2236 Confidence courses

Learn the relaxing art of cross stitch and create a beautiful card! This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for adults and children (8+). All materials provided. Discover the benefits of hand sewing while making a unique gift. No experience needed!

Key Objectives for the Training provision Effective listening to a client's needs and requirements during various stages of the sales process. Engage in meaningful communication with clients, learn to identify challenges and opportunities that relate to the prospects. Overcome the identified challenge. Build long term rapport and establish trust with the prospect throughout the sales process, Ensure continued customer satisfaction that can turn into repeat business. Be able to build rapport with customers or clients. Know the right questions to ask to fully understand the customer or client’s needs without putting on any pressure. Be able to check you have the right information from the customer or client. Be able to match products and services to the customer or client using the information you have gathered. Be able to influence effectively. Know how to stand out from your competitors. Stage 1 – Research the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ and USP Analysis  Conducting 30 min confidential interviews with a cross-section of the eligible Attendees & the Stakeholders, in order to gain an objective understanding of the various scenarios and clients that the Participants work with. the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ Unique Selling Points The Customers’ journey(s) The Competition’s offers for analysis and comparisons. From these findings, a carefully calibrated bespoke Programme will be designed and delivered.  Stage 2 - Design the Bespoke 2 x day Course  nd Stage 3 - Delivery of the Course Programme This Programme can be delivered in 2 x consecutive days, or split between 2 – 3 weeks, to make it more ‘work-friendly’ – if required. It is very practical and commercially focussed in approach, with lots of interactive exercises designed to draw out the learning applications via the debriefings. The ‘Real Play’ scenarios on day 2 will be based on specific case studies drawn from the Research findings so that they are authentic to optimise the learning. Individual Action Plans will be captured at the end of each day to be debriefed by the Participants’ respective Line Managers.  Template Programme Day One – Foundation – Strategic Approach Section One – The Principles of Consultative Selling Defining ‘Consultative Selling’ The Company’s ‘Unique Selling Points’ & Value Proposition The Consultative Selling model – the five stages Avoiding appearing ‘pushy’, ‘pressurising’ or ‘talking through the sale’ Section Two –Strategy & Preparation  ‘Buy-Class’ Matrix Strategic plan Template – matching services/products to identified needs & opportunities. Preparing a range of objectives Constants and variables – USP’s Researching key Client/Decision Makers’ priorities, profile & background (LinkedIn etc.) Preparing for potential & likely Objections Section Three – Email etiquette & ‘influencing’ email correspondence.  Email etiquette A.B.S.U.R.D model Clarity and tone – discovery of clients’ needs & motivational factors. Techniques to influence and ‘nudge’. Ensuring the data and content have a ‘gentle’ motivational & appealing message. Top Tips Day Two – Practical Application Section Four – Rapport Building & Effective Communication skills ‘Behaviour Labelling’ techniques – setting a positive tone. Asking Open Questions – gaining a full understanding of the clients’ priorities & expectations. EQ - Inviting opinions; perspectives; experiences – winning confidence. Active Listening – focus and commitment to understand. ‘Reading the room’ – adapting to responses and reactions. Maintaining focus on relevant topics that the Client cares about; carefully consider the opportunities to influence. But NO PRESSURE! Building a ‘bond of trust’ with commitments and authentic, shared values. Section Five – Explaining the Benefits – aligned to the Customers’ Priorities Understanding ‘Why do People Buy?’ Research data analysis. Open questions that lead to understanding the key issues and Clients’ priorities. Avoiding the danger of ‘pressurising’ the Client. Responding to objections effectively, with confidence and sensitivity. Explaining the benefits that are aligned to the Clients’ stated requirements. Making the Data ‘sing’ – memorable takeaways for the Client. Augmented benefits – Brand confidence; Case studies; Warranty; Service; Range; Flexibility etc. in alignment with their stated preferences/requirements Differentials compared to Competitors Section Six – Winning Commitment Inviting commitment – with confidence Consultative Selling Closing techniques (e.g. Alternative Close/Assumptive Close et al) Avoiding ‘talking through the sale’ – knowing when to ‘Shut UP!’ Confirming agreement – ensuring Clients’ motivation for repeat business Section Seven – Practical Application ‘Real Play’ From the Research findings, carefully devised scenarios can be generated to provide the most valuable learning opportunities to underpin all the skills & techniques covered in the Programme.  Potential Real Play scenarios: A well-established customer has indicated that they are soon to be opening up additional new offices – this presents an opportunity to arrange for the Company to support them with their upcoming needs. After some very positive feedback and with the upcoming contract renewal imminent – how can the Company give the Customer more high-quality support in other areas of their business? A Competitor has been to see the client and they have prompted some concerns about ‘value for money’ & ‘quality of service’. How Real Play works… The group is split the group into 2 sub-groups, one with our Professional Actor (option available); the other with the Trainer or a willing Participant. Each group has a brief and has to instruct their Trainer/Actor/Participant on how to approach the scenario supplied. The Actor and Trainer (or willing Participant) perform the role play(s) as instructed by their respective teams; however, during the action they can be paused for further recommendations or direction. The outcome is the responsibility of the team(s) – not the performers. Debrief the full Programme Individual Action Plans - to be followed through. ‘Best Practices’ for application into the business Options for Exercises within the Programme  Sample Exercise – Red & White  There is a specific time managed agenda and itinerary, which puts the group under pressure.  The key challenge is for the sub-groups to maximise the commercial value from the task, however there is always a great danger that the individuals attempt to gain financial progress at the expense of the other group! Debriefing points: Persuasive communication and influence across barriers Gaining buy-in when others are sceptical Strategic planning accounting for others’ behaviours Sample Exercise – Communication Challenge Each Participant has different pieces of information, but are not allowed to share it visually. They are only allowed to communicate to work out the solution hidden among the large amount of data. Debrief: Structured approach Maintaining focus through distractions/interference Active Listening Controlled communication Sample Exercise – Persuasive emails Sample emails are shared to be critiqued and improved upon to be debriefed: Tone & impact Making the Data ‘sing’ Influential & motivational language Customer centric message. Sample Exercise –Juggling   Each Participant has to pass the ‘Customers’ (Juggling balls) carefully through the system with all the other Participants to reach a profitable conclusion  Debrief: EQ to read the room and effectively communicate, when the pressure is on Customer focus and adapting to challenges Devising a plan that wins buy-in Overcoming competing ideas to get to ‘best practice’ Consistent commitment, communication and motivational drivers that influenced performance. Sample Exercise –Critical Path  The group are provided with 30 x discs and some ‘post-it’ notes. (no pens or pencils are allowed) Their brief is to create a grid shape with the 30 x discs, which will act as ‘stepping stones’ for the ‘Critical Path’ But they have to follow the correct order through the grid from the start to finish, which they will have to work out through ‘trial & error’ All of the team must pass through the ‘Critical Path’ worked out on the grid, observing the constraints, within the time limit. No talking is permitted once they start using the materials Debrief: - Clear communication focussing on the ‘client’s journey’ Planning for challenges Identifying risks and mitigating them Role allocations & support Quality control and disciplines  Sample Exercise –Back to Back  Each Participant is positioned back-to-back with a partner. They have to work out precisely what the ‘statement’ given to the other person is without looking around. Each person has a different brief. Debrief: - Asking Open Questions Active Listening Accuracy in identifying the objective.

