The importance of building services to the success of an organisation has never been greater and continues to grow. Developers and occupiers are becoming more aware of the contribution that building services make to the well being of occupants and hence their perception of the quality of the working environment. Those involved with the design, construction, maintenance and operation will increasingly be required to deliver building services that demonstrable contribution to the occupier's business. Energy efficiency, carbon management and occupant satisfaction depend substantially on the way building services are designed, managed and operated. To optimise these aspects, an informed strategic approach is essential. Tried and tested techniques and processes are available that, when applied holistically, will deliver substantial benefits. This course reviews best practice in the area and inspires participants to ensure that building services perform at their optimal level. To provide a better understanding of how building services can be designed, managed and operated to: Maximise occupant comfort, satisfaction and wellbeing Add value and contribute to the success of the business of the occupier Improve health safety Reduce operating cost, energy use, carbon emissions and environmental impact Optimise cost and value Provide strategies for continuous improvement and sustainable operation 1 Building services fundamentals The function of services in commercial buildings and their importance to the core business 2 Techniques and processes for optimising cost and value Programmed operation evaluation Continuous commissioning Lifetime product management Performance-based service Energy efficiency and the scope for environmental improvement 3 Making the business case and preparing the strategy Motivating decision-makers Empowering those who have to deliver the results Managing business risk 4 Strategy implementation and monitoring results Ensuring that rich and robust feedback is available to support continuous improvement and strategy enhancementWhen to get feedbackWhyHowWhat to do with it 5 Case histories and 'air time' Sharing experience and addressing specific issues of interest to participants Course review Close
The Sales Accelerator programme is a fresh approach to improving business development productivity. It focuses on identifying and using a series of business productivity metrics in order to build a clear action plan for improving sales results - typically within 90 days. The metrics are grouped under three headings: The basic principle is that a small improvement in each area can lead to a significant increase in sales results and productivity. And the object of the programme is to show how best to achieve that. The programme therefore looks at each of these three areas in turn, spending a day on each. Suitable for any and all businesses and all levels of experience and expertise, this is a remarkably practical and hands-on programme. During the workshop, participants discuss, review and apply many proven sales and marketing techniques and personal selling ideas. The goal is to generate and commit to changes and actions that can lead to a 10-30% increase in the next three to six months. There's also a consultancy option, rather than the workshop-based programme. See below for details. Day one - Activity Key objective This first module introduces the Sales Accelerator model. The goal here is to show participants how to increase their pro-active activity levels by around 10%. It covers all aspects of creating new business opportunities, from existing customers and non-customers alike, and is linked to personal activity improvement goals. Main elements Improve the productivity, accuracy and effectiveness of your business approach by using new and unique models and techniques. Different methods of creating and generating new business opportunities in the short, medium and long term. This includes sourcing new business, up-selling, cross-selling, warm calling and gaining referrals. Using organised persistence to track and build new customer revenue. Managing your sales time effectively. Key learning points Sales productivity - understand the dynamics of increasing the combination of activity levels, deal value and conversion rate of proposals/quotations to orders and implement an improvement plan. Sales goal setting: setting business development objectives for quantity and quality - plus tips and tricks of top performers. Maintain a peak activity level, on a consistent basis using 'organised persistence' and structured business development tracking methodology. How to prioritise opportunities and manage your time when sourcing new business. Identify potential new customers - and particularly the decision-makers and influencers - with greater accuracy. Make outbound business or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results. Day two - Value Key objective To be able to better anticipate, identify, create, and develop business opportunities using a customer / client-focused communication-based business model and consultative skills. Main elements How to develop sales more effectively from new and existing customers; and managing the first appointment with a new customer. Use structured and assertive drawing-out skills to identify, develop and formalise business opportunities and to gain commitment. How to better position your company and your products and services against your main competitors. Create and deliver persuasive business messages based on specific need areas, criteria and value. Key learning points Advanced consultative selling - use a variety of structured and advanced questioning techniques to confidently and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and business criteria - confidently and efficiently. Involve the customer/client at all times, and to a far greater degree, and keep better control of business development process. Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately with customer/client-matched value statements. Presenting the right USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer. Qualification and reading buying signals. Day three (held around four weeks after the first module) - Conversion Key objective This module looks at how to improve the final qualification, progression and conversion of opportunities in your sales pipeline. Also includes price negotiation, overcoming objections and obstacles to gaining agreement. The module begins with a learning review, sharing participants' experiences over the last four weeks in applying the new techniques and skills acquired during the first two modules. This is an opportunity to revisit particularly challenging areas as well as to share and celebrate successes. Main elements Structuring and preparing for negotiating a deal and knowing when and how to move into the 'end-game' mode. Anticipate and answer customer objections and questions more confidently. Build more credibility and proof into your business process to reduce 'buyer's remorse' and speed-up decision-making. Being more assertive and developing better instincts and strategic thinking in progressing quotations and proposals. Key learning points Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest. Becoming more assertive in closing deals, and the importance of organised follow-up on the telephone. Qualify pipeline opportunities with more accuracy, using a proven check-list. Use an 'option generator' to simplify complex proposals, increase business value and close business faster. Writing more effective sales proposal documents and quotations. How best to draw-out, understand, isolate and answer customer objections, negotiate points and concerns. Practical methods of asking for agreement and closing a sale
Customers are astute and well-practised in researching and seeking information, solutions and added value in the minimum number of clicks online. There's only so much time they're willing to spend carrying on clicking. This mentality isn't just restricted to the world of B2C. In our increasingly hectic world, where information is expected to be available instantly, it applies just as much to B2B. In this workshop, we look at how putting yourself in the shoes of your customer and mapping their decision-making and buying journey is critical to ensuring that you provide what they perceive as fast solutions and added value. You will learn all about the three pillars for creating competitive brand experiences: Customer engagement planning puts you firmly in the shoes of your customer, helping you to build meaningful marketing communications delivered through the right resources at the right time to inspire your customers to engage with you. This programme will help participants to: Understand the evolution of the customer buying journey Map a customer buying journey for your brand or solutions Understand the customer micro-moments and signals indicating interest and buying intent, both online and offline Apply the psychology of branding to build marketing communications with impact Develop sales and marketing content that differentiates your brand(s) from the competition by demonstrating unique value and how you can meet your customer's needs 1 The evolution of the customer journey Understand how the use of mobile has had an impact on the customer buying journey where today's customers can research and compare products and solutions whenever and wherever they like, making the purchase journey even less linear Explore how marketers are adapting to this new customer behaviour and drawing upon various strategies to win the hearts and minds of their audiences 2 The See-Think-Do-Care framework Explore the many different frameworks used to track the customer journey Understand and apply the modern marketing model, where the internet has enabled the customer to hop between multiple touchpoints before making a purchase decision 3 Customer micro-moments and signals in their buying journey Understand the online and offline moments when customers seek information to research and make buying decisions Apply this understanding to build a marketing communication plan to reach customers at all stages of their buying journey 4 The role of branding in the customer journey Explore the psychology of branding Learn how to ensure your branding is relevant to your target customer needs Bring together your brand value and story to achieve brand loyalty 5 The Why-How-What framework Apply a systematic approach to build a successful and compelling brand Understand how starting with 'why' will help build your brand purpose Apply the content marketing matrix to communicate your brand's value Apply the hero-help-hub model to build engaging content marketing Actionable outcomes We will use your brand examples to provide opportunities for practice: You will learn and reflect on best practice examples of customer engagement You will discover your brand value, purpose and the 'sweet spot' to drive engagement with your customers You will create a customer engagement plan that can be implemented immediately within your business You will receive immediate feedback on your customer engagement plan You will have the opportunity to share common issues and solutions with your colleagues in the group
Generating new leads and new business can be both time-consuming and frustrating. It's not easy - it takes skill, careful preparation and the creation of effective models and methods, even perhaps using formal approaches and scripts. Once generated, a new lead or enquiry must also be carefully managed to maximise the potential revenue it can generate. But it's crucial to get it right. If your company can afford not to worry about getting new business - congratulations! If your company is completely confident that it is performing at peak potential in generating new leads - again, congratulations! But if your company is working in the real world, couldn't your team do with some help, to become even just that little bit more effective, to make the process just that little less painful? This highly practical, intensive workshop gives sales teams the proven strategies and tactics they need to build a sustainable new business pipeline. This course will help participants: Develop a clear and consistent process for new business development and lead-generation Master the secret of effective new business development and lead-generation - 'only sell the appointment or next stage of the sales process, not your product or service' Set and achieve the right level of new business development and lead-generation activity to achieve your personal and organisational sales goals Apply the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management using a proven toolkit and approach Overcome the most common 'put-offs' when conducting telephone or face-to-face business-development and lead-generation