Hours per week:
Typically 40 to 50 hours per week.

Typical working hours:
It varies. My typical non-face-to-face-client day begins at 7 am and I’m finished around 5:30 pm. I answer etiquette questions every day and write, so even when I’m not working directly with clients, I’m happily busy. When clients come to see me, we are usually finished around 4pm. However, when I am with clients and presenting on (their) site, I could be working until 9 pm. And, since I teach all ages and all subjects, I also teach all week. My weekends can be as full as my workdays.

Main current clients:
One of our largest construction companies, an Indian Rancheria, a few universities and fraternities (love working with them), a library, and a number of private clients.

Rates:
My rates vary depending on the type of client. My fee for my young clients isn’t close to what corporations pay me. But, then again, my children’s classes are most often the same each time. There is little customization involved. I offer all of my adults and businesses a truly custom workshop.

Earnings (in a good year):
A very comfortable 5 figures.

Favorite business reading:
All etiquette books, business books, and anything on business attire.

Favorite non-business reading:
Because I’m also a credentialed teacher (English and literature are two subjects I’m qualified to teach as single subject), the classics are on my bookshelf. I’ll read just about anything, though, and have penchant for fantasy, mystery, and Science Fiction.

Best way she gets clients:
I receive most of my clients by word of mouth and the Internet. The Internet gets the word out in mass and it is very easy to check anyone’s credentials and past successes and failures. We are all as good as our last clients view us. The Internet keeps me on my toes and always improving.

Worst wage-slave job she ever had:
For a number of years, I was a teacher aide for a man who disliked women. He was very insulting and disrespectful. However, I learned a lot from him and use that experience quite often in my business etiquette workshops. I learned that no matter what he did or said, I wouldn’t allow it to affect my behavior. If I instead conveyed positive communication, verbally and non-verbally, his attitude changed almost immediately. It was as if I switched a switch on him from nasty and hateful to good attitude and pleasant. It is the Power of Nice, which is a great book, by the way.

How do you market yourself?
This is my Achilles’ heel. I don’t market myself as most do. I network with people, I send emails to those I feel might benefit from my services, but mostly I offer advice and mentor others for free. This is noticed and passed on. Hey, another example of the Power of Nice.

How do you keep your skills sharp?
I read everything! The pages of my etiquette books are worn at the corners and I am always on the lookout for new ones. I also read about trends in the business world. It is important to know in which direction the wind is blowing. Those of us who present business etiquette really need to know exactly what our clients need, because it changes month to month. This is much the same with our private adult clients as well. I also check in with real people in various industries. I want to know what is really going on and not just what is in print.

What financial issues do you grapple with and how do you overcome them?
I suppose the biggest financial issue any of us would have would be not having an income stream from this business. I can have an extremely busy month with high flying clients and then one that flies below radar. So, I plan for the slow times and budget well. I am always working on my business and trying to be as diversified as possible.

Whom do you turn to for advice and empathy?
I have a very close group of friends who are perfect pick-me-ups. I’m also very lucky to have as a partner, my husband, who is an MBA. He balances me and helps me when I have a difficult problem. He is also my editor—poor, overworked man.

What was worst project you ever worked on and why?
I’ve never really worked on a project I didn’t like and enjoy. When I retired from the classroom, I decided that I would never accept work that wouldn’t be fun. I also won’t accept a job unless I feel I could do well. So, I’ve never been disappointed and always have fun. My workshops tend to reflect this.

What was the best project you ever worked on and why?
I tend to fall in love with my clients. I enjoy their enthusiasm, interest, and focus. I have met some of the most wonderful people while presenting. So, my best project is usually my last, because those are the people with whom I’ve just interacted. But I must say I love working with a client who forces me to think outside the box and create something I’ve never thought of doing. The people of Noah’s Bagels were like this. Plus, they treated us like family—great company.

What do you say when people ask about "your job"?
I begin by saying that I have the most rewarding and enjoyable job on the face of the world. I have the opportunity to help others feel more confident; I help my clients realize that everything they do affects those around them, and I prepare them for their future. I feel that my clients leave me feeling as if they are more socially savvy and feel comfortable in shared spaces.

What's the best thing about being an IP?
I decide what I will do going forward and I have the time to create new classes, workshop, and various other methods for helping others. It’s very rewarding and stimulating.

What's the worst thing about being an IP?
The worst thing about being my own boss is that I’m a slave driver. I have a difficult time ending the day.

Do you have any advice for other IPs?
Only do what you love. This will be your life, so it needs to stimulate you. Also, typically making a living wage is difficult in the beginning. Prepare for working long hours and making little money for quite some time.

What's your guiding philosophy?
Enjoy, be happy, give back.

A special thanks to Rebecca Black for answering my questions.