this was a presentation given to first-year student athletes at Columbia University. The focus was on professional and dining etiquette.

1. Business Etiquette…the Lion’s share of the deal Columbia University Networking and Business Etiquette Dinner September 13, 2010 Gregory J. Victory Leading2Victory

2. What is Etiquette? Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations of social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class or group. (Wikipedia)

3. Networking is a Powerful Tool. 61% of job seekers found employment through networking 81% of jobs are never posted Socializing is often not as intimidating as an interview It is really about who you know… Making connections has a ripple effect Yes, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter count…

4. Speaking of Facebook… What is your personal brand? What does your social media say about you? If I called your cell phone what would I hear? Have you really read your email replies? Text is not a language skill! Social Media can be a powerful tool if used correctly!

5. “Who you are speaks so loudly I do not hear what you say”-Emerson Look the part, dress appropriately Neatly trimmed hair No cologne or perfume Limited jewelry No visible tattoos or body jewelry Polished shoes, matching belt (wear one) SOCKS! Be on time (EARLY) CELL PHONE OFF!

6. Dress To Impress The traditional rules of interview dress are still the best rules: Simple and Conservative. Apparel should be clean and pressed. Apparel should fit well and remain in place when sitting or walking. Your interviewing wardrobe should consist of the basics: A solid color. Conservative suit with a coordinated shirt or blouse. Moderate shoes. Clean and polished.

7. Introductions Stand when approached and shake hands firmly Use good eye contact and repeat name for clarity Introduce people based on rank In a group, introduce the guest. Everyone else should introduce themselves Repeat names to yourself several times Smile, even if it hurts Speak clearly and professionally (Um, Like)

8. Eating before dinner… Tips on Networking Receptions: Eat before you go Small portions Don’t “graze” Balance your plate and glass Always take a napkin Never take the last appetizer Always wear your nametag on your right!

9. Now on to Dinner… When escorted to a table by a maitre'd, the guest(s) tends to walk behind the host, the interviewer will follow behind. If you are seated before the others arrive, be sure to stand and shake hands. Place napkin on your lap as soon as you are seated. All leads should be taken from the host.

10. What am I looking at? Water Wine Bread Plate Butter Knife Dessert /Coffee Wine Plate/Napkin Coffee Cup and Saucer seafood Soup Meat Salad Salad Meat

11. What do I Order? If the host makes a recommendation, use it as a price guide as well. Generally, as the guest, your order will be taken first. Ask the server questions about the dish, but do not make too many substitutions. Do not order more than two courses unless the host makes a comment to do so. Never order the most expensive thing on the menu. If you have a food allergy, go early or call ahead.

12. What is Continental Style? Hold your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right hand throughout the meal. Hold your fork with the tines down to steady your meat. Use your knife to cut one bite of meat. Raise the fork to your mouth with the tines down.

13. Continental or European Style

15. Lay your fork with tines down at 2:40 on the clock.

17. What do you think? Do you need to finish everything on your plate? Can I rest my elbows or forearms on the table? Should one go out of his/her way to use utensils when eating finger foods? Should I order spaghetti?

18. What do you think? What if someone at the table has something in their teeth? What do I do to signal that I am finished with my meal? What is the best way to depart?

19. Would you like something to drink? Water…Always Soft Drink…Sometimes Do you really need a straw? Alcohol…Almost Never! Soda water/lime What if I am asked to order wine for the table? What do I do when the wine arrives?

20. Tricks of the Table To find where your place setting begins and ends remember BMW: Bread-Meal-Water When passing main dishes, always pass to the right. Always wipe your mouth with your napkin before drinking Use silverware from outside in. Lay your napkin on the seat of your chair if you have to excuse yourself (never a good idea)

21. Bread/ Butter/ Appetizers Butter individual, bite sized pieces of bread. Place used butter knife on bread plate. If you pick up the bread basket, hold the basket and offer to the person to your left, then serve yourself, and then pass the basket to the person on your right. Take one appetizer portion and put it on the plate. Never, never, take the last portion.

22. The Initial Courses Soup: Spoon, don’t slurp. Don’t crush crackers. Do not slurp or tilt the bowl. Always remember “As a ship goes out to sea, I scoop my soup away from me.” Salads: Salad bowl will be placed to the left of your plate or in front of you. Do not move it. When finished, put fork on salad plate tines down between 10 and 4. Beverage: Swallow completely and wipe you hands and mouth before taking a drink. This will keep glass free and clear from grease marks. Pace your self with the host. Your meals should end at the same time.

23. Where is the food? Between ordering and the food’s arrival is prime conversation time. Maintain good posture. Remember eye contact and use names. Give equal time to all diners. Keep jokes tasteful and to a minimum. Topics to avoid: politics, religion, etc Take cues from the host. Never leave the table!

24. What If’s? The menu is fixed and you are served something you do not like? You are served the wrong thing? You need to get the server’s attention? There is food in my mouth I do not want to swallow (olive pit) etc.

25. Ending the Dinner. Take the lead from your host As guests depart, be sure to say goodbye to each guest and shake hands Always thank your host! What if I bump into them in the elevator, bathroom, etc? (Cell phones still off)

26. Other Tips Collect business cards, write notes on the back of them to jog your memory Send a hand written thank you. Always remember someone is watching you!

27. Your Turn! Questions? Comments?

28. Gregory J. Victory Founder and Principal Consultant Leading2Victory leading2victory@gmail.com www.leading2victory.com THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK!!