* Hours per week: Too many. I do love my work and love to work so I’m probably putting in 60 to 80 hour weeks. I actually took a break last week from Friday through Sunday and it was great! I’ll have to remember to do that more often.

  
* Typical working hours: Usually about 9 to 7 plus weekends.

* Main current clients: My business is pretty new. I officially launched in October 2009 so my client base is growing. I currently work with colleges, small and medium businesses and individual clients. 

* Rates: Depends on the client and the project. I charge more for corporate clients than for individual clients.

* Favorite business reading: The Puget Sound Business Journal, which I’m also a columnist for. I do enjoy reading etiquette books, and I also love reading books about growing your small business. I’m currently reading Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss. Great book!

* Favorite non-business reading: Literary fiction. I love historical novels. Two of my favorite books are Cold Mountain and Peace Like a River. Wonderful books.

* Best way she gets clients: Networking, both in person and social media. I also have taught a few free or low-cost classes through Biznik and the University of Washington community classes. This has generated some clients.

* Worst wage-slave job she ever had: I was a janitor for a local theater. I wanted to get into acting and this was a first job, get-my-foot-in-the-door-of-the-theater position. I absolutely hated cleaning the men’s bathroom. It was disgusting; but I braced myself and cleaned it until it sparkled. A couple of the male actors thanked me for my good work. So, while I hated it, I liked making it nice for the actors. 

* How do you market yourself? I do a lot of networking and use social media. I’m on Twitter (@ArdenClise), Facebook (Clise Etiquette), LinkedIn, I write a blog (http://www.cliseetiquette.com/blog/) and monthly newsletter and as I said above, I’m a columnist for the Puget Sound Business Journal. I’m also doing a lot of speaking for professional groups, chambers, rotaries, etc.

* How do you keep your skills sharp? I attend classes, networking events with interesting speakers and I read books, blogs and publications.

* What financial issues do you grapple with and how do you overcome them? 

Well, since my business is so new I’m really just growing it and focusing on getting it to a financial level that I can live on. Given the economy I think it will take a little longer than if the economy were better, but all signs are good that my efforts are paying off. Thankfully my husband has a stable, well paying job so that we can survive this early period for my business.

* Whom do you turn to for advice and empathy? 

I have many mentors and friends. When I was first considering becoming a business etiquette consultant I interviewed many consultants around the US. I’ve stayed in touch with a few of them and they have been great resources and support. I love sharing ideas, resources, etc. with them as well. Additionally I created an Image and Etiquette Consultant group on LinkedIn, your consultant readers are welcome to join it. It’s a great place to ask questions, share best practices, articles, etc. Lastly, Maria Everding, my etiquette teacher, is a great resource and friend to me. Jacqueline Whitmore has been a wonderful resource as well. I feel blessed to have so many terrific mentors and friends that I can turn to for advice and support.

* What was the worst project you ever worked on and why? Well, the one that comes to mind was my first client. It wasn’t that bad, but it was a group of bright, hungry, young salesmen who worked for a freight tracking company. Several times throughout my 4 hour presentation they made sexual comments about women. I ignored it until finally at the end the VP of Sales and Marketing joined in and then I didn’t handle it well. I probably won’t get asked back to speak to that group which is too bad, but the good thing is I learned from my mistake. You have to show them who’s boss without being rude or adversarial. 

* What was the best project you ever worked on and why? Gosh, that’s hard to pick. I’m working with a small business owner on networking skills who is an absolute delight. We laugh the whole time. I just presented a 2 hour class to 49 senior high school students from my former high school and I had a ball. They were so engaged and interested. Really, it’s all been fun!

* What do you say when people ask about "your job"? I say “I’m an etiquette consultant, but don’t worry, I’m not on duty.” (Thanks Maria for that one!). Then I explain I help professionals feel more confident and comfortable in the workplace. I’m still figuring out my elevator pitch.

* What's the best thing about being an Etiquette Professional? I love the variety in my job. I enjoy writing, I love public speaking, I enjoy social media, I love helping people feel more confident and polished. I also really love being my own boss. 

* What's the worst thing about being an Etiquette Professional? As many others have said, seeing people stiffen up and get nervous when you tell them what you do. Also, it’s hard knowing I’m being observed to see if I practice what I preach. I’m human, I make mistakes, I’m not perfect. Yet, sometimes I believe I need to be perfect so that I set a good example, but it’s simply not possible.

* Do you have any advice for other Etiquette Professionals? Keep doing what you’re doing. We are needed. To promote yourself, use social media, network, and keep your face out there. 

* What's your guiding philosophy? Work hard and be honest. I’ve always believed in giving 100% and doing my best.  

Thank you very much for your time, Arden. 

Thank you Karin. I appreciate the opportunity to share a sliver of my life and hope some of what I said is helpful to others in our business.

I'm sure it is! I highly appreciate your time and your honest answers. Admirable!