etiquette school business plan

How to Start an Etiquette Training Business

Etiquette training gives lessons to people of all ages on the proper way to conduct oneself in a variety of settings, especially in the professional world.  Etiquette can cover how to act in both international and domestic settings, from a formal dinner in Japan to a debutante ball in Georgia. As globalization becomes more common, these types of lessons can be invaluable for many companies and professionals. Etiquette trainers may give online lessons or in-person lessons, depending of their budget and location. The instructions may be anything from cell phone etiquette for teenagers to the best way to send a thank you letter after a job interview.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee. Northwest ($29 + State Fees) DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start an etiquette training business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Etiquette Training Business
• Form your Etiquette Training Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Etiquette Training Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Etiquette Training Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Etiquette Training Business
• Get Etiquette Training Business Insurance
• Define your Etiquette Training Business Brand
• Create your Etiquette Training Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your etiquette training business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Etiquette Training Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Find a Domain Now

Powered by godaddy.com, what are the costs involved in opening an etiquette training business.

If you're doing everything online, the costs will be minimal. You can get started with just your computer, a professional website, and an advertising budget. If you choose to conduct business in person, you’ll need to rent space to conduct your lessons in. You may also need a small business license, which can range in price based on where you are. Owners will typically need to budget practice events as well so students can show off their skills in a real-life situation. This may involve renting out a formal banquet hall and hiring caterers. You should also invest in an excellent website, or potentially even print media (flyers, etc) to get the word out about the new business.

What are the ongoing expenses for an etiquette training business?

The expense can climb quickly, depending on the types of events you offer. Here are some examples of ongoing expenses your business might have:

• Rental/leasing costs for the space
• Marketing/website upkeep
• Office software
• Fine food, linens, and glasses for formal dinners
• Staff salaries
• Handouts/booklets for students
• Teaching materials to certify instructors
• Ongoing etiquette training

Who is the target market?

Typically the people you’re looking for will be in the professional world, attending college, or families who want their children to learn proper manners. Technically, this could be anyone, but you'll find typically find the most demand with the more affluent members of society. You should also offer a way for interested parties to obtain their own formal certification as well.

How does an etiquette training business make money?

These businesses make money by charging people for lessons, or for charging event fees which also includes the instruction. Etiquette training can be marketed to colleges, families, businesses, and individuals. You may also want to consider opening up a franchise branch from an established company, such as The Etiquette School of Singapore.

This is a specialty area, so your prices will likely reflect the need for the skill in the area. Schools for children may charge about $6,000 per child for a 6-month course. Business lessons may run a company about $1,000 per person, depending on the level of instruction. Online courses will typically be much less, or around $500 for a comprehensive course. Check on the competition’s prices before setting those of your own.

How much profit can an etiquette training business make?

Etiquette training businesses can make quite a bit of profit, so long as they have enough clients. If you have 20 children take a class at $6,000 per person and you spend $3,000 per person on salary and supplies, that's still $60,000 profit for 6 months. The good news is that most etiquette trainers will only need to spend for formal events that have already been scheduled and paid for.

How can you make your business more profitable?

The best way to make a business more profitable is to expand the definition of etiquette. From online and video communications to how to dress, there are a number of questions people have that need to be answered. Each situation may have its own particular quirks, so these answers won’t be readily found online. Market your services as one-of-a-kind, and constantly be on the lookout for the next medium of communication!

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your etiquette training business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they're a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business's debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business's liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your etiquette training business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We've negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

Form Your LLC Now

Note: If you're interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an etiquette training business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. For more information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office.
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Etiquette Training Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Etiquette Training Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an etiquette training business

You’ll be marketing to very different types of people, so you need to keep that in mind. One group may want their kids to learn the best ways to interact with peers and adults. One group will want to further their professional career. Another may just want to avoid embarrassing themselves at a particular event. You can either stay flexible, and cater to different types of people, or you can pick a particular group and aggressively target them with your marketing. Colleges and businesses are two major groups that may need a steady stream of lessons if you’re planning to only target one group.

How to keep customers coming back

Either conduct a stellar online lesson for people to see on your website, or offer to do mini-lessons to major corporations or for affluent parents. The best way to attract customers is to give them a real taste of how you can transform their presentation skills whenever they have an interaction. For those looking for ways to better themselves, there will be an instant connection to your services.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is good for someone who understands how and why we use formal behavior to signify the meaning of certain events. An instructor can be successful though even if they only specify in one event, such as teaching Americans how to eat continental style. To really exceed and expand the business, entrepreneurs should have a background and interest in their chosen field to give the best possible advice and instruction to their students.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an etiquette training business?

Owners may have the following agenda for their day.

• Marketing etiquette to groups or individual clients
• Maintaining an up-to-date website
• Creating lesson plans for each class
• Coordinating and planning formal practice events
• Ongoing education about new customs or changes to business etiquette

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful etiquette training business?

You don't necessarily need a formal training certificate to open this business, but it may help your credibility when trying to attract talent and clients. Being personable will help you build an etiquette workshop or training business, as you’ll likely be doing some of the teaching. You’ll also need to have a real eye for detail, and a love of coaching people to help them find their best selves. Owners also need to be willing to adjust their seminars based on client wishes and demands. Parents may be much more interested in teaching their children what they can and can't post online to maintain their reputation, so you may need to offer more specialty courses and single classes.

What is the growth potential for an etiquette training business?

It is highly depends on where you’re located, but the need is out there. You can also offer online programs to expand your services further if there is little interest in your own community. Most companies or colleges do not need a full-time etiquette trainer, so you need to find a variety of clients to hit your revenue goals.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an etiquette training business?

You should be willing to do some free classes for businesses and families so they can get a sense of the value you can bring into their lives. Because most people will eventually go on an interview or attend a fancy wedding, there are ways to market this service to practically everyone. For companies in particular, they need to hear the specific ROI if they choose to take one of your classes. For example, a business is likely to close more deals if they make a good enough impression on a potential partner or client.

Contact local competitors to learn more about the courses they offer and consider marketing services that are different. Plan out your lesson times and instructions before you start attracting clients, though be ready to make changes if need be.

