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.
This very practical one-day programme provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to be an effective member of the procurement team and to enable them to procure a wide range of resources for the organisation, in a compliant and cost-effective manner. It also empowers them to be able to collaborate with all key stakeholders. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Understand the basic concepts of good procurement practice Apply a range of tools and techniques for developing scopes of work and specifications Apply various methods to select and evaluate suppliers Develop robust contract award strategies Appreciate the commercial importance of effective procurement and opportunities to reduce cost and add value Develop appropriate procurement strategies depending on risk and value Appreciate the legal aspects of procurement 1 Welcome Introductions Aims and objectives Plan for the day 2 The basics of procurement The concept of total cost of ownership v price The procurement cycle The roles of the customer and the contractor Impact upon profit 3 Specification process Importance of effective specifications Specification development process Types of specification Team approach Use of performance specifications Early supplier involvement (ESI) / early contractor involvement (ECI) 4 Quality Concepts and practices Defining 'fit for purpose' Conformance to requirements Compliance to standards Role of the supplier Quality assurance tools and techniques 5 Procurement methods RFP RFQ ITT Negotiated procurement Strategic partnerships Outsourcing 6 Tendering How to undertake a formal tendering process Business case to award Critical stages in the process Risks and benefits 7 Tender evaluation How to undertake a quotation analysis Tools of analysis Use of VFM models Role of the customer Comparisons around cost, quality, and delivery 8 Supplier selection and evaluation Developing critical selection criteria Using the 10Cs model Importance of effective selection process Weighting systems Importance of validity and evidence 9 Capital equipment procurement Life cycle cost issues Payback calculations Compatibility issues Maintenance and training issues After-sales support 10 Supplier relationships Corporate social responsibility issues Communication 360 feed-back Open and ethical Initial understanding Clear and fair terms and conditions 11 Close Review of key learning points Personal action planning
First Aid for Mental Health 1-day course stands at the forefront of addressing the crucial aspect of mental well-being. Designed to equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of mental health first aid.
Many people have a misconception about networking events, and lose out on new business opportunities as a result. They either don't appreciate the real benefits and techniques of networking and don't attend events, or they attempt to 'sell on the first date', causing resentment. You can either attempt to make a sale for a quick buck (which is particularly likely to backfire at a networking event), or you can try to open a long-term relationship, creating new opportunities and a high lifetime value customer (which is how it's meant to be done). Networking, when done properly, is an excellent tool for referrals. But you have to appreciate that it's done on the basis of giving rather than receiving and this doesn't always come naturally to sales professionals. The old saying that it's about getting to 'know, like and trust' is still true. This workshop is about having your prospects and customers getting to know, like and trust you, and building that lifetime value as a result. By the end of this programme, participants will be able to: Understand what networking is - networking etiquette Know how and where to network Clarify their objectives - why network Use the 4 basic questions to start a conversation Build rapport quickly and easily Answer the question 'What do you do?' effectively in a few seconds Deliver a 60-second pitch Break into a group Prepare for a network meeting Identify opportunities Use tools to assist in networking 1 Introduction Aims and objectives 2 What is networking? Why network - objectives and goal setting Networking etiquette Preparation - online and offline tools to use Identify networking opportunities - where to network Know what you have to offer 'Know, like and trust' - the process 3 What do you do? Answer in 5-10 seconds Create and deliver a 60-second pitch Who is your target market? 4 Starting a conversation Breaking into a group Building rapport The 4 questions to start a conversation Moving on 5 Communicate and engage LISTEN - 4 types of listening skill Ask powerful questions Influence - don't sell What can you do to help others - give to get 6 Power of referrals Who can give you referrals? When to give or ask for referrals Have a referral system Showing appreciation 7 Social media and other online tools Using LinkedIn and other social media Online directories 8 Next steps Following up Arranging one-to-one meetings Developing relationships
When staff are new to sales it can seem daunting, especially when they have targets to meet. If the staff you need to promote your products and services get it wrong then it can knock their confidence and negatively impact how your customers see you as an organisation. This programme provides staff with the basic skills they need to sell. This course will help participants: Profile customers Research and identify potential new customers Use the consultative sales process Build effective rapport with customers Identify customer needs through effective questioning and listening Position products and services effectively Close the sale or gain commitment to further action Manage their customer portfolio to maximise sales 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the training Personal introductions and objectives Self-assessment of existing sales skills Overview of content 2 Knowing your customers Who are your customers, and what do they want from you? What are your strengths, compared to your