Every Wednesday at 18:15 – 18:55 The violin is a versatile and expressive instrument, perfect for players of all ages. At M&L School of Performing Arts, we equip our beginner violinists with essential techniques to play a range of styles, from classical to contemporary. Whether you’re new to the violin or have some experience, we offer a supportive and structured learning environment. Our group violin lessons foster skill development and a love for music. The lessons focus on bowing technique, finger positioning, reading music, rhythm exercises, and playing both solo and ensemble pieces. Playing in a group helps improve performance skills, builds confidence, and encourages collaboration. We welcome students of all ages and abilities, providing a fun and engaging atmosphere for families to learn and grow together through music. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/

Increasing sales is the core of objective for all salespeople and it is vital they are given the tools and techniques to thrive in this highly competitive environment. The landscape within which salespeople operate is ever shifting, and now more than ever it is recognised that the key to successful selling is understanding the customer's needs and working collaboratively with them to achieve their objectives. This highly practical programme has been developed to support salespeople to develop their all-round sales skills using a customer-focused approach. The course will be fun and informal, using practical exercises to help new and experienced salespeople ensure they are equipped to deal with the challenges of selling. This course will help participants: Develop core sales skills such as building rapport, questioning and presenting benefits Identify the roles and goals of key contacts and recognize the importance of consultative selling Understand how to achieve sales by uncovering needs, matching benefits and promoting value Understand how to structure and control a customer interaction and set clear objectives for each account Develop techniques for handling objections, questions and staying positive Master the art of closing a sale and gaining agreement Understand tactical selling and how to build multiple contacts and relationships Develop skill and confidence in selling to both new prospects and existing customers 1 Consultative selling - key principles for success Recognise the importance of consultative selling and being client-focused Build the right processes to achieving sales targets - questions before features Assess your core sales skills; building rapport, asking questions, presenting features and benefits, closing 2 Consultative sales call skills How best to structure and control a customer meeting or call to be client-centric: Four Cs The importance of setting clear objectives for each call and account Setting the agenda and pre-call preparation Planning sessions 3 Your mission, message and meaning - comparative advantage Defining sales messages and USPs; positioning value and quality not price Knowing your target product and services and their value to the customer Understanding your customers buying role and qualifying the opportunity 4 An effective sales meeting - part 1 Opening the sales interview - and building rapport Gaining and retaining the full attention of the customer Probing and identifying real needs using effective sales questions Planning and practice sessions for consultative selling 5 An effective sales meeting - part 2 Matching customer needs and wants to products and services available Presenting your product or service using features, advantages, and benefits Recognising and responding to buying signals and other sales opportunities Planning and practice sessions 6 Closing the sale successfully Anticipating objections and seeing them as positives, including price objections Handling objections using proven methods and models How and when to ask for the sale professionally Follow up and follow-through Planning and practice sessions

One Shared Owner: artists talking about creating collaborative space and sustainability with SaltSpace and Vanilla Ink Join us for a conversation exploring how artist-led initiatives are set up, why they are necessary and perhaps most importantly how they evolve and sustain themselves over time.  SaltSpace and Vanilla Ink will be sharing their experiences setting up as a Cooperative and Community Interest Company; and how they operate as an artist led space and community for creative practitioners.  SaltSpace will be hosting Dr Deborah Jackson, Head of Fine Art Critical Studies at the Glasgow School of Art, and Ellie Smith-Barratt, Chief Executive Officer at Vanilla Ink. Both Deborah and Ellie will be sharing their experiences with artist-led initiatives, thinking about the topic of sustaining creative spaces and communities in Scotland, with a specific focus on supports for early career practitioners in Glasgow and more broadly across Scotland.  This conversation will be an opportunity to think about the transitional space of moving from student to graduate and into practicing as a professional artist. We will be talking about supports for recent graduates and early career artists in the form of organisations and initiatives set up by / for recent graduates due to the lack of support system often provided by institutions. We will be thinking about the need to support collaboration and foster community during that time, and what mechanisms of support are in place for this, and how we can improve and strengthen these supports. Context: This event is co-hosted and supported by the Scottish Artist Union, artist and researcher Chris Biddlecombe, will be providing an overview of his key findings from the ‘Artist-Led Organisations in Scotland: Survey and Mapping of Activity' research report, which has been undertaken by Scottish Artist Union on behalf of Creative Scotland.  