Chapter Novels and Creative Writing English Bootcamp: Charlotte's Web
This highly practical one-day workshop has been designed specifically to help maximise sales where customers make contact by telephone. When customers contact us direct they have clearly already considered the possibility that they might buy from us, but we're still only half-way to making a sale. Unless we fully understand their needs and make it easy for them to buy, we may not secure the business. This workshop concentrates on the telephone skills and techniques needed to achieve the most positive outcome in any inbound customer call. A combination of excellent customer service skills and savvy sales awareness techniques will increase our chances of a successful outcome for both parties. The programme features the unique INBOUND model, to help remember the key principles for effective inbound telephone sales: Initial impressions Needs of the customer Bring them with you Open up the conversation Understand the triggers Narrow down the solutions Decision time! The programme also covers how to deal with difficult calls and challenging people - after all, every complaint is a sales opportunity! This programme will help participants: Create the perfect interaction with any customer making contact by telephone Make every call count Build rapport quickly in any situation Handle difficult calls and challenging people Create sustainable and profitable relationships Increase your sales conversions 1 The inbound sales process Each customer who contacts us will be at a different stage of the sales process. Some might be making general enquiries whilst others will be ready to commit, having made most of their decisions already. Sales and customer service people need to be ready to find out the stage the customer has reached before helping them to make the right decision for them 2 Engaging with the customer Having clarified where the customer is on their journey to making a purchasing decision, our next responsibility is to create and build a trusting relationship on both sides. This involves establishing rapport quickly to ease the communication process, thus enabling smooth transactions, both now and in the future 3 Questioning and listening skills for gathering information Developing these skills requires practice so that the communication becomes natural for the customer. This helps the customer to feel comfortable with us and work with us towards an effective solution. We discuss different types of question and how to use high-gain questions to uncover key information. Active listening will ensure that we can really help customers get what they need 4 Overcoming objections and excuses If we have followed the process properly and really understood the customer, then there should no further objections or barriers to completing the transaction. The reality is that there will still be the occasional issue that needs clarifying, so we need to prepare for possible objections and questions that customers might have. This includes probing objections so that we fully understand the customer's perspective before constructing suitable responses or solutions 5 Gaining commitment and ending the call Customers want to gain a solution to the issue they are facing and the sooner we can help them achieve that the better. Guiding the customer and helping them to believe in their own decision is part of our role. This section is dedicated to getting commitment all the way along the process, not just at the close 6 Dealing with difficult and challenging situations The realisation that everybody is different, with different personality types, different ways of looking at the world and different goals, is key to understanding sales. With this is mind we discuss these differences and how we adapt our approach to ease communication and maintain trust and understanding 7 Action plans Course summary and presentation of action plans
Chairing or facilitating a panel discussion is a particular skill. When many experts and specialists in their field are asked to do this, they discover that it is not as easy as they imagined. Pitching and introducing the session, involving everyone, promoting audience engagement, dealing with difficult panellists and ending the discussion can all be a challenge for inexperienced facilitators. Our panel facilitation training workshop focuses on providing delegates with the techniques and confidence they need to chair panel debates effectively. It is delivered by BBC presenter Martine Croxall and is highly interactive, blending theory with practical exercises. During the course, you will learn: the best way to prepare, including audience analysis and research how to pitch a panel how to introduce a panel how to involve everyone in the discussion the best way to promote audience engagement how to deal with difficult panellists how to end a discussion Each delegate will have the chance to chair a panel discussion, with the other delegates and Martine playing different roles as panellists.