competitors? Who are your new potential customers? How do you communicate with new customers? What do you need to know about your customers before you start to sell? Making the initial approach Planning your pipeline - keeping the customers coming 3 The four-step sales process Overview of the consultative sales process Key benefits of using the consultative sales process Focusing on behaviours not targets The behaviours of a good salesperson Common pitfalls and mistakes Personal strengths and weaknesses 4 Building rapport First impressions - Mehrabian theory of communication Short cuts to building rapport Looking out for clues as to how the customer is thinking Looping back to keep the conversation flowing Acknowledging past communication Dealing with emotions such as anger Setting the agenda to keep control Getting past gatekeepers 5 Questioning and listening How to ask open questions to uncover information Left brain questions When closed question can be useful What stops us listening? The four levels of listening How to develop your listening skills 6 Presenting products and services to customers When to present Using benefits not features Making it personal Using reciprocity The tendency towards the middle Using consistency 7 Gaining commitment Testing the water Dealing with objections using ACLEO Asking for the business Getting referrals Ending with a personalised close Following-up 8 Managing your customer pipeline Spotting opportunities for cross-sales Managing your portfolio Maximising sales proactively Review meetings Customer satisfaction measures and surveys Mystery shopping 9 Putting it all together Skills practice Personal learning summary and action plans
Trade barriers are going up across the globe. And cybercrime is on the increase. The link between the two? The value of trade secrets. As countries become increasingly protectionist as regards international trade, so their IP law has been changing, with the result that companies that previously would have sought protection through patents are opting to go down the trade secret route instead. But is this a high-risk strategy? Technology is changing and this is having an impact on forms of commercial co-operation. Collaborative or open forms of innovation by their very nature involve the sharing of intellectual property (IP), and in many instances this IP is in the form of valuable confidential business information (ie, trade secrets). Little surprise, then, that trade secrets disputes have increased accordingly. At the same time, the changes in technology make trade secrets more vulnerable to attack, misappropriation, theft. So just how effective are the legal protections for trade secrets? How can organisations safeguard the value in their IP (increasingly, the single biggest line in their balance sheets)? This programme is designed to help you address these issues. Note: this is an indicative agenda, to be used as a starting point for a conversation between client and consultant, depending on the organisation's specific situation and requirements. This session is designed to give you a deeper understanding of: Emerging trends in trade secrets protection and exploitation The current situation in key jurisdictions Recent case law How leading companies are responding The importance of trade secret metadata Different external stakeholders and their interests Key steps for effective protection of trade secrets Note: this is an indicative agenda, to be used as a starting point for a conversation between client and consultant, depending on the organisation's specific situation and requirements. 1 What are trade secrets? Definitions Examples Comparison with other forms of IP (patents, confidential information, know-how, copyright) 2 Current trends The various changes taking place affecting trade secrets - legal changes, trade wars, cybercrime, technology, commercial practice The current position in the UK, Europe, USA, China, Japan, Russia Corporate best practice 3 Trade secret disputes - how to avoid them Trade secret policies, processes and systems Administrative, legal and technical protection mechanisms The role of employees The sharing of trade secrets with others 4 Trade secret disputes - how to manage them Causes Anatomy of a trade secret court case 'Reasonable particularity' 5 Related issues Insurance Tax authorities and investigations Investor relations 6 Trade secret asset management roadmap Maturity ladder First steps Pilot projects
Telephone selling can be a challenge. It can be a pressured environment and sales professionals need to be able to maintain peak performance in order to meet - and preferably exceed - their targets. This programme will help make it easier for them. The expert trainer covers the whole process, to help participants see it from their customer's perspective. The focus is on how to use a practical understanding of sales psychology, and of the nature of the telephone sales conversation, to help make it easier for customers to buy. This programme will give your team the skills to: This course will help participants: Understand why people buy - and how that makes it easier to sell Manage the sales process better Steer their sales calls to a more positive outcome Recognise - and respond to - customer buying signals Meet and overcome objections Choose the most appropriate techniques for closing with confidence Enhance their resilience Improve their communication skills on the telephone 1 Introduction Aims and objectives Overview Self-appraisal of current skills and development areas 2 The sales approach What selling means Why selling is like nature 3 The telephone as an instrument of communication Qualities of the telephone How telephone communication differs from face-to-face Advantages and drawbacks of the telephone How to optimise selling over the telephone Communication techniques to help you stand out from the crowd 4 Creating a relationship Professional telephone etiquette Building a rapport Connecting with the customer so that they feel you are on the same wavelength 5 The structure of a sales call Opening the call - creating a positive