Put cell phones on mute or vibrate, stand close — at first — for introductions, make eye contact and smile, Mississippi’s expert on professional and business etiquette told a Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce luncheon group this week.

“Always smile,” said Jay Pearson, director of The Mississippi School of Protocol and Etiquette. “It’s your gift to whoever is standing in front of you.”

Pearson, who is a member of the local Chamber but operates his business in Flowood, spoke about the “need-to-know holiday etiquette tips for business leaders.”