Business casual may be the fashion in some offices, but no one can afford to be casual about business etiquette, says the leader of a workshop for MBA students at UC Davis Friday, Feb. 19. Shirley Willey of Etiquette & Company says knowing and practicing business etiquette is an important building block for a career. "Good manners alone probably won't win you a job offer, for example, but bad manners may eliminate you from the candidates' race," she says. "Just being cognizant of little things can make a big difference." More than 50 master of business administration students will attend the Graduate School of Management's annual business etiquette workshop. The program was first offered eight years ago to help students feel more confident meeting with potential employers over a meal, according to Don Blodger, assistant dean for students services. "We wanted the students to feel confident at the dining table so they could concentrate on selling themselves," he says, "and the workshop has been a hit ever since. Our students find it's a fantastic way to gain some of the extra professional polish that's needed in so many business situations." With an emphasis on dining etiquette, the workshop will also cover introductions, attire, body language and communication. After Willey's initial presentation and dining demonstration, students will eat lunch and discuss several scenarios that will test their business etiquette IQ. The workshop and luncheon will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Club on Old Davis Road.