How and when to build a team

You should likely wait to build up a team until you have a steady base of clients, and a distinct need for more help. Choose people based on both their knowledge level, interest, and people skills.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• The American School of Protocol
• The International School of Protocol

Real World Examples

• Jacqueline Whitmore Etiquette Expert
• The Elite School of Etiquette
• The Emily Post Institute

Further Reading

• How to Make Money as an Etiquette Trainer
• Tips for Starting an Etiquette School

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

• Resources for Entrepreneurs > Good Businesses to Start > Startup Advice

Starting an Etiquette School

Startup Advice

Starting an etiquette school can get you on the path to a secure financial future but it's important to plan out the business in detail before you start. Here is a friendly, comprehensive guide on the essential elements for business success.

Thinking about opening an etiquette school? We tell you what you need to know to get started.

How to Create an Etiquette School Business Plan

There is no right way to write an etiquette school business plan � but there are plenty of wrong ones. Lenders, investors and other interested parties are accustomed to seeing several key business plan elements and if your etiquette school's plan leaves something out, it could have real consequences for your company.

If you're unfamiliar with business plan essentials, you may want to think about purchasing business plan software. Many business plan software packages integrate with other applications to streamline the process even further.

Our list of business plan software packages offers a comprehensive guide to the best solutions on the market.

Assess Competitors

Long before you open an etiquette school in your area, it's a smart move to see what the competition looks like. Use the link below to get a list of local competitors in your area. After following the link, enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of etiquette schools in your area.

• Get a List of Nearby Etiquette Schools

Gain a knowledge of how existing firms have positioned themselves in the marketplace, and then design your business in a way that sets you apart from the others.

Getting Advice from Experienced Entrepreneurs

If you are seriously contemplating launching an etiquette school, you really ought to have a conversation with someone who is in the business. Local competitors are not going to give you the time of day, mind you. Why would they want to educate a future competitor?

On the other hand, an individual who has an etiquette school in a different city will be much more likely to talk with you, as long as they don't view you as a competitive threat. Many business owners are happy to give advice to new entrepreneurs. Our estimate is that you may have to contact many business owners to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.

What's the process for finding somebody who runs an etiquette school in a different locale who can assist you?

No problem! Just use the link below and try a random city/state or zipcode. Then start dialing for advice until you are successful.

• Find Etiquette School Owners Who Might Advise You

Reasons to Pursue an Etiquette School Acquisition

More than a few experts advise prospective etiquette school startup entrepreneurs to pursue an acquisition strategy. Yet many new entrepreneurs find it hard to resist the allure of an etiquette school startup.

There are a lot of reasons why it makes sense to buy a business, but the most important reason may be capital. Commercial lenders are usually more inclined to fund acquisitions than startups.

Although there are a lot of factors to consider, the decision to buy a business to get acquisition capital almost always pays off.

Consider Franchising

Your chances of achieving the entrepreneurial goal of doing well with your venture are much greater when you opt to franchise and benefit from the prior work of others and their lessons learned.

Before starting an etiquette school, you would be wise to check out whether there are good franchise opportunities available that might be worth investigating.

The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.

• Franchising Lists

Related Articles on Starting a Company

These additional resources regarding getting started as an entrepreneur may be of interest to you.

LLC Advantages

How to Find Angel Investors

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Start an Etiquette Training Business

Dancing With Debonair: Sculpting Your Etiquette Empire

ETIQUETTE TRAINING BUSINESS

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School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their schools.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a school business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a school business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a School Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your school as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a School

If you’re looking to start a school or grow your existing school, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your school to improve your chances of success. Your school business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Schools

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for schools are donations and gifts, tuition, personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for schools.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a school.

If you want to start a school or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your school business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of school you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a school that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of schools?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the school industry.
• Discuss the type of school you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of school you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of schools:

• Private K-12 school : this type of school typically charges tuition, and may be affiliated with a religious organization, or specialize in a particular learning method.
• Charter school: this type of school offers primary or secondary education for a tuition, and may receive some public funding, and/or donations. These schools require their students to take state-mandated exams.
• Special subject school: this type of school specializes in teaching a specific subject, such as driving, first-aid, self-defense, fine arts, language, or general tutoring.
• Preschool: this type of school typically serves children who are aged 3 and 4. These schools prepare young children to enter formal education, and are funded by some combination of tuition, donations, and government grants.

In addition to explaining the type of school you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of students served, the number of students accepted into elite formal education institutions, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the school industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the school industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your school business plan:

• How big is the school industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your school? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your school business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families with elementary-aged children, families with high-school-aged children, families with preschool children.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of school you operate. Clearly, families with high schoolers would respond to different marketing promotions than families with preschoolers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other schools.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes public schools, virtual schools, and families who do homeschooling. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of students do they serve?
• What type of school are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide specialized instruction, either in subject or in method?
• Will you offer courses or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide religious-focused K-8 education, college preparatory courses, or single-subject instruction like driving or fine arts?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the courses and/or extracurricular activities you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your school. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your school located in a growing neighborhood, in the city center, or will you operate purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your school marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your school, including answering calls, planning and delivering instruction, applying for grants, fundraising, performing administrative tasks, overseeing instructors, handling discipline, scheduling and monitoring extracurricular activities, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to enroll your Xth student, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your school to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your school’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing schools. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in running a school or experience with public school administration or who has served on a public school board.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you enroll 100 or 1,000 students per semester, and/or offer extracurricular activities? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your school, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a school:

• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your school location lease or a list of elective courses or extracurricular activities you will offer.  

Writing a business plan for your school is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the school industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful school.

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How to Start an Etiquette School

Social Club Fund-Raising Ideas

In all our social interactions, we're faced with expectations of how we should behave. Etiquette classes identify these rules and teach students how to act in social and business situations. Starting an etiquette school is a way to earn an income by providing this service through classes and courses.

Make a list of all the areas of etiquette you are interested in teaching. These could include etiquette for dining, wardrobe and accessories, interviews, first impressions, networking, communication, social entertaining, issuing and accepting invitations and attending family gatherings. Include seasonal etiquette needs, such as wedding etiquette and international etiquette and customs for travelers. Highlight the etiquette areas in which you are interested and in which you have some knowledge.

List all the age and social groups that might benefit from some etiquette knowledge. Include different ages and stages of life (teens, seniors) as well as different social groups, such as mothers, business people and cell phone owners. Highlight the groups that you would like as your students.

