How to Find an Etiquette Consultant

If you've ever been unsure of which utensil to use at a formal dinner, how to apply a firm handshake (or even when to do it), you need a little etiquette coaching. While reading the latest Miss Manners column may give you some information, a live etiquette consultant may be better equipped to cater to your specific needs. Here's how to find one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Search for etiquette seminars and independent consultants. Etiquette for All based out of San Diego offers programs for children, teens, dining, business, weddings and more, for example, while The Executive Protocol Group offers seminars for business etiquette.
2. Check you local Yellow Pages or Web based services like business.com. You'll find basic information for etiquette consultants all over the country. Some handle wedding or social etiquette business issues while other cater to businesses, so expand your search to include wedding or business, depending on your needs.
3. Hire a business etiquette specialist for your employees. If you own a company and want to expand your employees' productivity and improve their social skills, consider arranging a business etiquette seminar. Some companies, like the Executive Protocol Group, specialize in this area.
4. Look at other types of social consultants, like image consultants. They will counsel you on dress, grooming and social niceties that contribute to business and personal success, although their services may not include dining skills and other non-fashion subjects.
5. Ask suave friends or family members to help you. In some ways, they may serve as your on-call etiquette consultant.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out personal websites of professional etiquette experts and consultants. Many websites carry basic tips you can put into use immediately and you'll be able to get a sense of the consultant's personality.