Bermudians who deal with the public are set to get a boost designed to improve business.

For a top-flight consultant from the US is to hold a series of seminars aimed at sharpening the professionalism of front-line employees and sales staff.

Ms Leil Lowndes has been drafted in by the Bermuda Employers' Council to run the special classes. It is the first time the BEC have run these types of courses.

She said: "What some people don't realise is that when visitors come to the Island, their first impression of a sales person or someone they have spoken to on the phone is Bermuda for them.

"And if someone turns off a tourist in the first 20 seconds, they'll never forget it.'' Ms Lowndes will hold three seminars, starting tomorrow with Heart to Heart Selling.

That will be followed later this month with Top-notch Telephone Techniques and World Class Customer Service.

But she said: "I don't think there is a real problem because, happily, Bermudians have a reputation for being gracious.

"The only thing I have noticed is that sometimes there is a lack of motivation because there is generally such job security.

"But Bermuda has to realise that the entire economy depends on the people tourists and other visitors come in to contact with.

"Networking, creating good relationships and a rapport with people is very important. It's said people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care about them and it's true.'' Ms Lowndes, an international communications expert and best-selling author of `How to Talk to Anyone About Anything', has coached top US executives from Fortune 500 companies.

In addition to three books, she has also appeared on TV and radio and written more than 50 articles for professional journals and magazines.

She has also taught front-line employees from major organisations like Kodak, Mattell and the US Peace Corps how to improve their communications skills.

Now employers from across Bermuda are flocking to send their employees to her training sessions.

Ms Lowndes, who spent most of her childhood summers in Bermuda, said she was familiar with the Island and still visited regularly.

She said: "There are many warm Bermudians and there are others who aren't, just like anywhere else.

"But I don't think they have the trained warmth that many top-flight professionals have.

"But the natural warmth is there -- all that is needed is the professional training to give them the polish so they can handle every situation as it occurs.'' MS LEIL LOWNDES -- the top-class communications guru is on the Island at the request of BEC to run classes designed to get the best out of employees.