"What was the scariest part of starting your own business?" : PSOW grads tell their story.
Meet Richard Wells - Graduation Date: June 2001 Why did you initially come to PSOW? Knowledge of reputation of PSOW, and the fact that I wanted to develop a course for university students that would incorporate what I learned at PSOW. Subsequently, I did create that course and taught it for several years.
What was your biggest take-away?I gained a better understanding of the importance of protocol & etiquette in everyday life as well as in business. PSOW faculty and Dorothea helped me learn how to help others in developing and retaining skills in etiquette and protocol as well as helped me understand how that ensures the way that others see those who have such skills and use them.
Are you consulting: full-time, part-time, or within your company or organization?No, I do the protocol and etiquette training on my own, part-time. Plus, I use the skills in my other work overseas in dealing with people from a wide range of cultures as part of my other work for U.S. government.
What does your typical day look like now? Fortunately, after years of work, sometimes in three jobs at once, I’m semi-retired. Thus, my days vary greatly. The protocol and etiquette training that I do now varies from college student training sessions to business personnel training.
What is the best part of having your own business/consultancy? The best part is being able to ensure that I can choose to do the training or not, as requested.
How long did it take for you to get your business "off the ground?" My consultancy is word-of-mouth or part of my other work for the Department of Defense or Department of State.
What was the scariest part of starting your own business? Being effective at each session. It still is just that -- wanting to ensure that the training is understood and heeded.
How long have you been in business? I have done it mostly since retirement from university teaching – about 5 years. Prior to that it was part of a course that I developed for university students.
What are your favorite things to teach?“ That’s too hard to choose. It depends on the group that is targeted for the training and the needs of that group.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I hope doing the same as now or even more. Of course I hope to increase my own skills and abilities to do a better job each time.
What advice would you give to those who are considering taking the Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant course? Pay close attention to your lecturers. Keep learning even after you finish the course. Spread the good word about how important it is to adhere to best traditions and yet be open to changes.