Explore Your Options
Entering an industry that is relatively new and lacks a track record for guidance means you are on your own! If you’re passionate about something or feel an inner drive to explore, dive into the industry and put your unique spin on it. Just do it!
For me, it wasn’t about how much money I would gain. It was about the difference that could make. This is how my career began. I share it to inspire you as well.
History Builds Foundations
In 1985, I created a sole proprietorship, “You’re Unique,” and specialized in fashion workshops that ranged from color and body line analysis to accessorizing techniques to dress-for-success seminars. I had a storefront and a beautifully decorated office with adjoining classroom. I held these fashion workshops in my classroom or seminar format at a client training facility.
Realizing the importance of formal credentials complementing my practical experience, I began exploring training opportunities aligned with my goals. As I started networking and approaching companies with my “dress for success” seminar options, I realized I needed more specialized credentials in this field. Despite my background—sixteen years in municipal and international business, coupled with a foundation in fashion design—I recognized the necessity of a business module tailored to this emerging industry. This realization led me to research training options to strengthen my offerings and credibility.
In 1989, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal about a training company called “The Professional Image Institute” in Atlanta, Georgia. Bingo! Credentials! I inquired and learned I could get a certificate to validate my knowledge. I took the training and received my image consultant certificate. Although I already knew 80 percent of what was shared with me about image and professional dress, it opened my eyes to the field of etiquette training.
This segment of the training covered body language and basic etiquette training centered on the business lunch. That whetted my appetite, and I wanted to know more. I immediately incorporated body language and business lunch etiquette into my seminar modules. But something was still missing! I wanted to know more about the field of etiquette and protocol.
1990, I read another article in the Wall Street Journal about executive etiquette training with Dorothia Johnson and Company. This (relatively new) five-day executive training in Washington, DC, sounded perfect. It covered everything from personal presentation and business communication skills to social entertainment. Plus, it gave me additional certification credentials. Since the training was new, it was also in the development stage. When new segments were added, I continued attending.
1991: Corporate Etiquette Consultant Certification Program
The training program consisted of the following three segments:
I. Communication Skills in the Business and Social Arenas
II. An Executive Seminar in Business and Social Etiquette
III. An Executive Seminar in Business and Social Entertaining
A year later, the school added international protocol to its curriculum. I returned and added this dimension to my seminar offerings. Dorothea Johnson, the founder and president, changed the school’s name to “The Protocol School of Washington.”
1992: International Protocol Consultant Certification Program
The training program covered two core segments:
I. How to Succeed in the International Arena
II. Dine Like a Diplomat
This allowed me to confidently combine my training from “The Professional Image Institute” and “The Protocol School of Washington” and create a complete package! The school continued to evolve and blended its corporate etiquette and international protocol into a new curriculum. So, I returned to ensure my training included all the changes and updates.
1994: Training to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant
The training program consisted of the following menu:
I. Business Etiquette for the ’90s
II. Dining Skills for the ’90s
III. How to Succeed in the International Arena
IV. Dine Like a Diplomat
This training was a valuable review and updated me on the Protocol School of Washington®‘s complete curriculum. Dorothea Johnson started calling me her “groupie.” I now had what I needed, and it was time for me to move forward and focus on developing my business to include a better-rounded program.
With a comprehensive foundation and refined offerings, I launched Global Protocol, Inc., now known as Global Protocol Academy, providing a complete package of professional development services.
As times changed, the business community started advancing in new directions! “Civility in the Workplace” and “Netiquette” became the latest programs in demand. Plus, the casualization of the workplace throughout the 1990s placed less demand on formal business attire and protocol training for domestic companies. International companies, however, still required the formalities. It was time to do more research and refine my offerings.
Eventually, the workbooks I received from my previous training no longer met the needs of my marketplace and clients. Consequently, I discontinued their use and customized an updated version. I then conducted a survey, shared my concerns with my former training, and, with the assistance of my Advisory Board members and client feedback, revamped Global Protocol’s offerings to include customized programs built around the following main topics:
» Presence: The Power of Perception | Image Development
» Business Etiquette: Modern versus Traditional Expectations
» International Protocol: Cultural Trends | Diplomacy Abroad
» Business Entertaining: Planning and Participating in Events
» Dining Decorum: Casual Meetings to Formal Events
We strongly emphasize developing social intelligence and upgrading professionalism in this new direction. Furthermore, social skills were needed to balance technical skills. An article in the AP press notes that a preference for formal dining is making a comeback, and many restaurants are responding. “Tablecloths are back on the table!”
To be a professional in the truest sense, you must present yourself with presence, respect protocols, and conduct yourself appropriately. It is all part of the package and embedded in the word “professional.” I now had the “complete package!”
Creating a Legacy with Professional Development Books
In 2010, I decided to share my knowledge in a series of four books and training modules. These books and modules represent a culmination of my experiences—my legacy to you.
The Art of Professional Connections:
(2011) Seven Steps to Impressive Greetings and Confident Interactions
(2011) Success Strategies for Networking In Person and Online
(2012) Dining Strategies for Building and Sustaining Business Relationships
(2013) Event Strategies for Successful Business Entertaining
To learn more about this professional development book series, visit
ArtOfProfessionalConnetions.com
The SME (subject matter expert) training modules are licensed and available for purchase by career centers and corporate trainers so that you can incorporate this much-needed training into your curriculum. Visit “Global Protocol Academy” for details on our comprehensive training curriculum. (The SME books and modules are included in this training.)
Personal Development Book Releases
During the COVID setback, I reflected on what didn’t work, refocused on what could work, and renewed my approach. By doing so, I decided to take a very different yet complementary direction and write a personal development book.
2023 Released my first personal development book entitled “Mindfulness and Health Watch: Your 2023 Weekly Journal.” Why this direction? After deep reflection and through my practice, I realized that the knowledge and skills acquired can be challenging to work with if you don’t have a confident sense of self. Success is about confidence and the ability to overcome life’s setbacks. Once accomplished, you can retain your learning better. First, it’s essential to experience mindfulness, gratitude, affirmations, visualization, kindness, wisdom, and spirituality or faith and learn how to incorporate them into your daily routine. This journal combines these elements with a focus on monitoring your health to stay mentally sharp and physically strong.
2024-29 The journal was a success, so I decided to write a second and final edition, Mindfulness and Health Watch: Your Weekly INSPIRE ME Journal, which was released in English and Spanish. It allows you to select your journal year from 2024 to 2029.
2025 Coming soon: The release of a personal development book on how to use your grit power to get beyond your challenges and obstacles.
My seminars now open and close with a mindfulness focus so the skillsets acquired are applied more successfully.
I encourage you to reflect on your path and consider how your experiences have shaped your unique contributions.
Please share your journey.
