WETT Etiquette School
The Bag Builder: A Masterclass in Modern Etiquette
The Guaranteed Path from the Block to the Boardroom
Why You Need This (The Real Talk)
This isn't your grandmother's etiquette class. This is the modern playbook for navigating any room—from the streets to the C-suite. Etiquette is your invisible armor. It opens doors, builds trust, and makes people want to invest in you.
THE GUARANTEE
This course is designed to be practice-based. If you complete every lesson, pass every test, and execute every piece of homework, you will not just know etiquette—you will live it. You will walk into any room, from the block to the boardroom, with unshakeable confidence. This is the investment that pays back every time.
Course 1: The Foundation & The First Impression
Lesson 1: The Three Pillars (The Code)
1. Consideration (Thinking 3 Steps Ahead)
It's not just being nice; it's being strategic. When you consider others, you control the environment. If you cause a disruption (being loud, messy, or late), people's focus shifts from the goal to your bad behavior. Removing the disruption makes you an asset.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You are speaking to a potential investor at a coffee shop.
The Mistake: You constantly check the receipt on the table to see how much money you spent.
The Bag Builder Move: Before the meeting, you pay and clear the table so your focus is solely on the investor. You considered that a distracting piece of paper could ruin the flow.
2. Respect (Everyone Gets a Nod)
Respect is your shield. Treating everyone—the receptionist, the bus driver, the security guard—with courtesy is how character is truly judged. High-level people often test this. If they see you disrespect a service worker, they assume you'll eventually disrespect them too.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You are at a company office. You see a cleaning staff member mopping a hallway.
The Mistake: You walk across the wet floor, forcing them to re-mop and not apologizing.
The Bag Builder Move: You pause, make eye contact, and politely ask, "Excuse me, where is the best way to walk here?" You show you respect their work and time.
3. Authenticity (The Real You, Refined)
Being authentic doesn't mean oversharing or being unfiltered. It means being genuine while understanding context. You can be yourself without making others uncomfortable.
Lesson 1 Mastery Homework
The Observation Challenge: For three full days, observe people in three different settings.
- • Log 1: Identify one instance of outstanding Consideration
- • Log 2: Identify one instance of poor Respect and its impact
Lesson 2: The Non-Negotiables (The Basics)
Punctuality (On Time = On Point)
Punctuality is a trust exercise. When you are habitually late, your word means less. A "fashionably late" 5-10 minutes is acceptable only for non-formal social gatherings. If money, contracts, or careers are involved, you are early.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: Your company lunch meeting is at 12:30 PM.
The Bag Builder Move: You arrive at 12:25 PM. You use the extra five minutes to visit the restroom, check your appearance, and review the meeting agenda in your head. You arrive at the table ready and settled, not flustered.
Personal Presence (The Brand)
Dress Code is the uniform for the level you want to attain. If you want the executive job, you have to dress how the executives currently dress, or slightly better. Never assume "business casual" means just a nice t-shirt.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You are attending a "networking mixer" at a financial firm. The dress code is "Business Casual."
The Mistake: Baggy jeans and a clean hoodie.
The Bag Builder Move: Ironed dark denim (or chinos/slacks), a tucked-in polo or button-down shirt, and clean leather shoes/loafers. Your presentation matches the high-stakes environment.
The Digital Pause
Your phone stays away during face-to-face interactions. Period. The only exception is if you announce a legitimate emergency beforehand.
Lesson 2 Mastery Homework
The Digital Cleanse:
- • The Digital Audit: Review your last 20 social media posts. Delete or archive anything unprofessional
- • The Appearance Test: Lay out your next professional outfit. Does it communicate $15/hr or $50/hr?
Course 2: The Social Game (Mastering The Connect)
Lesson 3: Making the Introduction (The Bridge Builder)
The Status Rule (The Hierarchy Flow)
It's about showing deference to the person who holds the most social capital in the room. By mentioning the higher status person first, you subtly signal respect. Think of it as setting the spotlight.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You are a junior accountant introducing your manager, Sarah, to a new, important client, Mr. Thompson.
The Mistake: "Mr. Thompson, this is Sarah, my manager." (Disrespects the client's status.)
The Bag Builder Move: "Mr. Thompson, I'd like to introduce Sarah Williams. Sarah is our lead strategist, and I know you two will connect on the marketing overhaul."
The Handshake (The Firm Deal)
The Handshake is a 3-second non-verbal resume. A good handshake is firm, dry, and brief. The web-to-web grip ensures equal power. The length should be about two to three pumps.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You meet the CEO after a successful presentation.
The Mistake: You offer a weak, fingertip-only grip while looking at the ground.
The Bag Builder Move: You stand up straight, step forward, meet their eye, smile, and offer a firm, full-hand grip. You say, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir/ma'am."
