When you take the time to load your computer or phone with the latest programs and apps, you not only help make your operating system run more efficiently, you also help make your life more efficient, too. The same principle can also be applied to “soft skills” that we can all “upload” into our own personal “hard drive” to enhance our professional relationships and to make our jobs easier. One of the most important soft skills that anyone can adapt is the use of manners.

Madelyn Ridgeway, a wife, mom and event planner living in Waterloo, IA is the latest winner of our National Business Etiquette Week contest. This year’s contest asked entrants to explain why they would like to be the next Business Etiquette Superstar and Madelyn impressed us with her career trajectory and reasons for entering the etiquette field. Learn more about Madelyn below—our next Etiquette Superstar!

At 240 years old this year, Old Glory certainly lives up to its name and we will once again have the honor of displaying our nation’s “Stars and Stripes” to commemorate the upcoming Independence Day holiday. But before you raise your red, white and blue on July 4, make sure you are up on your flag etiquette to ensure you are paying your proper respects to one of our nation’s most respected symbols.

It was the early 1970s, Helen Reddy was proudly singing “I am Woman” and the term “Ms.” first gained prominence among feminists as the chosen honorific for the burgeoning women’s rights movement, even spawning the title of Gloria Steinem’s eponymous and groundbreaking magazine.

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Gisela Kloess is a 2015 graduate of PSOW, Here's what she shared with us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Caroline Avinger is a 2009 graduate of PSOW, Here's what she shared with us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW), we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Odette Charles is a 2017 graduate of PSOW. Here's what she shared with us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Shanna Ullmann is a 2007 graduate of PSOW, Here's what she shared with us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Nancy Schnoebelen Imbs is a 2016 graduate of PSOW, Here's what she shared with us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Kelly Goering is a 2016 graduate of PSOW, Here's what she shared with us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Maryanne Parker is a 2017 graduate of PSOW, Here's what she had to tell us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Koos Jérard Louw is a 2015 graduate of PSOW, Here's what he shared with us!

In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Erin Crotty is a 2011 graduate of PSOW, Here's what she shared with us!

In preparation for National Business Etiquette Week, we learned a little bit more about PSOW president and owner, Pamela Eyring

As we prepare for National Business Etiquette Week, we checked back in with Tammy West, winner of last year’s NBEW Contest with her entry on toxic behaviors to avoid in the workplace. Today, Tammy fills us in on her recent PSOW training and how she benefitted from the training.

The Protocol School of Washington's 12th Annual "National Business Etiquette Week" is June 3-9, 2018.

When it comes to courtesy and respect on the open road, it seems like many of us are running on empty. Disrespectful driving is a subject that many of us have lamented about, causing everything from simmering road rage to tragic accidents.

Understanding the fundamentals of business protocol and professional etiquette are more important than ever in our ever-changing multicultural workforce. But there are nuances and subtle shifts in professional behavior that will make your graduates stand out from the competition.

"Protocol and the Olympic Games" won her a complimentary tuition to attend Protocol Officer Training. The 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea highlights examples of protocol successes and illustrates why protocol professionals are needed more than ever. We spoke with Duja on her entry and what the future holds.

During National Protocol Officer Week, we caught up with Andrew Loeb Shoenig, winner of last year’s NPOW contest who captured—on film—a minor protocol breach involving a US flag being gifted to the wrong dignitary and how he was able to reconcile the situation. This year, we catch up with Andrew to get his reflections on his recent PSOW complimentary training, his current plans as well as his thoughts on the importance of protocol in today’s world.