Teaching the basics of networking, dining and technology

TORONTO, August 20, 2009 – Toronto-based public relations firm Palette Public Relations Inc., has recently added business and technology etiquette training to its suite of services. According to Louise Armstrong, executive vice president and practice leader, the need for etiquette training has grown with globalization and a society that is more focused on technology than interpersonal skills.

“The personal and professional demands on today’s business people are greater than any in the past. Mastering etiquette in behaviour and communications is a soft skill that can give both entry level employees and seasoned executives an advantage over the competition,” she says.

Armstrong was recently certified by the Protocol School of Washington, North America’s foremost provider of protocol and etiquette training. Since its inception, the school has accredited 2,500 graduates from 45 countries.
As part of its etiquette training practice, Palette is providing full-day, half-day and one hour seminars teaching the etiquette of business communications and networking, dining and technology. Courses cover everything from proper introduction protocol to the differences between continental and American dining styles to the dos and don’ts for pulling out your BlackBerry during a meeting.

“Because personal technology is relatively new in the workplace, there is a lot of uncertainty about what constitutes appropriate behaviour,” she says. “But while the tools may have changed, the rules are the same and clear codes of conduct remove the confusion from business and social situations and make everyone feel more comfortable.”

Armstrong’s blog www.acallforclass.blogspot.com explores the role of etiquette in modern society and its applications to the public relations field.

Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. In addition to a thriving beauty and consumer goods practice, Palette has expertise in sustainability, corporate communications, social media and large-scale special events. Please visit www.palettepr.com.

-30-

For more information:

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 x12
larmstrong@palettepr.com