They say that one’s entire life is a learning curve, so you would hardly expect any single year to be different would you! 2008 has been a very interesting, tough yet rewarding year in so many ways. On the professional and personal fronts there’s been a lot to contend with which has left me quite jaded.
You see, I find it difficult to say “no” to certain projects and have to remember I’m no longer 19, on the other hand one must be active in several areas. “Why don’t you do more voice-overs” is the latest clarion call of some of those around me. I not so sure one can dart from camera to voice-work easily as the two require quite different skills. Such are the vicissitudes of being a freelancer.
During 2009, I’ll be holding more seminars for “Communicate With Clarity” and hope to work with business-guru, Geoff Burch. LSQ TV continues as will some radio projects. Vlogging (video blogging) will feature next year as will podcasting.
At my recent seminar, I said to the gathered audience - “Many people in businesses haven’t “sold” anything for twenty years. The businesses that will survive - and prosper - are the ones that realise this and actually start selling. The secret to success is really that simple”.
This was picked up by Ayd Instone who is an outstanding speaker and someone who’ll you be hearing a lot of in the future. Ayd very kindly mentioned me in his December 2009 newsletter:
What are your feelings on this thorny subject? The issue was raised by Rick at his business blog, FlipChartFairyTales following his attendance at my Communicate With Clarity seminar yesterday at Barnet.
Rick may have a point, the British are a reserved race and traditionally have seen the role of the salesman as a “low breed”. Totally unfair of course, let’s face it we’re all salespeople in one form or another. If you’re not selling a product or service, then your probably selling yourself (in the case of presenter auditions), or ideas to others.
Rick had this to say about yesterday’s event:
Yesterday, I went to one of Jeremy Jacobs’s seminars. The subject was the thorny issue of selling and the fact that most of us are crap at it. OK, Jeremy didn’t exactly say that; he’s far too polite. But when we did some simple selling exercises, it’s fair to say that many people in the room felt uncomfortable. We have this very British reserve that makes us feel reticent about approaching people and asking them for business.
For me, the most interesting thing about the session was that I sort of knew a lot of it already, yet I still didn’t do it. Like managing performance, selling is another one of those business activities that is simple but not easy. The theory might be straightforward but when we try and do it, all our hangups get in the way.
That’s where Jeremy comes in. He and his guest speaker Geoff Burch not only gave me some hints and tips but also inspired me to actually go away and do something different. It seems to be working too because I’ve tried some of their suggestions today.
Geoff Burch was awesome this morning at Communicate With Clarity. As ever, had the audience in fits of laughter. The most memorable and practical piece of business advice given was this:
“Always intend to sell something”
This applies to whether you are making a telephone sales call, on an appointment or at a product demonstration.
On Tuesday, I’ll be presentingCommunicate With Clarity. It’s the second session of a telephone sales seminar and I’m delighted to confirm the appearance of business-guru Geoff Burch. Geoff’s comprehensive website is here and his hit tv programme “All Over The Shop” continues on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm on BBC2. You can see the last episode on the BBC iPlayer here.
To reserve your place, call the event team on 08453 313171 or e-mail events@communicatewithclarity.co.uk
Have you registered for Communicate With Clarity on December 2nd? Now you wouldn’t want to miss out would you? Apart from honing your tele-marketing skills, you’ll be hearing from business-guru Geoff Burch. Geoff currently presents “All Over The Shop”. His popular tv series continues this Tuesday on BBC2 at 7.30pm.
If you missed last week’s episode, don’t worry it’s still available on the BBC iPlayer.
It’s Tuesday morning, so it’s breakfast network time. Watford later on, Hendon tomorrow (Wednesday). The group? Key Connectors. I’ll be presenting for a few minutes at each about Communicate With Clarity
Have you ever tried a networking group as a way of getting more business? No, then try Key Connectors. It’s not a referral club, just straight forward networking.
In the meantime you can catch Geoff in action on the television. His series “All Over The Shop” continues for another four episodes. The fifth show will be broadcast next Tuesday, November 18th at 7.30pm on BBC2. Anybody in retail sales or who runs a small business will find Geoff’s business advice invaluable.
You can see last week’s episode by going to the BBC iPlayer which you can access via Geoff’s site.
