Press Release

Good Manners ARE Good Business!

     July 23, 1999, San Francisco - "The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork," said Oscar Wilde long ago. Today, many business executives suffer from the same problem. They appear awkward and unpolished, as out of style as a leisure suit! Those who lack poise and "social skills" are often stalled in their career advancement. Despite their MBAs from prestigious schools and their dressed-for-success wardrobes, social skills were not usually included in their MBA programs.

     "The line between the business and the social arenas is fuzzy indeed," says Lisa Mirza Grotts of The AML Group, local etiquette expert. It pays to know what to do in all circumstances so the focus can be on the business at hand, she said. "Knowing which fork to use gives executives the extra edge they need to concentrate on negotiating the contract, not which fork to use," according to Ms. Mirza.

     Unlike social manners, business manners take into account the pyramid of authority and efficiency on the job. For instance, Ms. Mirza believes that "introducing people is one of the most important acts of business life, yet few people know how to do it correctly." They forget names, confuse positions, and generally get off to a poor start. She adds, "Who gets introduced to whom in the business arena is determined by pecking order, whereas in social introductions, the first name spoken is that of the older or more distinguished person." Good Manners ARE Good Business!

     Savvy also counts, says Mirza. "If you want the job, you have to be technically sound, but being socially savvy can help to avoid embarrassment so that you can appear self confident no matter what situation encountered." Recently an executive recruiter told me about a brilliant, high-ranking manager who lost out on a lucrative new position because his table manners appalled the CEO at the prospective company. "More business opportunities are lost to faux pas than many people realize," says Mirza.

     Ms. Mirza teaches half-day and full-day seminars on business and social etiquette and business and social entertaining. Executives learn how to handle everything from how to greet people in receiving lines to power lunches -- which are not about food but about business. They learn the social skills they need to court clients and develop business contacts. "We don't stand anyone in the corner," laughs Ms. Mirza. "Participants really have a good time together, and we reinforce the subject matter by role playing to help everyone gain the edge necessary to move up the ladder of success."

     "In both business and social settings you will be called upon to demonstrate your professional finesse time after time." Adds Mirza, "If you know the basic courtesies and treat everyone with tact and consideration, the world will be your oyster. You will be using the right fork!"

     The AML Group, in conjunction with Learn2.com, will be presenting an online etiquette tutorial on "How to Make a Toast." "Be brief, be to the point and be seated, says Mirza. Remember, it's a toast not a roast!" For your free etiquette lesson, visit www.Learn2.com from August 13 - 20, 1999.The AML Group has been featured in the San Jose Business Times, the London Sunday Times and was an etiquette panelist on KQED's radio program Forum. Good Manners ARE Good Business!

     Lisa Mirza Grotts is the founder of The AML Group, Etiquette & Protocol Consultants in San Francisco. She is the former director of protocol for the City & County of San Francisco. Ms. Mirza received her training and certification in Washington, D.C. from The Lett Group. Her seminars are available for businesses, private consultations and children. For more seminar information, please visit our website @ www.amlgroup.com.