2032 Open courses

The market for professional services is becoming increasingly competitive, with some firms and individuals becoming very effective at winning new work, leaving others lagging way behind. Given the choice between spending time on client work and business development work, we all tend to choose that which we feel to be easier, more attractive and more aligned with our image of ourselves. We stay within our comfort zones, we focus on client work, and we only resort to business development work when we have to, which can also lead to 'feast or famine' syndrome. The programme will help participants: Understand the professional business development approach and the style that is appropriate for their business and their clients Follow a process to guide their conversations and business development meetings Prepare thoroughly for a business development meeting/contact with a client to ensure they use their time efficiently and maximise results Create a great first impression and professional opening to a conversation Ask open questions and listen effectively in order to spot opportunities, understand needs and progress the opportunity Identify and understand buying and decision-making processes and criteria Skilfully and confidently handle questions and objections Sell the benefits of their services and approach over those of their competitors Progress the sale by agreeing next steps and gaining commitment appropriately 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the programme Personal introductions and objectives Workshop overview 2 An introduction to business development and selling for professionals What is selling? Who are you selling to? The buying experience What clients want The four-step business development process The business development cycle and pipeline management Upselling and cross-selling as well as winning new clients 3 Networking and generating leads What is networking? Networking objectives It's not what you know but who you know Asking for referrals and introductions Making appointments from networking activity 4 Opening the sales relationship/sales meeting What potential customers are thinking Judging first impressions Creating positive first impressions Building rapport and creating interest and impact Earning the right 5 Core communication skills for professional selling Overcoming barriers to listening The art of listening Questioning refresher Types of questions Questioning funnel 6 Understanding and identifying needs and opportunities Identifying the questions to ask to identify needs and opportunities Questions to move us through the buying and selling process Understanding their buying processes Asking questions that position you as a 'trusted adviser' The questions that give you a competitive advantage Knowing when you have asked enough questions 7 Introducing solutions Tailoring your 'pitch' to the client Speaking the client's language Using features and benefits Applying the benefit cycle 8 Handling objections and concerns Identifying the typical objections and concerns Understanding why clients raise objections and concerns Following a structure for handling objections Handling the price objection 9 Gaining commitment Knowing when to close The art of checking Recognising buying signals Small c and big C 10 Putting it all together Personal learning summary and action plans

The session can happen ONLINE or IN PERSON. If online and you wish to receive the cacao bar via mail, material and shipment costs will be applied, otherwise I will suggest where to purchase your ceremonial cacao.  Cacao is a sacred plant for the indigenous people, who call it 'The Drink of the Gods'. This is also the meaning of the scientific name given to the cacao plant Theobroma Cacao (Theo - God, broma - drink). To give the cacao spirit the opportunity to enter the person who takes it, the traditional way is to do it through a specific ceremony. It has been used for millennia by the indigenous peoples of Central America as an essential element in rituals. The Cacao Spirit was considered one of the most important deities in the Mayan cosmovision. In Mexico, the Aztecs considered it so precious that cocoa beans were regarded as coins. Ceremonial cacao is very different from the cacao found in our supermarkets. It is produced by simply cold milling cocoa beans from indigenous plants, after which the beans are lightly roasted and peeled. In this way, the cacao contains all the elements of the fruit in its entirety, including the cacao butter, which in industrial production is immediately separated. Returning to the ceremony, the intake of cacao is a sacred moment to connect with the Divine through a deep inner journey from the heart. Cacao has the property of encouraging a loving opening of the heart, allowing you to listen to the deepest parts of yourself. it is through the Heart that the connection with Heaven, Heart of Heaven, and with Earth, Heart of Earth, takes place. The heart is the seat of love in all traditional cultures, sometimes it is also the seat of some wounds that one receives in life, that is why Cacao has an effect first of all of releasing and releasing the emotions that bring the pains of life, but later it connects the individual with the true and great Heart, seat of infinite, unlimited Love. Mama Cacao also works on our Ancestors, it has the ability to release and heal the suffering that was theirs. The Cacao Ceremony leads to a very profound experience of healing, especially towards the awareness that each person's life is in any case imbued with Pure Love, from the moment of conception to the moment of the present breath. Love, also in the Mayan tradition, is the engine of all life, it is the source and source of well-being, harmony and balance of the entire Cosmos. Before attending, you will receive a full form to fill and extra info. The only medical contraindications are mixing Ceremonial Cacao with antidepressants, anti-psychotics, suffering from heart conditions, low blood pressure or serious illness.If you are on any anti-depressants, antipsychotics or any medication for mental health please get in touch with me. Ceremonial Cacao can cause serious interactions.Please arrive with an empty stomach - no food for 2/3 hours prior to the ceremony. Some light fruit is fine. Please avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy, red meat for 24 hours before and after - they do not mix well with Cacao. Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you smoke, please try to reduce as much as possible, especially if it is not pure tobacco due to the chemicals as cacao is a strong stimulant & detoxifier.If you want to get the very best out of the ceremony and support your integration, it is recommended to continue this diet for 48-72 hours before and after.  By attending to our classes, workshops, 1 to 1 sessions and retreats you agree to our TERMS AND CONDITIONS Payment  Bookings are non-refundable.  Disclaimer  By booking a class or workshop or retreat or 1-1 session -online or any other venues – with us, you release Giada Gaslini, Invisible Caims and any business partners working with Invisible Caims from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. We recommend that you consult your GP regarding the suitability of undertaking an exercise programme, if the class you are booking includes it like with yoga or similar, and following all the safety instructions required before beginning to exercise. When participating in an exercise, there is the possibility of sustaining a physical injury. If you engage in this exercise programme, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all risk of injury to yourself. You acknowledge that coaching, shamanic healing and counselling are not to be used as a substitute for psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, or other professional advice by legal, medical or other professionals. Our sessions are aimed at inner research, problem solving and personal growth, they do not replace the work of doctors and psychotherapists because they do not consider, treat or aim to solve pathologies and symptoms that are strictly medical. All contracts subject to and governed by the law according to my current insurance.   Added element of the disclaimer If the class happens in any venue and you are causing any damage to the property, you are taking responsibility of your actions. It is down to the individual to take personal responsibility when participating in physical activity and when entering a space that is used and shared by other parties. Invisible Caims does not take any responsibility about possible risks that may arise but can only advise and enforce guidelines and legal requirements as defined by the Scottish Government and local authorities.   