This very practical two-day workshop analyses the content and implications of key MoD terms and conditions of contract. The programme explains the principles and terminology of the contractual aspects of defence procurement as well as considering a number of relevant policies and initiatives. The course covers key components, constructs and methodologies associated with any commercial venture entered into with the UK MoD. Starting at the MoD organisational level the workshop sets the scene by looking at the acquisition process and organisation, detailing the various roles and responsibilities of MoD personnel. The workshop provides an in-depth examination of MoD DEFCONs and many narrative terms, setting them in the context of the organisation and its structures. The workshop helps participants to gain an understanding of the content and purpose of the range of MoD DEFCONs and narrative conditions commonly used throughout the acquisition lifecycle. It includes a review of Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 regarding Single Source Pricing, which comes into effect in 2015 and is already starting to be applied to significant contracts. On completion of this programme the participants will understand the terminology associated with the MoD terms and conditions of contract and will have an accurate view of their relevance, usage and their legal basis and how they can affect contractual and commercial decision-making. They will have gained an insight into defence acquisition contracting and they will be more commercially aware. DAY ONE 1 The commercial environment Key roles and responsibilities of the MoD organisations at the heart of the acquisition process 2 Tendering to MoD An appraisal of some of the obligations placed upon contractors when they are submitting a proposal to the MoD pre-contract 3 Standardised contracting MoD have introduced non-negotiable standardised contracts for certain levels of procurement. This section considers their use and relevance to defence contracting 4 Pricing, profit, post-costing and payment The parameters specific to a costing structure and the differences between competitive and non-competitive bidding The role of the QMAC, the profit formula, the requirements for equality of information and post-costing Different types of pricing and issues surrounding payment 5 Defence Reform Act - Single Source Pricing Single Source Pricing under Part 2 of the new Defence Reform Act Changes from the existing position, how contractors are affected and the compliance regime that accompanies the new requirements 6 Delivery and acceptance Specific requirements and the significance and impact of failing to meet them Acceptance plans Non-performance and the remedies that may be applied by the Customer - breach of contract, liquidated damages and force majeure DAY TWO 7 Protection of information and IPR Contractor's and MoD's rights to own and use information How to identify background and foreground intellectual property Technical information and copyright in documentation and software How to protect IPR at the various stages of the bidding and contracting process 8 Defence Transformation and Defence Commercial Directorate Widening and increasing roles and functions of the Defence Commercial Directorate Background to the Defence Reform Act 2014 9 Legal requirements Terms used in MoD contracts to reflect basic legal requirements Records and materials required for MOD contracts and therefore the obligations, responsibilities and liabilities that a company undertakes when it accepts these conditions Overseas activities 10 Subcontracting and flowdown Understanding the constructs required by the MoD for subcontracting Which terms must be flowed down to the subcontractor and which are discretionary 11 Termination Termination of a contract for default Termination for convenience How to optimise the company's position on termination 12 Warranties and liabilities Obligations and liabilities a company might incur and how they might be mitigated MoD policy on indemnities and limits of liability 13 Electronic contracting environment Electronic forms of contracting Progress toward a fully electronic contracting environment
Wouldn't sales be a 'walk in the park' without challenging customers? Why is it that some customers are so difficult to please, so quick to call 'foul' at the slightest blip and so mean with their gratitude after we've bent over backwards to accommodate them? Whether we are looking at prospective or existing customers, there is a toolkit for dealing with the most challenging of them. This course will help participants: Use broad open questions to give the customer a platform for their opinions or issues Improve listening skills to really understand what's behind the customer's challenging style Probe specific phrases to show listening and earn deeper disclosure Use silence to let challenging customers 'blow off steam' Understand the negative impact of certain phrases on a challenging customer Summarise effectively and reassure the customer of our understanding of their needs Recognise the 'behaviour cycle' and avoid emotional escalation Understand 'transactional analysis' and how to bring people from 'child' to 'adult' state Create loyalty in customers who are slow to give trust 1 What makes a customer 'challenging'? Why customers challenge us - understanding their drivers 'Wearing their shoes' - seeing things from their perspective Understanding our own personality style How to flex with a style that is different from our own Ways to quickly recognise a customer's style The benefits of flexing with a challenging customer's style 2 Practical exercise - forum theatre Participants take it in turns to deal with the trainer (who plays the role of the challenging customer) Observers stop the action when they hear or see something they deem wrong The participant in the seat gets a chance to use a suggested alternative line The participant who makes the suggestion has the chance to occupy the seat and deliver it themselves Frequent feedback from the trainer as to how the participant's words are making him feel Opportunities to rewind the action if an ill-advised line is suggested and delivered Flipchart for capturing what worked, what didn't work and why Mehrabian principle - the importance of body language and tone over words used 3 Questioning and listening skills How to use open