284 Open courses in Glasgow

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

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day program (with virtual delivery options) Target Audience: HR professionals, leaders, managers, and wellbeing champions who are responsible for creating and maintaining mental health support systems and promoting work-life balance within their organisations. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Learn strategies for creating a workplace culture that supports mental health and resilience. Develop practical tools to prevent burnout and promote work-life balance. Identify systems and resources to help employees maintain mental health and manage stress. Design and implement a workplace wellbeing plan that fosters employee engagement and productivity. Course Outline Module 1: The Importance of Workplace Wellbeing What is workplace wellbeing? Understanding mental health, emotional wellbeing, and work-life balance The link between employee wellbeing and organisational performance Statistics and trends: The rising importance of mental health in the workplace The business case for prioritising mental health: reducing absenteeism, turnover, and improving productivity Legal and ethical considerations in workplace mental health Module 2: Mental Health in the Workplace Recognising the signs of mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress) The impact of workplace culture on employee mental health Stress and burnout: Causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies The role of leadership in promoting mental health and supporting employees Confidentiality and stigma: Overcoming barriers to mental health support Module 3: Creating a Culture of Wellbeing Building a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that prioritises mental health Encouraging open dialogue: How to talk about mental health and reduce stigma The role of leadership in modelling and promoting wellbeing practices Policies and practices to promote work-life balance (e.g., flexible working, remote work options) The importance of employee engagement in fostering a culture of wellbeing Module 4: Systems and Resources for Mental Health Support Developing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other mental health resources Peer support networks and mental health champions within the workplace Mental health first aid training: How to support colleagues in need Creating accessible resources for employees to manage their mental health (e.g., online tools, workshops, apps) Integrating wellbeing initiatives into existing HR systems: policies, performance management, and professional development Module 5: Strategies for Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout Stress management techniques for individuals and teams Time management, task prioritisation, and setting boundaries to reduce stress Mindfulness and relaxation exercises to combat workplace stress Encouraging regular breaks, physical activity, and healthy work habits Building resilience: Developing coping strategies for challenging situations Preventing burnout: Identifying early warning signs and taking proactive measures Module 6: Promoting Work-Life Balance Defining work-life balance in today’s connected world Strategies for setting boundaries between work and personal life Managing expectations: How to avoid overworking and reduce the pressure to be "always on" The importance of taking breaks, vacations, and "disconnecting" from work Flexible working arrangements and how they contribute to balance Supporting parents, carers, and individuals with other life commitments Module 7: Implementing a Workplace Wellbeing Plan Conducting a wellbeing audit: Understanding current practices and identifying gaps Designing a comprehensive wellbeing program: Key components and best practices Measuring the success of wellbeing initiatives: Metrics, feedback, and employee engagement Aligning wellbeing efforts with organisational goals and values Action planning: Creating a roadmap for rolling out workplace wellbeing initiatives Communicating wellbeing resources and encouraging employee participation Module 8: Sustaining Wellbeing in the Workplace Embedding mental health and wellbeing into the organisation’s long-term strategy Continuous improvement: Monitoring and refining wellbeing programs Engaging employees in ongoing wellbeing activities (e.g., wellness challenges, workshops, wellness days) Training leaders and managers to foster ongoing mental health support Celebrating successes and recognising the importance of mental health in organisational culture Delivery Style Interactive, with a blend of group discussions, case studies, and role-playing activities Practical exercises for creating wellbeing strategies and action plans Relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises incorporated into the sessions Tools and templates for creating mental health initiatives in the workplace Employee engagement surveys and feedback collection techniques to measure program effectiveness Course Materials Provided Workplace Wellbeing Framework and Best Practice Guidelines Wellbeing Plan Template and Action Plan for Implementation Stress Management and Resilience Toolkit Resources for Managers: Creating Mental Health-Supportive Teams Mental Health First Aid Checklist and Employee Assistance Program Resources Resource list: Apps, books, and online resources for mental health in the workplace Optional Add-ons Follow-up sessions for managers and leaders on maintaining a mental health-friendly work environment E-learning modules on specific aspects of wellbeing (e.g., stress management, mental health first aid) One-on-one wellbeing consultations or coaching for employees Employee wellbeing workshops (e.g., mindfulness, physical wellness, nutrition)