Are you ready to explore the depths of your EGO? Join us at Lekdanling - Tibetan Cultural Centre for a FREE course & meditation workshop on 12th of March to learn how to expand your heart and gain insight into the ways of the EGO. Don't miss out - sign up now! #WaysOfTheEGO #Meditation #ExpandYourHeart

Join us for a transformative afternoon where the healing powers of music and mindfulness combine to give you an experience you'll love. This concert offers a rare opportunity to reset, reconnect, and rejuvenate your spirit under the expert guidance of musician and author, Thea Faye. Experience the Benefits Scientific research consistently confirms what ancient wisdom has always known—when brought together, music and mindfulness create a powerful way to access holistic healing. This profound session will help you: Release accumulated stress and tension Enhance your focus and mental clarity Deepen your connection to the present moment Access a state of profound inner calm Relax and enjoy the experience! About Thea Faye Thea brings an extraordinary blend of musical artistry and mindfulness mastery to this special event. She draws together original music with a high level of skill in various spiritual/healing modalities to deliver unforgettable events that are genuinely transformative. As a certified meditation instructor (British School of Meditation) and qualified mindful movement teacher (Chakra Dance Meditation), Thea has guided countless individuals toward greater peace and presence through her events, musics and books. Her approach seamlessly weaves together live musical performance with accessible mindfulness practices suitable for participants of all experience levels. What to Expect This afternoon concert creates space for both active participation and receptive listening. You'll experience guided meditations enhanced by live music, accessible mindfulness activities, and immersive sound journeys that facilitate deep relaxation and insight. Come experience why Thea's unique integration of music and mindfulness is fast building a strong reputation, renowned for creating moments of genuine transformation and lasting well-being. No previous experience necessary—just bring an open mind and a willingness to to relax and have a good time! Space is limited. Reserve your place today.

Gin seems unstoppable at the moment with new micro-distilleries opening up seemingly every month, but what exactly is gin? Where was it first made? Which country drinks the most gin and what are the styles of gin available today? Find out everything you need to know about gin during this fascinating two-hour tasting. We'll be taking a look at (and sniffing) a range of the botanicals used in the production of gin, then we'll taste six gins from around the world alongside some of our favourite premium tonic waters.