activities Develop an engaging telephone voice and manner - and a 'networking personality' Qualify potential opportunities with more accuracy on a consistent basis Prioritise opportunities and manage their time when sourcing new business Discover online sources of leads, contacts and referrals Overcome psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - theirs and the client's Identify potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Make outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improve the conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages Get past gatekeepers and assistants more effectively Make the most of your CRM software and systems 1 Online marketing - what works! Workshop overview and learning objectives Choosing your social media channels LinkedIn for sales and marketing Designing and implementing an effective new business email campaign online Creating a lead-generation strategy online - with case studies Avoiding common mistakes in social media marketing Case study: 'Best practice in social media sales and marketing' Using blogs and video-based marketing (eg, YouTube) New trends and how to keep your finger on the 'social media' pulse Twenty essential websites and online marketing tools 2 Making appointments by telephone Planning the call, telephone techniques, integrating with email and online marketing Developing a clear and consistent process to appointment-making Setting and achieving the right level of telephone activity to achieve your appointment goals Applying the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management generation, using a proven toolkit and approach Overcoming the most common 'put-offs' to seeing or engaging with you Overcoming psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - yours and the client's Identifying potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Making outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improving conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages The five keys to developing an engaging telephone voice and approaching manner 3 Power networking Strategies for networking and B2B referral-based marketing The importance, and different types, of networking How to work a room - preparation and strategy Communication dynamics in networking - the power of the listening networker Assumptions when networking Business networking etiquette Making connections, asking for cards, contact details and referrals, gaining follow-up commitments Building relationships - follow-up and follow-through 4 Developing new leads Strategies for first-time sales calls Gaining rapport and opening first-time and new business sales calls effectively Advanced consultative selling - questioning techniques to quickly and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and preferences Presenting your solution to a new or first-time customer - creating an enthusiastic and compelling personalised and persuasive summary of your proposal Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately, with tailored value statements Presenting the right initial USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest or leading on price Learn and use advanced techniques to determine customer needs, value and decision-making criteria in depth on a first-time call 5 Organised persistence - CRM and prospect-tracking Organised persistence - sales tracking, following up on 'sleeping' customers, gaining referrals, time and territory management Maintaining a good database for maximising new business ROI Developing a contact strategy with different types and levels of contact Analysing your contact base using state-of-the-art software and tools Making the most of your CRM systems and solutions Understanding that your attitude makes a difference when sourcing new business Setting SMART objectives for new business development and lead-generation Practical exercise - setting personal development and business goals Time management tips to improve daily productivity New business pipeline management strategies for peak sales performance 6 Workshop summary and close Practical exercise - developing your new business action plan Review and feedback
This course starts with the basics then moves seamlessly to an intermediate level. It includes a comprehensive yet balanced look at the four main components that make up Power BI Desktop: Report view, Data view, Model view, and the Power Query Editor. It also demonstrates how to use the online Power BI service. It looks at authoring tools that enables you to connect to and transform data from a variety of sources, allowing you to produce dynamic reports using a library of visualisations. Once you have those reports, the course looks at the seamless process of sharing those with your colleagues by publishing to the online Power BI service. The aim of this course is to provide a strong understanding of the Power BI analysis process, by working with real-world examples that will equip you with the necessary skills to start applying your knowledge straight away. 1 Getting started The Power BI process Launching Power BI Desktop The four views of Power BI Dashboard visuals 2 Connecting to files Connect to data sources Connect to an Excel file Connect to a CSV file Connect to a database Import vs. DirectQuery Connect to a web source Create a data table 3 Transforming data The process of cleaning data Column data types Remove rows with filters Add a custom column Append data to a table Fix error issues Basic maths operations 4 Build a data model Table relationships Manage table relationships 5 Merge queries Table join kinds Merging tables 6 Create report visualisations Creating map visuals Formatting maps Creating chart visuals Formatting chart Tables, matrixes, and cards Control formatting with themes Filter reports with slicers Reports for mobile devices Custom online visuals Export report data to Excel 7 The power query editor Fill data up and down Split columns by delimiter Add conditional columns Merging columns 8 The M formula Creating M functions Create an IF function Create a query group 9 Pivot and unpivot tables Pivot tables in the query editor Pivot and append tables Pivot but don't summarise Unpivot tables Append mismatched headers 10 Data modelling revisited Data model relationships Mark a calendar as a date table 11 Introduction to calculated columns New columns vs. measures Creating a new column calculation The SWITCH function 12 Introduction to DAX measures Common measure categories The SUM measure Adding measures to visuals COUNTROWS and DISINCTCOUNT functions DAX rules 13 The CALCULATE measure The syntax of CALCULATE Things of note about CALCULATE 14 The SUMX measure The SUMX measure X iterator functions Anatomy of SUMX 15 Introduction to time intelligence Importance of a calendar table A special lookup table The TOTALYTD measure Change year end in TOTALYTD 16 Hierarchy, groups and formatting Create a hierarchy to drill data Compare data in groups Add conditional formatting 17 Share reports on the web Publish to the BI online service Get quick insights Upload reports from BI service Exporting report data What is Q&A? Sharing your reports 18 Apply your learning Post training recap lesson