Look in your local phone directory for competitors. Contact the Chamber of Commerce and your library, and ask if they know of any local etiquette businesses or organizations. Contact these businesses or organizations and find out what they offer and to whom. Change your lists to remove any areas of overlap.

Choose the topics and groups you will teach. For example, teaching cell phone use to teenagers or wedding etiquette to a wedding party. Write down all the etiquette knowledge you have in these areas. If you don't have enough information or experience to teach a class in any of these areas, decide whether you need to take some courses, become certified as an etiquette teacher or read some books. Decide whether to hire additional teachers who have relevant experience.

Write down what etiquette rules and behaviors you will teach for each of your classes. Decide on the length of each class and whether it will be part of a series of classes in a course. You could have an etiquette course for business people which includes individual classes such as power lunch etiquette, what to wear to an interview and how to network at business meetings. Schedule the time and day of each class. Invent catchy but recognizable names for each of the classes and courses. Write a clear description of the social situation and etiquette problems you will cover in the class, and who the students should be.

Decide what to charge for each class. Factor in all your costs, your time and a profit, and consider what people are willing to pay.

Find a space in which to hold the classes. Set up your space to reflect the class you are teaching -- setting the table for a dining etiquette course or hanging up a collection of business clothes for a wardrobe and makeup etiquette class. Check with your local council authority about business licenses and business insurance, and negotiate rental or lease agreements if needed.

Advertise your etiquette school and classes. Make fliers and business cards, place an advertisement in your local paper, and mail them a press release. Join the Chamber of Commerce and network at the meetings. Approach local businesses and offer to conduct a free etiquette class for their staff as an introduction to your service.

Develop partnerships with local businesses that complement your own. Offer a discount on your wedding etiquette class for customers of a bridal store. Create a class just for the students at a local cooking school. Talk to pet stores about an etiquette class for dog owners, about what to do at an off-leash park or when walking their dogs. Arrange a discount at your favorite restaurant if you take your dining etiquette students there for their final exam.

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School Business Plan

High demand and a recurring revenue model make starting a school business a lucrative and rewarding profession.

Anyone can start a new business, but you need a detailed business plan when it comes to raising funding, applying for loans, and scaling it like a pro!

Need help writing a business plan for your school business? You’re at the right place. Our school business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free school business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

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How to Write A School Business Plan?

Writing a school business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Introduce your Business: Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.This section may include the name of your school business, its location, when it was founded, the type of school business (E.g., private schools, charter schools, virtual schools), etc.
• Market Opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Educational programs & services: Highlight the school services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.For instance, you may include education programs, extracurricular activities, special education services, etc as your services.
• Marketing & Sales Strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring students, etc.
• Financial Highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to Action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your business. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Charter schools
• Magnet schools
• Virtual or online schools
• Boarding schools
• International schools
• Religious schools
• Describe the legal structure of your school, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.
• Owners: List the names of your school’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission Statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Target market: Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.For instance, families looking for additional education or extracurricular activities are the ideal market for private schools generally.
• Market size and growth potential: Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.For instance, the US education industry is to be $3.12 trillion by 2030, so it is crucial to define the segment of your target market and its growth potential.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your school from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.
• Market Trends: Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.For instance, personalized learning or STEM education is getting important; explain how you plan on dealing with this potential growth opportunity.
• Regulatory Environment: List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your school business, such as education laws & regulations, government accreditation, teacher certificate & licensing, health & safety regulations, etc.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your school business plan::

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to students. To write this section should include the following:

• Education programs
• Extracurricular activities
• Counseling & Guidance
• Special education services
• Transportation services
• Food services
• Testing and assessments
• Describe specialized programs: Highlight any specialized programs or services your school provides in this section. Extracurricular activities, artistic initiatives, sports teams, STEM efforts, language immersion programs, and advanced placement courses may fall under this category.
• Student leadership programs: If your school has a vibrant student leadership program that encourages students to grow as leaders, participate in volunteer work in the community, and actively contribute to the improvement, then mention it here.
• Additional Services: Mention if your school business offers any additional services. You may include services like, after-school programs, school transportation, food services, parent education & involvement, etc.

In short, this section of your school plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.For example, specialized programs, educational philosophies, experienced faculty, or a strong track record of academic achievements could be some of the great USPs for school business.
• Pricing Strategy: Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new students.
• Marketing Strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, content marketing, and print marketing.
• Sales Strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include targeted marketing, personalized sales approach, referral programs, conversion strategies, etc.
• Customer Retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance excellent services, alumni engagement, parental engagement, etc.

Overall, this section of your school business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your school business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Staffing & Training: Mention your business’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or teachers needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
• Operational Process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your school business. Your operational processes may include enrollment process, staffing & human resources, classroom management, finance & budgeting, etc.
• Equipment & Software: Include the list of equipment and software required for school, such as whiteboards & projectors, student information systems, learning management systems, communication & collaboration tools, etc.Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your school business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founders/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your school, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.It should include, key executives(e.g. principal), senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager, admission manager, facilities manager) involved in the school business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.
• Compensation Plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.
• Advisors/Consultants: Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your school, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement . Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance Sheet : Create a projected balance sheet documenting your school business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
• Financing Needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a school business, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your school business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample school business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful school plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our school business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a school business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful school business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your school.

How to get funding for your school business?

There are several ways to get funding for your school business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your school business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your school business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your school business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any school business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

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Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Business Etiquette ESL Lesson Plan

Business etiquette basics, student level.

Downloads: 24793

Video Length: 1:46

Updated on: 03/28/2023

Lesson Time: 1–2 hrs.

Free Lesson

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Business Etiquette ESL Lesson Plan Description

Objective & overview.

This free business etiquette ESL lesson plan contains PDF worksheets, activities, and digital materials for A2 and B1 students. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to communicate in a variety of business scenarios using proper business etiquette, recognise the importance of maintaining effective non-verbal communication, and apply professional behaviour in various workplace scenarios.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

This ESL lesson plan on business etiquette starts with discussion questions for students on their own experiences maintaining professionalism in the workplace. They will explore the qualities and factors that contribute to proper business etiquette, such as maintaining full attention, and giving a firm handshake. The discussion then goes into the complexities of business etiquette and its impact on professional relationships, emphasising the significance of good eye contact, being an active listener, and leaving a strong impression.

