August 2004








Past Article(s):
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
Dining Etiquette







Lasting
Impressions

"We were very satisfied with the first impressions seminar. The presenter was fully qualified, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the subject matter."

Participants from
(Richmond) City University
"The Etiquette Advantage" is a free monthly online newsletter from 1st Impressions, Inc.  It is geared for those who want to enhance their self-confidence, heighten their communication skills, and outclass their competition.

This free subscription newsletter should come to you only if you have requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia Whitaker or her business, 1st Impressions, Inc.  

Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com
The Protocol of Business Seating
In business, seating arrangements can be a subtle, but powerful way to foster good relations. In America, we tend to be more relaxed or maybe just more unaware when it comes to the proper protocol of seating in business. Here are some American business etiquette guidelines to follow for seating yourself and your clients/guests:

When meeting someone in the reception area, you lead the way to your office. Once in your office, you then invite and direct them on where to sit. The host wants his/her guest to be seated first. Preferably, your office needs to be set up with two chairs on the same side of the desk. This positioning eliminates the desk as a barrier between you and your guest.
If you are the host of a meal…the position of honor is to your right. Your guest is therefore seated on your right at a dinner or lunch meeting. If there is more than one guest, the most honored guest is on the right of the host and the second highest guest is seated on the left of the host. In business, seating is done by rank and not by gender, which of course follows the rules of business etiquette which are based on hierarchy.
If traveling by taxi or by car, the most desired location is in the back seat on the passenger side. This allows the person to exit the car at the curb and without ungracefully sliding over the backseat.
If at a meeting, you may want to use a round table for negotiations or meetings. This shaped table does not have a “Head" which may help to promote teamwork and equality. If the host of the meeting has a guest, the guest is seated on the right of the host. If you are seated at a rectangular table for a meeting and you are the host, try sitting on the side of the table and not at the head. This may symbolize better unanimity, less pretense and more open negotiations.

Seating yourself and others correctly is one more way to show your professional savvy and make a great first impression.

Quotes for the Month

Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.  ~ Mother Teresa

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.   ~ Helen Keller

The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves. ~  Helen Keller
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1st Impressions, Inc. offers a variety of customized workshops and private consultations for business owners, employees, and individuals on professional presence, business protocol, effective communication, interviewing skills and dining etiquette. A unique program designed especially for teens, Skills 4 Success, is also highly recommended.  

1st Impressions, Inc. provides the polished finishing touches that help you project a lasting impression of power, poise, confidence and professionalism.   

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