questions to get the customer talking What questions to avoid and why The use of pauses and silence to reduce tension and build trust What listening is and what it isn't Question funnelling - how to earn deeper disclosure through probing The power of summary 4 Transactional analysis explained What is transactional analysis (TA)? Exploring the TA states and why people behave in that way under pressure How to bring challenging customers to 'adult' state to reduce tension How 'parent' or 'child' behaviours can be inadvertently triggered Understanding the 'behavioural cycle' and how to break it Mini-role play 'vignettes' to demonstrate real time impact of ill-chosen words 5 How to build trust with challenging customers Techniques for placating current challenging customers Methods that the participants have already used effectively - understanding why those methods worked and how other participants can model them Participants' experiences of trust having been lost - understanding why those experiences had that negative outcome How to 'go the extra mile' with challenging customers 6 Bringing a 'real' challenging customer to life Participants give the trainer a brief profile of a specific challenging customer of theirs 5-10 minute roleplay in which the trainer brings that individual to life Observing participants - without interrupting - make notes on what is and isn't working Trainer stops the action half-way through to give feedback on how he is feeling Participant goes back into the roleplay having recalibrated their approach based on feedback Observers give feedback on what did and didn't work Trainer comes out of character to explain the impact of the participant's words and behaviours 7 Wrap-up Key learnings from each participant Individual action planning - steps that can and will be implemented in the workplace
Getting Started The MSc Project Management programme is designed to show people from any discipline or degree how to manage projects. This program aims to identify, develop and perform essential skills and techniques needed for expertise in Project Management. The programme focuses on enhancing graduate and practicing engineers' knowledge and skills in relevant management skills, principles, and procedures. This course equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to project management research significantly. The programme comprises two phases; the first is the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Business Strategy, awarded by Qualifi and delivered by the School of Business and Technology London. The second phase is the MSc Project Management Top-Up, awarded and delivered 100% online by Anglia Ruskin University. At Anglia Ruskin University, you will study through Canvas, a world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments. After successfully completing your studies, you'll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus at Anglia Ruskin University. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible, we'll arrange to send your certificate to you. School of Business and Technology London partners with Chestnut Education Group to promote this programme. About Awarding Body Anglia Ruskin University began in 1858 as the Cambridge School of Art founded by William Beaumont. It was then merged with the Cambridge shire College of Arts and Technology and the Essex Institute of Higher Education and was renamed Anglia Polytechnic. It was then given university status in 1992 and renamed Anglia Ruskin University in 2005. The university has campuses in the UK (Cambridge, Chelmsford, London and Peterborough), as well as they are partnered with institutions around the world including Berlin, Budapest, Trinidad, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Assessment Assignments and Project No examinations Entry Requirements A bachelor's degree Applicant without a bachelor's degree but holding significant managerial experience will be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis. Further, candidates are also required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Learners must request before enrolment to interchange unit(s) other than the preselected units shown in the SBTL website because we need to make sure the availability of learning materials for the requested unit(s). SBTL will reject an application if the learning materials for the requested interchange unit(s) are unavailable. Learners are not allowed to make any request to interchange unit(s) once enrolment is complete. Structure Phase 1 - Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Business Strategy Programme Structure Mandatory Units Unit 703: Strategic Marketing Unit code: M/506/9074 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit will explore the fundamental models, techniques, and theories that form the marketing foundation and can contribute to achieving strategic objectives. Additionally, it will impart learners with a critical comprehension of the marketing function within intricate organizations. Unit 704: Finance for Managers Unit code: D/506/9071 TQT :150 Credit :15 The focus of this unit is to assist learners in comprehending and effectively utilizing financial information and data. This unit holds significance for learners as it underpins informed decision-making. Unit 705: Strategic Direction Unit code: D/506/9068 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit will delve into an organization's strategic aims and objectives, emphasizing their importance in establishing direction and gauging success and progress. Furthermore, the unit will examine how various strategic options may prompt the organization to alter its course. Unit 706: Strategic Planning Unit code: Y/506/9070 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit focuses on the importance of the strategic planning process in crafting suitable strategies and creating a plan that garners support from stakeholders and other organizational leaders. Additionally, the unit addresses the critical evaluation of the program and its subsequent success. Unit 707: Creative and Innovative Management Unit code: H/618/0795 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit equips the learner with the knowledge to acknowledge the significance of creative and innovative management concepts for organizations, as well as the skills to put this understanding into practice effectively. Unit 708: