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by Christy Kloecker Thompson

You’ve met them before. The CEO who manages to be authoritative but never pompous. The committee chairperson who perpetually projects an air of polished professionalism. The rising executive vice president who can navigate corporate summits as easily as the company picnic.

“Business etiquette” is not something you’re born with, but it is something that you can learn. Anyone can be taught to handle business situations better, and most have some area in which they can improve. If today’s social mores feel more like a social morass, then a brushup lesson in business etiquette may be right for you.

Each year, Melenie Broyles, founder and owner of Etiquette Saint Louis, works with business leaders, corporate executives and rising new employees to help them handle the business etiquette pitfalls that face them each and every day.

“Just because a CEO is great in the boardroom doesn’t mean that he or she is adept when it comes to meeting or entertaining new clients,” Broyles explains. “And an employee who knows everything about ‘closing the deal’ may know nothing about how to gracefully handle a business lunch.”

Broyles assists businessmen and women with everything from telephone techniques to tipping procedures. She works with individuals and group of execs, making them feel more secure about their business wardrobe, their ability to introduce and interact with clients and co-workers and how to handle business politics and gender issues.

“Many people have a misconception about etiquette,” Broyles comments. “It’s not just for fancy balls and parties. Manners should be observed and used every day and in every situation – not just brought out for special occasions,” she points out.

Broyles says that manners and good behavior make everyone feel more comfortable and confident in the business environment. “When you’re confident about your own behavior, you can focus on your business goals,” Broyles says. “But if you spend your business lunch worrying about what to order or how to gracefully pay the bill, you won’t be able to do your job well.”

In a business world addicted to email and voice mail, it’s easy for common courtesy to fall by the wayside. But Broyles believes that a firm command of the basics of business etiquette can enhance a reputation as easily as bad manners can damage it.

Manners also are about impressions. And in business, impressions – particularly first impressions – can mean everything. Kathy Feldt, owner and principal of ReMI (Relationship Marketing Innovators), specializes in image consulting for professionals and public figures. She helps individuals create the impression they need to be successful.

“Business leaders need to project confidence and authority,” Feldt explains. “But achieving the proper mix of poise and professionalism is harder than it sounds.” Feldt combines public relations techniques with her knowledge of business etiquette to help clients create just the right image.

“Today, companies spend thousands of dollars to recruit the right new employee. Often, I work with new executives to finetune social and business skills or even overhaul their wardrobes,” Feldt explains. By polishing a new recruit’s professional image, she says that she can improve his or her chances for success and protect the corporation’s investment. Often, Feldt’s work extends far beyond the executive and includes family members as well. “If an executive is new to St. Louis, I often work with his or her spouse to make them feel comfortable and establish a network in their new community.” When an employee’s family is happy, he is happy, Feldt reasons. And this enhances his ability to perform well in his new business role.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ formula for successful leadership,” Feldt says. But there are definite “do’s and don’ts” that every professional should observe. “A grasp of what is ethical behavior and how to handle gender issues in the office is essential,” she offers. Feldt educates her clients and helps them develop marketing strategies to enhance their success in their field or industry. “The corporate community is so intensely competitive today,” she says. “And being knowledgeable about your area of expertise is just not enough.”

Do you often wonder what more you can do to snag that big client? Do you wish you knew more about managing your professional relationships, or wonder whether you can order that martini at the next business lunch? Then a quick lesson in business etiquette may be just the ticket. Remember, good manners are like American Express: don’t leave home without them.

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