Lesson 3 Mastery Homework
The Introduction Practice:
- • Practice introducing a partner to an imaginary high-status person 5 times
- • Practice handshakes with 3 people you respect, focusing on web-to-web grip and confidence
Lesson 4: Conversation & Listening (The Connect)
Active Listening (More Than Just Hearing)
Listening is a way to gather intelligence and give value. The goal isn't just to be silent while they talk. It's about demonstrating engagement through verbal cues and recapping.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: A client is explaining a complex problem with their business.
The Mistake: You interrupt three times with possible solutions.
The Bag Builder Move: You listen fully, then say, "That's a critical breakdown. It sounds like the pain point is the bottleneck between the sales and tech teams, is that right?"
Conversational Courtesies (The Vibe Check)
Avoid "Vibe Killers." Topics like salary, excessive complaining, political drama, or deeply personal health issues are not for the first round of introductions. Keep the energy inclusive and light.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: At a corporate holiday party.
The Mistake: You complain about the low bonus you got this year and ask your colleague, "So, what did you get paid?"
The Bag Builder Move: You talk about a fun recent trip, a new skill you're learning, or a positive observation about the event.
Lesson 4 Mastery Homework
The Listening Audit:
- • Engage in a 10-minute conversation. Recap their main points before responding
- • Practice pivoting away from "vibe killer" topics when they arise
Course 3: The Table Talk (Securing the Deal)
Lesson 5: Dining Etiquette (The Confidence Meal)
The Place Setting (The "BMW" Cheat Code)
Memorize the BMW Rule: B for Bread on the left, M for Meal in the middle, W for Water/Drinks on the right. The Outside-In Rule for utensils: the fork furthest from the plate is for the appetizer.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You are at a 5-course formal dinner. You see two forks on the left and two glasses on the right.
The Bag Builder Move: You pick up the outermost fork for the salad. You know the water glass belongs to you because it is on the right (W).
The Meal Signals (The Smooth Moves)
Your utensils speak to the staff. Dropping your fork on the side of the plate means you're resting. The 4:20 Signal (fork and knife together, handles at the lower right) means you are finished.
The Bathroom Break (The Discreet Exit)
Discretion equals class. By placing the napkin on the chair (not the table), you send a clear signal to the waitstaff that you are returning.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You need to get up in the middle of a business dinner.
The Mistake: You announce, "Be right back, gotta hit the men's room!"
The Bag Builder Move: You wait for a lull in conversation, make eye contact, say, "Please excuse me for a moment," place your napkin neatly on your chair, and quietly exit.
Lesson 5 Mastery Homework
The Place Setting Test:
- • Set a full, proper place setting at home using the BMW Rule
- • Practice the 4:20 Finished Signal at your next restaurant visit
Course 4: The Professional Edge (Owning the Room)
Lesson 6: Workplace & Digital Decorum (The Clean Slate)
Email & Messaging (The Digital Suit)
Email is a formal document; text is a quick alert. For professional email, a clear, concise Subject Line respects the recipient's time. Always proofread; typos equal carelessness.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You need to ask your boss about a meeting next week.
The Mistake: Subject: Meeting. Body: Hey, what about that meetin next week?
The Bag Builder Move: Subject: Confirming Agenda for 11/15 Budget Review. Body: Hi Mr. Jones, Just sending a quick note to confirm the agenda for next week's budget review meeting on November 15th. Do you need me to add any topics? Thanks, [Your Name].
Meetings & Video Calls (Earn Your Seat)
If you're in the room, be present. For video calls, your background, lighting, and attire are the visual equivalent of your resume. Know the Mute Button.
Real-World Example:
Scenario: You are attending a virtual job interview.
The Mistake: You wear a nice shirt but sweatpants, and you take the call with the light behind you.
The Bag Builder Move: You are fully dressed in business casual, the light source is facing your face, and you ensure your background is neat. You mute yourself whenever the interviewer is speaking.
Lesson 6 Mastery Homework
The Communication Audit:
- • Draft a professional email and have someone score it on Clarity, Conciseness, and Professional Tone
- • Before your next meeting, prep your lighting, background, and one contribution to the discussion
Course Completion & Certification
Complete all lessons, pass all quizzes at 90% or higher, and submit all homework assignments to receive your official WETT Etiquette School certification.
What You'll Master:
✓ The Three Pillars
Consideration, Respect, Authenticity
✓ Professional Presence
Punctuality, Dress Code, Digital Etiquette
✓ Social Mastery
Introductions, Handshakes, Active Listening
✓ Dining Excellence
BMW Rule, 4:20 Signal, Table Manners
The Bag Builder Masterclass
Suggested: $50 (basic access) | $150 (with certification) | $300+ (includes 1-on-1 coaching session). Pay what you can afford.
Go Build Your Bag
This is your guaranteed path from the block to the boardroom. Master these skills, and watch every door open.
"Etiquette is your invisible armor"