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day program (with virtual delivery options) Target Audience: HR professionals, leaders, managers, and wellbeing champions who are responsible for creating and maintaining mental health support systems and promoting work-life balance within their organisations. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Learn strategies for creating a workplace culture that supports mental health and resilience. Develop practical tools to prevent burnout and promote work-life balance. Identify systems and resources to help employees maintain mental health and manage stress. Design and implement a workplace wellbeing plan that fosters employee engagement and productivity. Course Outline Module 1: The Importance of Workplace Wellbeing What is workplace wellbeing? Understanding mental health, emotional wellbeing, and work-life balance The link between employee wellbeing and organisational performance Statistics and trends: The rising importance of mental health in the workplace The business case for prioritising mental health: reducing absenteeism, turnover, and improving productivity Legal and ethical considerations in workplace mental health Module 2: Mental Health in the Workplace Recognising the signs of mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress) The impact of workplace culture on employee mental health Stress and burnout: Causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies The role of leadership in promoting mental health and supporting employees Confidentiality and stigma: Overcoming barriers to mental health support Module 3: Creating a Culture of Wellbeing Building a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that prioritises mental health Encouraging open dialogue: How to talk about mental health and reduce stigma The role of leadership in modelling and promoting wellbeing practices Policies and practices to promote work-life balance (e.g., flexible working, remote work options) The importance of employee engagement in fostering a culture of wellbeing Module 4: Systems and Resources for Mental Health Support Developing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other mental health resources Peer support networks and mental health champions within the workplace Mental health first aid training: How to support colleagues in need Creating accessible resources for employees to manage their mental health (e.g., online tools, workshops, apps) Integrating wellbeing initiatives into existing HR systems: policies, performance management, and professional development Module 5: Strategies for Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout Stress management techniques for individuals and teams Time management, task prioritisation, and setting boundaries to reduce stress Mindfulness and relaxation exercises to combat workplace stress Encouraging regular breaks, physical activity, and healthy work habits Building resilience: Developing coping strategies for challenging situations Preventing burnout: Identifying early warning signs and taking proactive measures Module 6: Promoting Work-Life Balance Defining work-life balance in today’s connected world Strategies for setting boundaries between work and personal life Managing expectations: How to avoid overworking and reduce the pressure to be "always on" The importance of taking breaks, vacations, and "disconnecting" from work Flexible working arrangements and how they contribute to balance Supporting parents, carers, and individuals with other life commitments Module 7: Implementing a Workplace Wellbeing Plan Conducting a wellbeing audit: Understanding current practices and identifying gaps Designing a comprehensive wellbeing program: Key components and best practices Measuring the success of wellbeing initiatives: Metrics, feedback, and employee engagement Aligning wellbeing efforts with organisational goals and values Action planning: Creating a roadmap for rolling out workplace wellbeing initiatives Communicating wellbeing resources and encouraging employee participation Module 8: Sustaining Wellbeing in the Workplace Embedding mental health and wellbeing into the organisation’s long-term strategy Continuous improvement: Monitoring and refining wellbeing programs Engaging employees in ongoing wellbeing activities (e.g., wellness challenges, workshops, wellness days) Training leaders and managers to foster ongoing mental health support Celebrating successes and recognising the importance of mental health in organisational culture Delivery Style Interactive, with a blend of group discussions, case studies, and role-playing activities Practical exercises for creating wellbeing strategies and action plans Relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises incorporated into the sessions Tools and templates for creating mental health initiatives in the workplace Employee engagement surveys and feedback collection techniques to measure program effectiveness Course Materials Provided Workplace Wellbeing Framework and Best Practice Guidelines Wellbeing Plan Template and Action Plan for Implementation Stress Management and Resilience Toolkit Resources for Managers: Creating Mental Health-Supportive Teams Mental Health First Aid Checklist and Employee Assistance Program Resources Resource list: Apps, books, and online resources for mental health in the workplace Optional Add-ons Follow-up sessions for managers and leaders on maintaining a mental health-friendly work environment E-learning modules on specific aspects of wellbeing (e.g., stress management, mental health first aid) One-on-one wellbeing consultations or coaching for employees Employee wellbeing workshops (e.g., mindfulness, physical wellness, nutrition)

