How to do 'How do you do?'

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Featured Alumna: Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith

What do Citibank Corporation executives have in common with the first-grade Brownies of Girl Scout Troop #3845 in Wellesley, Mass.?

Both groups are very satisfied clients of Mannersmith, an etiquette consulting firm founded by Phi Sigma Sigma alumna Jodi R. R. Smith.

"When most people think of etiquette, they think of learning which fork to use. While etiquette does deal with appropriate behaviors, it's really about using behaviors to be comfortable with yourself and to be able to make those around you comfortable," Jodi says.

The Delta Beta graduate, who studied motivational psychology and human resources, remembers that early on in life she became interested in watching how people interacted with one another. In her autobiographical sketch on Mannersmith's website, Jodi relates,

My fascination with etiquette began in high school. I was a people watcher. Being shy allowed me to carefully observe other students. I was intrigued by how the "popular" students behaved... [they] were those with good social graces. Just being friendly, thoughtful and nice made other students want to be around them... now here was a practical skill anyone could learn and use.

...In college I began studying behavior and teaching workshops on social skills... As my sorority's recruitment chair, I taught the members formal introductions, proper handshakes and conversation techniques... [these] Meet and Greet skills were useful not only with extracurricular activities, but also with my job... they could be applied by people in everyday life.

In addition to her role as recruitment chair, Jodi gained other important skills in Phi Sigma Sigma. Leadership opportunities continued to present themselves, and Jodi stepped up as sunshine chair and Panhellenic delegate. She was named a finalist for the sorority's Collegian of the Year award in 1990. "The sorority even helped me learn to lose gracefully," laughs Jodi.

After graduation, Jodi went on to hold a number of volunteer positions and offer generous financial support back to the Foundation. "I believe once a Phi Sigma Sigma, always a Phi Sigma Sigma," she notes. She is moved to give back a portion of support for everything she received. "I was a recipient of an educational grant while in graduate school, and it made such a huge difference. Just to be honored by my sorority is incredibly meaningful. And on top of that, when you demonstrate that you've received some awards from one organization, others come more easily."

It was during the early years of her career in human resources that Jodi began to notice people who were intelligent, skilled, and talented that weren't getting where they wanted to go. She could see that those who garnered more bonuses and promotions were those whose social skills in the office were superior. "So I started teaching professional protocol, doing training workshops, and things like that. Word spread, and companies I'd worked for previously would call me to schedule training. A call came from my parent's neighbor to ask if I could conduct a mock college admission interview for her son. Another friend asked if I'd give him some hints for impressing his boss."

And in 1996, Jodi gave notice to her employer and took the plunge into sole proprietorship.

Mannersmith was born.

Now in its 13th year, the company's scope and staff have expanded. The list of clientele continues to grow. And each program - whether manners for minors or protocol for professionals - features a combination of lecture, activities and exercises designed to ensure learning that is both educational and entertaining.

In 2004, Barnes and Noble published Jodi's twin volumes From Clueless to Class Act, featuring manners for the modern man and woman. Jodi is currently at work on a third book scheduled for release in 2009. "I'm very excited about it!" she says. "I think a good etiquette book is something everyone should have on their shelf, so that when that etiquette emergency comes up, help is right there."

Jodi credits her sorority experiences with providing a strong foundation for her career. She asserts that the primary advantage of being in a sorority "is that it really teaches you life skills. Not just leadership, which is huge because it moves us (women) beyond the recording secretary role - and, unfortunately, you still see a lot of women relegated to non-decision making role. But also for the interpersonal
skills.

"Learning to work together with women from different interests and different backgrounds is important. You don't have the final say in choosing your sisters, nor in choosing your co-workers. So learning to work together toward one common goal with people you wouldn't normally interact with is one of the greatest learning experiences any student can have. It's especially rewarding when friendships end up emerging because you learned to see things in a different way."

Jodi Smith invites every Phi Sigma Sigma alumna to visit Mannersmith's website to access a number of free resources there. Whether you're a corporate CEO, a Girl Scout mom, a retired grandmother, or anyone in between, you'll find something you can use at Mannersmith.com. Be sure to check out the archive of monthly newsletters, subscribe to receive future issues free, check out Jodi's thank you note "wizard" to help in composing the perfect sentiment, read timely articles, and more.

Because, as is evidenced by Jodi's Smith burgeoning business, etiquette and manners do matter.