Newsletter » December 2011

Gift Giving: It's Canadian, Eh?

The holidays are creeping up on us. There will be office parties you should attend and gifts you feel you need to buy for family and friends.

A few years ago I sent a newsletter about Canadian gifts you could give to guests from abroad. The most important part was "Made in Canada": Native & Inuit art, ice wine from Niagara, maple syrup.

This time, let's concentrate on gift giving here in our community, from a Canadian to a Canadian. Let's give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians. There's no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that's produced by Canadian hands. Yes, there is! Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, dressed in wrapping paper produced overseas?

Most restaurants offer gift certificates. Instead of buying from big national chains, support Mom and Pop restaurants whose financial lives are on the line. Plan one holiday outing at a local, owner-operated restaurant and leave your server a nice tip.

How about attending a Christmas concert, ballet or play at your hometown theatre?

Local craftspeople spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery and beautiful objets d'art.

Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Offer the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate. Or, give the gift of an oil change for a car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by a hard-working Canadian mechanic.

Perhaps your grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, his lawn mowed for the summer, or his driveway plowed all winter. Local business owners are standing by to oblige!

Gym memberships are appropriate for all ages who are thinking about health improvement. Or how about a round at the local golf course?

Christmas should be about caring. You can do your part by encouraging small Canadian businesses to keep plugging away and follow their dreams. When we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

Merry Christmas!


Upcoming Business of Manners Workshops

International Business Etiquette

When it comes to winning and keeping business, it is the little things that count. Do not compromise your chances of success by making etiquette mistakes that could easily be avoided. Learn the secrets to projecting a powerful image.

Join me for a one-day workshop that will have you feeling poised, polished and ready for any situation. $295 including luncheon with wine; $140 for
post-secondary students. Classes are capped at just 3 participants to ensure an intimate learning experience.

Saturday, January 21, 2012
9:00am - 4:30pm
100 Dowling Avenue, Toronto

Call 416-971-9754 or send e-mail to adeodata@businessofmanners.com

Kidiquette

Kidiquette, the signature children's etiquette classes, offer basic manners and social skills to children ages 7-12 years. From thank-you notes to party manners, children are taught polite conduct and behaviour. Each class includes specialized instruction, and a certificate of completion. $55 for first-time students. $45 for second-time students.

Date and place to be announced

Ongoing Children's seminar at the Donalda Club - Saturday mornings; the Boulevard Club - Sunday afternoons; and the Phoenix Montessori School - Monday afternoons

Advance reservations are required. For more information or to register, call
416-971-9754 or send e-mail to adeodata@businessofmanners.com

Teen Etiquette

Give your young adult the gift of social poise and grace. The teenage years can be so awkward – but a Business of Manners youth workshop can provide them with the confidence they need to shine. They will learn in a fun, supportive atmosphere, and come away with a new and better understanding of fine social behaviour. Each class includes specialized instruction, a three-course feast, including soup, salad and entrée, and a certificate of completion at the end of the afternoon. $140. For more information or to register, call 416-971-9754 or send e-mail to adeodata@businessofmanners.com

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 9:00am – 3:30pm
The Boulevard Club
1491 Lakeshore Road West

Meals & Manners - Host a Group in your home.
For more information or to reserve a date, please call 416-971-9754 or by email to adeodata@businessofmanners.com

Ask about private coaching.