Extending beyond the features and functions of cable avoidance tools, the course aims to provide delegates with an understanding in the essential elements that constitute a safe system of work and how to get the best results when scanning for buried utilities. The course intertwines theoretical and practical content aimed to engage participants throughout the day, facilitating open discussions on best practices and ways to improve existing processes in order to reduce utility damage and personal harm CITB grant may be available for organisations registered with the Construction Industry Training Board Book via our website @ https://www.vp-ess.com/training/utility-detection/utility-avoidance-including-use-of-cable-avoidance-tools/ or via email at: esstrainingsales@vpplc.com or phone on: 0800 000 346

This dynamic programme empowers attendees to enhance their emotional intelligence, forge meaningful connections in every interaction, engage in impactful coaching conversations, and cultivate resilience and psychological safety. Through interactive workshops, compelling discussions, and practical exercises, participants will acquire skills and insights necessary to foster a space for collaboration helping shape an environment of trust and openness in their professional and personal spaces

Our team of Construction industry experts provide business management training for leaders and business owners across England and Scotland CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SPECIFIC Construction Business Growth Academy The Power Within Training is dedicated to helping construction-based business owners and construction management throughout England, Scotland, and Wales achieve more than they believed possible. Our construction business training is designed to develop owner-managers and help them create the future they want. To ensure business growth, we have a dedicated team of industry professionals to give unique support specific to the skills, traits, and challenges found within Construction. This programme was created to help you push and elevate your business to the next level. Contact us to register for our construction business training. Explore Our Construction Business Growth Course We created the Business Growth Academy for business owners like you to grow and develop their businesses in a more controlled and sustainable way. To ensure growth, our construction business training is a series of six training modules focused on business growth, leadership, and financial management. Most of our participants are business owners looking to get the tools needed to spend more time working on their business while generating more profitability to ensure consistent business growth. The Power Within Training uses the latest business growth strategies, which allow you to identify, modify and quickly implement our easy-to-follow business-building tools and techniques designed around the construction and property development industry. Whether you are a business owner or an aspiring construction and property development entrepreneur, our Construction Management Course will provide the tools and techniques to drive your business forward and achieve sustainable growth. Join us at the Business Growth Academy and unlock your full potential. The Goal of Our Construction Management Training Our goal with this training is to provide you with the tools you need to take control of your business. This allows you to use the latest strategies and ensure the smooth growth of your construction business. The construction management training we offer is a three-month course with new modules available twice monthly, delivered via Zoom or in person. These modules are designed to work around your schedule. After, you’ll have a 39-hour CPD certification thanks to our CITB skills & training courses. Overall, our fully funded construction management training will help you place the proper foundation, allowing you to build a more substantial and focused business that’s centred around constant growth and profits while future-proofing your business. BUSINESS GROWTH ACADEMY The Benefit of Our Business Growth Academy As you go through our training, you’ll delve into each module and the critical steps and tools. These include how to plan, organize, and control construction operations, all designed to provide you with a well-rounded view of your business. Not only will you get the tools you need to ensure your construction business growth, but you’ll also get access to benefits such as lifetime access to your online interactive training portal, entrance into a private social and professional networking group, pro bono coaching, and mentoring from industry experts and leaders. Here are some additional benefits of our construction management training: Register your interest today You’ll build a personalised 12-month business development plan that keeps you focused on high-value activities, ensuring you remain on track to grow. Tools and techniques to not only measure but also increase your profitability within your business. These tools help you ensure that you’re never leaving money on the table again. Learn, develop, and nurture self-management and leadership strategies that you can work on and in your business to help you from chasing your tail or burning out. You’ll develop unshakeable confidence in your business’s ability to grow and become the kind of entrepreneur that chooses the customers they want to work with, meaning customers who are driven by value, not by price. Gain valuable leadership and self-development skills, which encourage learning for life. Lastly, you’ll no longer wonder, “what if?” You’ll have the knowledge and understanding to keep unlocking and growing your business’s true potential. