Achieving success in the world today requires much more than just traditional, academic knowledge, and on June 24, 2008, members of United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society (YLS) and their guests gathered to listen to Susan V. Benesh speak about the dos and don’ts of business etiquette.  YLS hosts workshops entitled Learning with Leaders in which they invite guests from in and around Columbia who are well-established in their careers to provide insight on different subjects that are valuable to young business people and advancing leaders.  Susan and her husband, Bruce, are long time supporters of United Way and are current members of the Tocqueville Society.  This event was the third in the series this year.

Ms. Benesh is a successful entrepreneur who began etiquette consulting for groups and individuals in order to help others advance in their careers. Ms. Benesh is a veteran of business etiquette in the U.S. as well as internationally, traveling on this basis to more than 15 countries throughout Latin America, the Asian Pacific and Europe. She received training and is certified in business etiquette and international protocol by the Protocol School of Washington. Ms. Benesh has been featured on CNN as well as local television for her knowledge and expertise on entertaining and event planning.

Ms. Benesh’s presentation provided valuable information about how to make the most of a business or networking opportunity and how to make a good impression. When people think etiquette, often what comes to mind is the right fork to use or how to curtsy, but her words of wisdom were centered more on how to be confident and well-mannered in a professional setting. She covered everything from what you should know before arriving at an event to what different categories of dress code actually mean to how to meet as many influential people as possible. The audience of young leaders was clearly captivated throughout and was engaged in asking questions of the speaker.

After the seminar, attendees were invited to stay for hors d'oeuvres and refreshments outside on the patio of the Inn at USC, where the event was held. The majority of the people stayed to mingle, and it was a great opportunity to practice the etiquette tips in a true business networking environment.

The mission of the Young Leaders Society is to foster participation, commitment, growth and education of their members to further the goals and objectives of United Way of the Midlands by sustaining a leadership society that focuses on young professionals. To learn more about the organization, upcoming events, and how to get involved, visit www.ylsmidlands.com.