first impression Effective questioning to gather information and establish need Identifying and presenting the features and benefits of the product or service Matching the benefits to customers' needs Recognising and responding to buying signals Anticipating, meeting and overcoming objections Closing the sale and asking for the order - different closing techniques The importance of testimonials - how to obtain them and when to use them 6 Listening skills The challenges of accurate listening How to enhance listening skills Ensuring the customer feels heard and understood through empathetic listening 7 Shaping and using a script Developing a script to increase levels of confidence Leaving the door open 8 Managing the campaign Organisation and call planning Identifying your target market group Planning who and when to call Logging constructive information 9 Personal management The importance of persistence Is there a time to back off? Stamina - optimising energy levels Bouncing back 10 Practising the new information Pulling the details together Practising in a supportive environment 11 Action planning Personal learning summary and action plan
The 2-day Coaching and Mentoring for Managers course is designed for organisations that want their managers and team leaders to apply practical coaching and mentoring skills in everyday work situations in order to develop the performance of those they are responsible for, as well as improving communication within the business. Previous attendees have included chief executives, general managers, and HR managers, right through to production line supervisors and office staff. In fact, anybody that has to work as part of a team and relies on other people's efforts will benefit from this programme. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Coaching and Mentoring for Managers course is comprised of four modules, covering the following: Module One Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring Exploding the myths surrounding coaching Benefits of coaching and mentoring The role of a coach and mentor How to avoid everyday interference that takes your time away from coaching people to achieve results How motivation works The difference between mentoring, coaching, directing, supporting & delegating, and learning when it is necessary to apply them Why coaching is an action orientated partnership purely focused on measurable results Coaching and mentoring outcomes Module Two Managing a Coaching Session The most important skills of a business coach The key characteristics of a good coach How to ask powerful coaching questions Opportunity to role-play using the STAR/GROW model Module Three Mentoring in Action Mentoring suggestions The first meeting Between first and second meetings The second meeting The Experiential learning cycle Model discussions Frequent questions asked by Mentors Duration of mentoring End of relationships Module Four Putting Learning into Practice Building a bank of great coaching questions Demonstration of what has been taught in a live coaching/mentoring meeting Individual feedback from a professional coach Creating SMART action plans Getting started as a work coach/mentor Group review and feedback on new learning Action steps for new coaches 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.
This workshop will provide participants with the insight and skills to be more effective business networkers, face-to-face and online. The approach taken is to build on the strengths people already have and their successes. It is easier to develop what you already have than to try and develop skills that do not come easily. Being yourself is the most effective tool for business networking and building relationships. This course will help those attending: Appreciate the importance of networking, and different forms of networking Understand the dynamics of communication that are specific to networking Become more confident and assured when 'working' a room Improve their influencing skills, especially with people who are experts and in positions of authority 'Sell' themselves and promote their company Identify and manage their profiles using online social networking sites Use effective follow-up to maintain active contacts and connections Select the correct networking groups, clubs and events Create their own personal network 1 The importance, and different types, of networking Personal objectives and introductions Test networking session Examples of the importance, purpose and format of various types of networking, and benefits you can expect 2 How to work a room - preparation and strategy Three things to know before you attend any event Non-verbal communication and art of rapport Breaking the ice - worked examples with practical demonstration 3 Communication dynamics in networking - the power of the listening networker Why it is better to listen than talk Effective questioning and active listening Creating a natural and engaging conversation, 1-2-1 and in a larger group 4 Assumptions when networking How to use the 'instant judgement' of others to your advantage What assumptions are you making? How to keep an open mind 5 Business networking etiquette Meeting and greeting at a business networking event - approaching complete strangers and introducing yourself Socialising: joining and leaving groups easily Making a good first impression in 30 seconds The use of status when networking 6 Making connections Asking for cards, contact details and referrals Gaining a follow-up commitment Some tips and tricks 7 Business networking rehearsals Practice sessions 8 Personal business networking online Overview of different types of networking sites - there is a lot more out there than just Facebook! Examples of creating an effective profile Using social networking effectively - case studies and application 'Advanced' applications - blogs, articles, twitter, feeds, etc. Online demonstration and examples 9 Building relationships - follow-up and follow-through Maintaining a good database Developing a contact strategy with different types and levels of contact How to analyse your contact base