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME Course Overview As we’ve mentioned, our business management course is designed to be completed over three months, with two courses being released monthly. These are designed to be done on Zoom or in person and are flexible around your busy schedule. Our modules were created to be easy to understand while providing the resources needed to elevate your construction business. Here is a more in-depth look at what to expect from our modules: Module 1: The C.O.D.E Breaker: The Business FundamentalsThis module will encourage you to deep dive into your why and break the business C.O.D.E. You’ll be shown the importance of knowing why you started the business, how you can build a business while remaining authentic, and what needs to be done to ensure you create and support a solid foundation moving forward. During this module, you’ll discover how to successfully build a business in the construction industry, from the fundamentals and foundations to the growth. Lastly, we’ll review your vision, values, and purpose, show why these are critical areas, and allow you to establish a real business for you and your customers. Module 2: Your M.E.N.T.A.L Agility: The Entrepreneurial Mindset With this module, we’ll focus on self-leadership and how you should constantly be developing the ‘inner game’ or minder and the ‘outer game’ or action. The inner game consists of intention, self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. These must be used to achieve personal mastery, while the outer game consists of influence and impact. M.E.N.T.A.L. agility is your key to all success and failure, meaning that without leading yourself, you’ll never find business success. For us, your M.E.N.T.A.L. agility is made of five key components that enable you to transition from owning a business to thinking and planning like an entrepreneurial business owner. Module 3: The T.I.M.E Multiple: Working ON or Working IN The point of this module is to help you understand that you can’t manage your time; you can only manage your use of time or your self-management skills. It’s vital to have strong self-management skills to be more successful at work. We’ll explore ways to help maximise your time and identify your High Payoff Activities. The T.I.M.E. multiplier is about accepting that you cannot do everything yourself. Instead, it would be best if you focused on your high-payoff activities. Our goal is to teach you to say it’s okay to say no. We’ll show you the importance of recognising the significance of all your decisions. Along with that, we focus on unique planning and defining processes to bring the future into the present. Module 4: The Business P.R.O.B.E: The Numbers Game Understanding your finances is essential as it allows you to make informed decisions that have the potential to make significant impacts on your business, growth, and even your bottom line. We want you never to leave money on the table again. When you know the difference between markup and margin, fixed and variable costs can make the difference between owning a business and the business owning you. Understanding your business numbers will increase your revenue and profitability and even grow your business. Module 5: High-Performance T.E.A.M.S: The Well-Oiled High-performing teams are more than a group that works together. A high-performing team has clear priorities and purposes and shares an understanding of how each team member or subcontractor prefers to approach work. The foundation of a high-performing team or business starts with trust. The development starts with creating an environment where leaders and team members can openly disclose which strengths they feel they bring to a team and what support they need to be their best selves. Truth is that all people’s problems directly reflect the business owner’s leadership and management. When a team doesn’t do things your way, they probably have no idea what your way is. Module 6: G.O.A.L.S: Setting & Defining the Accountability System Everyone works best with clearly defined goals, from completing a refurb on a budget or growing your construction business to over 10M annual profit. Remember the old saying, through a goal with a plan, is just a wish! We’ll teach you our tried and tested process for setting and achieving your objectives by focusing on what matters most. Reviewing your daily, weekly, and monthly goals, we can help you make high performance a habit. Best of all, you’ll create a detailed 12-month business development plan to get your personal and professional goals moving in the right direction. Meet the Construction Business Training Presenters Derrick Matheson: Training and Development Director and Trainer of Business Growth Academy A seasoned business owner, Derrick understands the challenges UK construction and property development professionals face. We have crafted a targeted program that simplifies growth, empowering entrepreneurs with easy-to-implement strategies.  Derrick’s mission is simple: to empower and equip ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market. The Business Growth Academy is a testament to his dedication, offering an innovative, step-by-step business-building process that demystifies the complexities of growth and unlocks the full potential of your enterprise. Stuart Mason: BGA’s Bold Training Manager, Lead Trainer, and Author of “How To Wreck Your Business Stuart, the fearless BGA Training Manager and Lead Trainer has turned his business failures into powerful lessons for others. As the author of “How To Wreck Your Business,” Stuart shares his hard-earned wisdom to help business owners avert the same pitfalls that led to the demise of his own company on its 20th anniversary. Stuart’s approach is refreshingly direct and unapologetically abrupt, cutting through the noise to deliver real-world insights that make a difference. Don’t expect a dry lecture on business theory from a dusty textbook; instead, Stuart offers a ‘streetwise’ perspective that is both practical and actionable, pushing you to uncover the answers that will make your business shine in a competitive market.

