“Achievement is talent plus preparation.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success
programs & services
working with theresa
Theresa's high-impact professional development programs and services deliver comprehensive training events that enable participants to represent themselves and their company with pride, confidence, and professionalism.
Whether you are communicating electronically or face to face, in a meeting or giving a presentation, you have one chance to make a positive first impression.
From extending the invitation to paying the bill, this comprehensive dining tutorial will teach you the practical aspects of planning and conducting business during a meal.
This interactive program teaches how to build rapport, make connections, communicate effectively, and develop meaningful relationships.
The Lights, Camera, Action! program will teach you how to set the stage for a professional video experience.
Learn how to select the appropriate tools and language for a variety of business scenarios and avoid classic communication errors.
Attend professional development training from any device and bring geographically-distanced teams together with video conferencing.
A Lunch and Learn is a fun training event, team-bonding activity, and enjoyable way to learn or brush up on new skills.
To help ensure that your training goals are met, Theresa will work alongside you to create a program tailored to your team or one team member.
free download
Business meals promote business deals. They call it a Power Lunch for a good reason. Download your FREE Dining Etiquette card and be prepared for your next business meal!
You'll also be added to our mailing list where you can learn more about news and events.
- john h.
Your professionalism, passion, and attention to detail were impressive and inspiring.
“The lessons are transferrable beyond business and I plan to utilize them whenever possible. You are a great strategic partner.”
professional presence
Whether you are in a meeting or giving a presentation, you have one chance to make a positive first impression. How you are perceived in those first moments significantly impacts your ability to establish trust, credibility, and the potential for a productive long-term relationship. Learn impression management and presentation skills to represent yourself and your company professionally.
Build Credibility and Manage How You are Perceived
Learn How to Get In SHAPE to Make an Excellent First Impression:
Introduction – Good introductions include first and last names.
In
Smile – Sets the tone and conveys warmth and friendliness.
s
Handshake – A quick and effective way to establish rapport.
H
Appearance – Your appearance makes a powerful statement.
a
Posture – Good posture conveys confidence and competence.
p
Eye Contact – Positive eye contact shows interest and sincerity.
e
Topics Include:
Business Presentation Skills
First Impressions
Engagement and Rapport
Nonverbal Communication
Business Attire
Corporate Culture
dining etiquette
Managing the social and entertainment aspects of business conducted outside the office environment is a key business competency.
From extending the invitation to paying the bill, this comprehensive dining tutorial will teach you the practical aspects of planning and conducting business during a meal.
Dining Etiquette FAQs
When do I start talking business?
Q:
Topics Include:
Effective Business Entertaining
Extend the Invitation
Select the Restaurant
Host and Guest Duties
Seating Arrangements
Toasting Tips and Table Manners
Two Styles of Dining
How and When to Order
Napkin and Silverware Savvy
When to Talk Business
Dining Dos and Don’ts
Paying the Bill
Assuming the purpose of the meal is business, it is appropriate to start talking about business after exchanging a few pleasantries and ordering the meal.
Do I have to order dessert if my client does?
Q:
Yes. Consider it an investment in the relationship. Never let your guest eat or drink alone.
maximize your mingle
Companies value employees who possess good networking and rapport-building skills. The more effectively you develop relationships, the greater your chances of success.
This interactive program takes participants through the process of finding the right events to effective follow-up.
You can't shake hands through voicemail or have lunch with an email. Some things are better in person.
Increase Your Visibility and Cultivate New Business Relationships
One of the most important features when attending an event is the entrance you make. Almost everyone watches the entrance to a room. Use this to your advantage.
Build Your Network
Distinguish Yourself
Prepare for the Event
Work the Room
Join a Group
Exchange Business Cards
Gracefully Depart a Conversation
Follow Up and Connect
Rise Above the Competition
Manage Time, Drinks, and Appetizers
Engage in Small Talk and Conversation
Introduce Yourself and Others
lights, camera, Action!
The public health environment redefined our work day, and many of us transitioned to a work-from-home arrangement.
Video conferencing became the norm but what works in person does not always work on camera. This program will teach you how to be camera ready and set the stage for a professional video experience.
Topics Include:
Working Remotely
Location
Background
Lighting
Camera
Sound
Tech
Eye Contact
Body Language
Vocal Quality
Appearance and Attie
Active Listening
Business Communications
The pace and increasing virtuality of business has fueled the adoption of a broad range of tools and technologies but left a critical gap in communications protocol.
This session focuses on developing your skill set to leverage the full range of communications tools and techniques. Participants will learn how to select the appropriate tools and language for a variety of business scenarios and avoid classic communication errors.
Communications Etiquette for a Digital Age
Topics Include:
Appropriate Use of Electronics
Professional Email
Business Meeting Protocol
Telephone/ Voicemail Etiquette
Voice, Language, and Grammar
Texting and Messaging
Business and Thank-You Notes
lunch and learn
A Lunch and Learn is a fun training event, team-bonding activity, and enjoyable way to learn or brush up on new skills. Consider hosting one for your employees and customers to enjoy together as an opportunity to enrich their working relationship. Theresa will work with you to create a one-hour bite-sized program.
custom programs and 1:1 training
Choose from any of the programs for a one-on-one training session. Or, schedule each team member to individually present a sales pitch to Theresa and she will provide verbal and written feedback to help them hone their presentation skills.
virtual WORKSHOPS
Bring geographically-distanced teams together with video conferencing.
Choose from Theresa's programs, including creating a custom event tailored to your specific goals. And yes, a Dining Etiquette Tutorial also works on video!
Preparation + Opportunity = Success.
Interactive role-playing and team-building activities
Stories and practical demonstrations
Hands-on lunch or dinner tutorials for dining etiquette programs
Constructive Q&A sessions
Informative handouts and take-home materials