VIDEO & LISTENING COMPREHENSION

In this engaging video, students learn valuable tips for improving their business etiquette skills. They will watch and listen to a presentation that covers the basics of business etiquette in the workplace. Students will be encouraged to pay full attention to key information about effective communication , body language , and the use of proper vocabulary . This listening exercise will allow them to check their understanding and reinforce the concepts discussed, enabling them to practice good eye contact, be active listeners, and leave a strong impression.

DISCUSSION & COLLOCATIONS

Following the video, students will expand their vocabulary related to business etiquette. Students will learn important collocations related to business etiquette, including good eye contact, active listener, strong impression, full attention, friendly and professional tone, and a firm handshake. Students can then use these collocations in conversations to help them enhance their communication skills in professional settings.

GRAMMAR ACTIVITY

As a bonus grammar activity, students will focus on using gerunds as sentence subjects . This will reinforce their understanding of sentence structure and help them express actions related to business etiquette, such as maintaining good eye contact, being an active listener, and leaving a strong impression.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE COMMUNICATIVE TASKS

In addition to vocabulary and grammar exercises, students will engage in a communication task that simulates real-life business scenarios . They will apply their newly acquired knowledge of business etiquette to navigate challenging situations and communicate appropriately. A quiz and review section will assess their understanding of the lesson material, and a lesson reflection will encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences.

Benefits of using this business etiquette ESL lesson plan:

This Business English lesson plan on business etiquette provides a comprehensive and interactive learning experience for A2/B1 level students. It equips them with essential skills and knowledge to navigate professional settings with confidence and make a positive impression. 

Download the Basics of Business Etiquette now to engage your students in practical activities and discussions about the fundamental principles of business etiquette, including maintaining good eye contact, being an active listener, leaving a strong impression, giving a firm handshake, and communicating in a friendly and professional tone.

Video Description

Lesson activities.

Business & Professional Etiquette

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Gerunds as sentence subjects

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Business, Career, Professional Skills, Etiquette

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Emily Post training and services are available for groups, businesses, and individuals. Choose from trainer training, seminars, live and pre-recorded webinars, self-paced eLearning courses, and consultation services to best meet your etiquette training needs. Every live session is customized for the client and built from our extensive menu of training topics.

Training Options

• Live Online Seminars
• Author Led Seminars

Online Courses

Online course: dining etiquette - creativelive, online course: manners at work, the ultimate guide - creative live, online course: business etiquette for professionals, trainer training.

• Business Train the Trainer
• Children's Train the Trainer
• Wedding Professionals Training

Training Topics

• Etiquette Defined/Why Etiquette?
• Problem Solving

Brand Partnership with Emily Post

• Speakers Bureau
• Brand Partnerships
• Spokesperson

Find the right Emily Post book, game, or learning tool for you. We have the perfect wedding, graduation, or housewarming gift for someone special in your life.

Best Sellers

Emily post's etiquette, the centennial edition, the etiquette advantage in business, 3rd edition personal skills for professional success, table manners for kids, the unwritten rules of golf, higher etiquette, our favorites, emily post’s wedding etiquette, 6th edition, emily’s magic words, digital stationery for texts, emily post's - host a bridesmaids' luncheon digital planner, awesome etiquette podcast.

The Awesome Etiquette podcast is a weekly Q&A show where hosts, (cousins, and co-presidents of the Emily Post Institute,) Lizzie Post and Dan Post Senning answer audience questions, tackle etiquette topics in detail and salute good etiquette witnessed by the Awesome Etiquette audience.

Listen on your favorite platform!

• Support the Show
• Episode 501 - Total Eclipse
• Episode 500 - Yes, 500
• Episode 499 - Etiquette vs. Protocol

The Emily Post Institute Inc. is a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book ETIQUETTE in 1922. Today we offer a wide range of books, online resources, training programs for all ages and topics, a weekly podcast and a selection of greeting cards and paper products.

The Emily Post Institute

• Timeline History
• Definition of Etiquette - Consideration, Respect and Honesty
• Emily's First Novel
• Emily Post: Daughter of Bruce Price
• Emily Post: In The Garden

Get a signed copy of our latest book, Emily Post's Etiquette - The Centennial Edition , for yourself or to give as a gift, and support Vermont's independent bookstore Bridgeside Books.

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The Emily Post Institute’s Business Etiquette for Professionals course is the key to improving your business relationships with colleagues, clients, suppliers, and prospects. Corporations that include this program in their company-wide training, create a company-wide standard for etiquette in the workplace. And better behavior leads to better business in and outside the workplace.

This program is a condensed version of our successful in-person Business Etiquette Seminars and is presented in a series of lessons taught by Emily Post Business Etiquette Seminars creator Peter Post, author of The Etiquette Advantage in Business , 3rd edition , and The New York Times bestseller Essential Manners for Men . Drawing on his expertise and experience as a business owner, a business etiquette expert, and a seasoned presenter, Peter guides viewers through essential business etiquette and manners with tools that can help improve colleague and client relationships and company reputation.

Go To Course

Over this 12-lesson course, Peter explains how etiquette and manners are fundamental to building better relationships in the workplace and how they relate to the larger world of business. Discover the most common business manners mistakes and how to avoid them, as well as tips for how to look at etiquette as an opportunity in business. Each lesson is enhanced with text and images, as well as sample problems and examples that speak to the core concepts of etiquette with style and humor. Far from a list of do’s and don’ts to memorize, this course provides essential etiquette advice while challenging the viewer to think about how their actions in business impact their environment and relationships, both in the company and to outside clients and vendors.

The Emily Post Institute’s Business Etiquette for Professionals eLearning program is a new way to bring the confidence, authority, and credibility of Emily Post etiquette to both personal and professional brands.

“The Emily Post training was very informative. I thought it was a great reminder of how to present a professional image both in and out of the workplace. As part of my orientation process I watched several different presentations and the Emily Post lessons were definitely the most entertaining and easy to follow. The lessons were enthusiastic and the material made me think of ways I can improve my personal image. Thank you for the great presentations!” – C. Olden, University of Vermont Technical Service

Business Etiquette for Professionals - Course Details

Our core business etiquette E-Learning program, Business Etiquette for Professionals , is hosted by New York Times best-selling author Peter Post and is modeled on the Emily Post business etiquette seminars. Each lesson is 5-15 minutes long. The program is designed so lessons can be watched individually over time or taken as a complete course in one session.