The event has been developed in conversation with Dr Marianne Greated, Academic Development Lead, School of Fine Art, Glasgow School of Art who has a longstanding interest in developing artist led collaborations and how this can be supported through the Glasgow School of Art curriculum.  About SaltSpace: SaltSpace is a creative cooperative based in Glasgow which aims to provide a supportive platform for new graduates and early year creatives as a stepping-stone into their artistic career. Currently we offer studio spaces across two premises in Glasgow city in Dornoch Street and the Axiom Building and a gallery/community space in the Axiom Building on 54 Washington Street.  About Vanilla Ink: Vanilla Ink is a Community Interest Company with creative jewellery workshops in Glasgow and Banff. They offer a diverse range of resources and programmes tailored to empower and support emerging talent, giving members access to the fully equipped jewellery studios, tools and bench space. The emphasis is on providing a supportive environment for jewellers to develop their skills and confidence. The jewellery school provides classes, workshops and courses for both beginners and professionals. One Shared Owner and the research is supported by Creative Scotland. If you have any other participation needs, please email us via learning@artistsunion.scot

Every Wednesday at 18:30 – 19:45 Embark on a journey with the RAD Grade 4 program at M&L School of Performing Arts, where students deepen their ballet and character dance exploration within a curriculum that champions artistic expression and technical refinement. Aligned with a higher educational standard, this level mirrors the progression and complexity expected of students ready to embrace more challenging aspects of ballet. Set to an eclectic mix of music that enriches the ballet experience, our Grade 4 classes are designed to advance students’ technical skills, musicality, and performance artistry. As part of this curriculum, students engage in a sophisticated exploration of ballet that encourages them to express themselves with greater confidence and complexity. Through a blend of traditional and character dance, learners are motivated to refine their understanding of ballet, finding a profound sense of achievement and joy in their evolving capabilities. At this pivotal grade, character work becomes more intricate, introducing students to new cultural dances that enhance their technical repertoire and broaden their appreciation for the diversity of dance traditions. This expansion of knowledge and skill not only equips students with a richer set of technical abilities but also fosters a deep appreciation for the art of dance, guiding them toward a path of lifelong engagement and accomplishment in ballet. Why RAD Grade 4 Ballet Lessons Are Key for Your Child’s Development: Physical Fitness: Focused on improving flexibility, strength, and coordination, ballet at this level offers a rigorous approach to physical health and technical agility. Elevated Self-Expression and Confidence: As students master more complex dance sequences, they experience enhanced self-expression and a significant boost in self-confidence. Increased Discipline and Focus: The complexity of Grade 4 routines demands a higher level of discipline, concentration, and attention to detail, preparing students for success in all areas of life. Deepened Musical Appreciation: With a diverse musical selection, students deepen their understanding of rhythm and musicality, enriching their overall dance experience. Fulfillment in Movement Mastery: Emphasizing the precision and elegance of ballet, our curriculum ensures that students find fulfillment in the mastery of each movement. Enhanced Social and Leadership Skills: Group ballet classes encourage not only social interaction but also leadership and teamwork skills, as students often work together to perfect routines. Cultural Exploration and Appreciation: Incorporating a wider array of character dances, Grade 4 enriches students’ cultural knowledge and appreciation for the global dance community. Superior Coordination and Posture: This grade focuses on refining coordination and posture, essential for the development of a poised and graceful dancer. Life Skills for Future Success: Ballet at this level teaches resilience, time management, and goal-setting, equipping students with skills vital for future academic and personal success. Preparation for Ballet Studies: Setting a strong foundation for higher levels of dance education, Grade 4 prepares students for continued growth and achievement in ballet and beyond. Why M&L School of Performing Arts Is Your Choice for Grade 4 Ballet: Choosing M&L School of Performing Arts for Grade 4 ballet means joining a community that is deeply committed to fostering artistic excellence and personal growth. Inspired by our foundational love for dance and music, we provide a supportive environment where students are encouraged to push their boundaries, explore their artistic potential, and celebrate their progress. Here, learners find not just technical training but a nurturing space that honors their journey towards becoming accomplished dancers. Enroll your child in our RAD Grade 4 ballet program, and witness their transformation into confident, expressive, and technically skilled artists. Become part of our story at M&L School of Performing Arts, where every dancer’s dream is nurtured with passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to the art of ballet. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/

