Corporate Protocol Training | Corporate Concierge Training

Hosting Corporate Guests:
Representational Entertaining Made Simple

Program Overview

This program is designed for anyone who works behind the scenes to entertain his or her organization's guests. Topics include welcoming visitors, serving food, dressing for guests, and dealing with the unexpected. No organization that regularly entertains can afford not to take this course. Information is presented in a humorous and relaxed style that cuts to the heart of today's service etiquette concerns.

Program Objectives

At this program's conclusion, participants should be able to:

• Explain the importance of a good first impression and how to make one.
• Describe appropriate dress for those working "behind the scenes."
• Demonstrate how to assemble a proper table setting, serve food, and clear dishes.
• Successfully handle unusual situations
• Make any guest of the organization feel welcome.

The following outline highlights some of the course's key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Course Outline

Putting Out the Pineapple: First Impressions

For centuries, the pineapple has represented luxury and hospitality. In fact, in Colonial America, pineapples were often rented by the day to families hosting guests. The intent of this action was to communicate to the guests that no expense was spared and that they were the focus of the day. While participants won't learn to cultivate pineapples, in this opening segment they will learn what makes a good host in a business environment. From offering water to taking coats, making small talk, and knowing when not to talk, this portion of the program covers the importance of making others comfortable and treating them like welcomed guests.

From PowerPoints to Pretty Plates: Hosting Meetings for All Occasions

This section of the program reviews the importance of setting up meetings for a variety of functions: small group meetings, sales calls, negotiations, lunches, etc. Participants will learn which elements add to a meeting's success and how to choose items that fit with the organization's desired image. For example, does the organization use paper, plastic, or glass? Does it place pens and notebooks at each place when outside visitors attend? Does someone check to make sure that the tables are clean, the whiteboard is stocked with markers, and that requested equipment is in place and operational before each meeting? If desired, part of this segment can be devoted to drafting "standard operating procedures" for a variety of functions.

What's Appropriate for Work?: Social Versus Professional Behavior

Because workplace Tarzans are not usually appreciated, most of us know not to yell down the hall while at work. However, the obvious is not always obvious to all, and there are subtle things that many might not recognize as inappropriate if not told. This discussion focuses on the differences between social and workplace behavior and how some actions that are perfectly okay outside the office when practiced on the job will raise red flags in front of visitors.

Stop, Look, and Listen: Acting Your Best

Taking the previous topic one step further, this part of the program focuses on actions that enhance the guest experience. For example, smiling, listening, and offering help.

Dressing for the Occasion: Looking your Best

How you look can affect a guest's opinion of you, the quality of your work, and your organization. In this segment, participants will look at various fashion options and what those choices may communicate to those visiting the workplace.

The Well-Oiled Machine: Finding Your Team's Rhythm

Whether you are a team of two or twenty, working in sync is critical to successfully representing the organization. This final portion of the program reviews the importance of teamwork and putting aside personality differences to get the job done.

At the program's conclusion, participants will have an understanding of what it means to be a corporate host or hostess. From serving skills to staying calm in tense situations, those in attendance will come away from the session having a good sense of what to do to make guests recognize this is an organization of civility and graciousness.