This is an essential programme for any member of staff whose role requires a high level of attention to detail. The focus is specifically on the handling of text and data, whether at the input stage or when collating information into reports and documents for use by others. The session looks at both prevention and cure. For 'prevention', it focuses on understanding how common errors occur and on developing an awareness of the factors which influence our level of attentiveness. It introduces key psychological theories around attentiveness including the 'capacity' and 'bottleneck filter' models. And it looks at how working styles can affect attention to detail. For 'cure', the programme looks at how to minimise the effect of stress on concentration as well as introducing a number of tools and techniques for promoting accuracy - at both the input and the checking stages. Particular attention is paid to proof-reading techniques. By the end of the session, participants will: Appreciate why errors occur Understand how stress and other factors can affect focus and accuracy Know how to improve accuracy and reduce errors when handling text and data Be able to proof-read text and number-based documents more accurately 1 The importance of accuracy The impact of mistakes Why accuracy is so important Main reasons why errors occur 2 Attentiveness theory The 'capacity' and 'bottleneck filter' models Selective attention Chunking - big picture / little picture 3 Preparing for accuracy Working styles - how they affect detail-orientation Identifying and minimising the impact of stress on concentration 4 Practical strategies How to improve accuracy and reduce errors when inputting text Managing interruptions and distractions Proofing text and numbers
Most people only use a fraction of Excel's capabilities. This workshop shows what you've been missing! This course will help participants: Nest formulas Get the most from pivot tables Use conditional formatting Write array formulas Explore the lookup functions Calculate by criteria Use 'goal seek' and 'scenario manager' for what-if analysis Record macros 1 Nesting formulas Principles of nesting formulas together Using IF with AND or OR to answer questions Nesting an AND function in an IF Nesting an OR function in an IF 2 Advanced pivot table reports Grouping dates, numerical and text items Running percentage analyse Running analyses to compare data Inserting Field calculations Finishing off with a user-friendly dashboard 3 Advanced conditional formatting Colour table rows based on criteria in it Applying colour to approaching dates Exploring the different rule types 4 Lookup functions Going beyond the VLOOKUP function Lookups that retrieve data from left or right The versatile INDEX and MATCH functions Retrieving data from columns with duplicates 5 Calculate by criteria Using SUMIFS to sum by criteria Finding an average by criteria with AVERAGEIFS Use SUMPRODUCT to multiply then add different values 6 What-if analysis Use Goal Seek to meet targets Forecast reports with the Scenario Manager 7 Recording Macros Macro security Understanding a Relative References macro Recording, running and editing macros Saving files as Macro Enabled Workbooks Introduction to VBA code Making macros available across workbooks Add a macro button to the Quick Access toolbar
This two-day programme gives the key insights and understanding of contracting principles and the impact they have on business and operations. The course is designed for individuals involved in or supporting contracting who want to improve their commercial management skills; individuals in functions such as project management, business development, finance, operations who need practical training in commercial management; general audiences wanting to gain a basic understanding of commercial management. This is an assessed programme, leading to the International Association for Contracts & Commercial Management (IACCM)'s coveted Contract and Commercial Management Associate (CCMA) qualification. The programme addresses 31 different subject areas, across the five stages of the contracting process. By the end of the course the participants will be able, among other things, to: Develop robust contract plans, including scope of work and award strategies Conduct effective contracting activities, including ITT, RFP, negotiated outcomes Negotiate effectively with key stakeholders, making use of the key skills of persuading and influencing and to work with stakeholders to improve outcomes Set up and maintain contract management systems Take a proactive approach to managing contracts Make effective use of lessons learned to promote improvements from less than optimal outcomes, using appropriate templates Develop and monitor appropriate and robust Key Performance Indicators to manage the contractor and facilitate improved performance Understand the approvals process and how to develop and present robust propositions Make appropriate use of best practice contract management tools, techniques and templates DAY ONE 1 Introductions Aims Objectives Plan for the day 2 Commercial context Explaining the contracting context Define the key objective The importance of contact management Impact upon the business 3 Stakeholders How to undertake stakeholder mapping and analysis Shared vision concept, How to engage with HSE, Finance, Operations 4 Roles and responsibilities Exploring the key roles and responsibilities of contract administrators, HSE, Finance, Divisional managers, etc 5 Initiating the contract cycle Overview of the contracting cycle Requirement to tender Methods Rationale and exceptions 6 Specifications Developing robust