought to introduce yourself politely! Make good eye contact and square shoulders to show respect. Nod along when they’re speaking to you and repeat some of their words in your response to demonstrate that you were actively listening.
How you handle yourself during times of stress or disagreement is particularly important. Don’t let negative emotions be an excuse for poor manners. Teach kids manners matter even when they’re not feeling their best. And it’s okay to feel down as long as you express your needs and disappointments in a healthy way.
Role-Play Different Scenarios To Teach Kids Manners
Role-play is a fun way to illustrate your etiquette lessons. After all, it is role-PLAY! Stage a few imaginary scenarios in which all of your students play an important part.
When role-playing, it helps to act out the wrong way to handle social situations before you model the right way. Acting pretend-rude can be a silly way for kids to get comfortable in class and help them understand that kids with poor manners come across less seriously in real life.
Positive role-play sticks with young students better than lecturing alone. It gives them the opportunity to visualize themselves in different social situations, so when they come across the real thing, they’re ready!
Focus On What’s Developmentally Appropriate
Depending on their developmental maturity and aptitude for learning, different kids need different learning opportunities. But understanding what tools work best for the students in front of you can be challenging if you don’t have any training.
A certification to teach manners to children from Manners To Go is the solution to that problem! We provide you with resources to understand each of your students and teach them effectively.
The knowledge you acquire from your certification will help you manage your expectations about children’s unique abilities and provide valuable direction for each class you teach. You’ll be more confident (not to mention better qualified!) when you complete the certification program.
There are many ways to teach kids manners, but a few that matter the most. Bear in mind a few basic techniques and take the time to acquire your teaching certification so you can drive the greatest impact on your students.
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.
Your etiquette library is an important resource for you as an expert.
As part of your training, we provide you with a list of books to add to your “etiquette library”.
As etiquette experts, we provide our knowledge and teachings to Preschools. It is necessary that you have different modalities to keep this age group entertained.
Of course, within the Manners To Go curriculum, we offer multiple role-playing activities for you to use during the manners class but we also recommend you take a few minutes to read a story.
Children love it when we read to them.
Last weekend I was in our local bookstore. This title, Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang, jumped off the shelf. I walked right to it.
Yes, the cover is bright and inviting but once I opened the book and read a few pages, I knew I had to add it to my library – and I want my licensees to add it to theirs.
Add This Book to Your Etiquette Library
And this is why: this book speaks to the many cultures that make up the classrooms across the world. This book also addresses how to make the human connection.
If you have been following us, you know I am a big believer in this topic. Why not start them young – in Preschool!
“The playroom was quiet. Luli couldn’t speak English. Neither could the others. All around the room, children played alone.”
The story goes on tell about Luli’s plan. She has a fat-bellied (don’t you love this description) tea-pot with matching cups.
Luli’s passes around the tea cups to all the children in her class. And everyone speaks a different language- however, they all speak the language of TEA!
This story is heartwarming! I encourage you to get your own copy and share it with the children you teach and your family.
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.