This one-day workshop is ideal for those looking to work with existing databases as well as creating a new Access database. You will learn effective ways to enter and extract data and convert data into a well-presented format for reports. This course will help participants: Plan and create a database Sort and filter records Use field data types Work with tables Create and manage a query Create and work with forms, and use the form wizard View, create and print reports 1 Access introduced Planning a database Creating a blank database Opening an existing database Security warnings The navigation pane Previewing database components Closing an Access database 2 Tables introduced Viewing and navigating table data Navigating using keyboard shortcuts Editing table data Adding records to tables Selecting and deleting records Finding and replacing data Filtering tables Summing table data 3 Queries introduced Opening a query in datasheet view Opening a query in design view Adding fields to a query Sorting query results Modifying datasheet view Saving and closing queries 4 Forms introduced Working with form data Sorting records Filtering records Working in design and layout views Changing object attributes 5 Reports introduced Opening and viewing reports Viewing a report in design view Previewing and printing report data Creating reports with auto report Creating reports with the report wizard Changing field attributes 6 Creating a new database Creating database tables Creating table fields Selecting field data types 7 Table relationships Introducing relationships Establishing table relationships The one-to-many relationship type Establishing referential integrity 8 Creating queries Streamline query criteria using wildcards Creating summary queries Creating queries based on criteria Running date queries Formatting field properties Building queries from multiple tables Summing in queries 9 Creating forms Creating a new form Inserting form fields Working with the property sheet The command button wizard The command button wizard Programming without typing Creating forms with embedded sub forms Creating forms with the sub form wizard Creating forms with the form wizard 10 Creating reports What are report bands? Managing report controls Basing reports on multiple tables Basing reports on queries Sorting and grouping records

This one-day introduction workshop is intended for users who need to get to grips with the essentials of Microsoft Outlook. It will provide you with the basic skills you need to effectively start using Outlook to manage your emails, calendar, contacts, tasks and notes. This course will help participants: Send messages with added email options applied Quickly file messages away for safe keeping Manage messages and attachments Organise calendar meetings and check other people's schedules Respond to a meeting request Create a contacts list Manage daily tasks Use reading and folder panes Create and manage folders Use auto reply Use notes Utilise Outlook's printing functionality 1 Getting started Using the reading pane Using the folder pane Changing inbox views Managing the to-do bar 2 Emailing messages Replying to and forwarding messages Adding message options Attaching files to an email message Opening and saving attachments 3 Outlook folders Creating and managing folders Moving messages into folders Adding folders to favourites Using search folder Always moving messages in conversation Automatically move messages with rules 4 Managing messages Using instant search Finding messages by criteria Grouping and sorting messages Categorising messages Adding message follow up flags Filtering messages with the people pane 5 Using auto reply Replying to messages whilst you are away Managing auto reply settings Applying rules to auto reply 6 Outlook calendars Adding and editing appointments Adding calendar reminders Moving and copying appointments Creating all day events Recurring appointments Sharing your calendar Opening another user's calendar 7 Planning a meeting Arranging meetings Inviting attendees to meetings Responding to meeting invites 8 Outlook contacts Creating and editing a contact Saving emails as contacts Finding contacts Sending messages to contacts Creating contact groups 9 Adding tasks Creating and editing tasks Completing tasks Assigning a task to another user Responding to a task request 10 Notes Creating and editing tasks Emailing notes Sticking notes on your desktop 11 Printing Printing messages Printing calendars Printing contacts

This one-day workshop is designed to help users work with advanced features within Word. It includes hands-on exercises to help make complex documents more manageable. Participants will learn how to share and collaborate on documents and track document changes. This course will help participants: Add document links to files, websites, bookmarks and headings Create and revise footnotes and endnotes Use cross-referencing Insert and mark a document index Use comments within a document Create and edit document templates Set up picture and table captioning Work with tracked changes, including viewing, accepting and rejecting changes Use tables of contents Transfer styles across files using styles organiser Protect and restrict the opening and editing of documents Work with document themes Work with subdocuments Use ribbon buttons and groups 1 Adding document links Adding links to a document Linking to files, websites and email Adding and linking to bookmarks Linking to document headings 2 Captioning and cross-referencing Inserting picture and table captions Creating and updating a table of figures Adding and revising endnotes and footnotes Understanding cross-reference types Creating a cross-reference Marking and inserting a document index 3 Collaborating on documents Inserting and viewing documents Navigating through comments Replying to a comment Printing comments 4 Tracking changes Using tracking changes within a document Choosing how to view document revisions Accepting and rejecting changes 5 Comparing documents Comparing two documents Combining changes into a single document Accepting and rejecting changes 6 Protecting a document Restricting opening or editing of documents Defining regions for editing Restricting document formatting 7 Outline view Collapsing paragraphs with heading styles Managing files with subdocuments Editing and locking subdocuments Sharing subdocuments 8 Document themes Standardise document formatting with themes Using a theme to match corporate branding Transferring themes across files 9 Creating templates Creating and editing document templates Adding font and heading styles to templates Defining file locations for shared templates Copying styles across templates and files 10 Customising the ribbon Customising ribbon buttons Adding new ribbons Adding buttons to ribbon groups

