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32 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Sunday December 24, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Power Manners -- how to wine, dine and act fine By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF hat fork to use for salad at a fancy dinner, how to gossip, business etiquette, how to eat asparagus, remembering the names of people you meet, when to kiss and when to shake hands are just some of the topics Shannon Smith tackles in her latest book, Power Manners. The Oakville resident, a long-time image strategist who founded Premiere Image International, recently self-published the book to teach others how to use their personal skills for success both socially and in the business world. "I've been asked by companies and clients about manners and etiquette and how to wine, dine and act fine," said Smith, who offers both corporate seminars and one-onone coaching. "This is becoming more important. Graciousness is coming back, and the sloppiness of the '90s is leaving us." For the past 15 years as an image strategist, Smith has been using her background in emotional intelligence, fashion and cosmetics to offer both corporate seminars and one-on-one coaching. She decided to publish the book to give more people a chance to learn power manners, which she sees as essential to success. "Companies want their employees to not only have the right stuff, the credibility, the intelligence, they want them to work and act the part as well," said Smith. "It's the entire package now that counts. We sell ourselves W RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER ON THE SHELVES: Shannon Smith is the author of a new book called Power Manners. first." Manners, she adds, "are a big part of that." "Common courtesy has even gone down. Please and thank-yous are gone. People are not even aware. They're just so selfabsorbed." A "frustrated fashion designer by desire," Smith says, smiling, "Now, I design people." Body politics, presentation skills, image and grooming are a large part of that, and according to Smith, can help self confidence. "Image is everything," she said, adding, "It's the package that helps sell the Porsche." Smith compares suiting up for a football game ­ knowing the rules, putting on the right equipment and preparing mentally ­ to getting ready for the world of business. "Business is just another game," she said. "You get dressed up and learn the rules before you get on the field. "It's the entire polishing and branding process." That's just part of what Smith helps her clients with, and it's something she wanted to extend through her book. "It's not a stuffy book listing all the rules," she added. "It's fun, there are quizzes and a lot of fun things in there, and plenty of quotes." In Smith's view, manners can make or break one's success. As famed Irish writer Oscar Wilde put it, "The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork." Power Manners also includes a number of tips, like how to schmooze. "It's how to work on small talk," said Smith, who added, "small talk is really big talk." Table settings are included in there too, because, she says, "nobody knows how to set a table properly anymore." Networking, tipping, dinner parties, how to be a gracious guest, how to fly, cross-culture etiquette ­ the list goes on. The book even discusses how to gossip properly. "Working the grapevine is important, it's all about gossip and what to talk about," said Smith. "Just as importantly, you have to know what not to talk about." And when it comes to eating asparagus at a fancy restaurant, there's a standard rule, according to Smith: "It's quite acceptable if it's firmer and not wilting, you can use your fingers. Otherwise, use your knife and fork." Power Manners is available at Bookers Book Store, 172 Lakeshore Rd. E. For more on the book, or to order it online, visit www.powermanners.com -Krissie Rutherford can be reached at krutherford@oakvillebeaver.com. HOT TUBS, SWIM SPAS, TREADMILLS, ELLIPTICALS, SAUNAS AND MUCH MORE! EVERYTHING IN STORE IS COMPLETELY TAX FREE Daily DOOR CRASHER SPECIALS! You Can SAVE THOUSANDS! NO PAYME NTS Til S ummer 07! LLS ADMSIT TRE OM JU $995 FR Christmas can be TAXING! GET TAX RELIEF! AT CALIFORNIA SPA & FITNESS! Mississauga South/Oakville $2,995 ST PLUG'N ' HOT TUPLAY BS FROM JU DOORS OPEN 10AM Mississauga North/Brampton FROM MONDAY DEC. 18 - SATURDAY DEC. 30 www.calspafit.com 905-565-6840 905-829-4991 *No payments for 6 months O.A.C. Products may not be exactly as shown. 335 Superior Blvd. 2528 Bristol Circle.