"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.
I have grown accustomed to being a little scared
Meet Julie Blais Comeau - Graduation Date November 2011 Why did you initially come to PSOW? -To validate my knowledge -To get the credentials -To grow my international network
"What is the best part of having your own business/consultancy?" : PSOW grads tell their story
Meet Dallas Teague Snider - Graduation Date: August 2007 Why did you initially come to PSOW? I originally wanted to work for the State Department following an experience in college with Education for Democracy. I wanted the same training received from those that worked in this arena.
The 10 Protocol Essentials
Whether you have been a protocol professional for one day or over twenty years, there are some key essentials that, if applied, will keep you on the right track to success in your profession! PSOW's President, Pamela Eyring, has listed her top ten below:
Meet Protocol Professional Joe Tello
What is your proudest moment as a protocol officer? My proudest moment as a protocol officer. In 2010, I was in charge of a retirement ceremony for an Admiral from the U.S. Navy. I worked for the Admiral for 8 years. During that time, I was entrusted with coordinating his schedule and daily activities. I was his gatekeeper who guarded the admiral from unscheduled interruptions and I traveled with him and advised him on etiquette and protocol issues when dealing with foreign militaries. I kept him out of trouble and advised him of potential mishaps.
Meet Protocol Professional Fitzgerald Heslop!
Fitzgerald Heslop, Director of Professional Household Management Program & Social Decorum Academy at Peak Technical Institute, LLC, and Lead Instructor for Front Range Training & Consulting, LLC (FRTC) What is your proudest moment as a protocol officer?
Meet Protocol Professional Sharyn Amoroso
Why do you love protocol? Protocol lends structure to events, thus providing guidance and easing the way for others – whether at formal or informal occasions.
Meet Protocol Professional Brian Lim
What is your proudest moment as a protocol officer? For the past 20 years in the military, I have done many Protocol-related duties all across the world. My proudest moments are making the impossible become possible with outstanding teamwork. There’s nothing like successes when things go smoothly, despite the “chaos” behind the scene.
Meet Protocol Professional Laura Shepard!
What is your proudest moment as a protocol officer? Planning and overseeing an event that included both former President Bill Clinton and former President George W. Bush on the same stage for a 1 hour discussion.
Meet Protocol Professional Jason Seales!
What is your proudest moment as a protocol officer? My proudest moment so far was wrapping up the 2012 Chiefs of Defense (CHOD) Conference in Sydney, Australia. It was a huge conference with over 30 VIPs, their spouses, and their staffs in attendance. We executed the conference flawlessly, thanks to the outstanding working relationship we had with the Australian CHOD team, and of course, an excellent protocol team! Both ADM Locklear (Commander, U.S. Pacific Command) and GEN Hurley (Chief of Australia’s Defense Forces) were very pleased, and I was very proud to know that I contributed so much to that effort!
Meet Protocol Professional Rhonda McMichael!
What is your proudest moment as a protocol officer? While serving as the Protocol Manager, assigned to First Air Force (Air Forces Northern), Tyndall AFB, Florida in Oct 2012, I was tasked to escort the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Mark A. Welsh, III while at Tyndall AFB. The significance of this task was that I had been assigned under “Colonel” Welsh at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, 15 years prior to this meeting, when I was just starting my Air Force career. Being able to reengage with General Welsh in the capacity of lead protocol officer has definitely been the highlight of my career thus far.
Cross-cultural Tips for Doing Business Internationally
A 2013 CFO Research survey* found that to achieve growth 83% percent of small to mid-size U.S. businesses list overseas expansion as their top priority.
Keeping Your Virtual Life Clean
Sticky Situation: I am a recently divorced 52-year-old woman. After 18 years of contributing to my ex's business ventures, I am now an executive assistant for a financial analyst.
You Only Get Once Chance to Make a First Impression
Here’s the scenario...a disheveled man wearing a suit straight out of the ‘80s walks into a boardroom. He sports a wrinkled, poorly fitted jacket with pants that are much too short for his stature. His white socks peek out from the two inches of space left between the top of his black shoes and the hem of his pants. A plaid collared shirt and horizontally striped tie completes the ensemble. Now, I would like to introduce you to your attorney. What do you think of this man? Do you respect him? Are you confident in his abilities?
Business Casual?! What Does That Mean?
Ask 5 people to define business casual and you will get 5 different answers.
Tips for Business Cocktail Attire
Here are some tips for making the right impression at an after-hours event, no matter who's watching:
"The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork." -Oscar Wilde
When most of us think about how we're perceived professionally, we conjure up images of ourselves giving boardroom presentations or skillfully negotiating contracts with clients. Yet one of the strongest indicators of being truly professional is how you conduct yourself at the dining table.
Business Etiquette Dining Quiz
We love this business etiquette quiz from guest blogger Stacye Wagner!
3 Myths of Doing Business with the Asians
In the emerging global market, it is more common to see companies headquartered in one country, while doing business in another. Do you wish to start doing business in Asian countries or doing business with the local Asian-owned companies but have a couple of hang-ups about how to get started? In this post, we will discuss some common misconceptions and how you can get around them.
The Evolution of the Business Card
You stroll into the meeting room, cool and confident. Your interpreter, renowned for his accuracy and clarity, walks professionally by your side. You smile, bow, and shake hands with Mr. Heishi, CEO of a multi-billion dollar company and a potential client. He hands you his business card, both hands delicately gripping each corner of the beautifully ornamented object.