Manifesting Success in Business and Life

Theresa Salameno Instructing at AIG Workshop

Have you ever wanted to walk into a room and make a positive lasting impression on the people around you? Whether at a business meeting, interview, banquet or just at your favorite annual party, every encounter is an opportunity to dazzle and Manners Matter LLC teaches both business and individuals how they can stand out from the rest!

Theresa Salameno is the founder, owner and operator of Manners Matter LLC, and a long-standing customer of Northstar Pool Co., LLC. Theresa developed Manners Matter or “MM” using her over 20 years of experience in the food industry, hospitality industry and human resources. Theresa has traveled extensively hosting and attending galas, formal balls, and intimate business meetings. Through her experience, she learned the importance of preparation, presentation, etiquette, diplomacy, artful conversation, and professionalism; arts and skills that build much of the structure of the MM programs. While these topics are sometimes considered bland, Theresa’s approach is interactive, fun and engaging, often involving her audience in the sharing of humorous teaching moments. The MM programs have even been adapted to apply these steadfast skills in the technological age.

Navigating the Technological Age

As we move into the age of zoom meetings, working from home and constant communication, we cannot forget the importance of the arts and skills involved in creating and maintaining valuable relationships. In fact, in this ever-changing time, these skills may become even more essential and sought after. It is important to remember that video conferences, text messages, phone calls and emails present major opportunities for us to create experiences that could make or break relationships. Theresa has worked diligently throughout the past year to anticipate and observe the ways in which the pandemic influenced business relationships; from this she has tailored her programs with new post pandemic considerations. As restrictions lift, it will be time to place your loungewear back on the nights and weekend shift and enter confidently back into the world! Manners Matter can help you manifest the confidence and composure you need to return to socialization, grow your business or even throw the best event of the post Covid era! With all the changes we’ve experienced in modern life, it is especially important that individuals and businesses act strategically to maintain and develop relationships.

Having Trouble Getting What You Want?

According to Theresa, when an individual or company is experiencing trouble attaining a goal it often comes down to these common faux paus:

- Lack of preparedness: Lack of preparedness may manifest as panic or anxiety in many situations. As a businessperson or socialite, you must be able to network, allocate your time properly and gracefully move on from conversations. When planning an event, you do not want the guest of honor (or any guest) to be without food or drink due to a food allergy or restriction. Without proper preparation you may miss out on opportunities to network, impress and place yourself and others at ease.

- Lack of branding: Branding is critically important for creating an unforgettable experience. You may not be aware but, clothing, hairstyle, table settings or even the décor of a room, can all create a brand. We all have one friend, associate or business that throws the most AMAZING get together and we also know the ones who throw the worst…these are the things that can make a moment or an individual memorable…just make sure it is not for the wrong reasons!

- Poor Etiquette: Although many interactions in business and leisure have become more informal there is still a place for etiquette. Knowledge of proper etiquette can take the stress out of a formal dinner or meeting. Something as simple as, “don’t speak with your mouth full” could be the difference between accidentally spitting food into someone’s wine or closing a deal…Yikes!

- Lack of Diplomacy/Interpersonal Skills: There is an art and a skill to reading a room, reading body language, directing a conversation, and having emotional intelligence. You have the presence; you have the brand but you are lacking interpersonal skills…you are the worlds most luxurious cruise liner, the Titanic. Practicing this art takes time and energy but it could be the perfect reinforcement that stops you from becoming just another beautiful wreck when that iceberg hits! In life and in business you may encounter hard situations, its how you navigate the waters that makes all the difference!

- Being Forgettable: Here, it’s often the little things that count, the thought and effort put into the smallest details really make an interaction or event unforgettable. The MM programs can teach you how to be unforgettable with skills like, how to plan an event, how to prepare for an interaction, interview or event, knowing where to sit someone, how to serve someone, what conversation to bring up, how to guide a conversation and much more.

The Process

Certificate of Completion Provided by Manners Matter LLC

Manners Matter LLC handles a variety of clientele from groups of children to large corporations and colleges including work with AIG. Each client meets with Theresa for an initial consultation where the client needs are discussed thoroughly. After this meeting, a comprehensive, custom tailored, action/education plan is developed and reviewed prior to implementation to ensure all the needs of the client have been considered. Upon the completion of the training, a certificate of completion is provided to the client and participants.