Managing Corporate Responsibility in the Wider Business Environment Unit code: K/618/0796 TQT :100 Credit :10 This unit offers the learner insight into how legislation and global integration impact the decisions, policies, processes, and activities carried out by organizations. Specialism Units GENERAL MANAGEMENT SPECIALISM Unit 701: Research Method Unit code: Y/506/9133 TQT :200 Credit :20 The objective of this unit is to enhance the learner's knowledge and comprehension of academic practices and research methodologies. It employs a problem-based learning approach to cultivate practical proficiency in areas relevant to educational practice and research within business and management. Unit 702: Development as a Strategic Manager Unit code: J/506/9064 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit seeks to foster organizational and self-awareness in learners. It establishes the groundwork for a self-critical and reflective approach to personal development, which is crucial for learners operating at a strategic level. Additionally, it considers broader organizational and environmental factors, recognizing their role as contributors to the overall strategic success of both the individual and the organization. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SPECIALISM Unit 709: Contemporary Human Resource Management Unit code: Y/615/3304 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the capacity to comprehend and assess the influence of internal and external environmental factors on organizational strategy and people management. Additionally, it aims to enable the learner to analyze various organizational contexts and devise strategies to address these ecological forces while recognizing the role of HR professionals in contributing to this process. Unit 710: Resourcing, Talent Management and Development Unit code: K/615/3307 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit aims to cultivate proficiency in comprehending and analyzing employment markets and demographic trends to devise and execute effective, ethical, and fitting strategies for resourcing, retention, talent management, and development. Additionally, it will explore the potential and constraints of learning and talent development policies and procedures in shaping and attaining objectives at the national, organizational, group, and individual levels. Learners will evaluate the pivotal role of HRM professionals in formulating, implementing, and assessing strategic planning pertinent to employee resourcing, talent management, and development. Unit 711: Performance Management Unit code: M/615/3308 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the knowledge to grasp the key factors that impact employee performance across all levels within an organisation and how these factors can be effectively managed. Additionally, it aims to equip learners with the understanding to create and execute suitable HR practices and strategies aligned with Performance Management. FINANCE SPECIALISM Unit 712: Business Finance Unit code: R/618/8634 TQT :100 Credit :10 This unit seeks to enhance students' knowledge and comprehension of management accounting techniques tailored for small businesses. It also introduces students to applying management accounting information in effectively managing small companies through planning, organizing, executing, and controlling activities. Unit 713: International Financial Management Unit code: Y/618/8635 TQT :150 Credit :15 This module fosters students' comprehension and expertise in investments beyond national boundaries. It delves into matters that transcend domestic economies, encompassing the handling of foreign currencies and addressing international economic and cultural disparities. As a result, this module provides students with the skills needed to navigate the intricate realm of international finance. Unit 709: Contemporary Human Resource Management Unit code: Y/615/3304 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the capacity to comprehend and assess the influence of internal and external environmental factors on organizational strategy and people management. Additionally, it aims to enable the learner to analyze various organizational contexts and devise strategies to address these ecological forces while recognizing the role of HR professionals in contributing to this process. MARKETING SPECIALISM Unit 714: Customer Growth Marketing Unit code: D/618/8636 TQT :100 Credit :10 The primary objective of this module is to conduct a critical examination of the tools and methods employed to achieve successful customer growth across various contexts. Through this, students will cultivate an essential grasp of the factors that shape consumer behaviour and assess relevant literature and theories elucidating consumer motivation and customer relationships. Additionally, students will be able to scrutinize an organization's marketing strategy and showcase the implementation of crucial concepts, elements, and tools within the business environment. Unit 715: Advanced Strategic Marketing Unit code: H/618/8637 TQT :150 Credit :15 The Marketing Strategy module builds upon the pre-existing knowledge that students and practitioners have regarding marketing principles. It aims to empower candidates to suggest strategic approaches to emerging market trends. It encourages them to contemplate the repercussions of marketing and its interplay with other facets of the organization. Unit 709: Contemporary Human Resource Management Unit code: Y/615/3304 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the capacity to comprehend and assess the influence of internal and external environmental factors on organizational strategy and people management. Additionally, it aims to enable the learner to analyze various organizational contexts and devise strategies to address these ecological forces while recognizing the role of HR professionals in contributing to this process. PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISM Unit 716: Planning, Controlling and Leading a Project Unit code: K/618/8638 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit is designed to acquaint learners with the practical aspects of initiating and overseeing a project. Additionally, it will familiarize them with the unique challenges of project management in the global business landscape. The unit encourages critical thinking