If you would like to become an Etiquette Consultant you should buy the eBook “Fabjob Guide to Become an Etiquette Consultant”. You can get a lot of very detailed information at: http://www.fabjob.com/etiquetteconsultant.asp. It gives you a good understanding what the job is all about. 

Some more information:

Title: Fabjob Guide to Become an Etiquette Consultant

Author: Lori Benjamin and Mary Snyder, 2008 

Number of pages: 227

Format: eBook (but can also be bought as a hardcopy)

Price: $ 29.97 

(I bought it at Christmas last year and got it for 50 % off since there was a special deal at that time. Often they sell it at a cheaper price. Therefore watch out, you might be able to get it also at a reduced price.)

Download: It can be downloaded immediately once you’ve paid for it. You will get an email with an attached PDF file (password protected). 

Content: 

• Preparing for your career in Etiquette Consulting (developing your skills, educational programs, ways to teach yourself about etiquette, getting experience, how to find a mentor, how to be certified, etc.) 
• How to do Etiquette Consultations (types of etiquette consulting services, consulting with individuals, with children, for corporations, where to get etiquette training materials, etiquette training topics, etc.)
• Starting your own Etiquette Consulting Business (how to start, links to the information you need, choosing a business name, setting up your office in your own home, working with contractors, pricing your services, identifying potential clients, how to market your etiquette business, how to write a proposal, how to create a full-time job, how to get professional credentials, how to get hired, resources to learn about protocol in different countries, many samples you need to launch your etiquette consulting career). 

What I particularly liked: 

• the interviews with experienced Etiquette Professionals, such as Mary Mitchell, Colleen A. Rickenbacher and Jacqueline Whitmore. 
• the samples provided (letters, forms, resume, contracts, checklists, invoices, phone scripts, list of office supplies, workshop outline etc.). A really important part in my opinion. 
• the detailed description of required skills 
• the list of etiquette institutions who run train-the-trainer programs with their course program and fees.  
• the entire part of “The Art of Consulting” (in particular the sample questionnaire for a training needs analysis and the different checklists) 
• general resources and links mentioned
• the entire part of “Starting Your Own Etiquette Consulting Business” and “Getting Clients” . Very informative! 

What I did not expect: 

That this manual also included some basic etiquette content such as Dining Etiquette, Telephone Etiquette, Business Etiquette, Kids Etiquette and Wedding Etiquette. I thought it would just focus on the technical part (setting up your business, marketing, etc.).  I thought relevant Etiquette content would be just mentioned as a further reading option. 

How would I rate it? 

I consider it a really good, informative, insightful book that every Professional who is seriously thinking of working in the Etiquette Business should read. I would give it 9 out of 10 marks. 

I would have given it “10” if: 

* There would have been more interviews with professionals working in this industry. The more experiences are being shared (not just positives but also negatives), the better the book in my opinion.  

* It would have also included some useful information for Non-Americans. Since it is an American company who published this book the focus is - understandably - on US-citizens (etiquette certification programs, etiquette professionals etc.). So, it would have been great if other readers (coming from Europe or Asia for instance) would also get an idea where good etiquette schools can be found. Providing interviews with European/Asian Etiquette Professionals would have also given an interesting insight from across the pond. 

* It would have also included some social media tips (Twitter, facebook, linkedin, youtube, etc.) in the marketing section. But considering the fact that social media became more popular after 2008 it is understandable that is has not been mentioned. But it could be considered for a new edition in the future. 

I would strongly recommend this book! And for those who are interested in reading about other Etiquette Professionals experiences I would suggest to read the interviews I published in the "Etiquette Professionals" category on my blog. Thanks.