Shannon S Smith  

In North America and around the world, it is our experience that individuals and companies long for more elegance and style in life.  They want to return to traditional lifestyles when proper etiquette and gracious manners ruled the day.

In business, there is a return to more conventional, conservative values. Casual work ethics and grooming, public rudeness, the lack of dining etiquette and social skills will no longer be tolerated. The signs are everywhere.

In America, the business suit has returned for both men and women. Executives and entrepreneurs who have neglected their personal image and manners now need to update their wardrobe and grooming, and become more sophisticated.

Company executives from China and around the world also want to learn social and etiquette and international protocol to do business in North America and Europe, and vice versa.

Afternoon tea, an old English tradition, has become one of the trendiest ways to meet and greet people and create relationships, personal or business.

North Americans are fascinated with Old World traditions and history. They are eager to find ways to meet European royal families and emulate their manners and lifestyles.

Take it from me - elegance is the new hallmark of being successful.