This workshop will help you create, develop and close business opportunities using a consultative approach and a value-based (not price-led) proposition. Value-based selling means working the way your customer wants to buy, not how you want to sell. It also means: In a transactional sale the customer knows the answer without help from a salesperson (or cannot see why they should choose you), or is prepared to stay with what they have. Customer decision criteria are price and convenience and customers resent time spent with (new) salespeople, mainly because the salesperson adds little or nothing to what the customer already has and just wastes time. In a consultative or value-based sale, by contrast, the customer doesn't know the answer already. The salesperson must take the role of an advisor, not just a 'product promoter'. Customers demand expertise, advice and customisation during the sales process. Often customers insist on multiple meetings with salespeople and others to develop advantages that you can bring and reduce the perceived risk of changing. In this way the salesperson often adds more value than the product or service alone. This very practical workshop will help you use proven strategies and tactics to build, manage and successfully close sustainable business opportunities using a consultative approach and a value-based (not price-led) proposition. This includes: Increased impact of your new sales conversations, presentations and proposals - leading to faster decisions and increased conversion Greater confidence, consistency and professionalism throughout the business development process Enhanced sales questioning skills and techniques, leading to better, faster and more accurate development of customer needs, problems, value and expectations Improve your people, communication, influence and persuasion skills when approaching, consulting or presenting your services and solutions How to build value at all points in the customer's buying process through your knowledge, skills and structured approach Proven ways to gain additional business and referrals from existing customers and contacts, through direct approach and lead generation Being better able differentiate your firm, your solutions, track-record and expertise clearly and accurately with tailored value statements for each stage and for each opportunity Overcome and avoid price-based objections, buying criteria and negotiation 1 Introduction and key principles of value-based selling Introduction and review of pre-course questionnaires - KPIs, personal learning objectives and key principles The main principles of value-based selling and how they benefit you and the customer How value-based selling differs from 'transactional' or 'price-based' selling The stages of the customer's buying cycle - how to identify and work through strategies for each stage The concept of structured and set-piece selling and proposing Presentation by participants: Personal sales improvement goals 2 Value-based selling strategies and skills What is value? How can one move away from a price-led agenda? How to survive and resist price pressure - six techniques A review of key competencies and skills needed for a value-based approach Strategies, case studies and examples with discussion and review Defining your initial value proposition and comparative advantage How best to established the right level of trust, rapport and credibility Planning and practice session: Strategy - mapping a value-based sales process. 3 Connecting skills Research before the meeting and the first few minutes - ways to gain instant rapport and setting the foundation for a successful outcome in a first sales call How to structure an effective first time sales call or meeting - the subtle differences that are important to master How best to differentiate your solutions and build credibility and enthusiasm early or at the start of the buying process Overcoming initial buying resistance and relaxing the prospect; gaining rapport, opening the meeting: PBC (purpose-benefit-check) and gaining agreement to proceed Planning and practice session: Connecting - first meeting with a new contact 4 Consulting - building, developing and influencing client needs Understanding the power of high-impact and third-level questions to influence people based around specific needs and solutions The importance of body language and other personal communication dynamics when asking questions; empathic listening, run-on questions, drawing out skills, summarising, etc Creating a 'disturb' approach to creating needs and opportunities and positioning your solutions Using proven advanced sales questioning techniques with greater skill: Outcome, SPIN and qualification questions 'Decision-making criteria' - tools to help you develop the relevant criteria with the customer and in doing so progress your sales opportunities more effectively Planning and practice session: Questioning skills 5 Convincing - presentation and persuading skills practice Substance and style - selecting the right tone and content to engage and enthuse your prospect Compelling benefits and reducing perceived risk - key messages to deliver Helping the customer choose your proposition - by being convincing, compelling and credible when you present Professional and effective presentation skills - with personal coaching and practice sessions The keys of influence and persuasion and the keys to convincing a new customer to choose you for the first time Planning and practice session: Role-play in presenting your solution 6 Commitment Knowing when and how to close for commitment to the next stage in your sales process, plus ways to ask for commitment professionally and effectively How to isolate, prioritise and answer objections and concerns more openly and accurately, using a consultative not a confrontational approach Deal more effectively and profitably with price objections and reduce buyer's remorse (which can lead to an 'I want to think about it' reaction and cause delay and inertia) Key negotiation skills around the closing process - getting to 'yes' Planning and practice session: Role-play in closing and negotiation skills 7 Assessed role-play - Final practice session Live role-plays There is an option for external participants to be brought in to the live training workshop to take-part in the final assessed role-play or assist with other sessions run during the course. Performance assessment - 'Dragon's Pitch' The final afternoon of the course is an assessed role-play using a prepared scenario and external 'CEO'. The assessment criteria will be agreed prior to the workshop. 8 Workshop summary and close Personal action plan and learning summary