By Liz McGathey
Staff Writer
Plano Insider

They say first impressions are everything.

Plano-based protocol advisor Melina Kelley says the first impression a person gives is the most important tool a business professional has.

Next month, Kelley will conduct two training sessions in a Business Etiquette Series at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas. Both sessions will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the first on Oct. 14, the second on Oct. 21.

Kelley, a graduate of Baylor University, was trained and certified by the Protocol School of Washington. She has been teaching etiquette and protocol to children, high schools and businesses for about 10 years, providing individual and group instruction.

For the past year, Kelley has partnered with the Ritz-Carlton, taking advantage of the interaction and dining expertise of hotel general manager Roberto van Geenen.

The October series is intended to enhance the skills necessary to explore new markets, develop opportunities worldwide and master the techniques necessary to outclass the competition.

"We talk a lot about basic people skills and really try to emphasize practice and interacting with one another," Kelley said. "When you go into an interview or business meeting, success is based on people skills."

She said those skills take practice, but the pay-off is worth it.

The interaction skills Kelley will cover include basics such the handshake, how to present a business card, telephone skills and attire.

Kelley said a first impression can be formed within as little as three seconds.

"That's they way of our society these days; we get information so much faster than we ever got before," she said. "The first impression speaks volumes – probably about 85 percent of the language and the message you're sending out is how you're dressed and how you present yourself."

The second session will focus on the business meal both as host and guest, featuring a three-course meal by the Ritz-Carlton.

"You don't want to call attention to yourself over your dining skills," Kelley said. "When you feel wellpracticed with that, it goes much more smoothly."

Groups of about 15 are trained together to help attendees assess their interaction with others in a business setting. Kelley said she encourages that training aspect as opposed to learning the skills from a book.

"It's one thing to pick up a book and read – that's helpful but we don't see ourselves how we're interacting with each other," she said.

Kelley's deal-breaker in a business relationship is a lack of respect or concern involved. She said one thing professionals may not spend enough time on is sincerity in dealing with others.

"Are we truly sincere about what we say and how we say it?" she said. "People can forgive if your shoes aren't polished or there's a spot on your shirt, but if you lack sincerity, that's hard to overlook."

Kelley said she believes there is plenty of knowledge out there but the importance of learning the to build lasting relationships may tend to be overshadowed by the quick sell. The golden rule still applies.

The series costs $200 per person, which also covers dinner on the second night with taxes and gratuities. The class is limited to 15.

For more information or reservations, please call at 214-922-4722.

To learn more about the services offered by Kelley, visit www.kelleyprotocol.com.

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