Students gain an understanding of why etiquette matters in business today:

• Why etiquette matters in business today
• A brief introduction of Emily Post and her philosophy on etiquette
• The concepts of “The How Matters” and “Other People’s Perspective Matters”
• The 3 Goals and how they can help guide students toward building better relationships at work
• An example problem illustrating how to use the 3 Goals

Students learn the concept of etiquette, the 3 principles governing all etiquette, and the Five-Step Method for Solving Problems:

• A deeper understanding of what etiquette is
• The difference between etiquette and manners
• The 3 Principles that govern all etiquette: Consideration, Respect, and Honesty
• The Five-Step Method for Solving Problems

Students learn The Four P’s, which are the foundation for all communication etiquette:

• The Four P’s – Public or Private, Proofread, Pronunciation, Patience
• The Bulletin Board Rule
• Examples of The Four P’s illustrating why they matter

Students are exposed to both the broad concepts and finer points of written communications and to be on guard for common pitfalls:

• Why written communications can cause problems
• When to use written communications versus verbal communications
• Seven tips for good written communications focused on emails: The “To” Field, The “Subject” Field, ALL CAPS, Emoticons & Text Speak, Formality, Salutations & Closings, BCC, Reply & Reply All

Students discover how the many aspects of verbal communications are both within their control and can be used to their advantage in business:

• Office phones – how to answer a call, loud phone voices, excusing yourself to take a call, and when to send a call to voicemail
• A list of office phone tips
• Conference calls
• Speakerphones
• Cell phones, smartphones, and texting
• Personal calls at work

Students learn foundational workplace etiquette and utilize the Five-Step Method for Solving Problems with multiple examples of workplace situations:

• Five general office manners explored through sample problems: Saying hello upon arriving at work, giving privacy when needed, interrupting in an open office environment, multi-tasking without being rude, and arriving late
• 3 Fire-able Offenses
• Grooming at work
• 3 Workplace Guidelines

Students learn best practices for meetings, both internal and with clients, prospects and suppliers:

• Why your behavior during meetings can make or break your career
• Sample problem: What to do when a colleague isn’t paying attention during a meeting
• Sample problem: What to do when you’re leading a meeting/presentation and someone asks overbearing questions or makes difficult comments
• 7 Guidelines for Meetings
• The 2 Block Rule

Students explore why image matters in business and how to be intentional about building your image:

• Why your image matters in business
• What your image is comprised of: Appearance, Actions & Words
• Appearance: From grooming to the clothing you choose, no matter the industry, you need to be aware how your appearances affecting your relationships
• Actions: How posture, eye contact, nervous habits, fidgeting, and even gum chewing can all affect how others perceive you at work
• Words: It’s not just the individual words we use, but HOW we use them that helps or hinders the impression others have of us in the business world
• Tone of voice, speed, and accents/pronunciation all contribute to how well we are understood and received by others
• Tips for being a good listener
• Sample problem: You’re too casually dressed for a last-minute meeting with a client. What are your best options in the moment and for the future?
• Company dress codes

Students gain perspective on how social media can positively or negatively impact their business image and relationships:

• 3 Tips for Business Social Networking
• 5 General Social Networking Tips
• Sample problems and specific tips for LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter
• Tips for how to review your online image

Students learn the finer points of introductions, small talk, thank-you notes, and how to variegate business social events:

• Why business social skills and events matter
• Invitations and R.S.V.P.’s
• 4 Steps for Introductions and who introduces whom
• How to handle forgetting someone’s name
• 5 Tips for Small Talk
• Sample problem: How to handle it when you hear a colleague throw a team member under the bus when speaking with a client
• 5 Tips for Business Social Situations
• When and how to write a thank-you note and what method you should use to send it

Students learn the Top Ten Business Dining Tips to successfully navigate business meals:

• The most important dining etiquette tips for business meals
• Be on time, holding utensils, conversation, sneezing, one-drink rule, when to begin, deal breakers, Fast and slow eating, grooming at the table, thank-yous, place settings
• Sample problem: How to handle electronic devices at the table
• Review the 3 most important dining tips

Students gain perspective on why actions outside of work have the potential to affect business relationships:

• Sample problem: A rude gesture outside of work comes back to bite you when you arrive at the office
• How actions outside of work affect you at work
• When social situations become business social situations
• Why it’s important to maintain a professional image during business trips
• Program review of the two key concepts, three goals, three principles, and the Five-Step Method for Solving Problems

Peter brings knowledge and humor to E-Learning

PETER POST is the great-grandson of Emily Post and the managing director of The Emily Post Institute. As the creator of the Emily Post Business Etiquette seminars, he leads business seminars for companies both in the United States and abroad. Author of the New York Times bestseller Essential Manners for Men and co-author of The Etiquette Advantage in Business , 3rd edition , he writes a weekly question-and-answer business etiquette advice column, “Etiquette at Work,” that appears in the Boston Sunday Globe .

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Find out how The Emily Post Institute online courses can teach your audience to use etiquette as a tool for professional improvement and personal growth. Cultures of civility and respect begin with small actions.

Please contact Daniel Post Senning for more information on group sales and pricing by filling out our contact form. [email protected]

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Get Ready for Corporate Charm School: Etiquette Classes Are Coming to the Workplace and They're Looking at You, Gen Z More than half of the companies surveyed said there are plans to offer etiquette classes by 2024.

By Sam Silverman Jul 18, 2023

Key Takeaways

• Companies are implementing etiquette classes to help Gen Z with "soft" skills and learn proper workplace standards.
• 60% of companies surveyed said classes would be required.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Etiquette classes are coming to the workplace.

But unlike traditional classes that teach how to curtsy and fine-dining fork placement, these classes offer help with "soft skills" like writing professional emails , appropriate in-office banter, and dressing for a professional environment.

According to a new survey of 1,548 business leaders by Resume Builder , 45% of companies are already offering these kinds of classes while 18% plan to implement such classes by the end of 2024.

More than two-thirds of companies that are already offering etiquette classes have said the classes have been "highly" successful.

