Are you interested in becoming a certified etiquette consultant and wondering what it takes to achieve this goal? In this article, I will share my personal career journey and provide practical tips and guidance on how to become a certified etiquette consultant.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to make a change, this article will provide you with valuable insights and information on how to achieve your career aspirations in the field of etiquette consulting.

My Journey into the World of Etiquette Consultancy

Are you curious about how I became a certified etiquette consultant? Well, let me take you on a journey of my passions and discoveries. Growing up in Azerbaijan, I had the opportunity to travel with my parents and was exposed to international cultures and traditions. This ignited a spark in me to learn more about different cultures.

During my studies at the George Washington University in the US and my master's degree in Belgium, I had training in business etiquette and diplomatic protocol. These experiences further enhanced my interest in the field of etiquette. After returning to Azerbaijan, I worked at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) and taught young adults about etiquette, communication, public speaking, and body language. It was then that I found my true calling - teaching etiquette. I wanted to take my passion for etiquette to the next level and become a certified trainer.

So, I enrolled in a weekly intensive program at the International Etiquette and Protocol Academy of London. There, I learned about different cultures, visited museums, and even got trained on proper table manners (including how to eat a banana). However, getting certified was just the first step. To translate my passion into a successful consulting career, I had to work hard and put in a lot of effort.

Best Etiquette Schools

If you're looking to become an etiquette consultant and wondering about the best etiquette schools, let me tell you that there isn't one definite answer. There aren't many schools in the world, and the oldest and most prestigious one is the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland. However, the best school for you depends on your budget and availability.

Keep in mind that getting certified is just the first step, and it doesn't guarantee a successful career. It's what you do with the knowledge you gained that matters. After completing my certification program, I broadened my horizon by doing private workshops, both in Azerbaijan and internationally. I also offer online sessions via Zoom to address clients' questions about etiquette. I'm always open-minded and curious about my clients' cultures and traditions.

In my journey of becoming an etiquette consultant, I found a need for a better understanding of etiquette through visual aids. That's why I created my own series of etiquette books, which cover the basics of etiquette in an easy, comprehensible, and accessible way with lots of images. I believe that my books are not only good for adults but also for children who can learn visually. So, keep in mind that becoming an etiquette consultant takes hard work and dedication, and it's essential to keep working towards your goal every day.

My Etiquette Books

During my etiquette training, I purchased several books to gain knowledge about etiquette. However, I found that none of them fulfilled my need for a book that provided a nutshell of etiquette, accompanied by visual aids. For instance, the butler's guide to table manners was black and white, and the visuals were not clear, making it difficult to comprehend. The Debretts A to Z of Modern Manners lacked any visuals at all. Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers had pretty illustrations but was short on information.

The Complete Book of Etiquette by Amy Vanderbilt was dense and challenging to read, while Miss Manners: In an Era of Fake Etiquette was more like a novel than a practical guide. Therefore, I decided to create my own series of etiquette books, starting with Etiquette: The Least You Need to Know, which covers the basics of etiquette in an easy-to-comprehend manner with plenty of visuals.

I also wrote Afternoon Tea Etiquette, which is a beautiful book perfect as a gift or for lovers of afternoon tea parties. My journey of becoming an etiquette consultant and author has taught me the importance of pursuing your passions and finding a need in the market for a product that you would love to have but is not yet available.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an etiquette consultant takes hard work and dedication, and finding the right resources to gain knowledge is crucial. While there are several etiquette books available in the market, finding one that fits your needs can be challenging. That's why I created my own series of etiquette books, which cover the basics of etiquette in an easy-to-understand manner with plenty of visuals.

If you're interested in learning more about my journey of becoming an etiquette consultant and author, I encourage you to watch the YouTube video this article was culled from. It's an inspiring story that might motivate you to pursue your passions and create something unique.