February 15, 2010

Did you know that you should always pass the salt and pepper together even when just asked for the salt? Or that you should never tip in Japan? Well, those who attended a recent Business Etiquette Workshop now know that and much more.

On Sunday January 17th, 2010, the AGBU Young Professionals of Toronto hosted a business etiquette seminar led by Natalie Jikerjian, a UK Certified Business Etiquette Expert. Over 60 Armenian young professionals attended the cocktail reception followed by a 90-minute seminar on everything etiquette related to the corporate world. The event, sponsored in part by TD Bank Financial Group, provided tips on how to make proper business introductions, guidelines on electronic etiquette, lessons on formal business dining, and profiled cross-cultural customs for international business travel.

From learning how to make a good first impression to dressing for success, Jikerjian, who completed her certification though Cambridge University’s MBA Programme in the United Kingdom, guided guests on an interactive presentation complete with tips on how to toast a client and making proper handshakes. The hands-on workshop also covered international gift-giving protocol, knowing who to introduce first in business meetings, ways to conduct appropriate business card exchange, and tips on entertaining business clients.  “Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the right kind of polished professionalism that can be taken seriously,” said Jikerjian. “It’s important knowing how to open the door, so that you can close the deal.”

Guests Lori Sroujian and Anita Mikaelian during the cocktail reception prior to the seminar.



Volunteers are shown how to make proper business introductions at employer receptions.



Over 60 young professionals attended the seminar on corporate protocol and business etiquette.



Natalie Jikerjian and a volunteer, Mihran Egavian, review tips on proper dining etiquette.