SO Famous launches new courses to improve business relationships

"Corporate etiquette deals with how individuals and companies interact with their clients, customers, staff and key stakeholders. This is important because it sets the tone for the relationship," she said. "Placing emphasis on business interactions and setting high personal standards gives individuals and companies an edge over their competitors because they will be seen as more professional and therefore more capable."

SO Famous will launch corporate etiquette courses in February in partnership with the Finishing Academy UK. The courses will be taught by Penny Edge, founder and director of the Finishing Academy UK, who has been in the industry for more than 25 years, training everyone from doctors and lawyers to footballers' wives and huge multinational corporations.

The courses will include boardroom etiquette, such as handshaking, introductions and correct forms of address; reaching rapport with clients and cementing business relationships; public speaking; making a lasting first impression; promoting yourself in the workplace; networking; CV writing and interviewing skills; neuro linguistic programming; communication etiquette; table manners; body language; and appropriate business attire.

Ost said there was no limit to how corporate etiquette could help businesspeople and companies get ahead. "Corporate etiquette may influence the way a businessperson uses electronic communication, the colour or style of clothing worn, or the way he or she shakes hands. It's all about creating the right impression and following through on that.

"On a large company scale, corporate etiquette may determine how front-of-house staff at a luxury hotel greet their guests, while a university leaver may use corporate etiquette to dress appropriately during interviews to help land a dream job."

The courses are suitable for anyone with an interest in improving their business relationships and enhancing their career prospects, from butlers to boardroom executives, personal assistants to celebrities, and university graduates to professors. They can be offered to invididuals and groups, or tailored to meet a company's specific needs.

SO Famous and the Finishing Academy UK will conduct corporate etiquette courses in Dubai on February 9 and 10. A social etiquette course will be held on February 8.