Door #3

Welcome to Door No. 3
You’ve worked very hard to reach your current success. You have the respect of your peers, colleagues and community. You’ve made the most of every opportunity afforded you to date. Now, it’s time to move to the next level.

As with any brand, you must take a look at how you can better position yourself to reach that next level of success. DORO Marketing Services has devised a program, complete with professional trainers and hands-on workshops, that will help you put your best “you” forward. Let’s face it – your name, your image, your story are all a part of your personal brand. You must spend the same time perfecting your brand as you spent perfecting your craft. And we’re here to help.

Overview – Why Door No. 3?
DOOR No.3™ is a workshop series designed for the successful professional who is now poised to move to the next level in his or her chosen field. Unless an individual was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his or her mouth, they’ve had to walk through a few doors to reach the current level of success. After attaining educational success, each person has to then prove herself in the chosen field.

From birth, Americans are taught that education is the key to success. Baby Einstein videos, flash cards, Montessori – parents seek out the best tools to give their children an advantage in the educational system. After success in schools, parents and communities push for professional success. In particular, families with first generation college graduates see that a degree and a business card are critical signs of success – and they are. However, they are not the indicators of ultimate success.

Door No. 1: Education
Growing up in the United States, each child is assured of an education. For families with limited resources or from disadvantaged areas – even for some middle-class communities – education is touted as the great ticket out. It’s the first door that one must enter in order to compete on a somewhat equal level.

During the educational phase, each individual is introduced to a range of ideas and information. If he didn’t get it while growing up, a person learns discipline, how to represent himself well in an interview or meeting, what a good suit looks like and how to give a firm handshake. That person leaves with a degree in hand, knowing that they will find the next door open.

Door No. 2: Professional Success
Most individuals who move past the first door and through Door No. 2 have proven their ability. They outclassed their peers, exhibited exceptional skill and are have garnered respect. After Door No. 2, many individuals feel they’ve “made it.” Promotions, raises, bonuses, incentive packages – all are indicators of a person’s value in the professional arena.

There is no doubt that the individual can handle the job. Each review says the same thing: excellent performance, team leader and stellar work. Eventually, the next level of “test” is given, often without an individual’s knowledge. A boss may send a person to meeting in London or China. The CEO or Owner may ask a superior to take someone they’re watching to dinner at a five star restaurant. Does a person understand the rules of professional decorum at a meeting with the senator? There are rumors of private meeting of team leaders – will that person be on the list?

How do you make sure that when that invitation arrives, you’re ready to take your place at the next level. That’s where Door #3 offers the most value.

“I had a seat at the table; it took me a while to get a voice at the table.”
NFL, HR VP

Just what “is” behind Door No. 3? Access!
Walking through Door No. 3 takes individuals to a world where others expect the highest level of decorum and professionalism. That’s not to say that the world is perfect nor does it mean, in any way, leaving behind the essential core of oneself. After all, that’s how a person gets to this level in the first place. Walking through Door No. 3 can move a professional beyond the generic holiday greeting to the personal card holiday list.

Most importantly, this move can translate into dollars and cents. Deals and opportunities are most often shared with members of the same social/professional circle. Therein lies the most critical advantage of mastering these skills: access.

Leadership Etiquette
True Story: I was giving the closing remarks at 3-day retreat. The retreat was very focused on strategic planning, which at points had been tense, but ended up in a good place. I think it was one of my first roles as the “heir apparent” to my predecessor…remarks that would symbolize the transitioning of leadership–passing of the baton to a new, younger leader ready for action. I began my remarks using a quote from Henry Ford–a great quote. But I didn’t know that Ford was a notorious for his hatred of Jews. And of course, we had several Jewish partners in the audience. I felt ignorant for not knowing this about Ford and terribly regretful for offending colleagues.

Many individuals have social anxiety. If a person makes a critical faux pas or misstep when addressing an audience, it could have long-lasting impact on that person’s confidence. Door No. 3 will teach participants how to prep for any audience, choose an appropriate topic and prepare for the occasional on-the-spot request. Other topics include:

1. Social Introductions
2. Commanding the Audience
3. Prepping for Presentations
4. What Do You Wear?

Social Etiquette
True Story: A friend was invited to a dinner among notable politicians, dignitaries, entertainers, etc.  She was seated at a round table, and was served first.  She immediately began to eat, not knowing that one should wait until all are served.  She looked left and right and noticed that everyone else was waiting; so, she tried to discreetly rearrange her salad to look as if she hadn’t really dug right in.

Social poise is critical to professional success. The rules are written down – long before Emily Post – but they are numerous and sometimes difficult to master.
Door #3 offers hands-on training from noted experts in social etiquette and hones in on the most critical, including the following:

1. Table Etiquette
2. Options: How to Choose Wine, Restaurants and Music
3. Hosting an Event
4. Dressing for the Occasion
5. Handling Holidays, Gifting and the Art of the Thank You

Professional Etiquette

Who gets introduced first in a meeting – informal or formal? What do you do with a business card that’s been handed to you?

1. Meeting Manners
2. Correspondence: Phone, E-Mail and the Handwritten Note
3. Mastering Introductions (Who’s First?)
4. Pays? When to Insist
5. Social Media: Managing Your Online Brand
6. Golf or Tennis Anyone? How Do You Play the Game?

Contact DORO Marketing Services, LLC for more info on Door#3 today!