RELATED: 8 Zoom Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow

"In our view, office etiquette training is vital, not only for newbies but for everyone on the team," said Co-Founder and CEO of FormsPal, Mike Chappell said, per Resume Builder.

Those surveyed said Gen Z could use training on how to be more professional in the workplace and help others reacclimate to workplace life after the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us to incorporate remote work and new ways of communicating in the work world.

When asked why these classes are needed, some of the write-in responses included:

"The younger employees needed help with general office etiquette."

"Some staff started wearing 'very casual' clothes to work that were just not professional in appearance."

"There were increasing complaints of a hostile work environment and complaints from patrons about the behavior of certain employees."

While 60% of companies surveyed said they would require etiquette classes for all employees, 19% said they would only require it for certain employees, 10% of which will target new college graduates and employees ages 18-27.

RELATED: 6 Things Gen Z Employees Want Their Managers to Know About the Workplace in 2023

However, these corporate etiquette classes come with a cost. According to Business Training Works , which offers business etiquette courses and workshops, it charges $14,100 for a two-day on-site training session for only 36 employees. Prices for online courses range from $50 to $250 and allow for 500+ employees to take the class.

Despite the lofty fees, some of Business Training Works' clients include Adobe, Chevron, Disney, and Johnson & Johnson.

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Teaching Manners: Lesson Plans to Use in the Classroom

Aug 2, 2021 | Elementary , Teaching Manners

Teaching Manners in Your Classroom Lesson Plans Handouts

How to teach manners in your classroom using lesson plans and ideas from a special education teacher.

If you are an educator, you may have questions about how to teach manners in your classroom using lesson plans and handouts.  Leah Serao has many ideas and her classroom is surrounded by fun charts and activities for the students to stay inspired.

Recently, I had the opportunity to teach a manners program for her students.  Leah is a special education teacher and her focus is on children with autism.  She also has a blog, Teacher Talk , where she writes about her experiences.

I interviewed Leah about her ideas on teaching manners, life skills and character education.

Teaching Manners, Life Skills and Character Education

• When I was visiting your classroom preparing for the manners program, I noticed several boxes containing materials. My eyes immediately went to the box on life skills. Tell us about that box!

In our life skill box, I have a lot of resources that help teach students skills they need for life such as direction following, manners, greetings, and how to hold a conversation. The box contains activities and worksheets that help students learn and practice these skills.

     2.   What are your favorite life skills/manners activities to teach in your classroom?

My favorite life skills/manners activity to teach is how to greet a person properly. Proper greetings change depending on age, location, and familiarity of the person. I love teaching different greetings during morning meeting since first impressions matter. We also practice saying hello and goodbye when entering and exiting the classroom. In addition, we always reinforce and expect our students to say please and thank you.

      3. What are your students favorite social skills activities?

My students love to participate in group projects where collaboration is needed to complete an end product. My students wrote and produced a video about Mozambique that shared how some students could not go to school since they could not afford a $10 uniform. My students loved practicing their lines and recording the video. In addition, my students have enjoyed morning meetings where they greet their classmates and their teachers, participate in a group activity, and then ask their classmates questions about their weekend or how to solve a math problem.

     4.  Of these activities, which ones do you believe have the most impact?

I think each social skills activity has had a beneficial effect on my students. Morning meeting has been a great social activity that has helped produce a “family” feel in the classroom among peers and teachers. Producing the video helped my students think outside the classroom and use their social skills to focus on helping other people. Focusing on saying please and thank you has helped my students be a role model to other students in the lunch room and to special teachers.

Would You Like Lesson Plans to Teach Manners in Your Classroom?

Good manners set the stage for future success.

As an educator, you know how important social skills are for a child’s success. Children who are polite, well spoken, and attentive to others find it easier to get along with their peers and make a positive impression on the adults in their lives. As a result, more opportunities come their way, laying the foundation for future success in life.  Yet too many children are not being taught proper manners or other valuable social skills at home. Which means it’s up to us as educators to equip them with these important life tools – and help them grow up to be responsible, caring, successful global citizens.

Now you can help students improve their behavior in as little as 10 minutes a day… a week… or month.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

About Manners To Go 

Most likely we already share something in common. We believe that teaching children manners, character and social emotional skills are very important.

Manners To Go™ is a full-service company for those choosing to teach manners to children. You can make a difference. All children and teenagers deserve to feel what it is like to be confident, and use good manners out in the world.

Manners To Go™ is taught in public, private and charter schools around the world. The New York Times, Parents Magazine and Fox News have all featured Manners To Go and the many benefits of teaching social skills to children.

Whether you are an educator who wants to teach it in the classroom or someone who is looking to become trained and certified , we provide all the solutions.

This post was updated on August 2, 2021

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Business Etiquette

Perfect for individuals or groups.

Ideal for business, sales & marketing executives, career seekers, and graduates.

Key factors that prohibit an organization from achieving its potential level of success include:

• Poor verbal and nonverbal skills towards other employees or business partners
• Rude and distracting behavior at the office
• Failing to appreciate employees for their contributions
• Inappropriate attire
• Poor manners on the phone, while dining with clients, and when interacting customers.

The benefits of business etiquette training include:

• Improved relationships with key customers and high profile individuals
• A better image for the company
• Improved communication across the organization
• Improved customer service and support
• A higher level of productivity and work morale

PROGRAM A: FIRST IMPRESSIONS & COMMUNICATION SKILLS

In this workshop for adults we will show you how to make memorable and positive first impressions wherever you go. Research shows that it takes less than 10 seconds of meeting someone, to form an opinion about that person. Statistics reveal that 55% of our first impression is based on the way we look, 38% on the way we present ourselves and only 7% is based on what we have to say. Equip yourself with the essential life skills that will allow you to shine.