about project management, viewing it as a complex, process-driven cultural system that is continually evolving through the collaborative efforts of high-performing teams. With an increasing number of firms engaging in project development and management activities, acquiring a sound understanding of efficient project management becomes crucial. Learners will delve into the roles and responsibilities of project team members and examine various levels of management skills, placing special emphasis on success factors, monitoring, and control. Unit 717: Procurement Risk and Contract Management Unit code: M/618/8639 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of procurement. It emphasizes the significance of recognizing and mitigating risks associated with procurement and contract management. Additionally, learners will cultivate a critical appreciation for the various legislative frameworks that play a crucial role in procurement and explore frameworks for assessing risks within the procurement context. Unit 718: Advanced Project and Logistics Management Unit code: H/618/8640 TQT :100 Credit :10 The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to grasp the concepts of portfolio management and its related characteristics. It will also delve into the significance of having a Project Management Office, exploring the stages of establishing an effective PMO. Additionally, learners will assess the supply chain ecosystem and evaluate IT frameworks suitable for managing the complexities of logistics and the supply chain. Phase 2 - MSc Project Management Top-Up Programme Structure Project Management Systems Project Management Techniques Dissertation (Major Project) Delivery Methods The programme comprises two phases; the first is the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Business Strategy, awarded by Qualifi and delivered by the School of Business and Technology London. The School of Business and Technology London offers flexible learning methods, including online and blended learning, allowing students to choose the mode of study that suits their preferences and schedules. The program is self-paced and facilitated through an advanced Learning Management System. Students can easily interact with tutors through the SBTL Support Desk Portal System for course material discussions, guidance, assistance, and assessment feedback on assignments. School of Business and Technology London provides exceptional support and infrastructure for online and blended learning. Students benefit from dedicated tutors who guide and support them throughout their learning journey, ensuring a high level of assistance. The second phase is the MSc Project Management Top-Up, awarded and delivered 100% online by Anglia Ruskin University. At Anglia Ruskin University, you will study through Canvas, a world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments. After successfully completing your studies, you'll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus at Anglia Ruskin University. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible, we'll arrange to send your certificate to you. School of Business and Technology London partners with Chestnut Education Group to promote this programme. Resources and Support School of Business & Technology London is dedicated to offering excellent support on every step of your learning journey. School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal. Our support team liaises with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receives a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and streamline all the support processes efficiently. Quality learning materials made by industry experts is a significant competitive edge of the School of Business & Technology London. Quality learning materials comprised of structured lecture notes, study guides, practical applications which includes real-world examples, and case studies that will enable you to apply your knowledge. Learning materials are provided in one of the three formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, or Interactive Text Content on the learning portal. How does the Online Learning work at SBTL? We at SBTL follow a unique approach which differentiates us from other institutions. Indeed, we have taken distance education to a new phase where the support level is incredibly high.Now a days, convenience, flexibility and user-friendliness outweigh demands. Today, the transition from traditional classroom-based learning to online platforms is a significant result of these specifications. In this context, a crucial role played by online learning by leveraging the opportunities for convenience and easier access. It benefits the people who want to enhance their career, life and education in parallel streams. SBTL's simplified online learning facilitates an individual to progress towards the accomplishment of higher career growth without stress and dilemmas. How will you study online? With the School of Business & Technology London, you can study wherever you are. You finish your program with the utmost flexibility. You will be provided with comprehensive tutor support online through SBTL Support Desk portal. How will I get tutor support online? School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal, through which our support team liaise with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receive a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and to streamline all the support process efficiently. Learners should expect to receive a response on queries like guidance and assistance within 1 - 2 working days. However, if the support request is for assessment feedback, learners will receive the reply with feedback as per the time frame outlined in the Assessment Feedback Policy.
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WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT, HAVE MORE ENERGY AND FEEL MORE HAPPY? The Menopause Lifestyle Project is a group programme and an opportunity to work with me in person, in the studio. The 4 week course is educational and will introduce you to what menopause is, why it happens, symptoms related to it and how you can best manage your lifestyle during this period. There is also be an introduction to strength training and a video programme to follow, either at home or in the gym. For more details on the next programme please get in touch.