Have you ever really thought about how you shake hands? It's a seemingly mundane action that can either be instrumental in creating a desirable first impression, or effective in sending all the wrong messages. In all aspects of life, how well you communicate affects how well and even whether your message is received. Few places bear this out more than the world of business where the economy has raised the stakes even higher.

Consider this: there are studies that indicate that knowledge and technical skills make up for only 15 percent of why you land a job, keep a job or advance in a job. 85 percent of your employment success rests on your relational, or people skills. More specifically, other research says that when communicating, the content of your message amounts for only seven percent of what's received. And the rest? Vocal and visual components are 38 and 55 percent respectively.

The reality is most people don't know the level of their communicative abilities, much less does this leave those making their way in business. It's Tero International to the rescue.

Tero International, Inc. is a West Des Moines-based business that offers training in communication, leadership and personal effectiveness. Strong personal and interpersonal skills enhance the effectiveness of people in all scenarios. Tero's approach is that you can outclass your competition with critical skills offered in their programs. Business Etiquette, Dining Skills and International Protocol. Tero uses exhaustive collection of the latest information in preparation for their programs, with 50 hours of research for each hour of teaching.

In the Business Etiquette workshop the topics include networking, introductions, handshakes, eye contact and body language, remembering names, conversation skills, business card protocol and etiquette for today's varying telecommunication tools. The topics covered in the Dining Tutorial encompass guest and hosting duties, seating conduct, American versus Continental style, help with silver ware, stemware and flatware, place setting, toasting and tipping. International Protocol contains understanding culture rank and status, forms of address, eye contact, gestures offensive to certain cultures and appropriate gift giving.

The flagship program offered by Tero is IMPACT, which concerns speaking confidently and persuasively. Programs are also available in time management, team-building, leadership and recruiting. One-on-one coaching and motivational presentations are offered as well. Tero conducts workshops in fine dining settings, but also works on-site with their patrons when appropriate. While their list of local clients is substantial, and they do business in various other states in the U.S., Tero has worked as well in Toronto, Belgium, Rome, the Bahamas, Singapore and India.

The staff at Tero brings diverse and extensive backgrounds to their role of helping people in their business relationships. It's a role they feel strongly about, and it's evident in their approach. Training professionals complete a rigorous certification program, two trainers are available at all presentations and the client relationship extends beyond completion of the workshop. Deborah Rinner is a Training Consultant for the company.

"I'm thrilled to be here," she states "I've gained so much." Deborah shares the passion of Tero's founder, Rowena Crosbie, for the ability to enhance life through more effective communication. She receives satisfaction at the close of every class in seeing the growth of each individual. Executive Assistant Amber Mordini shares her enthusiasm.

"This is the most amazing place," she says. Amber enjoys helping people become more credible in how they portray themselves. Both women stress that having fun is important in their work, both from the standpoint of training clients and for themselves as well. Their excitement shows as they tell about teaching the Dining Tutorial, or helping clients learn about themselves in Team Dynamics. Their commitment shows too, as they recount their practice of having workshop clients vote among themselves for the participant who experiences the most growth, with the award being an edition of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series geared for business, signed by each of the workshop participants.

Whether in helping companies by imparting essential business skills or developing interpersonal abilities in the individual, Tero International has an innovative approach to addressing a widespread need. As Deb Rinner says, "I think our whole business is about how people relate to each other."

For more information about Tero International, call 222-2328, or visit www.tero.com.