In today's fast-moving competitive environment, sales are often made or lost on the strength of a telephone conversation or a brief email. This means that not only is customer service everyone's responsibility - so is sales. Customer service staff are failing the customer if they don't think about sales. And sales staff are failing customers if they don't think about service. And anyone failing a customer is failing both themselves and their employer. Too often, customer service staff feel neither capable nor empowered to recognise or capitalise upon a sales opportunity. Too often, sales people pursue the short-term opportunity at the expense of the bigger picture. The good news is - it doesn't have to be this way! Sales and customer service skills can be acquired, developed and polished just like any other skill. This tried-and-tested programme shows you how to do it. As a result of this course, participants will be able to: Take control of a customer conversation, with confidence Refresh and polish their customer service and sales performance Recognise and develop a sales opportunity Engage the customer and build rapport Identify a customer's needs Match the customer's needs to the organisation's products or services Handle objections confidently Ask for the order At the end of the workshop each participant will have developed their own action plan for developing and using their skills in the workplace. 1 Introduction Course overview, objectives and introductions 2 Serving or selling? Feelings and attitudes - How we can affect the outcome by our feelings and behaviour What is selling? - Selling is helping people to buy, identifying the opportunities that exist within the conversation to develop the customer's interest in our products or services 3 Developing the right skills Communication- The impact of body language, voice tone and words- How to make the best impression on the customer and create a 'buying environment' Rapport-building- What makes a good working relationship?- What do customers look for when they call us?- How can we match their expectations in terms of our own interpersonal skills? Relating to different types of people by identifying and matching their communication style on the telephone 4 Making it easy for the customer Starting it right- Opening the conversation positively- Building rapport- How to develop interest in our products or services Gaining and clarifying information- Questioning skills and questioning style- What do we need to know from the customer?- How can we use that information in the conversation? Active listening- The most under-rated skill of all- Picking up on the 'Golden Moments' when a customer shows they may be interested Presenting information confidently- Knowing the benefits of our products or services- How to tell the customer what they need to know in order to enable them to buy Closing on a positive note- When and how to ask for commitment Dealing with the customer's objections and concerns in a positive manner 5 Course summary and action plans Review of main learning points Presentation of personal action plans

If you're looking to move to the next level in your career in sales, then understanding how to maximise your sales results, using a consultative and structured approach, will be key to your success. In order to develop the competitive advantage that enables you to stand out from the crowd, it is important to understand the tools and techniques to take your selling to new heights and build the confidence to apply them in work-based scenarios. We have developed this programme to be practical, fun and interactive. Learners will gain a range of practical skills that they can take back and apply to the workplace straight away, that will have a positive impact on sales and customer satisfaction. This course will help participants: Develop a structured and client-focused approach to creating high quality sales opportunities and account growth Learn persuasion and influencing skills to better define needs and develop opportunities Understand how to have better sales conversations, presentations, and proposals - leading to higher order value and increased sales Develop advanced sales questioning skills and techniques; understand the importance of listening Understand how to add value at all stages; plus gaining competitive advantage Develop proven ways to overcome and reduce price pressure Know when to use options and upselling when presenting products and solutions Develop techniques and skills for improved negotiation and closing 1 Advanced Selling - How to Increase your sales results Review of pre-course data and questionnaire The AVC model of increasing your sales results Creating a sales growth plan to achieve higher sales targets Mapping the accounts and products for targeted growth 2 The Four Cs to structure a sales call Research before the meeting or call; setting objectives, planning and preparation How to gain instant rapport and taking control - including online meetings Qualifying and initial questioning skills