“When You’re Finished Changing, You’re Finished”: How to reinvent your professional career at the Protocol School of Washington
As one of the most multifaceted figures in American history, Benjamin Franklin was someone who truly embraced change, particularly in the incredibly diverse professional and personal pursuits of his life. Here was a man whose resume would include such diverse positions as politician, inventor, scientist, musician, entrepreneur and author among his many credits. As Franklin himself said, “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
America is truly the land of reinvention as Franklin would testify to, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average baby boomer will have approximately 11 jobs before they turn 50 years old. Because so many of us saw our parents remain at the same job for their entire adult life, changing careers proves motivational, inspiring us to seek out new opportunities and directions that we ordinarily might not consider.
One trend we have noticed in our students at The Protocol School of Washington are mid-life career professionals who are seeking out their “second act”. They are reinventing their life through professional development courses that include career and consulting possibilities in the field of corporate etiquette and protocol.
“One of the most satisfying things that we see at our trainings is when the light bulb goes off in a student’s mind—realizing that they can change the direction of their professional life,” said Pamela Eyring, President of The Protocol School of Washington. “We see this high level of energy and excitement in mature professionals that they can follow Benjamin Franklin’s lead and embrace change and reinvent themselves at any point in life.”
Because of the growing global marketplace—businesses both large and small—are interacting with industries and companies from around the world. Most of these companies are discovering that business cultures vary wildly from every corner of the globe and that knowing proper etiquette and protocol is key to closing a deal. With this knowledge being a key differentiator, we have seen a huge rise in the need for experienced consultants who can teach business etiquette, international protocol and executive entertaining.
In an intensive five-day course “Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant”, students learn the ins and outs of multicultural business entertaining; host and guest duties; proper electronic communications; international dining customs; global awareness and international business customs; global communication styles; and the five key dimensions of culture—just to name a few areas that are covered. Once these basic skills are taught, students then learn how to become an effective trainer, mastering public relations and presentational skills in addition to sharpening delivery of sales and negotiations.
Participants include those “second act” career changers and those who seek new or expanded positions with their current employer, as well as:
• Entrepreneurs interested in starting their own business to present up-to-date seminars and briefings on business etiquette, international protocol and dining skills.
• Corporate Trainers interested in adding seminars and briefings on business etiquette, international protocol and dining skills to existing training programs.
• Military and Government Protocol Officers who are required to be knowledgeable and present briefings to organizations on international protocol and formal dining skills.
• Meeting and Event Planners who plan formal events for high-level officials nationally and internationally.
• Administrative Professionals who must advise executives on how to build stronger relationships using etiquette and protocol intelligence.
• Academia professionals who want to serve as a trainer within their institution or want to influence and guide others to enhance professionalism.
• Image Consultants interested in adding seminars and briefings on business etiquette, international protocol and dining skills to existing training programs.