Topics include:

• First impressions
• Dressing for success
• What does your handshake say about you?
• Introductions
• Who gets introduced to whom first?
• Presence and body language
• How to handle the forgotten name
• Entering and exiting conversations
• Conversational no no’s
• How to gracefully initiate and end conversations
• The art of small talk and its significance
• Perfecting your Elevator Pitch
• Business card etiquette
• Telephone and cell phone etiquette
• When and how to write thank-you notes and e-mails
• Tech Etiquette – Email, snail mail, text… which is best?
• Learn the most common mistakes professionals make and how to avoid them

PROGRAM B: DINING SKILLS & EVENT ETIQUETTE WORKSHOP

Perfect for anyone in business, this portion of the business etiquette training course covers every aspect of business dining etiquette and client entertaining. As more business meetings are being held during meals, proper etiquette must be made a priority, such as knowing how to select the location of the meeting, selecting the menu, who orders first, as well as who pays the bill? Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch with colleagues or need to impress a client at a formal dinner, we can help you maintain your professional image.

• Invitations & RSVP
• Receiving lines
• Restaurant etiquette for business
• Client entertaining tips
• Defining “dress codes”
• Dining dos and don’ts
• Styles of eating: Western vs. Continental
• Navigating your place setting
• Taking your seat and napkin use
• Proper way to eat bread & soup
• Cocktail party etiquette
• Buffet etiquette
• Cell phone etiquette at the table
• Who pays the bill?
• Tipping guidelines for restaurants
• Do’s & don’ts of the office party

INDIVIDUAL RATES:

• Recommended
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• Program A+B
• 2 Hours, includes meal

Courses: Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us for a customized program, especially for your needs. Group rates are available upon request.

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Modern Etiquette Training in Ohio CORPORATE • UNIVERSITY • YOUTH

Modern Business Etiquette Training

We help you become something better than you are now by becoming the best you can be through modern business etiquette training. Whether your desire is to improve the performance of your organization, obtain a promotion, secure a leadership role or make that important business deal, we equip you with tools and strategies to maximize your success.

Etiquette Training for Modern Youth

Living in a fast-paced, technology-centered world, The Etiquette Institute of Ohio prepares children ages 7-12 and young adults 13-19 with real-world skills students need to thrive in modern society and develop into confident adults. Cathi wants to help your children reveal the greatest version of themselves through strengthening their soft skills thru private coaching, online courses, group training and summer camps.

MEET CATHI FALLON

Etiquette Expert

Cathi Fallon is the Founder and Director of The Etiquette Institute of Ohio an etiquette consultancy firm specializing in business and social etiquette training that gets to the bottom of what takes leaders to the top. She is dedicated to inspiring professionals with improving their personal brand, polishing their executive presence and enhancing their high-level soft skills to become the best version of themselves.

REASONS TO WORK WITH CATHI

1. it’s all about your success.

Cathi’s primary goal is that your event is a raving success. She knows how to genuinely connect one-on-one with an audience and move people to action.

2. Customizing Presentations Based on Your Desired Outcome

Cathi is a leading etiquette expert in high level soft skills, emotional intelligence and executive presence thru business etiquette and leadership training. She will listen and work with you to custom tailor a presentation that fits your desired outcomes.

3. Engaging and Interactive

Cathi loves to engage, equip and empower her audience with down to earth, practical tips and strategies that may be implemented immediately to raise their level of professional and career performance.

4. Actionable Takeaways and Strategies

Cathi knows the key to a successful presentation is the bottom line transforming takeaways. Action steps are key to opening doors that raise the audience’s level of performance.  

Cathi partners with small, medium and Fortune 500 companies to design and deliver interactive presentations’ that will challenge and engage the audience to raise their level of performance and leadership impact.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

Columbus, Ohio

The Etiquette Institute of Ohio is a distinguished etiquette consultancy firm specializing in modern business, social etiquette and leadership training to adults and youth in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. Through interactive workshops, private coaching and public speaking appearances, we design training to meet the etiquette needs of corporations, universities, organizations and schools.

Morgan Chase

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I have only positive things to say about my experience with Cathi! She is extremely passionate, professional, and dedicated. She went above and beyond to ensure her instruction was tailored specifically for the attendees to gain the most knowledge. Cathi taught skills especially pertinent in the corporate world, filled with networking and professional dining guidance. The feedback we received after our event was overwhelming positive from all who attended! I highly recommend Cathi and The Etiquette Institute of Ohio.

I have had the professional pleasure of knowing Cathi well over 10 years. She is polished and very knowledgeable in her business. Always on the cutting edge of how America’s social skills are changing, Her pulse is right on target. A wonderful teacher and role model for all of her students, no matter the age. I would sincerely recommend Cathi to meet the needs of your business.

Catherine Holloway Ohio's Leading Certified Etiquette Expert

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Featured Reads

• Leadership |
• 16 business etiquette tips for every wo ...

16 business etiquette tips for every working professional

Business etiquette is a type of behavior that team members are expected to follow to uphold the company image and respect each other. While business culture has become more casual, it’s still critical to practice common courtesy. In this piece, we’ll explain what business etiquette is and some of the basic rules to familiarize yourself with.

People in the business world have different expectations about eye contact, body language, dress code, and dining etiquette, just to name a few. While many companies have shifted to a more casual culture, understanding proper business etiquette can go a long way. In this piece, we’ll explain what business etiquette is and some of the basic rules to familiarize yourself with. 

What is business etiquette?

Business etiquette is a type of behavior that team members are expected to follow in order to uphold the company image and respect each other. Business etiquette may change from culture to culture, but when everyone understands and follows a particular set of standards, it can create a sense of unity. 

No more silos: Optimizing your organizational structure for stronger cross-team collaboration

In this ebook, learn how to structure your organization to prevent silos, move faster, and stay aligned in the face of change.

The 5 basics of business etiquette

The basics of business etiquette vary from culture to culture, and it can be particularly intimidating to understand business etiquette if you're working for a company with a culture different from the one you grew up in. However, there are some universal constants that can help you stick to the status quo as you learn the particular group dynamics and team norms at your company. 

These five important business courtesies can help you make a solid first impression and show respect for your team members. 

1. Be on time

Whether you’re attending an interview or daily standup meeting , being on time in a work environment shows that you respect everyone’s schedule. If punctuality isn’t something you’ve prioritized in the past, brush up on some time management tips to keep yourself organized and aware of your to-do list . 

There are nuances to being on time—some cultures operate on a system of being slightly late to everything. But when in doubt, show up on time and adjust from there if necessary.

2. Recognize your team

Acknowledging others is proper business etiquette for both casual and formal work environments. When someone walks in the room at a business dinner or meeting, greet them and say hello appropriately—whether by shaking hands or following some other cultural custom. 

