Nine out of ten executives New Year’s resolutions call for increased business success. How to make a positive first impression with multicultural clients? How to strike up a conversation with Asian business partners? Should the tines of the fork face up or down? In just one Saturday, over a 5-course meal and instructive role-play activities, the answers can now be found in Central London bi-monthly.”International Business etiquette courses were introduced in Europe by Minding Manners in 2004 and the growth in the seminars popularity in the UK has quadrupled” says Tamiko Zablith, Director of Minding Manners. The Polished Professional hands-on workshop is the only business etiquette programme designed for busy businessmen and women looking to master the new codes of etiquette and decorum for advancement in today’s international arena. “While many business professionals understand the rudimentary rules of domestic social graces, the very polish that sets them apart in their country is often the downfall of their business relationships when working in a multicultural environment. Knowing that businesswomen in France are expected to remain seated, whereas in Germany or the US this is unheard of, will make a very big difference in the level of respect one gives and receives. Likewise, as most business is conducted over a meal, for increased credibility, table manners must shine brighter than the silver: placing hands on the lap à la Anglaise will garner very negative marks when off domestic shores. The truly Polished Professional knows precisely what to do, when to do it and how, depending on where he or she is and with whom he or she is communicating”, concludes Zablith.Because the “how” is equally as important as the “why”, this innovative programme uncovers the mindset behind the codes, as well as offers hands-on practical exercises to learn by doing. And because what is proper in one country may be fiercely taboo in another, participants will master the art of projecting cultural awareness at home and abroad; from the UK to the US, across Europe to Asia, the Middle East, Africa or anywhere in between, all in just one 8-hour course.The 1-day interactive workshop covers international business & social etiquette, dining, entertaining, mingling & networking, body language & gestures, intercultural communication, personal presence and professional style. It includes a 5-course tutorial luncheon, refreshments, afternoon tea, materials and a workbook. The setting is central London at The Gore Hotel; Kensington, bi-monthly at the rate of £285 per person.Tamiko Zablith, Europe’s leading internationally certified Etiquette & Protocol Consultant and the Managing Director of Minding Manners Ltd. leads the programme personally. Minding Manners is Europe’s premier full-service etiquette and protocol consultancy specialising in Business Etiquette, International Protocol and International Social Etiquette. Registered at Suite 322, 34 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0RH, UK.