We are beyond excited about our first-ever Arienas Collective exhibition! The exhibition is taking place in the Scot-ART Gallery 1 on the 3rd floor of St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE from Saturday, 24 - Saturday, 31 May 2025 and is open from 11am-5pm each day. The exhibition is free to enter and you can find out more about our theme, who will be exhibiting, and opportunities to meet our creatives in person here. We will be exploring how creatives balance making art they love with art they earn a living from. The exhibition will feature original artworks, alongside live demonstrations, taster workshops and talks. You can see a full list of our Exhibition Talks and Tasters here. This is where to book spaces for a Sketching Taster with Mark Kirkham, the Edinburgh Sketcher Using the same tools Mark sketches the city with, you will do a couple of drawing exercises before experimenting with a little still life drawing in the gallery.

Open to clergy in active ministry, this workshop is funded by the Clergy Support Trust. In the company of an expert faith-informed facilitator, this training will explore the specific ministry context, and develop the skills participants need to deal with conflict in the best way. Participants will: Discover how conflict often arises and how it can be resolved Understand the principles of building a healthy team Recognise how past life experiences can impact working relationships Develop listening skills to support team relations Gain confidence in having difficult conversations. Participants will also learn that a healthy team is not absent of conflict, but rather one that is able to address conflict when it arises, and find creative, constructive ways to move forward together.

The main aim of this workshop is to encourage and enable delegates to present their sales messages stylishly and persuasively to expert buying audiences and improve their conversion rates. The focus is placed firmly on performance and creativity in top level presenting. It is aimed at experienced sales professionals who are expert at selling but need to be able to present and pitch for business at high skill levels in order to land major accounts. Delegate numbers will be restricted to 4 people. Delegates should be willing and be prepared to give video-recorded presentations as part of the course. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Sales Presenting course is comprised of two modules, covering the following: Module One Components of Top Presenting Preparation and performance in presenting Being stylish and compelling Differentiation, risk-taking and presenting Connecting with your audience Achieving impact and drama Creating a buying emotion Getting out of a comfort zone First delegate presentations Module Two Pitching in Teams Getting your act together - the plan Looking and sounding like a team The buyer's perspective Getting your moves right - choreography Dealing successfully with questions Rehearsing to succeed Second delegate presentations Dragon's Den Exercise The delegation is split into two groups, each with a specific product or service to win the Dragons' investment. They have to also present to the Dragon's Den their business case for feedback and negotiate with the Dragons to gain either an "I'm in" or an "I'm out" reply. A full debrief is then conducted covering: Planning Commercial consequences Putting forward a business case Critical thinking Negotiating Selling skills Presentation skills Profile building Scheduled Courses This course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. For more information please contact us.

Negotiation is an everyday challenge for some whether it be in the office, field or at home. Have you ever walked away from a situation thinking "if I'd only put my thoughts, side, opinion or words across better"? This 2-day course is perfect for managers, supervisors and sales people. It will focus on negotiation skills and the techniques that go with it. In this energy-charged provision you'll learn and practice negotiation, assertiveness and influencing techniques. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Effective Communication and Influencing course is comprised of seven modules, covering the following: Module One An Introduction to Negotiation Assessment of your current sales and negotiation strengths and improvement areas What is negotiation? Identifying objectives and all factors affecting negotiation The negotiation model - the four stages Module Two The Preparation Stage The significance of preparation and why we need to prepare What do you need to prepare? Preparing a set of objectives: yours and theirs Understanding constants and variables Researching the other party Creating a "win-win" situation Preparing yourself for possible set-backs and objections Module Three The Discussion Stage The importance of rapport building Opening the negotiation The power of effective questioning techniques Improving your listening skills Controlling emotions Spotting the signs - non-verbal communication and voice clues Module Four The Proposing Stage Stating your opening position Responding to offers How to deal effectively with adjournments Module Five The Bargaining and Closing Stage Making concessions - the techniques Adopting key bargaining skills Dealing with objections and underhand tactics Closing techniques Confirming the agreement Creating long term, lasting commitment Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

We are beyond excited about our first-ever Arienas Collective exhibition! The exhibition is taking place in the Scot-ART Gallery 1 on the 3rd floor of St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE from Saturday, 24 - Saturday, 31 May 2025 and is open from 11am-5pm each day. The exhibition is free to enter and you can find out more about our theme, who will be exhibiting, and opportunities to meet our creatives in person here. We will be exploring how creatives balance making art they love with art they earn a living from. The exhibition will feature original artworks, alongside live demonstrations, taster workshops and talks. You can see a full list of our Exhibition Talks and Tasters here. This is where to book spaces for a Calligraphy Taster with Panna Calligraphy In this gentle introduction you will learn writing the alphabet in the 'Foundational hand', including how to use and hold the calligraphy pens to start you on your journey into the wonderful world of calligraphy!