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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- “85 percent of success depends more on social skills that professional skills,” according to etiquette expert Gerald Glascock.  Glascock, who works with the Southern Institute of Etiquette and Protocol says that having social skills, emotional intelligence.  Glascock says that someone can be extremely knowledgeable in a specific discipline, but if they lack social skills, they will often be beat out for a job by someone who may be not be as technically capable, but better at social skills.

Attire also plays a large role in success, according to Glascock.  “The better you are dressed, the more people want to give you money,” he says.  Glascock goes on to illustrate the fact that if you dress in expensive attire, you look successful, and from that appearance of success, people instinctively will respond more positively to you, in a job interview, networking event, or even at the grocery store.  “If you are dressed nice, they (stores) want you to shop in their store, and buy their products.”

Glascock suggests that when you go to a networking event, such as a chamber meeting or other social engagement that you do not go directly to the bar.  “Sometimes nerves can make you want to take the edge off with a drink, which only makes you less sharp,” he says.  He also says to not look at a networking event as an opportunity to collect as many business cards as possible.  “It’s about building a relationship,” Glascock says, which can’t be done if you talk to many people for a small amount of time.  “Scan the room like James Bond, and find the person you want to connect with.”

Proper presentation of a business card is an often overlooked as well, says Glascock, who says the business card is part of you, because it carries your name.  He says the information on the card should be correct, not scratched out with updated information.  “When you present your card, use both hands, and maintain eye contact,” says Glascock.

Gerald Glascock visits Good Day Columbia each Monday morning, to discuss proper etiquette and behavior in personal, social, and professional situations, which can be practiced in everyday life, and based on his experience, mean the difference when interviewing for a job, or building your business.

We want to know what you think.  Do you feel like you are treated differently when you are dressed up than when you are more casual?  Leave us a comment.