scope of works Use of performance specifications Output based SOW 7 Strategy and award criteria Developing a robust contract strategy Award submissions/criteria 8 Managing the tender process Review the pre-qualification process Vendor registration rules and processes Creation of bidder lists Evaluation, short listing, and how to use of the 10Cs© model template and app 9 Types of contract Classify the different types of contracts Call-offs Framework agreement Price agreements Supply agreements 10 The contract I: price Understanding contract terms Methods of compensation Lump sum, unit price, cost plus, time and materials, alternative methods Cost plus a fee, target cost, gain share contracts Advanced payments Price escalation clauses DAY TWO 11 Risk How to manage risks Risk classification Mitigation of contractual risks 12 Contractor relationship management session Effectively managing relationships with contractors, Types of relationships Driving forces? Link between type of contract and style of relationship 13 Disputes Dealing with disputes Conflict resolution Negotiation Mediation Arbitration 14 Contract management Measuring and improving contract performance Using KPIs and SLAs Benchmarking Cost controls 15 The contract II: terms and conditions Contract terms and conditions Legal aspects Drafting special terms 16 Managing claims and variations How to manage contract and works variations orders Identifying the causes of variations Contractor claims process 17 Completion Contract close-out process Acceptance/completion Capture the learning/HSE Final payments, evaluation of performance 18 Close Review Final assessment
The work of a technical team is invariably challenging and often unpredictable. Definition of the work can be problematic, timescales can be hard to estimate and the right technical approach difficult to select. Staff involved in this type of work usually have very high levels of specialist knowledge in their field and have high expectations of those who lead them. In addition to the challenges of the work, the team leader often has to balance the need for professional excellence with financial and commercial considerations and to ensure that team goals are realistic by being an effective negotiator with other project and senior managers. These characteristics make technical team leadership a demanding and complex activity. This programme aims to help participants develop the skills needed to become an effective technical team leader. The objectives of this programme are to help participants: understand the significance of leadership skills and their impact on team performance review the key skills needed to be an effective, 'multi-dimensional' team leader and learn how to develop, adapt and apply them in practice learn how to identify the preferred leadership style for the context and organisational culture and how to develop personal style versatility understand the role of the project leader in building an effective team and the skills required to promote and sustain team performance gain a better understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to motivate individual team members and harness the full potential of the team DAY ONE 1 Technical teams and leadership What is a leader? How much can leadership be learned? The team environment and the impact of leadership skills The characteristics of high performance teams and their leaders Some useful models and theories of leadership explored Types of leadership; choosing how to use leadership power Evaluating personal leadership style; how to develop style flexibility 2 Essential skills for team leaders 3 key dimensions of effective leadership: inwards, outwards and upwards Developing and promoting a 'team vision': strategic thinking skills The vital role of communication skills and how to develop them Understanding others; emotional intelligence skills Being a visible leader; behavioural and influencing skills Building effective relationships; the importance of trust and respect DAY TWO 3 Leading inwards to build the team The role of leadership in developing team performance Understanding individuals in the team; recognising team role preferences Managing conflict and promoting positive team dynamics Setting standards, maintaining discipline and rewarding performance Harnessing team potential: building motivation within the team Promoting team learning; the team leader as coach / mentor 4 Leading outwards and upwards to support the team Negotiating realistic team goals; effective influencing skills Gaining empowerment and support from the key stakeholders Leading upwards: knowing when and how to take the initiative Building team credibility within the organisation; helping the team deliver Becoming an effective team player in leadership teams Building and maintaining rapport with influential stakeholders
The aim of this course is to provide project managers, project engineers and project support staff with a toolkit they can use on their projects. The tools range from the simple that can be used on all projects to the advanced that can be used where appropriate. This programme will help the participants to: Identify and engage with stakeholders Use tools for requirements gathering and scope management Produce better estimates using a range of techniques Develop more reliable schedules Effectively manage delivery DAY ONE 1 Introduction Overview of the programme Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Stakeholder management Using PESTLE to aid stakeholder identification Stakeholder mapping The Salience model Stakeholder engagement grid 3 Requirements management Using prototypes and models to elucidate requirements Prioritising techniques Roadmaps Requirements traceability 4 Scope management Work breakdown structures Responsibility assignment matrix 5 Delivery approaches Sequential Agile 6 Estimating Comparative estimating Parametric Bottom-up Three-point estimating Delphi and Planning Poker Creating realistic budgets DAY TWO 7 Scheduling Critical path analysis Smoothing and levelling Timeboxing Team boards Monte Carlo simulations Probability of completion 8 People management Situational Leadership The Tuckman model Negotiation Conflict management Belbin 9 Monitoring and control Earned value management 10 Course review and action planning Identify actions to be implemented individually Conclusion PMI, CAPM, PMP and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.