The same rule applies if you work from home and attend daily Zoom meetings. You may not be required to get on camera in every business meeting, but speaking up and taking the time to recognize your team members can let everyone know you’re listening and make others feel noticed. 

3. Dress appropriately

Dressing appropriately is subjective and will depend on whether you work in an office or from home. Some companies that work in the office every day will expect everyone to dress in business casual attire because much of the work involves face time with stakeholders or clients. Other companies who work in a hybrid environment may encourage team members to dress casually in order to promote comfort and productivity . 

If you are unsure about appropriate business attire, ask your manager or supervisor for tips. It’s especially common to feel unsure if you just started a new job, but don’t be afraid to send a quick email before your first day to get a feel of the office policy. Alternatively, think back to your interview and try to remember what everyone was wearing so you can dress accordingly. 

4. Respect shared spaces

Even if you work remotely, you may go into the office on occasion or share virtual spaces with your team members. Office spaces you may share with team members include a kitchen, bathroom, printer and copy room, and lounge area. Virtual spaces you may share include Google Drive folders and project management software . 

The way you treat shared spaces will reflect on you as a professional, so it’s important that you label things correctly, stay organized, and respect others who also use these spaces. Business etiquette applies to shared spaces whether you’re cleaning up after yourself physically or following company processes online.

5. Build emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, regulate, and understand emotions in yourself and in others. Effective emotional intelligence skills can help you empathize with team members and overcome challenges. While emotional intelligence isn’t a direct rule of business etiquette, it will help you in the workplace, no matter what conflicts arise. 

For example, imagine you’re behind on work and your boss suddenly adds a large, time-sensitive project to your plate. With emotional intelligence skills, you can speak with your manager to understand the relative priority of the work. Since you're already behind on work, you can express your worry about becoming overworked and work with your manager to come up with a solution of which work you can deprioritize or delegate less important tasks.

Business etiquette for remote workers

With the transition to increasingly virtual teams , the definition and practice of business etiquette has changed. In person, you may need a politely firm handshake and the right attire, but when working remotely , you’ll need to know the basics of email, phone, and video etiquette.

Email and team communication etiquette

Writing an email or communicating with your team through tools like Slack or  Asana seems simple enough, but professional communication online differs from personal communication. Consider the tips below for proper email and online etiquette.

Proofread: Proofreading your emails is a hard rule of thumb that you shouldn’t ignore. While your email or project management platform may have a built-in proofreading tool, you should also look over your email before sending it out, just in case.

Be polite and professional: Even though you're not speaking face to face with your email recipient, your tone of voice will come through in your words. It’s important to be polite and professional in your copy. For example, you can use upbeat phrases like: “I hope you... thanks for... just a friendly reminder... please let me know... looking forward to hearing from you.”

Respond in a timely manner: Whenever another team member or client reaches out to you, they’re doing so for a reason. Proper email and team communication etiquette means responding to people in a timely manner, even if that means setting up an automatic response for when you’re out of the office. While you don’t need to respond within minutes, aim to respond within one or two business days.

Keep it brief: Keeping your email copy brief can get your point across quickly and save time for your reader. When you hide the main objective of your message within a lengthy email, your reader may be less likely to respond in the way you hope for. 

Remember that who you’re writing to may make a difference in your email or online content. For example, if you’re communicating with other team members through Asana and Slack, you can write in a more casual tone, whereas client emails should be more formal.

Phone etiquette

Business communication often occurs through phone calls. When speaking to clients or business partners on the phone, consider the following ways to uphold business etiquette. 

Don’t call unannounced: Everyone in the business world has a schedule to follow, whether they’re working around a strict project timeline or trying to prioritize a heavy workload. When you need to talk to someone on the phone, send them an email first to schedule your call. Calling unannounced can be considered bad manners because the call recipient may be unprepared to talk to you. 

Use reasonable tone and clarity: Your tone of voice is important on work phone calls. You’ll need to keep a polite tone as you speak to team members or clients and be aware of your volume and clarity as well. If you speak too loudly or mumble on a professional call, your recipient may not receive your message the way you hope them to. Tone and communication can also vary based on culture, so keep cultural intelligence in mind when on the phone.

Deliver messages promptly: Just like with work emails, it’s important to respond to work voicemails promptly. You may receive emails from team members or clients asking to schedule phone calls. Respond to these emails quickly with the best time you’re available to talk on the phone. 

Create a professional voicemail: Creating a professional voicemail for when you’re unavailable is proper business etiquette because it lets people know who you are, what you do, and that you’re unavailable. They can then leave you messages explaining why they’re calling. 

Video etiquette

Video is one of the most popular ways for remote workers to connect. With this method of communication, you get the benefit of speaking with many of your team members in real-time, which means there are some video etiquette basics you should know. 

Mute yourself: One of the biggest issues team members face on video calls is background noise coming from those who aren’t speaking. This issue has a simple fix: mute yourself when you aren’t the speaker. Muting yourself will ensure your microphone is silent so others can have the full attention of the virtual room. 

Engage with your body: When on a video call, others can see how you non-verbally interact with the speaker. If you’re looking down or you’re too relaxed in your seat, you may send the message that you’re uninterested in the conversation. Sitting up straight, looking alert, and using nonverbal communication to show you’re engaged lets the speaker know you’re paying attention.

Don’t interrupt: Interrupting someone on a video call can be especially disruptive. Technology can’t always keep up with multiple people trying to speak on a video call, so interruptions can lead to glitches and confusion for everyone involved. 

Dress appropriately: Video calls may only show your clothes from the waist up, but it’s still important to dress appropriately together. Your attire for video calls should follow your company’s dress code. Also consider your personal hygiene when on camera. 

Working from home makes it less common that you’ll interact with team members and clients in person, but don’t forget that virtual interactions still leave lasting impressions. When in doubt, approach these interactions with the same business ettiquette and care as you would for an in-person conversation.

Improve team communication with business etiquette

The goal of business etiquette is to present a united company image, foster mutual respect for team members, and improve communication in the workplace. When teams communicate effectively, they do better work. 

Effective communication doesn’t stop there. Using software can help your team work together to meet deadlines and reach goals. With team communication software, you can facilitate better communication between team members by ensuring everyone receives the right information at the right time. 

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