Manners do matter: Course to focus on etiquette in business

Business often gets done in non-business settings: over coffee, at lunch, and at networking events.

But not everyone knows how to behave, says Marti Benjamin, certified business coach.

A course in business etiquette is offered through Truckee Meadows Community College's Workforce Development and Continuing Education Division. The class is for those who want confidence in the business world and a polished demeanor in the office.

Who needs this course?

"Those who think they may have a need," she says. "Have you gotten feedback formal or informal to let you know there's an issue?"

The course goes beyond using the right fork, says Benjamin. It will cover using the phone and leaving messages, workplace relationships, how to give and receive compliments and criticism, how to introduce oneself and others and yes, which utensil to engage when food and business mix.

Being considerate to coworkers, she says, is to be inoffensive. That means not chewing gum, reading email during a meeting or taking a cell phone call in a meeting.

While networking, the most egregious faux pas are interruptions, failing to listen, and talking endlessly about one self. And, she adds, hold that beverage in your left hand because then the right hand will be warm when you shake.

"The family, community and workplace have all changed," says Benjamin. "These things used to be part of everyday living. In the past, children would visit grandma who told them to take their elbows off the table. But now grandma lives a thousand miles away."

The course runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on June 26 and July 10. Registration deadline is June 19. Course cost is $49 and class size limit is 20. For more information visit wdce.tmcc.edu or call 829-9010.