Creating an agenda and first-meeting structure: Four Cs Planning and practice sessions 3 Building bigger and better sales opportunities How to use questions to 'build' more opportunities Learning and using high-impact and third-level questions Advanced sales questioning techniques: five questioning techniques Qualifying and gaining commitment to the next stage Planning and practice sessions - advanced questioning skills 4 Presentation and persuading skills best practice Compelling benefits and reducing perceived risk - key messages to deliver Helping the customer choose your proposition by using options Professional and effective presentation skills Writing compelling sales proposals that improve your conversion rate Planning and practice session - presenting your solution 5 Overcoming concerns and client questions Proven techniques for answering client objections and concerns How to isolate, prioritise and answer objections, including price Overcoming delay and procrastination Planning and practice session - answering client concerns 6 Gaining commitment and closing the sale Knowing when to close for commitment How to ask for commitment professionally and effectively Key negotiation skills around the closing process - getting to 'yes' Checklist of closing and negotiation skills Practice session

Every Wednesday at 16:50 – 17:30 (Newmarket Academy) or Every Saturday at 12:35 – 13:15 (Exning Community Church Hall) The piano is one of the most popular instruments among all western instruments. At M&L Music School we equip our piano players with all the necessary skills to play different styles of music using good technique. From beginners to grade 8 level (grade 5 is a level that would be enough to gain an A in a GCSE solo instrumental assessment). Piano Group Lessons are an encouraging and challenging environment that can be highly motivational. Learning and playing the piano in a group allows students to practice and perform in front of other people while building confidence. Our piano classes consist of learning pieces using notated music and by ear; scales; sight-reading; aural and technique exercises. We can prepare students to take Trinity guildhall grades, ABRSM, and Rock School piano or keyboard exams as well as performances. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/

Today's administrative professional needs flexibility and a broad portfolio of skills including self-motivation, assertiveness, and the ability to deal with difficult people. You will benefit from this course if you are an administrator, medical/legal secretary or PA, who wants to enhance your administrative support skills, as well as evaluating your existing techniques. This course will help you identify: your areas of strength and your areas for improvement in the work environment ways to accept new challenges and responsibilities with confidence what motivates you at work techniques to improve your planning and time management ways of improving your influencing and assertiveness skills your preferred working style (and relate it to your interaction with others) ways of using your initiative how to deal with challenging people, using recognised communication methods The course will help you develop a flexible set of skills that will allow you to succeed at work, no matter what the day throws at you. It will help you communicate effectively with a diverse range of colleagues and others with tact and diplomacy. And, finally, it will help you provide the administrative support that is essential for the smooth running of your area and of the organisation as a whole. 1 Introduction Overview Introductions Individual objectives 2 What exactly is your role? Before looking at new skills and techniques, where are you now? Do you have the skills, knowledge and attitude required to be an exceptional administrator? Understand your job criteria Identifying your strengths and areas for development Activity - skills analysis Activity - action plan 3 Building trust How can you build trust? Understanding the links between reliability, consistency and trust What is required to deliver efficient service? Activity: efficient service requirements of the professional administrator 4 Working styles Identifying your working style preference Understanding the importance of a flexible approach Identifying areas of improvement to become a more effective team member Activity: Questionnaire (completing, scoring and charting) Activity: drawbacks of my style Developing your working style 5 Assertiveness Understand the differences between behaviours Activity: Definition and characteristics of assertive / aggressive / passive behaviour Activity: Identifying different behaviours Understanding how to be more assertive How to use assertiveness techniques How to ask for feedback Activity: Making requests assertively Activity: Refusing requests assertively 6 Time management The importance of planning for success The importance of managing interruptions The importance of having clear purpose Time management best practices Activity: How do you plan your time? What prevents you improving your time management? How will you recognise success? 7 Prioritisation How to prioritise work to meet deadlines The prioritisation matrix Activity: Post it! 8 Dealing with interruptions The impact interruptions have on productivity How to manage interruptions Activity: What interruptions do you experience? What tactics can be employed to reduce these interruptions? 9 Close Open forum Summary Action planning